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Kane, Duchene ensure a star-studded Spengler Cup final

Winnipeg Jets v Colorado Avalanche

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 27: Matt Duchene #9 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on as he warms up prior to facing the Winnipeg Jets at the Pepsi Center on December 27, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Jets defeated the Avalanche 4-1. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

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Monday’s planned CBA meetingss will have the biggest impact on NHL players, but tomorrow’s Spengler Cup final matchup should be a fun follow for those who’ve grown tired of the cyclical soap opera.

In fact, Davos vs. Team Canada might just provide the best competition between NHL players in 2012-13* if the lockout eats the entire season.

Canada comes in as favorite

Likely favorite Canada steamrolled through Fribourg on Sunday with a 5-1 win. Matt Duchene reflected upon the team’s quick-building chemistry to the Canadian Press after his two-goal, one-assist performance.

“From top to bottom it’s been such a good dynamic in the room,” Duchene said. “In our first game we had some tough luck, but we’ve used it as a stepping stone and our chemistry has been awesome.”

It’s easier to build chemistry when you have such a plethora of talent; the Canadian team really shines at the forward position in particular with Duchene, Jason Spezza, John Tavares, Patrice Bergeron and Tyler Seguin among its standouts.

Davos could be dangerous

Davos showed its own power as Patrick Kane was the big difference-maker in a 5-4 win against Viktovice on Sunday. Kane scored two goals (including the game-winner) while Joe Thornton also scored.

Canada has a significant edge in its quantity of NHL players, yet Davos’ roster is nothing to sneeze at.

Kane is joined by Loui Eriksson and Petr Sykora, but Thornton’s presence might make things especially interesting. Will there be mixed feelings for Canadian-born Thornton on Monday?

Either way, it sounds like it could be a really fun game, even if it also reminds us of everything we’re missing.

* - Especially since charitable games feature defense that’s as loose as an All-Star game.