Olympic Hockey Open Thread Day 4: Men's Tourney Begins, Group B for Women
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 10:00 AM EST
in International Hockey
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PrintWelcome to the third of a regular feature throughout the Olympic break, an open thread to discuss all that is going on in the sport of hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. (Note: Now, I make these the night before, scheduled to appear at 10 AM. So if you don't see any updates for the late games, that's why. Please bring it up in the comments if you'd like.)
Just so you know, the Devils are stepping up online for additional coverage. The official site has a hub for the Olympics; complete with a schedule for both tournaments. The team site also has a blog written by team correspondent Scott Modrzynski called The Devil is in the Details. All posts are listed on the hub; just scroll down past the players and you'll see it on the side. Of course, the team's official Twitter feed (@NHLDevils) and Facebook page will have updates too.
Last night, Canada pretty much sewn up another trip to the medal playoffs with a 10-1 win over Switzerland. Sweden and Slovakia are pretty much fighting for second-place in Group A. Today, Group B action continues in the Women's Ice Hockey tournament; the United States will play Russia and Finland will play China.
Today is the first day of the Men's Ice Hockey tournament. All the Devils not named Patrik Elias will play. Actually, Martin Brodeur won't either unless Roberto Luongo gets shelled by Norway. If that happens, start laughing. Michael Russo's twitter had some info on the lines for the Devils that I'll include with the games below. Thanks to user C.J.Richey121 for the heads up.
For the United States Men's team, the forwards need to get into sync and fast. With Ryan Miller going into the Olympics with some poor results and the defense already weakened and featuring a certain Jack Johnson who never should have been initially named to the roster, it's imperative that the offense gets productive and fast. Switzerland should provide a good tune-up. Look for Zach Parise in particular, he rides into this tournament with a 3 game goal streak. A homer pick, sure, but he will be an important part of this team. Look for him around the slot.
Special Rule: Do not use these posts to complain about how no one cares about Women's or Men's Ice Hockey. This isn't the place for that. Violators will be banned until March 1 assuming no other rules were broken.
Please use this post will be used to collect for all your comments, analysis, and thoughts about today's hockey games in Women's and Men's Ice Hockey games. Not the other Olympic sports, just today's hockey games here.
February 16, 2010 Schedule (Thanks to Steve for the TV listings, but check your local listings if you're not American)
Women's Ice Hockey
5:30 PM EST/2:30 PM PST - Group B: United States vs. Russian Federation (MSNBC)
Final Score: United States 13 - Russia 0 Official Boxscore - It was the Jenny Potter Show (3 G, 1 A, 6 SOG, 18:22 with special guest Natalie Darwitz (2 G, 3 A, 5 SOG, 20:34)
10:00 PM EST/7:00 PM PST - Group B: Finland vs. China (CNBC)
Men's Ice Hockey
3:00 PM EST/12:00 PM PST - Group A: United States vs. Switzerland (USA) Per Russo's Twitter: Parise-Statsny-Kane, Langenbrunner-Kesler-Brown. I guess Jamie Langenbrunner can be on the off-wing?
Final Score: United States 3 - Switzerland 1 Official Boxscore - The take by SBN's Brandon Worley is on point: good result, but the Americans need to improve in some areas.
7:30 PM EST/4:30 PM PST - Group A: Canada vs. Norway (CNBC) - Per Russo's Twitter, Luongo's starting this one.
Final Score: Canada 8 - Norway 0 Official Boxscore - Yep. This didn't surprise anyone. Every line on Canada got at least one goal. But what was surprising was that Norway held Canada scoreless after the first period.
12:00 AM EST/9:00 PM PST - Group B: Russia vs. Latvia (CNBC) - Per Russo's Twitter, the second line is Kovalchuk-Malkin-Afinogenov. Yes, that's Russia's second line with Ilya Kovalchuk and Evgeni Malkin together.
Want to watch the games online and legally? NBC has them. Thanks to user C.J.Richey121 for bringing this up.
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NBC is Streaming... Right?
There’s legit streams for the Men’s game over at NBC Olympics.com for those of us stuck at work, right? Or will I have to come down with something and drive home in the snow? :P
Good question. I’m not sure, ill see what I can find at NBC’s site.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 11:44 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Correct
All hockey games will be streamed live here.
by C.J. Richey on Feb 16, 2010 11:46 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
EXCELLENT. People not on mobile, rec this so it gets the green highlight of importance
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 11:49 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Great! I definitely wanted to watch the Men’s US and Canada games for Parise, Langs, and Marty! Thanks for the info!
by Marty 4 Prez on Feb 16, 2010 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
Rink Size: Sorry for the dumb question but...
…Anyone know if they are using the international sized rinks for the men’s tourney? or since the games are in North America, will they be using the NHL sized rink with goalie trapezoid rule? Not sure if the host country gets to determine that or not.
Go Team USA !!!
Hockey is my life, even though I can barely skate. Anyone willing to take on a good athlete that will learn to skate (with time) for their inline hockey team? Let me know!
by Devil_Hard_Core on Feb 16, 2010 1:33 PM EST reply actions
I’m like 95% sure the rinks are NHL size, but definitely no trapezoid.
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
by LangsForPres on Feb 16, 2010 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
I think that Russia game...
is at 12 am, not pm
by undersuspicion426 on Feb 16, 2010 2:50 PM EST reply actions
You’re right. It’s corrected. Thanks.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
Also
there were no commercials during that period. Not sure if it will be like that through out the tournament but it was pretty nice.
Parise has a good chance. Draws a Penalty
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 4:00 PM EST reply actions
Thanks to the active posters. I can’t watch or listen to the game so this is a lifeline for me.
Go Team USA !!!
Hockey is my life, even though I can barely skate. Anyone willing to take on a good athlete that will learn to skate (with time) for their inline hockey team? Let me know!
by Devil_Hard_Core on Feb 16, 2010 4:04 PM EST reply actions
Big 2-1 chance for the Swiss; misses high on the open net.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 4:09 PM EST reply actions
Doc wants a name for the line of Parise-Stastny-Kane
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 4:16 PM EST reply actions
Yeah. US definitely played better in the 2nd. Swiss had some chances but couldn’t finish. Miller is playing very well. Swiss kind of stopped playing aggressive after the 1st. I don’t know if that’s b/c US shook off the cobwebs. Good start for the US so far.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
2nd Period Goal Recap:
5:52 David Backes (Unassisted)
8:25 Ryan Malone – power play (Assist: Ryan Suter)
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 4:33 PM EST reply actions
Bobby Ryan scored in the 1st. Unassisted. The Cherry Hill, NJ native.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
Way to go Bobby! NJ representing.
Go Team USA !!!
Hockey is my life, even though I can barely skate. Anyone willing to take on a good athlete that will learn to skate (with time) for their inline hockey team? Let me know!
by Devil_Hard_Core on Feb 16, 2010 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
Couple good chances by the Swiss. 1st was stopped by Miller. 2nd was wide.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 4:37 PM EST reply actions
Langenbrunner, Rafalski, Kesler, and som1 else
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
2nd unit is J. Johnson, Drury, Callahan, Gleason
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
The Americans kill it and the game is getting physical. Loud hit by Brooms Orpik
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 4:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Actually, it was by Brooks Orpik.
Suter hits Wick high, that’s a penalty. The IIHF truly does want that type of hitting anymore, so fair’s fair.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 4:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
A lifeline for the Swiss, Hnat Domenchelli (??) maybe a tip on it or not, but a bad goal to give up by Miller
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 4:51 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The US can’t sit back like they’ve been doing most of this period (when not on the PK).
by undersuspicion426 on Feb 16, 2010 4:52 PM EST reply actions
He’s had a couple good chances today.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
Swiss are starting to play like how they did in the 1st. Finishing their checks and winning battles in the neutral zone and along the boards in their zone..
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 4:53 PM EST reply actions
And its truly a lifeline! The Swiss look confident and hungry. The Americans need calm down and hit back on offense.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 4:53 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I gotta admit, and I never would have if I hadn’t seen it, but I’m liking the automatic icing calls.
And no trapezoid.
I haven’t really seen the goalies in the corners too much. Not surprising b/c they are NHLers. Marty is probably dieing to get in there. haha
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 5:02 PM EST up reply actions
How, how, how did Backes not score there? So close!
But I like what the US is doing here?
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 4:58 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I’m loving the amount of checking in this game by both teams. I miss that.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 4:59 PM EST reply actions
Great forecheck by Callaghan, but Drury should have done more there.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 5:01 PM EST via mobile reply actions
America is going to win this one. From what little I saw, the US could stand to improve in the neutral zone with respect to allowing odd man rushes.
I leave it to those who saw the whole game to comment further. Ultimately it’s all about results and the US got it today.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 5:07 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I think they started out strong—The Parise-Stastny-Kane line in particular was absolutely dominant in their first shift—but as the game settled down and the Swiss fell into their defensive system, it became apparent that these guys don’t play together all the time.
I think with some familiarity and having gotten the first game jitters out of the way, they’ll improve.
Good first game by Team USA. A little shaky in the first period. The Swiss did not play well in the 2nd, and we took advantage. Miller played well minus the 1 he led up (It was on a PP). They need to win more battles in the neutral zone. When in the zone, the D-men had no hesitation playing deep. They played their best when setting up the puck and cycling (No goals though minus the PP) The puck was bouncing a lot, but that should be expected. Good start, they’ll get the kinks out.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 5:23 PM EST reply actions
DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE IMPROBABLE?
After first period: Norway 0 – Canada 0
YES!
P.S. US women destroyed Russian women 13-0
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
Richards comes around the net and whacks one in. 3-0…
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 8:46 PM EST reply actions
Since then, despite some PPs, Norway’s fighting to stay in it, but Canada’s just closing the game down. Norway can’t make space in the slot for any dangerous shots and more and more, Canada is just taking the puck and rushing it back.
As expected, I suppose. Would have loved a tight game with the Norge.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
nvm. Out this 1 game b/c of family illness. Will play against USA on Thursday.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
Getzlaf scores on a backhand in front of the net. 4-0. And Norway is changing up the goalies.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 9:21 PM EST reply actions
Poor Pal Grotnes. He made a lot of saves; I don’t think the first two goals were his fault at all (screened on the first, re-direction by Heatley on the second). Shame he doesn’t see this out to the end.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
I agree. He’s made some good saves. He faced 30 shots after the 2nd period alone.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 9:26 PM EST up reply actions
As an aside
I find it odd to see on my TV a Canada supporter holding up a sign that says “HOCKEY IS CANADA’S GAME” whilst the goal song is a popular chant by European soccer supporters covered by a new-school punk rock band from New Jersey, the Bouncing Souls.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
As for the game
It just keeps getting uglier for the Norge. It’s 6-0 now.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
Iginla scores after a passing clinic
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 9:29 PM EST up reply actions
Well, I’m not so worried about how Norway will come out against the Americans. Provided the U.S. starts off strong and playing all-business like.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
Team USA definitely needs to improve. I’m curious how Norway played in the 1st period to hold off Canada. Canada may been a little sloppy at first like the US. Couldn’t see it b/c of Japan v. USA Womens Curling. That was a good match. Tollefsen will be back for Norway too. I don’t think one player can make that big of a difference.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 16, 2010 9:45 PM EST up reply actions
I think both will look more in sync in their next games. The players literally got together for a practice yesterday and a game today. Some sloppiness is to be expected, you can’t just throw players together and expect them to do well right away. Especially in a pressure-filled tournament where the room for error is non-existent for most, if not all, teams.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 9:48 PM EST up reply actions
Jarome Iginla with the hat trick
Yep, there’s your player of the game for Canada. Scored the important first goal, tacked on two more to make it miserable for Norwegians everywhere.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
End of first in China-Finland and it's 1-0 China
Yes, I’m serious 1-0 China
China took four – FOUR – penalties in the first period and not only do they come out of the period 1-0, they did it with a shorthanded goal by team captain Linuo Wang. Fantastic individual effort from Wang, she attacked the point, the Finnish point-woman coughed it up, and she was off to the races. Wang looked pass, saw that the passing lane wasn’t there, fired it near post and beat Noora Raty. Raty should have played it smarter, staying up on the post instead of going down into some kind of a butterfly just off the post.
Honestly, Finland women’s team supporters should be unhappy. Yes, they out shot China 18-3. But most of those were real easy for Yao Shi to stop. 4 PPs and not only did China’s defense and PK bend far enough to not break, but they hit back on one. The neutral zone play from Finland is good, but on offense, they are just too simple. They need to be faster, they need to shoot harder, and more importantly, they need to move the puck to better opportunities for scoring chances.
China looked more confident after the goal, sure, and they’ll start the second on the power play. But some of their clearances are just awful and in general, when they force a turnover or a loose puck, they just aren’t fast enough to take full advantage. Finland looks stronger, but they aren’t playing like it. Now that China has a lead, it’ll be real interesting to see how both teams come out for it.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
Second period began
China didn’t do much with their PP.
If I’m Finland, I’m exploiting the advantages in speed and physical play over and over and over.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
Zhixin Liu takes a dumb slashing call. This is Finland’s 5th power play, will they finally strike here for an equalizer?
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
Finland equalizes! Thanks to….China’s Fengling Jin! She put Karoliina Rantamaki’s pass to the slot past her own keeper. Poor China! An own goal.
Finland just took a minor for a body check. Will China make Finland and Terhi Mertanen pay for the penalty?
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
China has wasted the PP but what this? Finland wants to be nice and Hovi drills her shoulder into a Chinese player. That’s a minor and that’s a short 5-on-3 for China.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
And that really was short. Ben Zhang takes a minor for tripping right after the faceoff.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
Per this tweet from Shawn Roarke (NHL.com editor), Norway’s goalie Grotnes was injured, and that’s why he came out against Canada late. Could be back for USA-Norway on Thursday.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
Finland strikes the iron! Shi Yao with the big save off the post. Still 1-1 and if China can even maintain this, they have to feel good.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
Fengling Jin (cross-check) and Linda Valimaki (slashing) both sit for minors after the save.
And Finland scores an AMAZING GOAL
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
Venla Hovi just knocked it up ice, knocked off the boards, picked it up herself and rushed all the way to the slot all alone and as she dives forward, she slots it through Yao Shi’s legs for the goal.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
Take another penalty, surprise surprise, it’s on China due to a blatant trip. Anqi Tan deservedly sits.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 16, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
Second period over and Finland leads 2-1
Finland got one PPG and an excellent individual effort in 4-on-4 from Venla Hovi to turn the score around.
China is starting to look out of sorts. Their offense can’t keep Finland honest, they aren’t even getting the puck into Finland’s zone consistently on a power play, and so they only had one shot on net.
Finland may look a little better but they could be doing A LOT better on their power play and going forward. China’s defense is being bent over and over, but Finland has only broke them by breaking away on a great individual effort (Hovi) or by a lucky break (Jin putting Rantamaki’s pass inadvertently past goalie Yao Shi).
I’m off to bed soon, but if anyone’s watching, feel free to comment on the end of this one as well as Russia-Latvia later. Steve may join in for that.
China has a shot, but they may need to play the game of their life to do it.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
Via Wyshynski
“Russia lines: Kovalchuk-Malkin-Afinogenov; Ovi-Dats-Semin; Zaripov-Zinovyev-Morozov; Fedorov-Kozlov-Radulov”
Of course they are gonna squeeze in some commercials.
by C.J. Richey on Feb 17, 2010 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
Alexander Radulov
The guy who scored Russia’s second goal was actually pretty good in his short stint with the NHL. He had 44 goals and 51 assists in only 145 games.
Kovi gets crossed checked and slow to get up.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 17, 2010 12:30 AM EST reply actions
Game
Let’s go to bed. I assume I’ll see you on the late shift again tomorrow, while Fischer’s back fairly early.
Thanks Steve. Good to see Kovalchuk get his first.
Incidentally, Finland held on to win 2-1.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Feb 17, 2010 7:58 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
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