2010 Winter Olympics Men's Ice Hockey Semifinals Open Thread
by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 9:30 AM EST
in International Hockey
120 comments
The United States. Finland. Canada. Slovakia. These are the four teams who will compete for a medal in men's ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Today's winners will go for the glory and compete for a gold medal. Today's losers will play for the bronze tomorrow.
With respect to the New Jersey Devils, Patrik Elias (2 G, 2 A, 2 PIM, -1, 16 SOG) and Ilya Kovalchuk (1 G, 2 A, +1, 14 SOG) have to feel disappointed that their Olympic ventures have ended so suddenly. Overall the production doesn't look so bad, but neither stepped up when it counted (though in Kovalchuk's case, nobody on Russia remotely "stepped" up against Canada). I would guess that assistant coach Tommy Albelin should also return at that time, as Sweden was also shocked out of the quarterfinals.
Both will return to the Devils on Saturday when the team travels to San Jose for practice, per Tom Gulitti's report on Thursday. Speaking of the Devils, Gulitti also has had an important interview with Paul Martin regarding his arm injury - Martin hopes to be back by March 10 when the Devils will host Our Hated Rivals.
Please use this post to place all your comments about both games (and just these games, not any other events). If you're so inclined, SBN's Winter Olympic side will have a GameThread for the games. I'll update this post to include that when it goes live.
February 26, 2010 - Men's Ice Hockey Semifinals
3 PM EST/12 PM PST - Semifinal #1: The United States vs. Finland - NBC
FINAL: Absolutely brilliant first period by the Americans. 6 goals in the first period. A shot taking a deflection off of Jack Johnson was the only time America was beaten and it was Tim Thomas in net. 6-1 USA. Official box score.
9 PM EST/6 PM PST - Semifinal #2: Canada vs. Slovakia - CNBC
FINAL: The vast majority of the game was all Canada's and Slovakia looked out of sorts. Yet, Canada couldn't add more than 3 and Slovakia got a lifeline and a second goal late in the third period. Slovakia threw everything and the kitchen sink forward late, Canada couldn't handle Slovakia all of the sudden, and Pavol Demitra was robbed of a fantastic rebound attempt late. Canada went into the third period with a 3-0 lead, but ends up escaping to the gold medal final with a 3-2 win. Official box score.
Want to watch the games online and legally? For the Americans, NBC has streaming options. For the Canadians, CTV has streams. Thanks to user C.J.Richey121 for the NBC information and to user dchoubak about CTV. Read on for some Real Talk for each of the four teams going into this event.
Ah, Real Talk. When you just need some hard-hitting commentary, there's nothing harder than the reality of the situation. For a bit of a preview, I'm pointing out one area where each of the four teams needs to do better at and/or excel to succeed today.
Real Talk for the United States
The United States are playing rather well. They haven't been beaten in this tournament yet, and that's pretty impressive considering this team has been annoyingly bad in their own zone when it comes to clearances. When the Americans have the puck in their own zone and just need to dump it out to get some space and catch their breath, the clearances have been soft and/or right at the opposition's point-men. Against Canada, the poor clearances drastically helped Canada outshoot the Americans 45-23. Against the Swiss, the US only conceded but had to block at least 20 shots in the process. On some shifts, I would have settled for an icing rather than the umpteenth half-speed, softly-touched clearance that gets picked off. I'm sure the coaches would too.
All this does is make the game unnecessarily more difficult for Ryan Miller and the Americans. It hasn't burned them yet, but it needs to end before it does. Finland will take far more advantage of the opportunities than a Switzerland team devoid of offense or a Canadian team that was playing well below their capabilities. Seriously. Stick on puck, look up, and fire it along the boards. This shouldn't be so difficult. If it doesn't change, it will very well be and the U.S. will have no one to blame but themselves.
Real Talk for Finland
I got a chance to check out the last two Finland games and quite frankly, I'm not impressed. Where's the fire? Where's the intensity? Sweden kept handing Finland power play after power play and I never seen so little done with so much on a power play since the February 8, 2010 Devils-Flyers game. Even on some of the penalty kills, Sweden had more confident and composed puck possession. Against the Czech Republic, sure, Finland got a PPG to go ahead and win. Yet, throughout most of the game, the match was so evenly played that it seemed neither wanted to set the tempo themselves.
This isn't going to get it done against an American team that has succeeded by hitting, hustling, and hardy play. I'm not saying Finland is soft - Tuomo Ruutu may find me and punch me in the face for suggesting otherwise. Unless Finland plans on controlling the puck and slowing this game to a crawl or relying on Miikka Kiprusoff to play out of his mind (ask the Swiss how that worked out), this isn't a favorable scenario for the Finns. Like the other three teams, they have the chance to play for a gold medal; yet, there's a real chance this could get ugly if they aren't even going to try taking initiative - especially on power plays.
Real Talk for Slovakia
Admittedly, I haven't seen much of Slovakia in these Olympics. Yet, hockey is a results-oriented business and Slovakia's on a four game winning streak. It started with a shootout win over Russia, a 6-0 rout of Latvia, beating Norway 4-3, and last seen knocking off the defending Olympic champions Sweden, 4-3. Combine this with the fact that their opponents regulation wins have all come against lesser teams (Norway, Germany) or a normally excellent team playing awful (Russia), and the Slovak players should have absolutely nothing to worry about.
That should be the attitude going into this game because worrying about the opposition or just being happy in the semifinals will lead to a certain Canadian win. Yes, the Slovakia supporters should be just pleased at seeing their team get this far. Yet, the opportunity for even greater glory is there. If anything, the Slovak players should understand that just playing aggressive and in-your-face to Canada is the best way to play them - just look at their games against the Swiss and the U.S. Sure, Jaroslav Halak will have to have a big game; but the attitude was central to their performances. Basically, play like you have nothing to lose, Slovakia, because you'll have everything to gain from it against Canada.
Real Talk for Canada
Congratulations, Canada. You played very well above a team that played below it's level that night in Russia and only shown signs of letting up after being up 7-1. I'm not being sarcastic. In a tournament like this, you have to take advantage when you can and you did just that. Moreover, you lucked out at not having to play Sweden. I'm sure some (many? most?) Canadian fans are all looking forward to Sunday afternoon's gold medal game - perhaps hoping the U.S. will win their semifinal to set up a gigantic revenge game. Hey, the Olympics haven't gone so well for Canada, as the podium looks to be American owned; but a double gold in hockey would help with the pain, right?
I would hope this isn't your attitude, players of Canada's national team. If it is, you will lose this game. Your biggest enemies in this tournament have been yourselves. To quickly recap: not responding well to the aggressive play by the Swiss and Americans, blowing opportunities (if not shooting outright) to score when 9 times out of 10 the NHL all-star with the puck would score in a situation, and some bizarrely sloppy play in your own zone. All correctable by the players. Yes, the 7-3 win over Russia was fine; but was that the real Canada? Would that game have happened if Russia showed up for this game? Would something similar show up against a Slovakian team that will show up?
Reverting back to the form seen in the preliminary rounds is not the way to victory today. Overconfidence will be your downfall. This may surprise some of you, but hockey isn't your game - it's the world's game and a quick look at Olympic and IIHF World Championship history will remind you if you're not certain. Canada does not have a divine right to the podium; but if you want to get there and grab the gold, then you'll have to play with ice water in your veins and with a purpose right from faceoff.
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From the NHL.com preview:
Despite the fact that the Americans got the game-winner on the power play in Wednesday’s quarterfinal game against the Swiss, they have struggled with the man advantage. In four games, the Americans have earned 16 power-play opportunities and scored four goals (one in each game).
I’m no mathematician, but isn’t that 25%? Maybe I’m just ruined by the Devils recent pathetic PP, but I’d think averaging one goal out of every four PP opportunities is a result just about any team could live with.
Maybe NHL.com’s been ruined by the women’s side: they were 60%. Probably due to the staggering lack of parity.
If Andrew Peters ever plays again it will be too soon.
by LangsForPres on Feb 26, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
Scale matters:
25% during a NHL season = brilliant. As of now, Washington leads the NHL with a 25.6% rate. No one else is at 25% or better.
25% during a short tournament against games with all-star team against Norway, Switzerland (twice), and Canada = not as impressive.
Truth be told, when you throw a lot of skilled players in such short notice, chemistry is going to be an issue and that shows on a power play. Still, you’d expect more given the competition.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
am i the only person who thinks
boyle should get some kind of discipline for the semin retaliation,or ar u allowed to attack a player from behind 30 to 45 seconds after a play if u feel like justice is due.i personally think semin deserved a minor,and got it but that was in the heat of play,boyle on the other hand reacted long after the whistle blew he had enough time to reason things out in his mind.im just really suprised its not even getting mentioned any where in articles or on tv. im almost certain the same incident would have drawn some kind of suspension in the nhl.
by Imperator_Celtic on Feb 26, 2010 1:49 PM EST reply actions
For NBC, you need Microsoft Silverlight (you can get it there) and you need to login with some kind of cable/satellite code as proof that you have legit TV. You do have to jump through a few hoops. As far as I know, I don’t think you need an specific account for NBC.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
The Swedes may disagree with that sentiment.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
halak is no lundqvist?
considering lundqvist let in 4 goals on like 13 shots, the slovaks may be hoping you’re right (about halak not being lundqvist)
Game is about to begin
I will support the US
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USA-Finland is a GO
First shot of the game goes to the US, easy long shot for Kiprusoff by Rafalski
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The first mistake is ON KIPRUSOFF!
A cleared puck, Kiprusoff goes WAY out to play it to make sure Kessel doesn’t get it for a breakaway. The pass by him is duffed and it’s a gift for Ryan Malone!
1-0 USA!
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USA looks good after the goal, good possession and pressure by the US. Nice move by Rafalski to jump up on the Finnish defense.
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PP for the US
Niskala sets a pick on Dustin Brown.
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2-0 USA
ZACH PARISE!!! How? Another close-up shot; Paul Statsny with a great pass across the slot and Parise put it in the top corner!
2-0 USA and this is exactly what they wanted!
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Another PP for the US
Dustin Brown boarded on offense and so it’s another USA power play.
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USA 3 - Finland 0
Great play in the corner, the puck squirts loose just outside the slot, and Erik Johnson storms in and puts back the shot! Kiprusoff didn’t have much of a chance but he did look a bit out of sorts on his positioning.
I don’t think Finland should change their goalie, it’s not going to stop their discipline issues. Or anything else in this game.
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USA 4 - Finland 0
Patrick Kane takes a shot up close, it gets stopped, he fights for his own rebound, WINS it back, and BACKHANDS IT IN!
The Americans are just fantastic! The Finns are like Russia yesterday, just completely out of it. They are changing goalies, putting in Nicklas Backstrom, but I don’t see how that will help?
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Kiprusoff took himself out. He just didn’t look comfortable in net after the 1st goal. Team USA is wining every battle on the boards, and just walking into the zone without any pressure on the blue line. Finland should be doing what the Swiss did last game along the blue line.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 26, 2010 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
USA 5 - Finland 0
7 minutes left in the first and America scores on Backstrom!
Great pass by Brian Rafalski to spring Patrick Kane; he had a 2-on-1 because Finland’s defensemen are abysmal at making decisions, and it was a FANTASTIC SHOT for the goal.
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USA 6 - Finland 0
WOW! As I was typing that, the Parise-Statsny-Langenbrunner line scores! Great pass to the slot, great shot by Statsny to make it 6-0
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Finland has the puck past the redline
For the first time in a while they go forward…and go offside. Yeah,it’s BAD for Finland.
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How do you keep playing if you are Finland? I know there’s a lot of hockey left, but this is just demoralizing.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 26, 2010 3:31 PM EST reply actions
Well, just do the best you can, maybe get a consolation goal or two, do what Russia did last night?
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
Janne Niskala: Taking penalties that lead to goals against, making bad decisions, making bad reads, making bad plays.
Niskala: Bad defenseman
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UPDATE
Finland took a shot on net. Jokinen got free, fired a hard shot low, easy stop by Miller.
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Finland PP late in the first
Rafalski got tagged for a minor along the boards. He missed hitting a Finn, but he caused the Finn to fall, so it’s tripping? Weak.
In any case, it’ll carry over and it’s the only error the US made all period. Absolutely brilliant.
6-0 USA
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Did Doc just gave a shout out to Jim Boeheim?
Love that!
6 Goals on 13 shots. Wow. That’s 46%.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 26, 2010 3:42 PM EST reply actions
4 goals on first 7 shots.
In fairness to the goaltenders, some of those weren’t going to be stopped and some of them should have never happened if the defense played with anything resembling competence.
That said, everyone on Finland has been bad. No one on Finland did their homework for this one, whereas the US clearly did by watching the Sweden-Finland and Czech-Finland game.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
That I 100% agree on.
If Finland did their homework, they would have put some pressure in the neutral zone. I saw none, it’s making their D men having to overplay and leave their position. Their offense isn’t really their strong point, but when your strengths are playing this bad, well you get this outcome after the 1st period.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 26, 2010 3:48 PM EST up reply actions
Second period begins
Long kill for the US, 1:50 to kill. Important to do it, give nothing to Finland.
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Penalty killed
Finland had 1 shot on net on the PP.
Tim Gleason hit by a shot real hard. He’s on the bench trying to catch his breath
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
USA isn’t looking so dominant, more dumps on offense, more time in their own zone, and some bad clearances – but Finland hasn’t done much of anything from it. And it’s 6-0 US. So I wouldn’t be concerned except in hoping no bad habits develop.
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A Finn finally decides to be aggressive and Jarkko Ruutu falls on Miller after he covers the puck in a scrum. Jokinen takes a shot at Kane away from the scrum.
Yeah, Finland. Discipline
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J. Ruutu will go the box for his shenanigans. USA on the PP
Nothing for Jokinen because he took his shot away from everyone except for the cameras.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
What? USA didn't score on the PP
Lots of possession, lots good movement, but the shots went wide. Kessel had a great chance at a rebound but the poor angle had him strike the outside of the net instead of inside.
Don’t think it’ll be a problem. Again, 6-0, 2/3 on PPs.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
I will say that Patrick Kane is playing his best game at this tournament for the US. Just fantastic.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
Finland has only allowed 4 goals in their 4 prior games, 2 shutouts. They are not an offensive force as a team, even though they did score 5 goals against Germany and Belarus. It would be hard for them to score 7. Our defense would really have to get lazy.
True. It would also require someone replacing Ryan Miller with some random schmoe in the stands.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
These anouncers are in love with Parise’s game. Good judges of talent they are. It would be nice for Zach to get more national attention.
Devils should market the hell out of him when this is all over. Jamie too. They’re 2 reasons for Team USA success all tournament.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 26, 2010 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
The Devils are not known for their marketing prowess. I’d like to see two adjacent buildings in NYC covered with the likenesses of Zach and Jamie with the caption “Come To Jersey to See The Winners”
Finland hit the post
Yep. They got close, but no cigar. On the ensuing play, US blocked another shot, rushed up, and Kesler forced Backstrom to make an important leg save.
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Second period
No scoring from the Americans! Finland needed that.
Too bad they are still down by 6 and the closest they got to anything was Immonen hitting the post on a low shot.
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So...
…does Finland score a consolation goal? What do you think?
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1. I Hope NHL allows players to play in Sochi.
2. I hope NBC DOESN’T cover the Sochi Games
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 26, 2010 4:31 PM EST reply actions
Third period starts
Backstrom knocks Kane’s glove away from the play; soft call, I suppose, but the ref’s not having it in this game.
USA PP
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Not a good PP, Finland rushed up ice for a shorthanded chance. No, Finland didn’t do anything too threatening on them, but they shouldn’t happen.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Finland PP
USA wasted their PP and Mikko Koivu takes a stick to the face by, I believe, Malone. Finland is on their second PP and they aren’t doing well here.
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Surprising no one, Finland did nothing with that PP.
I will say, I like how the US isn’t letting up defensively despite the score.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Of course, after typing that, there has been some…chaos…in the US tournament. But the dogged reactions by the backcheckers and defensemen have held strong.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
What? Finland wins a faceoff and fires two good, long shots on net. Easy for Miller to stop, but it’s a start for Finland.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
Another USA PP
Sami Lepisto called for cross-checking in his own zone.
Ryan Miller is being taken off. Tim Thomas will finish the game.
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Wasted PP for the US. Finland nearly had a good shorthanded chance but was thwarted by a good pinch by Rafalski.
In any case, I would have liked to just see US bomb away a little more. But the game is 6-0, Thomas is in net, and I think this game is out of doubt.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
Finland PP
6:23 left in the third
Erik Johnson to the box for…boarding? I don’t get it – the Finn had the puck.
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The official call: Interference. Maybe? I don’t know. I agree with Pierre McGuire, a “scoreboard” call.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
Finland scores
Hard shot, hits Jack Johnson, careens upward and over Thomas for the PPG. Antti Miettinen.
Finland got a consolation goal. 5:14 left in the game, the comeback’s not happening.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 5:05 PM EST up reply actions
Were they chanting boring?
Or am I hearing things?
Never assume skill at bouncing a ball makes you smarter than the guy who built the court.
When there's a WILL there's a WAY
Probably hearing things. The crowd’s been tepid. Granted, tickets were bought in advance of the matchup so you see a lot of Canada-red-clad fans watching the USA stomp all over Finland.
Needless to say, they aren’t exactly enthused by what they saw.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 5:07 PM EST up reply actions
I don't want to jump to conclusions but...
…I think the USA will win this game.
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6-1 to the USA
Congratulations to the United States of America Men’s Ice Hockey Team
You are going to play for the GOLD MEDAL in hockey.
Who would have thunk it back on January 1?
Absolutely brilliant start. 6 goals in the first period. Finland only showed up at the end with shots and a goal, but at that point, the goal for the US was just to play safe hockey and they did.
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Summation quote from Finland's Teemu Selanne
As reported on Chris Johnston’s Twitter:
“There was no business for us today.”
Yep. Sums it all up.
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Halak vs. Luongo - Canada vs. Slovakia IMMINENT
Yep, it’s going to be a loud crowd.
Then the game will start.
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JR was asked where does the hard work from Team USA come from.
His answer: Their NHL experience.
His Examples: Zach Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner.
Correct that answer JR: Its the New Jersey Devils.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 26, 2010 9:28 PM EST reply actions
speaking of the Devils..
I miss them very much I cannot wait for Tuesday night. I have been having Devil withdrawals lately. The olympics just does not replace the Devil game fix for me…
Donald Vasquez
Game on
Slovakia and Canada have….well, done nothing yet.
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Canada with the first scoring chance. Morrow had one good shot, got the rebound, and skied it over the net.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 9:37 PM EST up reply actions
Canada has been pressing but not able to get that final shot or a good shot on net early.
Not the same start seen on Thursday. That benefits Slovakia.
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Of course, what doesn’t benefit them is that they aren’t being aggressive. They’ve been calm. Not lazy, not asleep, but generally calm. Good on defense, not so much going forward.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
And this has continued for much of the period. Canada’s had the better run of play but they aren’t finishing – Slovak D has positioned themselves well. Slovakia has earned few offensive rushes.
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by John Fischer on Feb 26, 2010 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
Did Marleau score
Marleau deflected Weber’s shot past Halak. But was the stick above the crossbar? It’s under review.
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Review says yes, Canada 1 - Slovakia 0
And after all the effort, Canada’s rewarded with a pleasantly placed deflection. The Slovaks need to be more aggressive 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 26, 2010 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
Shea Weber...
Man what a shot that guy has. I wish the Devils could get him…I think it was Marleaus goal.
Donald Vasquez
Canada 2 - Slovakia 0
Another screen, was it deflected? Looked like it. Should be Brendan Morrow’s 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
question may have already been asked...
I just joined the thread, so i had to skim over some of the comments, but, who would you rather see in the gold medal game? my pick would be slovakia, but if slovakia wins, they’re on a 5 game win streak, knocking off some pretty good teams…
At this point, it’s sort of pointless. Slovakia would be ideal if only to avoid a “REVENGE” matchup.
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 26, 2010 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
Revenge is right...
Revenge of the Salt Lake Gold Medal Game.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 26, 2010 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
Not quite?
I was referring to last weekend, which is fresher in both team’s minds.
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 26, 2010 10:06 PM EST up reply actions
No I know...
It was more of a joke.
by Matthew Ventolo on Feb 26, 2010 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
And forwards are deflecting those shots past Halak close to him.
Which is how Brodeur was beaten by the US last weekend.
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 26, 2010 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
How many NHL captains does Canada have?
It sure seems like a ton of leadership (as well as talent) on this team.
Captains I know of: Crosby, Toews, Morrow, Marleau, Iginla, Staal, Richards.
Considering the fact that there are a bunch of players from the same team(s), that’s a hell of a lot. I also may be missing some, I wasn’t sure if any of the d-men were captains (Shea Weber, Drew Doughty, Scott Niedermayer, etc.)
First period over; Canada 2 - Slovakia 0
For the first ten minutes or so, Canada looked like the Canada of the preliminary rounds.
Yet, they wisened up, put forwards up front, and were rewarded with 2 deflections. While Slovakia isn’t out of it, they haven’t had the puck nearly enough as they should to challenge offensively. 2 goals isn’t impossible to make up normally, but with the way the Slovaks are playing, it may seem like a mountain.
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
Slovaks do not match up physically.
I hate to say it but I see the Slovaks being worn down as the game goes on. This could be a blowout eventually.
Donald Vasquez
Have to go will have to check the results on my phone.
The matchup I want to see looks like it will happen. Now I can really root for the U.S.A now that Marty is not going to play..
Donald Vasquez
Second period begins
Will Slovakia make a comeback? They need to start something and fast.
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
This power play is a good opportunity, but so far Canada’s staying calm.
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 26, 2010 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
Slovakia didn’t convert and that was a big kill for Canada. Slovakia went into this game with the best PP in the Olympics, stopping them there only hurts Slovakia’s confidence.
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 26, 2010 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Chara is called for roughing
Canada is on the PP now and they have a chance to really put the screws to Slovakia 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
They didn’t take it, but the play has reverted back to the first period – Canada attacking, Slovakia repelling but not attacking much themselves.
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 26, 2010 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
Another Canadian PP
Zednik takes an offensive zone hooking call. Terrible, Zednik! Your team is getting very little offense going and on the off-chance they were in Canada’s zone, you take a call. Dumb!
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
Zednik, you big dummy!
Ryan Getzlaf off the rebound in the slot; no chance for Halak, and Canada makes it 3-0.
GREAT JOB TO TAKE A HOOK THERE. Sigh.
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 26, 2010 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
Slovakia with an actual scoring chance; Palffy splits the D, tries to 5-hole Luongo, rebound hits Canadian D and Luongo had to scramble to keep it out.
Then Slovakia got the puck to the point where the D whiffed and that was that.
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 over, Canada 3 - Slovakia 0
The US going for the gold is not a miracle.
A miracle is exactly what Slovakia will need to attempt a comeback now. Canada added to their lead; Luongo made exactly one important save which speaks to how bad Slovakia has been in terms of being 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
Just in case you wanted to know...
…where Marian Gaborik is; well, I don’t see him on the bench or the ice, so either he’s been invisible or he’s not available to play.
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
Also
The crowd wants the USA.
Well. They know where it is. They can go there if they’d like. Millions do.
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 26, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
SLOVAKIA DID SOMETHING!
Is this….a goal? A puck thrown low by Visnovsky and it squeaks by Luongo at the near post!
3-1 Canada.
Is this a lifeline or just consolation? 8:21 left in the third.
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
You know who would be great right here? Gaborik. Except he’s not available. So it’s time for Slovakia to just up the aggression and take some risks. Who knows, Luongo was beaten by a soft one, maybe he’ll cough up another.
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 26, 2010 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
So that's new
Weber just checked a Slovak into the goal itself; knocking off the net.
No call just odd
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 26, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
3-2 Canada leads
What? It’s now…2 goals for Slovakia?
Slovakia sort of wins the draw, Zednik makes a great move behind the net to protect it, wraps it around, and Handzus pounces on the rebound!
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
4:53 left in the third.
Do you believe?
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 26, 2010 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
I would love Luongo to choke this
That’s what you get for benching Marty
Never assume skill at bouncing a ball makes you smarter than the guy who built the court.
When there's a WILL there's a WAY
Slovakia rushed up and got the puck in close, but Luongo covered things up quickly.
Bergeron and Doughty drilled Zednik into the end boards. No call, but Zednik was slow to get up.
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 26, 2010 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
Slovakia with ANOTHER rush up ice with a shot on net – where was this offense all game long?
2:20 left in the game, can Slovakia pull off the highly unlikely?
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 26, 2010 11:39 PM EST up reply actions
CANADA ESCAPES
Slovakia was a MONSTER in the final 100 seconds and they had a FANTASTIC chance but Pavol Demitra was just at too sharp of an angle.
Too little, too late for Slovakia but those final 10 minutes of the game surely scared Canada….and gave the U.S. another reason to not fear them on Sunday
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 26, 2010 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
One last note, Canada fans were chanting “WE WANT USA” at the end.
Oh really.
Sunday’s going to be fun.
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 26, 2010 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
Entirely unimpressed by Canada tonight. I’m not sure if that speaks to how much better Slovakia is than I thought, or how much worse Russia was.
no it was canada doing a devils impression in the last 5 min
they drove right up to the cliff.roberto has been nowhere near as good as the 65 shot a game goalie i saw on the panters a few years ago.i think we can win.
by Imperator_Celtic on Feb 27, 2010 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
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