Olympic Hockey Day 6 Open Thread: USA (Men & Women), Canada and the Final Day of the Women's Round Robin
by Steve Lepore on Feb 18, 2010 10:00 AM EST
in International Hockey
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Welcome 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: John or I make these the night before, scheduled to appear at 10 AM. I should be up for the late games, so hang out with me, won't you?.)
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. Zach Parise is also providing a few words to Tom Gulitti's Fire & Ice every day, so check that out.
Last night, Patrik Elias became the second Devil to score a goal in the Olympics, tallying the first goal for the Czech Republic in a 3-1 victory of Slovakia, in what was likely one of the two most competitive and legitimately exciting games of the first round that don't occur on Sunday (for those unaware, that'd be Finland-Sweden, Russia-Czechs and USA-Canada) and man, was there an atmosphere to this game. As much as I hated him over the years, it's beautiful to watch Jaromir Jagr bury one on a breakaway.
Marian Gaborik (yeah, really, he played) tied the game before #68 hit paydirt and then set up Plekanac to make it 3-1 with :02 left in the second, from there things kind of fizzled, with Slovakia owning the third period shots-wise, but not coming closer than Hossa hitting the post. The fact that they must play twice in a row will be an interesting aspect of today's action: will it benefit them or hurt them?
Also from later in the evening, Switzerland defeated Slovakia 4-2 in women's hockey, though neither will qualify for the medal round, it's good to get a victory at the Olympic games. Canada dominated Sweden (surprisingly, considering this was a gold medal match four years ago) 13-1 in women's round robin action, giving Canada a perfect record in the opening round. Sweden will still move on to the medal round as well, though maybe can't feel as good about themselves going into this as they did four years ago. As you likely know, Finland defeated Belarus and Sweden defeated Germany in men's action. No real surprises yet in either tourney.
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, mind you.
Want to watch the games online and legally? NBC has them here. Thanks to user C.J.Richey121 for the heads up. Join us, won't you?
UPDATE: Some commentary from Fischer, specifically on Canada-Switzerland. Prepare for liftoff:
Canada blew a two goal lead, one off a great shot (Swiss got lucky to avoid a holding call before Rathemann rushed up ice) and one break (Marleau's skate) in a period. I repeat, Canada blew a lead. Brodeur was fine, the team in front of him was sloppy in their own end. When Switzerland did get it up ice, they threatened Canada. Not that Canada didn't do any of their own. Canada put 46 shots on net in 65 minutes and had 7 power plays with only one converting. If the Swiss played a trap, then it was destroyed by Canada. Any Swiss "trap" did not prevent Canada from bombarding Hiller all night long.
They can only blame their own performance. Too many looks, too many moves, and not nearly enough simple, nose-to-the-grindstone hockey. I mean, the Canadian power play made the Devils' power plays look good against Switzerland. Canadian fans cannot complain at all about a lack of chances, they should complain about how their all-star offense got dulled by a Swiss defense featuring Mark Streit, two NHL prospects (Sbisa, Weber), a SEL defender (Blindenbacher) and 4 Swiss-league defensemen. Canada was outworked and outgritted by Switzerland and they passed up open shots looking for the perfect shot that wasn't necessarily there. THAT was your problem, Canada. Not a trap, not home-ice pressure, but the Canadian performance and approach to this game.
Of course, Switzerland got a fantastic, out-of-this-world performance from Jonas Hiller with his defense playing brilliant reaction-based defending, cleaning up loose pucks and sacrificing their bodies for shots. Among the defensemen, Luca Sbisa stood out the most, playing like Chris Prongerused to do on defense. Flyers and Ducks fans should be elated with these performances, outside of all the Swiss supporters. Without both, it would have been a walk in the park for Canada - something the Canadian players apparently expected.
At the end of the day, it's all about results. Canada got it with the shootout, yet per Olympic rules that's 2 points and not 3. Therefore, the United States leads Group A by a point heading into Sunday's big game.
Above all, while Canadian media and their fans will think the adversity will do good for the team in the long run, the larger message is that no one should be scared playing this team. Switzerland knew they had nothing to lose, everything to gain, and physically took it to Canada and nearly came out winners. If the Swiss can do it, then why not the Americans, the Swedes, the Russians, the Czechs, the Slovaks, the Finns, or anyone else for that matter? No one should be scared against playing Canada - they are not unstoppable. And that's some Real Talk.
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Direct TV Bummer
I am upset that the USA/Canada game is on MSNBC instead of CNBC…no MSNBC HD March for Direct TV.
Anyway, look forward to cutting out of work early and catching the games today.
Short of a catastrophe, Marty should be the man on Sunday, which will be an excellent day of hockey.
I wonder how Canada will snap the Swiss trap. Surely if anyone can overrun a neutral zone trap, it’d be Canada, right?
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 18, 2010 1:15 PM EST via mobile reply actions
NBC continues to disappoint, cutting off the beginning of the US-Norway game with curling, they could at least put it on a different channel.
Marc R.
US lost again in Curling. Their skip has blown 4 chances to win on the last shot in the last 3 games. They are 0-4. Lame.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
1-0 USA
Kessel scores on a breakaway off a nice feed from Pavelski.
What are the chances the Devils can wrangle Pavelski away from SJ? The guy impresses me every time I see him.
Ryan, Brown, Kessler, E, Johnson, Suter PP2
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 3:25 PM EST reply actions
Good save by Miller off the pad on a cross ice pass.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 3:26 PM EST reply actions
Drury scores 5 hole on a rebound from a Callahan shot. Backes gets the secondary. 2-0 USA
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 3:29 PM EST reply actions
Agreed.
I am happy those 2 are on the 4th line.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
Big shot from Rafalski and a scrum in front of the net. Penalty to Norway.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 3:35 PM EST reply actions
1 player I truly miss. Love his entire game.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
same line as PP except E Johnson for Rafalski
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 3:36 PM EST reply actions
Kane scores on a rebound shot by Parise
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 4:02 PM EST reply actions
They’re playing very aggressive, perhaps too aggressive? They’re getting shots and drawing penalties, but getting caught with forwards back playing defense when things break down…
The defsenmen are not afraid to be deep int he zone.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
My goodness what a save off a redirect by Miller
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 4:21 PM EST reply actions
3-1 US at the end of 2.
22 shots to 9 in favor of the US.
2nd period was definitely not as good as the first, for the US. And not just on the scoreboard. The PP didn’t click, and gave up a shortie; they got caught several times on odd-man rushes when the defense pinched in too far; and they’re playing a little recklessly.
Not going to work against Canada.
As for Norway’s Goal. It was really a triple mistake by USA. Small mistakes but together costly. Langs missed the shot, Vikingstad drove the puck up. Parise tried to stick check but wasn’t skating, and Vikingstad flew by him creating a 2-1. Parise turned on the burners and went to back check the other Norwegian but E. Johnson stay center between them. Johnson should have maybe tried to make a play against Vikingstad, forcing him to make a play.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
whoops
Holtet not Vikingstad. I just like the name too much
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
He deserves a goal, but he’s been playing very well. 3 SOG, 1 off the post and an Assist.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Good chance by Norway but hits the side of the net.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 4:55 PM EST reply actions
Good work by USA right now
Stastny, Langs and Parise
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 5:04 PM EST reply actions
4-1
Malone off rebound of Jack Johnson shot, after he made a nice move to get free entering the offensive zone.
Goal! Nice play!!!
Miller keeps play going, J. Johnson makes 2 nice moves on a blue line, shoots, and a Malone smacks the rebound in in the air.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 5:06 PM EST reply actions
Suter, Rafalski, Langs, Parise, Stastny.. I like this line 100000%
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 5:09 PM EST reply actions
Interesting
That was a line on the faceoff, but once they set it up, Suter come off and Kessel came on…
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
I wonder what Lou is thinking right now…
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
Rafalski from Suter on a one timer.. 6-1..
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 5:14 PM EST reply actions
Wow, we are rolling!
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 18, 2010 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
Final
6-1 USA
Rafalski 2G
Malone and Kessel with 1G-1A
Parise and Pavelski with 2A
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 5:17 PM EST reply actions
Jamie and Zach lead all Forwards in TOI with 18:42 and 16.54 respectively
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 5:21 PM EST reply actions
saw an interesting interview (though was really in a joking fashion)
fat guy from theScore who thinks hes funny.. to Parise: “Now the big question.. will you score on Martin Brodeur?”
Parise: “Yes.”
I’m torn here, between the Canadian national team, and the Devils :(
With a Canada win, both teams are through to the playoffs. So Sunday’s for positioning and pride.
In short: USA
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 18, 2010 6:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
OK, I have two complaints
Switzerland scored a few minutes ago to make it 2-1 Canada in the second period.
1) NBC cut to a commercial break and then cut back to…Switzerland celebrating the goal. Fantastic production job, NBC.
2) A SWISS PLAYER HELD A CANADIAN AFTER THAT FACEOFF THAT’S HOW THE WHOLE 2-on-1 HAPPENED HOW WAS THAT NOT A CALL!
Apologies for the capital letters, but it was that blatant of a hold and it caused the whole play to happen. Yeah, lots of teams would have great scoring chances if they got away with cheating!
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
Olympic officiating has been pretty bad. Jagr hooked a Slovakian player in order to score his breakaway goal last night.
Switzerland equalizes
You know, throughout the period, Canada’s defending has left a lot to be desired. They paid for it dearly. During the dying seconds of the period and during a delayed call on Canada (facepalm #1), Canada is all kinds of loose in their own zone. Totally loose, Swiss players in the slot, and what do you know, a Swiss player fires a shot and it gets deflected past Brodeur on his flank – by Patrick Marleau.
If people want to blame that one on Brodeur, then they clearly don’t know what they are talking about. Deflection in front, on his flank, and BY HIS OWN TEAMMATE.
Overall, Canada should have been up by much more but I feel they are playing far too cleverly. They’re looking for the great play instead of simple plays and Switzerland knows this. They are playing gritty, gutsy, and without fear. If Canada wants to avoid an upset, then they need to start working harder and play simpler. The road to glory goes through the junkyard, the Canadian players should realize this and act accordingly.
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
Canada’s defense has allowed 17 shots USA only allowed 15 against Swiss. I’m sure Canada will play better in the 3rd though.
The most surprising thing: Canada has had 6 power plays against Switzerland in this game. Sure, Marleau got a PPG, but seriously, Canada needed to stomp all over Switzerland there and they failed. You think Switzerland is worried for the third? They are PUMPED.
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 18, 2010 9:09 PM EST up reply actions
Also
The penalty apparently was going to be on Chris Pronger for a cross-check, which should surprise absolutely no one who has seen Pronger.
The first goal: Ivo Rutheman. The second goal: Patrick Marleau’s left skate Patrick von Gunten
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 18, 2010 8:59 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe ol’ Burkie’s plan of gritty, skilled forwards willing to fight along the boards and take the hits in the slot and a tough but mobile defense will pay off if Canada is going to think they can just score 8 on everyone and not be challenged.
wayyy too fancy
I’m talking to you, sidney crosby and rick nash.
dare I say it – team canada looks soft.
change in momentum...
It seems like after the swiss scored the momentum changed a bad 2nd period for Canada. Almost like watching the Devils of late. Leading by 2 goals and now it is tied. I hope Marty does not give up the game winner it will be devastating losing in front of Canada. It may effect him for the rest of the season.
Donald Vasquez
Dear Chris Pronger
Roman Wick is taking you on with the puck and he’s going to keep doing this over and over.
ROMAN. WICK. Think about it.
Sincerely,
John Fischer
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
Strike that. EVERY Swiss forward is going ahead regardless of your position and propensity for high hits and cross-checks.
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 18, 2010 9:17 PM EST up reply actions
looks like crosby took one up high, no call.
you’d think the IIHF refs would call the game tighter, not looser. are they just that bad?
Actually, Crosby sold that well – no one bought it.
He and the rest of Canada should consider working harder instead on these last 7 minutes.
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 18, 2010 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
There was blood? Hmm, I missed that.
I stand corrected (though Crosby did embellish a bit, from what I saw)
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 18, 2010 9:30 PM EST up reply actions
HOW IN THE WORLD DID CANADA NOT SCORE THERE OR ON THE ENSUING REBOUND
I can’t believe I’m watching this, but Switzerland is taking Canada to it’s limit. Get ready for a saturation of “This scare/loss is the best thing that could happen to Team Canada” before Sunday’s game.
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
that said, Getzlaf should have seen he was without a stick and gone blocker or 5-hole – if not a goal guarantees a rebound..
It got a rebound, then came the glove from Hiller. Hiller’s doing his job, the Swiss aren’t backing down, and Canada doesn’t seem to understand the situation they are in here.
They can definitely go ahead late, but not with the current way they are playing.
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 18, 2010 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
Another great shot by Canada...
…another miraculous save by Hiller. Add Heatley to the list of Canadians owned by Hiller.
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
Canada is wasting this PP with missed shots. Still time here but wow.
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 18, 2010 9:37 PM EST up reply actions
Canada is given a glorious chance
No, not a scoring chance. Paterlini hooks Crosby and that’s a PP for Canada late.
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
Penalty killed by the Swiss
Iced puck by the Swiss (Niedermayer could have touched it?) with 32.9 left.
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
Crosby misses a chance (did he? Maybe he had no chance?) wide, Swiss clear, Canada goes long, and it’s an offside for Canada!
9.5 left
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 18, 2010 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
OVERTIME
CANADA COULD NOT BEAT THE SWISS IN REGULATION. THEY WILL NOT GET ALL THREE POINTS.
That’s huge for Sunday.
Jonas Hiller made 18 massive saves in the third. Swiss outworked and out-hearted (pretend it’s a term) Canada, Brodeur had to be big for Canada as well.
Even with an OT win, this game sends the message: Canada is NOT invincible.
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
apropos of nothing..
is it just me or are the necklines on the nike unis a little funky? i feel like i’m seeing more shoulder pad showing than i’m used to seeing…
Jonas Hiller, meet Rick Nash's knees
Maybe he lost an edge.
Ugly scene.
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
OK, the replay shows that yes, he perhaps lost his edge there.
Hiller is OK
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 18, 2010 9:46 PM EST up reply actions
Massive defensive stop by the Swiss there on Canada’s rush.
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
Brodeur holds true on the jamming attempts by the Swiss.
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
Luca Sbisa played like 2001-era Chris Pronger. Out of his mind, just like Hiller
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
SHOOTOUT
This is so surreal, Canada-Swiss needs a shootout to end this.
I’m liking Sunday’s game. Hell, if I’m preparing for Canada, I’m watching this tape over and over. Just give Canada about 5 less power plays and be better in possession and you’re good to go, really.
Canada’s not invincible.
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
One more thing, I wouldn’t credit Switzerland playing a neutral zone trap here, as they conceded 46 shots in 65 minutes.
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 18, 2010 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
So who has the advantage in the shootout?
Marty has a great record in these things, but I think a lot of his success is due to homework and he’s unfamiliar with a lot of these Swiss players.
Canada has the gifted scorers, but Hiller has been a wall.
Interestingly, the first three guys must be different but then you can re-use players afterwards.
I’m glad the game will have an ending of sorts.
I’m more glad that the United States is now at the top of Group A.
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 18, 2010 9:55 PM EST up reply actions
I kind of want the Swiss to win, but how the heck do I cheer against Marty? don’t think i can do it.
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 18, 2010 9:55 PM EST reply actions
Brodeur doesn’t look nearly as relaxed as he normally does, and Crosby looks like his head is going to explode a la Scanners.
Shootout
Hnat Domenchelli….STOPPED.
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
Sidney Crosby to go low right side…DENIED BY THE TOE
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 18, 2010 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
Lemm up, Brodeur pokecheck, Lemm…MISSED THE NET
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 18, 2010 9:58 PM EST up reply actions
Jonathan Towes….NO!
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 18, 2010 9:58 PM EST up reply actions
Roman Wick changes direction….NOT HAPPENING
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 18, 2010 9:58 PM EST up reply actions
Ryan Getzlaf…NOTHING DOING
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 18, 2010 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
Sidney Crosby again….SCORES!!!!
Time for the Swiss to come up huge.
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 18, 2010 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
Plass….STOPPED BY BRODEUR!
CANADA WINS A GAME THEY SHOULDN’T HAVE!
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 18, 2010 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
poor swiss don’t know it takes a super move to get one by Marty
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 18, 2010 9:58 PM EST reply actions
I don’t get that. It worked, so Babcock looks like a genius, but Crosby isn’t the best option in the SO, is he? I seem to recall his stats being pretty pedestrian.
actually..
they’re pretty good – 6/8, 75%, best among shooters with more than 3 attempts.
Crosby was a solid choice for the shootout.. he’s proven he can do it.
I’m not sure what the Russians were thinking with Ovechkin. OK, he scored on his first shootout attempt, thats enough… Ovechkin’s not really known for his shootout prowess. Instead, they have Mr. Datsyuk. He should have gotten the three chances imo.
Also, seeing Kovalchuk screw up his shot brought back painful, painful memories of the Devils slump. sigh
Overall....
United States – 6 pts.
Canada – 5 pts.
No one should be scared of playing Canada anymore. No one.
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
Mind you, the Swiss imo played a much stronger game than they did against USA. While the game was incredibly close, I credit most of it to Jonas Hiller, who bailed his team over and over. Canada had some quality chances, but lots of players (I’m looking at you, Mr. Sid) couldn’t finish the deal.
Side Notes:
- I am officially in love with the HTMLine (Heatley-Thornton-Marleau), also famously known as the Burger Line (Heated Jumbo Patty… har har?).. they’re a dominant NHL line, and they showed it in awesome HD quality in todays game.
- Brodeur! Glad he performed the way Devils fans like to see him perform. I’m pretty sure had Luongo been in net, the end result would have been much different.
- Am I the only person who doesn’t see why everyone is heralding Crosby as the hero? He was invisible for most of the game. When he did show up, he’d miss empty nets or pull some other crap out of his unmentionables.
Bring it on USA, bring it on :)
Game over Canada wins...
great game Crosby scores the game winner… The perfect player to win it for Canada. Marty came up big in the shootout. He has been great in shootouts this year. Hopefully he will not play on Sunday because I am rooting for the U.S.A of course.
Donald Vasquez
Set your DVRs/VCRs/whatever – the third game’s got some potential for some fireworks – Slovakia-Russia should be a fun one.
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
REAL TALK.
I should make that a feature, really.
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 18, 2010 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
Why not give the man with experience the start…
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
Saw very little of the Canada-Swiss Game
I was watching my Syracuse against those nerds from Georgetown. Anyway, Marty played well. He deserves to play against USA because his team in front didn’t play well. They played like they should win 8-0, but it shut them them up as the game went on. The first goal was hard to save, I feel any goalie would have let that up (It was a nice shot). Swiss is a good team, we all saw that in the game against USA. Canada will play very hard to get the win and the bye. USA should play cautiously (Not at reckless has they have been playing), and make this a goaltenders dual.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 18, 2010 11:55 PM EST reply actions
Kovy...
“Best Defense is going to win”…….I approve this man as a NJ Devil…..
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 19, 2010 12:38 AM EST reply actions
Goin to OT tied at 1
Shots 29-34 Russia. Slovakia’s defense has been outstanding. They really haven’t given Russia anything.
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- Buffalo Sabres give defenceman Alexander Sulzer a one-year deal to dodge free agency
- Gritty Coyotes fight back to force Game 5, still face a long climb against Kings
- Sabres sign defenseman Sulzer for one year
