Post: #26

Although I'm biased towards Canada and they do have the best team on paper, I'm not sure we can do it this year. Like Gretz said in 2002, every other team in the world hates us, and wants to see us lose. I can see this being especially true with the US, who have always played second fiddle to us in hockey, and the Russians, who I don't think have ever gotten over us beating them in their own barn in 1972 (at least I wouldn't get over that).

Of these two though, the Russians are our biggest threat. They may be unbalanced with their D and offence, but people forget the importance of playing in your own barn in front of your own people. If I was in that situation, it would be straight up war. Good call on the Slovaks being a tricky side. They almost beat us in the last Olympics, but being without Gaborik is a big blow. Even having the best D-man in the world in Chara (Subban shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence as this guy) isn't enough in the long haul, but they could trip up someone. Same with the Swiss.

Also, everyone should be wary of Finland. As someone pointed out, they always medal. Never spectacular, but they get the job done.

We have Norway today, and the Canadian team should be looking to annihilate them.

Post: #27

Hard Work


Not giving a FUUUUUUUCK aka "I ain't even mad"

Post: #28

Very good showing by the us, lots of flash and finish, love the top end talent on that squad, they can fill the nets as well if not better than almost all the other squads out there. Slovaks lack of depth on the back end was very evident today, Chara a beast as usual but the rest of the d core just victimized by the smooth skating American team. I expected the Americans to be up for this one and I still expect the Slovaks to have their moment in this tourney.

Russians were a lot underwhelming but they'll ramp it up, they have to find more jump against teams that interest them they had to know this was never really in doubt tho they tried to put it in doubt for a bit. Did what they needed to do but 2 goals on 12 shots against is weak, doesn't do a lot to calm concerns that their own zone is their biggest hurdle.

Canadians were dominant but same problem as years past, over passing and not enough finish, they put a lot of shots on but passed up some great shots for pretty passes that didn't connect. Even while it was 0-0 this was never in doubt the canadians just owned possession but I would've like to see 5-6 put between the pipes for an easy win. I like that they play back to back, hopefully its just some rust they needed to shake off they did get stronger as the game moved along. D corps is the absolute strength, Bouwmeester and Pieterangelo look like they're gonna be tough to move the puck on. Doughty is just a beast as is Weber, thought hammer had a strong showing, much safer player than Subban. Getzlaf perry looked slow, they looked slow last Olympics but perry in particular looked a little lost out there to me. Didn't love the chemistry with Marleau either, a little more speed with Duchene could be interesting. Tavares looked great, Toews as well, Crosby was meh but he'll be fine. Price didn't overly impress, didn't see a lot of pucks and while the goal was tipped his misplay contributed to that being in his net, that should've been a shutout. Team looked to put about 75-80 shots on net lol, Norway is gonna be in a world of hurt tmw they blocked so many shots, frustrating brand of hockey but still gotta slam the door on these subpar teams the way the us did.

Looking forward to tmws games.

Post: #29

Got the win against Norway. Of course, you hope for a big blow out against teams like these, but Norway were no mugs. Looks like the boys are still getting to know one another. Here's hoping for another win today.

Great goals though. Weber with an absolute bullet from the point, Benn snipes one, and Doughty with the hands to go around a couple guys and roof it.

Post: #30

Switzerland certainly looked better than the Czech. I was surprised surprised to learn how many players they had in the NHL.

Post: #31

It looks like Zetterturd is out for the tournament, which is a big blow for Sweden. Everyone other nation's odds just jumped a bit.

Post: #32

(02-14-2014 11:22 AM)Vicious Wrote:  Switzerland certainly looked better than the Czech. I was surprised surprised to learn how many players they had in the NHL.

Sweden looks tough, a sure medal contender. Oliver Ekman-Larsson is a highly underrated player, one of the few defensemen in the tournament who could neutralize a guy like Malkin, or Crosby, or Kopitar, etc.

Post: #33

(02-14-2014 07:35 PM)Sugar Wrote:  It looks like Zetterturd is out for the tournament, which is a big blow for Sweden. Everyone other nation's odds just jumped a bit.

The hits just keep coming for the Swedes. They look solid in prelims but he's a tough loss.

Canadians looking a lot better today, tape to tape passes, crisp outlets, looked like they're figuring out how to use that big ice. Getzlaf looked great out there today, the tavares/bergeron/benn line looks like instant chemistry. Kunitz is very much the weak link out there on the Crosby line, they look way out of sync and it just kills anything Sids doing out there. Should be riding the pine but won't be. Big game for Carter. That defense is just so dominant, they were everywhere out there. I don't like Subban in the mix on d however, little bit like a chicken with his head cut off back there, too much running around for my liking, he's dynamic but they don't need him to be so he looks like he's confused as to what to do if he can't play his game. Lu looked steady preferred him to Price. Duchene brought some energy, Sharp will probably get the nod of the 2 but I liked Duchene out there personally.

Finns were very impressive, Norway held Canada down but the Finns just rolled over them like they were nothing. Barkovs potential injury could be huge tho, he was playing with Teemu and they were counting on his offense. Curious to see how bad it is.

US Russia should be fantastic tomorrow.

Post: #34

(02-12-2014 12:20 PM)KorbenDallas Wrote:  A thread for Olympic hockey. I predict Russia gets the gold this year, but if they don't I predict Sweden wins.

Gold is either Canada (my pick) or Russia.

Post: #35

(02-14-2014 08:06 PM)mikeymike Wrote:  

(02-14-2014 07:35 PM)Sugar Wrote:  It looks like Zetterturd is out for the tournament, which is a big blow for Sweden. Everyone other nation's odds just jumped a bit.

The hits just keep coming for the Swedes. They look solid in prelims but he's a tough loss.

Canadians looking a lot better today, tape to tape passes, crisp outlets, looked like they're figuring out how to use that big ice. Getzlaf looked great out there today, the tavares/bergeron/benn line looks like instant chemistry. Kunitz is very much the weak link out there on the Crosby line, they look way out of sync and it just kills anything Sids doing out there. Should be riding the pine but won't be. Big game for Carter. That defense is just so dominant, they were everywhere out there. I don't like Subban in the mix on d however, little bit like a chicken with his head cut off back there, too much running around for my liking, he's dynamic but they don't need him to be so he looks like he's confused as to what to do if he can't play his game. Lu looked steady preferred him to Price. Duchene brought some energy, Sharp will probably get the nod of the 2 but I liked Duchene out there personally.

Finns were very impressive, Norway held Canada down but the Finns just rolled over them like they were nothing. Barkovs potential injury could be huge tho, he was playing with Teemu and they were counting on his offense. Curious to see how bad it is.

US Russia should be fantastic tomorrow.

Yes Canada definitely looked very good today. I completely agree that the Kunitz has to hit the bench. I understood the theory behind the team taking him. But if Crosby is truly is the best player in the world, he should be able to play with anyone. I don't remember Gretz, or Mario having troubles with new linemates at these international events. Put St Louis in his spot and watch Cater make history putting in a whack load of goals.
Out of curiosity, what is your thoughts on the St Louis story? I honestly believe that he should of been on the roster from the get go and should be on the top line right now.
Only thing I don't agree with you, is that I still think Price is your goalie. I know Lou has been playing good and did have a great game, but I have just seen him melt so much in the past, that I am scared with him in net. It’s like having a terrible kicker in football, that could cost you a game by missing an easy 30 yard chip. With Lou Im just not confident enough with him. I just see him letting in that weak goal in a very tight game. Cant wait for the medal rounds though, going to be some great hockey.

Post: #36

No regrets waking up for that one. TJ Oshie = American Hero

I'll say that the International hockey shootout rules are interesting. The reverse order after the three initial rounds essentially shifts whatever the advantage was to begin with over to the other team, should the shootout get that far. Also, the ability to use the same players was pretty strange. Oshie shot six times and scored on four of them. Had Bylsma been forced to put new players out for each shot, I don't think we go 4 of 6. Same can probably be said about if the Russians had to choose someone other than Kovalchuk/Datsyuk.

International rules also came into play with the goal that Russia had disallowed. Let's be honest, that shot was going in regardless of whether or not the net was slightly off it's moorings. Definitely a bullet that the US dodged. All in all, a terrific game... important win for the US. Slovenia has looked pretty formidable so far in this tournament, and the Americans get a bye to the quarterfinals with a win over them tomorrow.

Post: #37

Most interesting game of the Games so far. Would have been very memorable had it been one of the Finals matches.

T.J. Oshie needs some recognition, to step up to the plate that many times knowing your team goes down if you don't score. And to do it over and over in one game?
Chilling.

Post: #38

Here's the link to the full USA vs. Russia shootout, if anyone missed it:

http://tw.nbcsports.com/4DA

Post: #39

I miss having Kovalchuk in the NHL... his skills speaks for themselves.
Too bad he's a lazy Russian, he used to be my favorite players when he was in ATL.

Oshie was clutch as hell, as a Canadian, the team I'm most afraid of is the USA.
I think they are better on the wing, even though our centers are unfuckwitable.

Post: #40

Sweden is having a tough go with Latvia at the moment.

At even strength the game is fairly matched, but the penalties are killing Latvia.

Sweden did manage to close out the 2nd with a 4-2 lead. Latvia is certainly playing a physical game and are doing a great job stopping the Swedes.

Post: #41

I still don't understand why the Russian goal was disallowed in the third period...was it for high sticking or the goal being slightly off it's mooring? If the latter it was a pretty poor reversal.

Anyway, what a great game that was. After blowing out the Slovaks and now beating Russia the US are looking pretty good. I think the Russians are probably pretty p*ssed after the goal got disallowed and will be even more fired up. Their defense and goaltending looked pretty solid today.

Sweden finally outlasted Latvia. The Swiss continue to impress me too but with no real scorers they will have a tough time eventually. For me now the wild card is Finland so tomorrow's game will be very interesting.

Post: #42

Ohhh wow, just watched the replay of that American game. That was one for the ages. Oshie looking like a stud. Reminded me of Toews in the world juniors a few years back. Really was exciting stuff. But I sure hope a medal game isn't decided this way. I don't know if I am really a fan of ending games like this, on such a large scale event like the Olympics.

Post: #43

^^ Akula. Commentators (NBC) thought it was a high stick call in-game. Journalists in postgame analysis however indicate goalie accidentally knocked his own goal posts slightly off it's moorings.

Post: #44

(02-15-2014 02:21 AM)Snuke Wrote:  

(02-14-2014 08:06 PM)mikeymike Wrote:  

(02-14-2014 07:35 PM)Sugar Wrote:  It looks like Zetterturd is out for the tournament, which is a big blow for Sweden. Everyone other nation's odds just jumped a bit.

The hits just keep coming for the Swedes. They look solid in prelims but he's a tough loss.

Canadians looking a lot better today, tape to tape passes, crisp outlets, looked like they're figuring out how to use that big ice. Getzlaf looked great out there today, the tavares/bergeron/benn line looks like instant chemistry. Kunitz is very much the weak link out there on the Crosby line, they look way out of sync and it just kills anything Sids doing out there. Should be riding the pine but won't be. Big game for Carter. That defense is just so dominant, they were everywhere out there. I don't like Subban in the mix on d however, little bit like a chicken with his head cut off back there, too much running around for my liking, he's dynamic but they don't need him to be so he looks like he's confused as to what to do if he can't play his game. Lu looked steady preferred him to Price. Duchene brought some energy, Sharp will probably get the nod of the 2 but I liked Duchene out there personally.

Finns were very impressive, Norway held Canada down but the Finns just rolled over them like they were nothing. Barkovs potential injury could be huge tho, he was playing with Teemu and they were counting on his offense. Curious to see how bad it is.

US Russia should be fantastic tomorrow.

Yes Canada definitely looked very good today. I completely agree that the Kunitz has to hit the bench. I understood the theory behind the team taking him. But if Crosby is truly is the best player in the world, he should be able to play with anyone. I don't remember Gretz, or Mario having troubles with new linemates at these international events. Put St Louis in his spot and watch Cater make history putting in a whack load of goals.
Out of curiosity, what is your thoughts on the St Louis story? I honestly believe that he should of been on the roster from the get go and should be on the top line right now.
Only thing I don't agree with you, is that I still think Price is your goalie. I know Lou has been playing good and did have a great game, but I have just seen him melt so much in the past, that I am scared with him in net. It’s like having a terrible kicker in football, that could cost you a game by missing an easy 30 yard chip. With Lou Im just not confident enough with him. I just see him letting in that weak goal in a very tight game. Cant wait for the medal rounds though, going to be some great hockey.

There is no question Crosby is the best player in the game today but Crosby is a different breed than Mario or Gretz. All 3 of these guys see and think the game on another level, Mario was one of the best one on one players to play the game but it wasn't where he was most comfortable, him and Gretz were far more comfortable reading the play and taking what was there, if it was going one on one so be it but if they could find an open man they could put the puck on near anybodys stick in a shooting position and they preferred that. On the flip Crosby is a far more aggressive player, a true power forward, looking to create his shot more than either of his predecessors, he'll dish but its as likely that'll he'll take on 2-3 defenders as it is that'll pass out of that so as a linemate he's hard to read, you just don't know whether to get open or to create room, if hes going to hit you in flight or take off himself, whether to crash the net or get the hell out of the way. As a player his skills are sick as a linemate hes frustrating to read. He needs to be with players who think the game like he does (and there aren't many of these guys) or simplify the game down, Kunitz works in the nhl because his game is simple north south, gets to the net and hacks away, on the big ice too hes gotta handle the puck more and its not where he excels and you can see him fumbling with it out there, looks lost because of it. Carter is a more talented version of Kunitz when motivated and he should be revved by this stage so I expect that experiment will continue and continue to pay off.

I can understand why they left St Louis off, based on play this season he deserved to be there but his game has never translated well to the big ice, he was god awful in Turin and hes lost a step in speed since then, and they were transitioning to a younger team with specific skillsets, where St Louis is a bit of a tweener. I didn't know if he'd be left off but I wasn't surprised by it when he was. Also not surprised that hes on as the replacement now but I think that was politics rather than team need just couldn't see Stevie Y leaving one of his stars off the team twice. I dont know if hes the player to play with Sid, id prefer someone who thinks the game as quick as Sid does or is a simple shooter who doesn't need to lug the puck. Id love to see Tavares with Sid but that Bergeron Tavares Benn line has been the best line of the tourny for Canada. Toews could be interesting as well but I don't think we'll see either of those lines broken up so St Louis might just be it by default. I thought he was good the last game moving thru the line up, had some time with Sid but was with the Tavares line and the Toews line as times as well.

Lu has a bad rap for the weak goal but he was beaten in 7 behind a decimated Canucks line up, if the Canucks win that game people forget he would've been the Conn Smythe winner for that team. All hes done in international competitions is win, his international record is just sick, there is just no substitute for experience especially on the biggest possible stage. Babcock knows what hes got in Lu. Price is a wild card, no coach wants to go into big games with a wild card. Im betting it was Lus job to lose and if he was shaky at all they could consider price but he was a rock back there and thatll be all they needed. If Canada loses it wont be because of a bad Lu goal of that im confident.

Post: #45

(02-15-2014 10:45 AM)Avarence Wrote:  No regrets waking up for that one. TJ Oshie = American Hero

I'll say that the International hockey shootout rules are interesting. The reverse order after the three initial rounds essentially shifts whatever the advantage was to begin with over to the other team, should the shootout get that far. Also, the ability to use the same players was pretty strange. Oshie shot six times and scored on four of them. Had Bylsma been forced to put new players out for each shot, I don't think we go 4 of 6. Same can probably be said about if the Russians had to choose someone other than Kovalchuk/Datsyuk.

International rules also came into play with the goal that Russia had disallowed. Let's be honest, that shot was going in regardless of whether or not the net was slightly off it's moorings. Definitely a bullet that the US dodged. All in all, a terrific game... important win for the US. Slovenia has looked pretty formidable so far in this tournament, and the Americans get a bye to the quarterfinals with a win over them tomorrow.

International shootout rules are definitely interesting, Oshie was a monster in that shootout, reminds me of that junior year between Toews and Mueller going rounds, does make for some interesting but heart wrenching hockey.

Post: #46

(02-15-2014 01:39 PM)Laner Wrote:  Sweden is having a tough go with Latvia at the moment.

At even strength the game is fairly matched, but the penalties are killing Latvia.

Sweden did manage to close out the 2nd with a 4-2 lead. Latvia is certainly playing a physical game and are doing a great job stopping the Swedes.

I was surprised by that Latvian squad, they battled, to put 3 past the swedes is no easy feat but the swedish d was ugly out there, Karlsson is a stud but Edler may have been their 2nd best dman today, that was surprising. Oduya and Kronwall were terrible. Latvians play a bruising brand of hockey fun to watch, theyve made for some great games in the tourny already.

Post: #47

(02-15-2014 06:10 PM)Snuke Wrote:  Ohhh wow, just watched the replay of that American game. That was one for the ages. Oshie looking like a stud. Reminded me of Toews in the world juniors a few years back. Really was exciting stuff. But I sure hope a medal game isn't decided this way. I don't know if I am really a fan of ending games like this, on such a large scale event like the Olympics.

should've read down instead of posting after each response but I just posted how it made me think the same thing. That was an epic shootout between bitter rivals that day. Im with you, id hate to see it go to a skills competition for the gold.

Post: #48

(02-15-2014 06:12 PM)Brosemite Wrote:  ^^ Akula. Commentators (NBC) thought it was a high stick call in-game. Journalists in postgame analysis however indicate goalie accidentally knocked his own goal posts slightly off it's moorings.

Well if it's the moorings thing then it kinda sucks they disallowed it. First of all, the refs let the play go, all the players played it out and the goal was legit. Second, the US goalie Quick is the one who actually slightly knocked it off its moorings, so you don't want to set that precedent that you can do that and even if it's slightly ajar you're off the hook on a goal. (of course I don't think Quick did it on purpose, but it's just the principle of it).

Typically when the goal gets taken off it's moorings it's an immediate stoppage of play and the game stops. That didn't happen here and its lame the way it worked out. I'm a US fan but if I was Russian I'd be pissed. Never should have gone to OT/Penalties.

The shootout mechanics kinda blow too and having Oshie/Kovalchuk & Datsyuk able to just fire away after the first 4 rounds is lame...takes away from the concept of a 'team' game...clerarly Oshie was almost unstoppable and one guy should not be able to dominate the final result like that. Sorry but that's a big time fail for Olympic hockey and I sure hope the medals don't hinge on some of these sorts of vague/bizarre rules...then we're heading into football (soccer) World Cup sort of unfairness/wackiness.

Post: #49

I don't think the Russian fans have anything to worry about. It suck that they got that game stolen from them. But they looked very good and will have no problem in qualification round. They just got to hope that they get lucky with the brackets, and get another crack at the yanks. Would be one hell of another game.
Mike - you sound like you got a really good head for the game and your breakdown of Crosby is exact. Have you played much or are you just a big fan?
It is going to be very interesting over the next few days seeing how the bracket is going to fill out. Cant wait…… I just love this stuff, its too bad they won't be going to the 2018 game. You guys think that they might bring back an international event like the Canadian Cups of the past if they don't go?

Post: #50

(02-15-2014 10:23 PM)Akula Wrote:  

(02-15-2014 06:12 PM)Brosemite Wrote:  ^^ Akula. Commentators (NBC) thought it was a high stick call in-game. Journalists in postgame analysis however indicate goalie accidentally knocked his own goal posts slightly off it's moorings.

Well if it's the moorings thing then it kinda sucks they disallowed it. First of all, the refs let the play go, all the players played it out and the goal was legit. Second, the US goalie Quick is the one who actually slightly knocked it off its moorings, so you don't want to set that precedent that you can do that and even if it's slightly ajar you're off the hook on a goal. (of course I don't think Quick did it on purpose, but it's just the principle of it).

Typically when the goal gets taken off it's moorings it's an immediate stoppage of play and the game stops. That didn't happen here and its lame the way it worked out. I'm a US fan but if I was Russian I'd be pissed. Never should have gone to OT/Penalties.

The shootout mechanics kinda blow too and having Oshie/Kovalchuk & Datsyuk able to just fire away after the first 4 rounds is lame...takes away from the concept of a 'team' game...clerarly Oshie was almost unstoppable and one guy should not be able to dominate the final result like that. Sorry but that's a big time fail for Olympic hockey and I sure hope the medals don't hinge on some of these sorts of vague/bizarre rules...then we're heading into football (soccer) World Cup sort of unfairness/wackiness.

Akula I will disagree with you and Mike a little bit in the sense that every team knew the rules in advance of the tournament. Russia knew the medals could come down to a shootout, USA knew the games could come down to a shootout, Sweden knew it, all teams knew it. The US chose Oshie on their roster for specifically that reason. If another country didn't choose to roster a shootout ace, and then loses after 65 minutes, I don't feel sorry for them.

Also the coaches know this in-game, so if you know the other county has better shootout specialists (or a better goalie say) then your team needs to take more offensive chances towards the end of a tied game. I didn't really see the Russians do that, they seemed content during OT to take it to "Game Winning Shots."

I will say the Russians outplayed us a bit, and especially in the offensive zone. I'm not sure if the US scores a goal at all without the PP. Also they need to stop running around on defense if they expect to beat Russia again.