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Chemistry needs to get better for Team Canada

Team chemistry means everything in this Olympic tournament for Team Canada and last night’s game against the Swiss proved just that.

Sydney Crosby appeared, at times, unaware of where his linemates were in the Swiss zone. And Canada’s top defencemen turned over the puck a number of times in their own end, thus proving they are unaware of where their forwards are.

The powerplay didn’t click and Team Canada didn’t execute.

On a positive note, The Shark line — Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau — were strong with the puck all night, especially in the first period.

But in order for this team to see success, Crosby, Jarome Iginla and company must find a way to gel as a team and they need to do it quick. If they don’t, it will be a long game against the upstart Americans.

Coach Mike Babcock won’t rely on one line that has played together all season in San Jose during this tournament — everyone needs to step up, and that includes throwing the body.

Now I give credit when credit is due. Canada did pepper a ton of shots on Switzerland goalie Jonas Hiller who was absolutely remarkable between the pipes.

But this is a 3-2 shootout win against a team that Canada must dominate.

“We tightened up, they got faster and we didn’t execute the way we probably should,” said Babcock during last night’s post-game press conference.

“In the end, as a coach, you want to win every game and play well every game. But in every championship I’ve ever been involved with, your team has to go through adversity. That’s what we had here today. We were able to survive it.”

Team Canada survived last night, but if the team doesn’t find that chemistry now, it will be the 2006 Turin Games all over again.