We’ve been at this for a while. When we started writing “Filling the Void” pieces, I don’t think we really knew what we were diving into. Within the first couple weeks, however, we realized the importance of what we were trying to do. In a time during which live sports were canceled, on hold, or whatever you want to call it, we started exploring games, matches, and rounds of the past.

At first, it was all about what full games we could actually find. Then, as the breadth of what the world was facing came further into focus, leagues with strict copyright laws started loosening restrictions and more and more options landed on our list. Now, here we are, over 100 games later and still going strong. 

Today: Two hockey juggernauts face off in the World Junior Hockey Championship Gold Medal Game.

Two international powerhouses collide in this battle for the World Junior Hockey Championship crown in what is the ninth meeting for these two countries in the gold medal game.

Coming into this game, the Canadians waltzed through the playoff round, handling Slovakia and Finland, outscoring their opponents 9 to 1. That’s astounding until you realize that Joel Hofer, Canada’s goalie, has been lights out this entire tournament. Coming into tonight’s game, Hofer has a 4-0 record, an immaculate 1.30 goals-against average, and a tournament-leading .945 save percentage.

Hofer’s outstanding play has kept Canada in the driver’s seat of their tournament fate. The same cannot necessarily be said about the Russians.

Having played in the same group as the US and Canada, Russia came out of pool play as Group B’s third-seed, forcing them to face off against the top teams from Group A. Their quarterfinals matchup against Switzerland fell in their favor, as they outscored the Swiss 3-1 in the second period, the only scoring of the game.

However, it was Sweden who almost ended Russia’s run.

In the semifinals, both teams entered the third period tied 3-3. Just four minutes into the period, Sweden’s Nils Lundkvist got one past Russian goalie Yaroslav Askarov, giving Sweden a one goal lead. In an attempt to stop the Swedes in their tracks, Russian head coach Valeri Bragin made a stunning move – he switched goalies.

It was now up to Amir Miftakhov to keep Russia in the tournament and slow down the Swedish offense. And you know what? Russia’s in the championship game, not Sweden so it worked out in the end. And even more so, Miftakhov is getting the start for them against Canada.

But which keeper will come out on top? Only one way to find out!