Canucks teammates come to Virtanen's defense after WJHC
Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen had a rough go at the World Junior Hockey Championships.
Expected to be a difference maker for Canada, Virtanen was just that, but in the worst way. His two minor penalties in the final minutes of Saturday's quarterfinal match allowed Finland to score the game-winning goal, ending Canada's tournament.
Virtanen is set to return to the Canucks, and though he continues to be blamed for Canada's loss, his Canucks' teammates have come to the youngster's aid with words of encouragement.
"It's not all rainbows and butterflies, you win and lose. But people blaming Jake is crazy. It's a team game," Alex Burrows said. "This adversity that will make him better. He worked hard, tried his best and one penalty doesn't change that."
Related: PHOTO: Vancouver newspaper rips Virtanen after Canada's WJHC ouster
No one knows what Virtanen might be feeling better than Bo Horvat, who had to stomach a bronze medal game loss to Russia as a member of Team Canada in 2014.
"At that age, on that stage, you feel like you let your country down." Horvat said Horvat. "Jake's a strong kid mentally and he'll bounce back."
Meanwhile, head coach Willie Desjardins doesn't feel Virtanen is to blame for the loss, and is excited to have the 19-year-old back in the lineup.
"The Canadian fans are so passionate, they take losing hard, as the players do. Jake wasn't why we lost the tourny," Desjardins said. "We want Jake back. He's a big, strong player, his game is better suited for the pros. We're excited to see him."
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