Team Canada entered Friday’s action needing a must-win, and they got it against Kazakhstan thanks to LA Kings forward Jaret Anderson-Dolan.
After three straight losses to open the 2021 World Championship, it appeared as if Team Canada’s time in Riga would be brief. However, the Canadians turned things around on Wednesday when they beat Norway before extending their winning ways again. On Friday, LA Kings forward Jaret Anderson-Dolan helped out, delivering a crucial assist to lead Canada to victory to a must-win victory.
Canada jumped out to a 2-0 lead early on Friday but Kazakhstan tied the game in the third.
Under pressure to win in regulation, which is what they needed to stay alive, Canada restored their lead thanks to a great effort by Jaret Anderson-Dolan of the Kings, who set up Winnipeg Jets prospect Cole Perfetti for what turned out to be the game-winning goal.
For his efforts, Jaret Anderson-Dolan was named Team Canada’s Player of the Game.
Connor Brown of the Ottawa Senators added an empty-netter to clinch Canada’s 4-2 victory.
Andrew Mangiapane (Calgary Flames) and Adam Henrique (Anaheim Ducks) also scored for Canada on Friday.
Up next for Canada is Italy on Sunday at 9:15 am ET (6:15 am PT).
Moore Continues to Shine for Team USA
While they weren’t in action on Friday, Team USA did play on Thursday, defeating host Latvia by a 4-2 score.
En route to the victory, Kings forward Trevor Moore kept up his torrid pace at the tournament, scoring a goal and an assist.
After the game, one-time King Brian Boyle, who also had a goal and an assist, received Team USA’s Player of the Game honors.
The United States will be back in action on Saturday against Norway at 9:15 am ET (6:15 am PT).