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 Despite having a team brimming with some of the world's top
talent, Canada had to work harder than many expected to hold off one
of international ice hockey's traditionally weaker outfits.
"In the first period I think we were kind of testing the waters a
bit," Canada captain Sidney Crosby told reporters.
"Every team here is good and we know we have to get better as things
go on but I thought in the second and third periods we definitely
got to our game a lot more."
Norway, whose best Olympic finish came in 1972 when they finished
eighth out of 11 teams, held Canada scoreless until Shea Weber
blasted home a shot from the point as the midway mark of the game
approached.
Canada took a 2-0 lead into the final period following a Jamie Benn
goal but Norway cut the deficit through Patrick Thoresen's power play
effort in the opening seconds.
Drew Doughty restored Canada's two-goal cushion 85 seconds later and
Norway never threatened again as the contest drew to a close.
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Group B action resumes on Friday with Canada playing Austria and
Norway facing Finland.
Canada were unable to take advantage of many loose pucks in front of
Norway's net, something they hope to correct.
"We can do a little bit of a better job of getting some more bodies
to the net and getting some more second and third chances on the
original shots that we take," said Canada forward John Tavares.
"Hopefully that's something we can get better at, and just keep
adjusting to the style of play and the bigger rink."
Canada fired 38 shots at the Norway net but goaltender Lars Haugen
kept his team in the game, turning aside an offence that features
four high-powered scoring lines.
"They are obviously a very good team but I think we did a good job,"
said Haugen, who made 35 saves. "We were obviously hoping to get a
good start because we play Finland tomorrow (Friday) so we needed
some confidence."
(Reporting by Frank Pingue; editing by Mark Pangallo)
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