Canada won Olympic gold in 2002 and 2010, beating the Americans in the gold-medal game on both occasions. Tonight’s matchup comes a game early, but its significance is still huge.

Here’s what to look for:

Bylsma versus Crosby
One of the reasons Bylsma was named coach of Team USA is that he is behind the bench year-‘round for Crosby and Yevgeni Malkin in the NHL. The latter has been eliminated, but if any non-Canadian knows how Crosby plays, it’s the Pittsburgh Penguins coach. Crosby has been quiet so far, but the question is whether he can have a breakout game at his NHL coach’s expense. Of course, Canada has succeeded so far without much contribution form number 87, so Bylsma also can’t afford to pay more than the needed attention to him either.

Vancouver Goalies
Both goalies who played in the 2010 gold-medal game are with their respective national teams, but as backups this time. Roberto Luongo won gold with Canada but his play in victory wasn’t particularly inspiring of confidence four years later. Carey Price is the go-to goalie now. Ryan Miller hasn’t had a great four years in Buffalo, but he has played well this year. Nevertheless, he is second to Jonathan Quick, who emerged from the shadows by leading Los Angeles to a Stanley Cup a couple of years ago.

North America versus Europe
Although the teams might want to play a North American style against each other, they’d be wise not to try tonight on the bigger ice. Specifically, a hitting game on the big ice can be dangerous and ineffective. Big hits take a man far out of play, and with the often stricter standards of officiating might also lead to penalties. The team that adapts better to the ice and rules will have a much better chance of winning.