The prolific scorer for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim missed the game with a groin injury, and still the Canadians couldn't win. A bronze might not have been the medal of choice when the Canadians came to this tournament, but it's infinitely better than the lead weight that hangs on their collective necks now that they've gone home with nothing. Canada may never recover from that. The Canadians were the pre-tournament favorite not just because they had a deep and talented team. The thinking throughout North America was that Canada would win because it had to.
Hockey is the country's national passion.
Nothing, not even politics or civil well-being, grips the Canadian consciousness like hockey. Yet, try as they might, the Canadians came away with nothing. Nothing despite a lineup that includes Patrick Roy in goal, Ray Bourque, Al MacInnis and the rising Chris Pronger on defense. Not better teams, but good enough to win in a pressure-packed situation. If any single observation can be made from watching this tournament it is that Canada and the U.S. are the teams that have to improve their skill level.