Despite Canada's Struggles To Score, Carter George's Unwavering Composure In Net Is Giving The Team A Glimmer Of Hope

Team Canada got lambasted after losing 3-2 in a shootout to Latvia. It's no secret that Canadian hockey fans are amongst the most passionate sports fans in the world and when the team doesn't live up to expectations, the fans will firmly express their opinions.

It wasn't a high-scoring offensive explosion that fans were hoping for, but Canada got the job done against Germany on Sunday night, defeating them 3-0, and setting up a date with the Americans on New Year's Eve for first place in Group A.

Canada's newly formed top powerplay unit got them on the board in the first period with a patented Oliver "Bumper" Bonk goal set up by his London Knights teammate Easton Cowan.

However, just like against Latvia, the offense dried up and they struggled to find the back of the net.

But after a couple of OHL players, Calum Ritchie and Cole Beaudoin, battled down low and at the net front, Canada got a lucky bounce off Caden Price's point shot that came off the boards and hit the German goalie's skate before finding its way into the net, putting Canada up 2-0 in the third.

Fans, scouts, and writers on social media have consistently pointed out that Hockey Canada left Beckett Sennecke, Michael Misa, Andrew Cristall, Matthew Wood, Zayne Parekh, and Carter Yakemchuk off their roster.

Clearly, Canada has been lacking elite offensive skill, which these players could have contributed to the lineup.

Related: Why Was Beckett Sennecke Left Off Canada's World Juniors Roster? The Anaheim Ducks Top Prospect Should Be On The Team

Alas, Canada's lack of goal-scoring has taken away the story of Carter George in between the pipes for them.

The Owen Sound Attack netminder posted a 31-save shutout against Finland on Boxing Day. He wasn't too busy through 40 minutes but had to be razor sharp in the third when Finland started to press.

The Los Angeles Kings prospect returned to the crease after Jack Ivankovic started against Latvia and George once again displayed his incredible composure and steadiness in net, recording a 25-save shutout.

Canada's defense and goaltending have been outstanding in the tournament thus far. They have allowed only two goals in three games and neither have come at even strength. The Americans will be the big test, but Canadian fans should be confident in what they've seen from George through his two starts.

George is the first Canadian goalie to record shutouts in his first two starts at the World Junior Championship since Jake Allen did it in 2010.

Related: Tuomas Uronen Plays Hero As Finland Upsets USA With Overtime Win At The World Junior Championship

We can use all the goalie scouting terms to describe what we've seen from the Thunder Bay, Ontario native. He looks poised, his play tracking has been superb, he's shown his athleticism to come across quickly laterally, and his confidence looks to be through the roof.

His confidence is so high that he even attempted to score on the empty net.

He pulled his attempt to the left but later recorded an assist on Mathieu Cataford's empty net goal. He has more points than goals against in the tournament. Take that in for a second.

Canada's lack of goalie development has been well-documented over the last two to four years, but George is putting his name on the map with his play in this tournament.

Related: Zidlicky and Jiricek Pick Up Points Helping Czechia Remain Undefeated At World Junior Championship

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