Jarome Iginla has moved like a Yo-Yo through the lineup during these Olympics. But after scoring twice in an 8-2 win against Germany on Tuesday night, the Team Canada winger might have finally found some stability alongside Sidney Crosby and Eric Staal.
VANCOUVER -- Jarome Iginla has moved like a Yo-Yo through the lineup during these Olympics.
But after scoring twice in an 8-2 win against Germany on Tuesday night, the Team Canada winger might have finally found some stability alongside Sidney Crosby and Eric Staal.
"Like I've been saying all tournament, there's a lot of different options for Mike (coach Babcock)," said Iginla. "I don't know what [the coaches] say, but it felt good to play with [Crosby]."
Despite leading all scorers with five goals, Iginla's performance has also been up-and-down.
The 32-year-old scored a hat trick in an 8-0 win against Norway. But he was held off the scoresheet in a 3-2 overtime shootout win against Switzerland and in a 5-3 loss to the United States.
Part of his streakiness has to do with where he has played.
Iginla, who began the tournament on a fourth line with Jonathon Toews and Brenden Morrow, replaced Patrice Bergeron on the top line with Crosby and Rick Nash in the second period against Norway. After failing to find the back of the net against Switzerland's Jonas Hiller, Iginla swapped spots with Mike Richards against the U.S.
But when the team managed only three goals on 45 shots against Ryan Miller, Babcock decided to reunite Iginla and Crosby. Along with Staal, the trio combined for three goals and three assists against Germany.
"[Crosby] and Staal were creating a lot and creating a lot down low," said Iginla. "We were trying to be a puck-possession team and grind a bit. They were doing that and I got to go forecheck with them and be a presence in front of the net."
Iginla's first goal was the result of going hard to the net. Canada was on the power play in the second period when Drew Doughty had his shot stopped. But on the ensuing rebound, Iginla fought off a check and swept in the loose puck.
About five minutes later, Staal found Iginla in his office -- at the right faceoff circle -- and the Calgary Flames sniper fired a wrist shot into the top corner.
"I thought that line was really good tonight," said Babcock. "Iggy's played on and off the whole tournament. I thought Staal was very effective tonight. I liked that line, for sure."
Now comes the real challenge: trying to be a similar presence in Wednesday's quarter-final against the Russians, who have arguably the most dangerous top lines in the tournament.
Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Semin have combined for five goals and 11 points in three games. And, as Ovechkin showed with his crushing open-ice hit against Jaromir Jagr on Sunday, should be a more physical opponent than the Germans.
"We can play rough and tough style," said Iginla. "I'm not worried about that. But we've been getting more physical and skating better with each game. We have to have speed for sure.
"We can imagine it's going to be an intense game. I can't wait."
