Hockey preview: Canada vs. Switzerland

By CHRIS STEVENSON, QMI Agency

THURSDAY

4:30 p.m., PST TV: CTV

CANADA VS. SWITZERLAND

AT STAKE

Canada will be looking to pick up where they left off in the 8-0 victory over Norway in their opening game Tuesday. Beyond a win, continuing to build some chemistry among the lines will be the key today. Every team’s goal here is to get better with each game.WHO TO WATCH

JAROME IGINLA, RIGHT WING

The veteran was awarded his hat trick in Canada’s opening victory over Norway after a review of Canada’s eighth goal. Will he continue to play on the right side with Sidney Crosby and Rick Nash? His physical style and great shot complement the duo and give Crosby great options.

JONAS HILLER, GOALTENDER

The Anaheim Ducks goaltender gave the Swiss a chance against the USA in their opening game, which turned out to be a 3-1 victory by the Americans. He’ll be looking to follow in the footsteps of Martin Gerber today, who shut out Canada four years ago in Turin.

CANADA WINS IF...

1. The offence continues to improve. After a slow start against Norway and some line-juggling by coach Mike Babcock, Canada started pumping the goals in against the Norwegians and every line found its legs and created some chances.

2. Canada shows patience. The Swiss played a strong, disciplined game against the Americans in their opener, checking responsibly and clogging up the neutral zone. The Canadian forwards will have to guard against getting frustrated and forcing plays at the Swiss blue-line.

3. Goaltender Martin Brodeur has at least an average night. The veteran gets his first start after Roberto Luongo played in Canada’s opening game. Brodeur was in goal when the Swiss beat Canada 2-0 in Turin four years ago.

DEPTH CHART

SWITZERLAND

Forwards

Romano Lemm-Roman Wick-Sandy Jeannin

Martin Pluss-Ivo Ruthemann-Thierry Paterlini

Thibaut Monnet-Andres Ambuhl-Thomas Deruns

Hnat Domenichelli-Raffaele Sannitz-Julien Sprunger

Defence

Mark Streit-Yannick Weber

Luca Sbisa-Severin Blinderbacher

Phillippe Furrer-Mathias Seger

Patrick von Gunten-Rafael Diaz