World Juniors: Canada earns decisive win over Slovakia

A fine chemistry may be brewing between centre Nic Petan and winger Robby Fabbri at the world junior championship.

The so-called third liners, playing mainly with Nick Paul on the other wing, piled on the goals as Canada defeated over-matched Slovakia 8-0 to open the tournament on Friday night.

Fabbri had two goals and an assist, while Petan had a goal and two helpers to lead the onslaught.

"Points are one thing, but the way the team played the whole game, staying level headed, sticking to our game, it was good to see and good to win the game," said Fabbri, a St. Louis Blues prospect.

"I get switched around once in a while, but to play with Nic Petan, he's such a special player. So skilled and he works really hard. It's easy just to feed off him."

A disappointing crowd of only 14,142 turned out to the Bell Centre, but those who stayed away missed a dominant performance from a Canadian side that looks strong and deep on attack.

Fabbri scored twice and Anthony Duclair had the other as Canada got three goals in a 4:17 span of the first period, then added four more in the second and another in the third while owning the puck and out-shooting Slovakia 34-12.

The Canadians will try to keep it going against Germany on Saturday.

"It helps with confidence and stuff like that, but the way we're thinking is that this game's over and done," said Petan. "A game like that, you think it's easy, but you're still working as hard as you can. It isn't like you're taking a step off the gas pedal. You're playing the right way."

Duclair, Max Domi, Jake Virtanen and Brayden Point each had a goal and an assist. Paul also scored, while Sam Reinhart and Madison Bowey had two assists each.

Zach Fucale, who was barely tested, got the shutout. Eric Comrie gets the start against Germany.

Coach Benoit Groulx was delighted to see goals from many sources, even if his top line of Connor McDavid, Curtis Lazar and Nick Ritchie was held off the scoresheet.

"It was nice to see the offence come from our third and fourth lines," said Groulx. "I really feel that with our speed up front, we were able to put them on their heels.

"Connor, Duclair, Reinhart, they have tremendous speed and it's tough to defend. And it's tough when you have Brayden Point who you can put on any line and he adjusts. We have offence on every line and it's up to us to find a way to bring it out, day in and day out."