Monday Musings: Canada receives reality check

The Canadian team might want to put 'The Michigan' on 'The Shelf' for now...Plus, the annual rant and how the IIHF rules governing headshots differ from the NHL

Adam Fantilli, left, (with brother Luca) was one of two players who attempted ‘The Michigan’ in the opening game of the WJC.

It might not always be the case, but you’d have to assume that when an elite player attempts ‘The Michigan,’ he’s doing it because he truly believes it gives him the best chance to score a goal on that particular play. So in the aftermath of super-prospects Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli each attempting a lacrosse-style wraparound goal in Canada’s 5-2 loss to Czechia on the opening day of the World Junior Championship, we’re prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt.

I’ve spoken to both players a number of times and I’m convinced neither of them was showboating or attempting to draw attention to himself. I’m also convinced that as we continue to see more players attempt these kinds of goals, goaltenders and defencemen are going to get better at defending them, just as Czech defenceman David Spacek and goalie Tomas Suchanek did against Canada. Had either or both players scored, it certainly would have changed the complexion of the game for Canada, and the narrative surrounding the game.