Another closely watched medal contest is the men's giant slalom, and four other golds were to be awarded in the men's 10,000m speed skating, the women's biathlon 4x6 km relay, Nordic combined team 4x5 km relay and women's ski cross finals.

Austrian Benjamin Raich, Olympic slalom and giant slalom champion, was one of the favorites for the Alpine event.

Switzerland's Carlo Janka led after the first run, with Italian giant slalom specialist Massimiliano Blardone in fourth and Raich in sixth.

All eyes will be on the ice at Canada Hockey Place, where Canada seek to redeem themselves against winless Germany after losing to the United States in the "Super Sunday" shocker. Even with a win, the Canadians must face Russia to keep their gold dreams alive.

Taking no chances, Canada replaced Brodeur in goal after the game's most successful goalie struggled against the United States.

We aim to win

Brodeur, who led Canada to gold in the 2002 Salt Lake City Games and has the most wins and shutouts ever in the National Hockey League, allowed some loose goals and was outplayed in Sunday's defeat by American goalie Ryan Miller.

"We're in the winning business," Canada coach Mike Babcock said after the change. "And to win at any level you need big saves, you need momentum-changing saves. I think (Luongo) gives us a real good opportunity to win." The 30-year-old Luongo - Bobby Lou to Vancouver fans - is a three-time NHL All-Star who has played the last four seasons in Vancouver for the Canucks. He was between the pipes for Canada's opening 8-0 win over Norway.

Babcock indicated that he would sink or swim with Luongo.

"One thing about this tournament now, if you're changing goalies, you're probably out of the tournament," the coach said about the knockout phase of the competition.

In the speed skating, Dutchman Sven Kramer is favorite to add a 10,000m gold to the 5,000m one he has already secured in Vancouver. Kramer is the world record holder at both distance events and winner of the last three world all-round titles.

Germany were strong favorites in the women's biathlon relay, but there is a wide open field in the Nordic Combined with Olympic champions Austria trying to retain their title.

Canada hope to add another gold with Ashleigh McIvor a strong hometown favorite in the women's ski cross, but she will have to head off former Alpine skier Ophelie David of France and other challengers.