The darlings, however, were corralled quite well by the Czech national team on Wednesday in the final tune-up for both. The World Cup of Hockey has not even begun and Team North America — captained by McDavid — already are the darlings of it for their speedy, daring style of play. PITTSBURGH—Team North America coach Todd McLellan has a favourite metaphor when he talks about his speedy, skilled team of 23-and-under studs, a roster that includes Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid. North America is in a group with Finland, Sweden and Russia, with only two teams advancing to the semifinals. North America might be the fastest team in the group, but Finland will grind them down perhaps better than the Czechs did, while Sweden and Russia have at least as much skill.

Source: thestar September 14, 2016 23:48 UTC