'Underdogs' Germany find the positive after defeat to Team Canada at the WJHC

MONTREAL — After the game German goaltender Kevin Reich was sporting a huge grin. He had just let in four goals against Canada to open Germany’s world junior tournament with a loss.

To be sure, he wasn’t smiling about the result. Instead, it was the experience of playing in front of 12, 733 boisterous fans at the Bell Centre that had the 19-year-old beaming.

"It was unbelievable," said the native of Iserlorn, Germany. "It's an amazing feeling. It's fun to play for that crowd.

"I'm not really happy - I could be better - but I think we played well and it was a good start."

After an 8-0 blowout of Slovakia in Canada's first game, there wasn't much expected out of the Germans. A nation with 18,000 registered junior players, the Germans proved, however, to be a formidable opponent.

"Lots of people said we would get killed," said German forward Dominik Kahun, of playing against the high-powered Canadians. "We played hard and I think 4-0 is not bad for us, but we want to get better."

Reich did a good job of keeping Canada's offence at bay with a 27 save performance. If not for him, the score could have been much higher.

"He played maybe his best game of the season here," said Kahun.

It was a tight game that saw Team Deutschland hold Canada scoreless in the second period after scoring twice in the first. Prior to the game Canada knew the Germans were going to try and clog up the neutral zone and cut down on passing lanes and they did just that. What they didn’t expect was such an aggressive forecheck.

"They definitely gave it their all and they took it to us which was good," said Canadian defenceman Madison Bowey, who was one of Canada's goal scorers. "It was good competition and a high-paced game for us, especially as D-men going back for the puck quickly and hard and then we had to make quick plays and really be on our toes."

Connor McDavid, who had been held pointless against Slovakia, topped the scoresheet with a goal and three assists. The performance earned him player of the game honours and silenced his detractors who had been worried he was in a slump.

"You guys probably thought I played terrible (against Slovakia) but in reality I had my fair chances," said the 17-year-old star.

Even before the game, Canada's head coach Benoit Groulx had said he wasn't worried about McDavid's production considering the forward had spent roughly six weeks recovering from a wrist injury before the tournament.

"You've got to be patient with a guy like that," said Groulx of McDavid. "He's too talented. You know at a certain point he's going to find a way to make a difference and tonight right off the bat on the power play he got that goal and that gave him confidence."

Kahun, who played two seasons in the OHL with Sudbury before returning to Germany to play pro, was very familiar with a number of Canada's players – including McDavid. But even the 19-year-old said he was impressed by McDavid's rapid development. He said there wasn't much point giving his teammates a scouting report, because they too had already heard all they needed to know about the draft eligible phenom.

"I played two years against him in the OHL and he's just unbelievable," said Kahun. "He'll be the next (Sidney) Crosby."

Like his counterpart Zach Fucale against Slovakia, netminder Eric Comrie also posted a shutout for Canada. Comrie, a second-round pick of the Winnipeg Jets, made 17 saves. Groulx said the management group would have to discuss who would get Monday's start against the defending champions from Finland.

"Obviously it's going to be a tough decision we have to make," said Groulx.

"Both of them have been very good, we want to sleep on that (decision)."

The Finns (0-0-1-1) were stunned earlier on Saturday with a 2-1 regulation loss to Slovakia, so they’ll be fighting on Monday for their pride and points to avoid relegation. While Canada has the day off on Sunday, the Germans will face the Team USA, who are undefeated with a shootout win over the Finns.

If the game against Canada is any indication, the U.S. would be well served not to take the Germans too lightly.

"We are always the underdog," said Kahun. "Sometimes it’s better to be the underdog than the favourite because you have nothing to lose."