Second, Canada got the puck deep and cycled brilliantly, getting to the puck first, moving continuously, not taking a lazy shift, moving and skating all the time. The Russians were flummoxed and out-hustled. They were on their heels, rarely moved the puck out of their end with ease, and generated few chances off the rush.

The Russians, when things don’t go well, always revert to solo dashes. The player who has the puck with speed through centre ice tries to go it alone, and Canada time after time stripped the skater off the puck with ease.

Coach Steve Spott will go with Jordan Binnington in goal. He played the last half of the semi-finals against the U.S. and was actually sensational, making many great saves off breakaways and close-in chances. It was a muted performance, though, because the game was well out of reach by the time he came in. Based on his play in that game, it’s too bad he didn’t get a chance to prove himself in the preliminary round.

Varnakov has used both his goalies, but Andrei Vasilevski started against Sweden and has played in four of six games. Both he and Andrei Makarov are capable, though, and goaltending has not been the problem for Russia in this event.

Canada’s captain, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has to lead by example, and the players who were successful in last year’s bronze game – Jonathan Huberdeau and Boone Jenner – have to use that experience this year as well. Further, someone has to step up and play a big game at a big time. Perhaps it’s young Nathan MacKinnon or Jonathan Drouin or Mark Schiefele – or perhaps everyone has to play a disciplined and intelligent game as a team as happened with impressive wins against the Russians and, previously, the gold-game-bound Americans.

For the Russians, it would be good if their captain, Nail Yakupov, played like a leader or a superstar – or both. To say he has been underwhelming is being kind and polite. The first overall draft choice by Edmonton last year has but one goal in six games. He has done precious little on ice to demonstrate the enormous potential the Oilers thought they had acquired, and damaged his reputation off ice by refusing to come to the mixed zone for interviews. If anyone could use this game to resuscitate his reputation, it’s Russia’s number 10.

The story lines are many. Yes, the rivalry is there, but usually these teams play for gold. Other factors must kick in if the bronze game will have as much drama. The word “champion” will not be uttered after this game, but “bronze winner” sounds so much better than “fourth place”. Let’s see who cares more.