Gone are the days of ‘gold or nothing’ for Canada on the world curling stage, says Brad Gushue.

Gushue’s Team Canada rink lost 9-3 Sunday to a Scottish team that had been knocking on the door for more than a decade.

But other non-traditional curling countries are continuing to catch up as well, and winning.

Gushue says that’s great for the game, but making it harder to guarantee the success and domination Canada once enjoyed.

Gushue says Canadian curling fans have to temper their expectations and appreciate any medal, given the surge in popularity and skill at the international level.

That said, Gushue’s Newfoundland and Labrador rink is still ranked number one in the world, despite the loss on Sunday.

The team is in Toronto this week for the Players Championship, then has two weeks off before the final event of the season in Regina.