"Hold them accountable": NHL insider backs up Canada HC Dave Cameron over team's discipline issue ahead of quarterfinals

NHL insider Mike Johnson supported Canada’s coach, Dave Cameron, regarding the team’s discipline issues. Speaking on Thursday's edition of the "FirstUp," Johnson said the players need to take responsibility. He explained that coaches can give advice and show videos, but the players must make better choices.

"I know a lot of people are frustrated with the coaching staff, but what are you supposed to do in the short term? I'm on the penalty case," Johnson said, "If the guy can take them, well, guess what? Half the team would be sitting like, 'What are you supposed to do?' You can say, 'Don't do it'. You can say, you can say, 'here's the video', you guys doing it. You got to hold them accountable. You yell at them."

"You have the teammates Yell, at some point, the guys just have to make better decisions, or they're going to lose so that, to me, is easier, right? The guy should just come with a commitment to each other and to the team and to Team Canada that you just don't do the obvious one, but yes, you got to catch the odd trip, whatever. But the obvious ones you can't do that's easier."

Canada struggled with penalties during their 4-1 loss to the U.S. at the World Junior Championship on Wednesday. The Americans scored three power-play goals, taking full advantage of Canada’s mistakes. Johnson said the penalties disrupted Canada’s play and handed the game to the U.S.

Dave Cameron on Team Canada's penalties

Canada coach Dave Cameron expressed similar frustration after the game. He said the players know the penalties are bad decisions and must avoid them.

"I can't address it, they know it," Cameron said after the game, via Sportsnet, "They know the penalties are penalties. They have to decide. It's simple as that... It's an individual thing, it's a character thing. They have to decide … pretty sure they will. They've been dangling there, and they really got burned tonight. I think lesson learned."

Canada finished third in its group after a shaky round-robin stage. It started strong with a 4-0 win over Finland but then lost to Latvia in a shootout. A narrow 3-0 win against Germany kept the team in contention. The loss to the U.S. highlighted the team’s need to improve discipline before the knockout stage.

Canada will face Czechia in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Cameron and Johnson agree that discipline will be key to success. The players now have a chance to prove they can learn from their mistakes and move forward.