A common theme to many of Team Canada's tournaments at this level is that the team starts out slowly and rounds into form as the event progresses. Historically, they assemble as a group for just a few days prior, but strong leadership and player pride seem to make up for the lack of preparation that most other national teams have. This particular team seemed to gel immediately out of the gate. The fact that they have a strong roster didn't hurt either. Canada steamrolled its opposition in every round, only losing a single point (after a surprise 2 - 2 tie with upstart Denmark in the Qualifying Round). Confidence was high after their win over Sweden, which ultimately led to a first place finish in that second round, in theory providing an easier quarterfinal opponent. That opponent, Germany turned out to be quite a challenge - taking the Canadians to overtime before being subdued. Riding that feeling, Canada destroyed the Czechs and ended its near-perfect run with that dramatic Anson Carter goal in the Gold Game to grab its first medal of any kind since 1997.