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Canada's power play clicking at otherworldly rate

Kevin Hoffman / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The best way for Sweden to defeat Canada in Friday's gold-medal game? Stay out of the box.

Canada's power play has been operating at a remarkable rate thus far in the tournament. They've scored 13 goals in 23 opportunities with the man advantage - good for an astonishing 56.5 percent.

While the average NHL power play is obviously operating in completely different circumstances, for comparison's sake, it's been successful just 19.1 percent of the time this season.

Matchups against softer opponents such as Slovakia, Denmark, and Switzerland have aided Canada's numbers, but the power play has also clicked in tougher matchups. The team scored one power-play goal against Finland, two against the United States, and three against Czech Republic.

Ottawa Senators prospect Drake Batherson has led the way with four power-play goals, while Colorado Avalanche fourth overall pick Cale Makar has proven to be an exceptional quarterback for the unit.

The Swedes have taken the second-most minor penalties in the tournament, and will need to be more disciplined if they hope to capture their first gold medal since 2012.

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