YOUR VIEW: Can Canada overcome Russia?

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 | 2:16 AM ET

CBC Sports

Centre Sidney Crosby, left, and goaltender Roberto Luongo need to be at their best if Canada is to get by Russia Wednesday night in Vancouver. (Matt Slocum/Associated Press)

Now that Canadian hockey fans have had their fill of appetizers, they can concentrate on what millions hope will be the first of three major events at the Vancouver Olympics.

Team Canada easily disposed of Germany 8-2 Tuesday night and immediately turned its attention to a quarter-final matchup with Russia on Wednesday, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

The implications are simple: Win and move on to the next round. Lose and go home in shame.

The Canadians, who haven't beaten Russia at the Winter Games in 50 years, were ousted by their old nemesis in the same round four years ago in Turin, Italy. And let's not forget that the heated rivalry between Canadian star Sidney Crosby and Russian sniper Alex Ovechkin continues at the Olympics.

Despite their struggles, can Canada overcome the high-powered Russians? Will Roberto Luongo stand tall in net? And who will come out on top, Crosby or Ovechkin?

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