WA-NYR-TradeRumours This is Hockey Hate – White Heat Variety Tomorrow night's battle in Boston between Team Canada and Uncle Sam's skaters is flaming into a war-like atmosphere like I can't remember after all my days on the NHL beat. Canadians – such as my Toronto sage Mark Nussbaum – remain furious over Team USA's 3-1 win last Saturday. For them it's almost a religious thing; some think political as well. Victory for the Canucks tomorrow night is their only option. Here's how Canada believes it will win, via the very non-objective Nussbaum: "The Canadian boys are finding the passion," Nussbaum insists. "Sidney Crosby will lead by example and there already is buy-in from guys like Hagel and Cirelli. That's what we need." What the Canadians really need is the offensive-defensive genius of Cale Makar, who starred the other day against Finland. Uncle Sam could use the same kind of brilliance from Quinn Hughes but his injury is not likely to be healed in time. As for Johnny Canuck's alleged advantage: "Our four best players will be at their best," Nussbaum goes on. "Crosby looks good on a line with MacKinnon. Coach Cooper has put together some excellent line combinations. "Marner is much more comfortable with Hagel and Cirelli and putting Point with McDavid was an amazing move because they compliment each other so well." In USA's first win, America's Connor Hellebuyck out-goaled Canada's Jordan Binnington because Hellebuyck is one of the NHL's best puck-stoppers. And has been on paper and on the ice. "No worries," counters Nussbaum, "the reason why Binner is riding the wave is that he's a gamer. He lives and breathes the moment. There's no doubt he's our guy. "And our best players are going to be our best players. With Sid, Connor, Nate and Cale playing at the top of their game there's no doubt Canada will win." The game will be in Boston and Uncle Sam should have home ice advantage although there'll be a Canadian bloc in the crowd. "We're too passionate," Nussbaum concludes, "and we're too loyal and we're gonna bring home the Gold – 6-2!" The Maven's answer: Canada is a big country and Nussbaum is talking big. Soon we'll see if Team Canada can live up to Mark's propaganda. Me and my friend Joe picked Team USA at 3-1 again!
