Battle for the top: 3 things you need to know about Canada vs. Europe
After Canada's dominant 4-2 win Tuesday over the United States, we know which teams from Group A will advance.
That leaves just one piece of business: who will finish on top and have the privilege of facing the second-place club from Group B in the playoff round.
Canada has been firing on all cylinders early, while after a fairly uninspired exhibition round, Europe is proving they're no pushover.
Here are three things you need to know about Wednesday's matchup:
Canada's contributions are coming from everywhere
The key to shutting down Canada's high-powered offense is certainly not keying in on just a few individuals or a single line, which has been made clear through the team's first two games.
Canada has four skaters - three from different lines - tied with three players from other countries for the tournament scoring lead with three points.
In fact, forward Ryan O'Reilly and defensemen Shea Weber and Jay Bouwmeester are the only Canadian players who haven't managed a point.
It's the team's ability to easily and comfortably roll four lines that likely helped play into Babcock's decision to start Corey Crawford over Carey Price, and dress forward Claude Giroux and defenseman Jake Muzzin in the final round robin match.
Halak reborn since exhibition play
Some surely doubted Jaroslav Halak during exhibition play after he allowed eight goals in just under three games en route to a .901 save percentage.
However, since the games started to count, Halak has been a wall for Europe. The 31-year-old was perfect in a 3-0 win over the U.S., warding off all 35 shots.
He further impressed against the Czechs, turning away 28 of the 30 shots he was peppered with.
To boot, Halak leads all goaltenders (with two starts) with a .969 save percentage and a 0.98 GAA, and he even has an assist.
It's clear if Europe is to stun Canada, it will likely come on the back of Halak.
Canada riding blazing starts through two games
What didn't help the Czech Republic or the Americans in their clashes with Canada was how fast the Canadians came flying out of the gate.
Even after the Americans drew first blood Tuesday, the Canadians immediately responded with two goals in a 14-second span, taking the wind out of the U.S. sails.
In both games, the Canadians have been able to pump three pucks past defending goaltenders before the game was even 20 minutes old, quickly putting clubs behind the eight ball.
Related: 'Tight and tentative' start plays directly into Canada's hand
In total, Canada has trailed in the tournament for just 1:29 through two games while leading for 105:29.
It'll be imperative for Europe to match Canada's quick start if they plan to do what their Group A predecessors couldn't.