Olympic Hockey OOT: Feburary 16th, Day 1

[HPLovecraft]

So I guess this can fit in an "OOT" style thread instead of individual game threads, since Canada is the home team and all. The American/Swiss game begins soon.

http://www.nhl.com/images/logos/nonsites/usa_large.png vs http://www.nhl.com/images/logos/nonsites/sui_large.png - 1:00PM MST

The 2010 Olympic tournament kicks off with one of the most intriguing matchups of the preliminary round. While Team USA will be favored in this game, it is no slam dunk, especially if the Americans can't find their game early. The Swiss team can skate with anybody in this tournament and has pulled off upsets in the past. In fact, Switzerland stunned both the Canadians and Czechs in the preliminary round four years ago.

For the Swiss, it may all come down to goaltending. Four years ago, Martin Gerber stood on his head against the Canadians -- now it is Jonas Hiller, the starting goalie for the Anaheim Ducks, who will try to play giant slayer.

"That's what we will do tomorrow," Hiller said. "We'll try to play a perfect game and then we will have a chance."

http://www.nhl.com/ice/preview.htm?id=2009090001&navid=sb:preview

http://www.nhl.com/images/logos/nonsites/rus_large.png vs http://www.nhl.com/images/logos/nonsites/lat_large.png - 9:55PM MST

If there is a Group of Death in this tournament, it is Group B. Russia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia all reside there -- one more traditional power country in this foursome than in either of the other two.

But if there is a game in Group B that figures to be a blowout, it's this one. Of course, that's what Team USA probably thought before Latvia tied it, 3-3, in the opening game of the 2006 Torino Games. Cowbells rang throughout the Italian night after that game. Truth be told, the Latvians would be happy just to minimize the sound of goal horns Monday night.

Karlis Skrastins, the veteran Dallas Stars defenseman, is the only member of the current Latvian team who played in that tournament-rocker in Torino. He’s also one of only two NHL players on the Latvian roster. Suffice to say, that doesn’t figure to frighten a Russian team that will send these first two lines over the boards: Ovechkin-Datsyuk-Semin, Kovalchuk-Malkin-Afinogenov.

"There are no easy games for anybody in this tournament," Russian defenseman Andrei Markov said.

There certainly are no easy ones in the rest of Group B. As for this one? Good luck to the Latvians.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/preview.htm?id=2009090003&navid=sb:preview

[Jesse834]

I can't wait to watch the high powered Russian offense tonight.

[Diet Water]

Who will be blown out worse, Norway or Latvia?

[HPLovecraft]

I would wager on the Russian vs Latvia game being the most one-sided today.

[Jesse834]

Who will be blown out worse, Norway or Latvia?

Latvia. We have Roberto Luongo. We should be good for 7 goals against.

[dissentowner]

Is the Russian game being televised here in Canada? Will be a 1am start here in Ontario, yikes!

[Jesse834]

Is the Russian game being televised here in Canada? Will be a 1am start here in Ontario, yikes!

Yes it is on CTV.

[HPLovecraft]

Is the Russian game being televised here in Canada? Will be a 1am start here in Ontario, yikes!

Why 1AM? The times I posted are for Alberta. Here in Ontario it starts at midnight.

[dissentowner]

Why 1AM? The times I posted are for Alberta. Here in Ontario it starts at midnight.

Oh, I thought you were posting Vancouver time. Thanks for clearing that up.

[Flame19,289]

Looking forward to Miller vs. Hiller.

I'll be watching at work while trying to remain productive.

[HotHotHeat]

Am I reading that right? 9 55 pm Calgary time?

[flames_1987]

Am I reading that right? 9 55 pm Calgary time?

Sure is :w00t:

[HPLovecraft]

That's right.

[Jesse834]

nm.

[Jesse834]

Good god! Not the dumb ass Nick Kypreos on the panel.

[Diet Water]

Hodge is okay, I like Pang. The other two can go away.

[LockedOut]

Go Suisse Go!!!

[HPLovecraft]

Go Switzerland!

[HPLovecraft]

Kesler should be right in his element in Olympic officiated hockey... His dives should go rewarded more than usual.

[TheSutterDynasty]

I find it humorous that Sbisa is now playing for the Swiss in the Olympics after playing for them in the WJC just two months ago.

[dissentowner]

Pretty impressed with the Swiss so far. Would be nice to see them win this one.

[RockOnRoberts]

I find it humorous that Sbisa is now playing for the Swiss in the Olympics after playing for them in the WJC just two months ago.
Pretty sure Nino Neiderrieter (anyone know how to spell it?) is playing for the Swiss as well. Go Swiss Go!!


edit: Can you imagine how good the Flames would be if the played with the intensity of the Swiss?

[bubbsy]

man, NHL GMs must be watching these games while covering their eyes/grimacing.

Hiller's been run a few times, bobby ryan gets hit from behind ...

[HPLovecraft]

Down goes Brown!

[HPLovecraft]

Pretty good PK by the Swiss.

The US team doesn't look that great so far.

[dissentowner]

Down goes Brown!

Dustin Brown is awesome! There is a guy I would love to see in Flames silks!

[Diet Water]

Good chance for the Swiss there.

[LockedOut]

Goal USA. Bobby Ryan.

[North East Goon]

1-0 USA Bobby Ryan! I see the Suisse are there usual tenacious bunch!

[Jesse834]

Bobby Ryan goes high. 1-0 USA.

[Smell My Finger]

Swiss looked not bad in the first. USA did not dominate like i thought they would.

[HPLovecraft]

Dang, a pretty good period by the Swiss. Too bad Ryan scored.

[North East Goon]

how come no niederiter or did I just miss his name?

[RockOnRoberts]

Lets get it back boys!! Go Suisse Go!

[Montana Moe]

Roenick analyzing between periods, what could possibly go wrong?

[RockOnRoberts]

how come no niederiter or did I just miss his name?
After a quick look through the roster, I do not think he was chosen to play. I think that will end up as a bad decision for the Swiss. They need a gamebreaker type of player.

[Jesse834]

David Backes. 2-0 USA.

[d_phaneuf]

great move by Backes

[HPLovecraft]

"Four Americans invade Swiss ice."

I bet Cuthbert was just waiting to use that one.

[Jesse834]

Ryan Malone. 3-0 USA.

[HPLovecraft]

3-0. I reckon the Swiss are done at this point. I don't think they have the guns to come back.

[Jesse834]

How much longer till David Backes gets hit like a little bitch?

[Henry Fool]

Just read a comment from the Finnish head coach saying he expects strong play in front of the net from Olli Jokinen. In other words, he somehow sees one of Jokinen's big weaknesses with Calgary as his major strength.

I'd love for Finland to surprise again, but something doesn't feel right this year. I'm not sure that coach knows his players. The point is the only sensible place for Jokinen on the PP, and now he'll be exactly where he shouldn't, creating some of the worst screens in the Olympics.

Just a minor thing, but doesn't fill me with confidence.

[HPLovecraft]

The Swiss have no finish.

[HPLovecraft]

A 2-on-1 and the Swisser shoots a weak wrist shot right into Miller's USA logo...

[jd456]

3-1. Swiss score on a power play.

[HPLovecraft]

Woohoo! Dominichelli!

[Jesse834]

Dominichelli! 3-1 USA.

[jeremywilhelm]

The US are not very good.

[HPLovecraft]

Patty Kane whining about getting hit...

[Montana Moe]

Way to blow the shutout NBC, showing the graphic about the last Team USA shutout during a Swiss PP. Ridiculous.

(yes I'm aware it's superstitious, but still...)

[jd456]

The way the U.S. is handling (or not handling) the Swiss pressure is worrying me.

[jd456]

U.S. win 3-1!!!

[Pastiche]

U.S. looks strong. Legitimate medal contender.

[HPLovecraft]

A rather unimpressive showing by the Americans. I suppose they have lots of room to improve and this game was just an ice-breaker, but if I were a fan of that team I wouldn't like their chances to medal. I don't think it's gonna happen. Switzerland had something like 9 odd-man chances.

[Jetsfan]

Why do the Swiss always copy the jersey design of Team Canada?

[Pastiche]

Ryan Whitney was the big weak link out there.

American physicality will take them deep. Big thuggish team. I liked their game today.

[moon]

After a quick look through the roster, I do not think he was chosen to play. I think that will end up as a bad decision for the Swiss. They need a gamebreaker type of player.

Niedereitter was good not great in the WJHC and is 17 years old.

He is a a mid-first round prospect.

As exciting as he was against the Russians in one game there is no way that he should be in this tournament.

He was a nice surprise and fun to watch but overall it appears that one game has really made him overrated right now.

Sbisa and Josi are both two years older than him which is why they are able to play in this tournament after the WJHC. Those two extra years are huge in development.

[Phaneufenstein]

Russian lines and pairings from Monday practice:

Black jerseys:
Ovechkin - Datsyuk - Semin
Korneev - Grebeshkov

Red jerseys:
Kovalchuk - Malkin - Afinogenov
Gonchar - Tyutin

Blue jerseys:
Morozov - Zinoviev - Zaripov
Markov - Nikulin

White jerseys:
Radulov - Fedorov - Kozlov
Volchenkov - Kalinin

Source: http://olympiada.sport-express.ru/2010/reviews/3952

Somewhat surprised at the "first" D pairing.

[HPLovecraft]

Ryan Whitney was the big weak link out there.

American physicality will take them deep. Big thuggish team. I liked their game today.

You're kidding? Any one of the legit medal contendors in this tournament would have roasted the Americans today. 9 odd-man chances by the Swiss. If they had any talented finishers on this team at all the Americans wouldn't have stood a chance.

And the Americans weren't even all that physical.

[jeremywilhelm]

Grebeshkov. Brutal. The Russians are ridiculous.

[HPLovecraft]

Grebeshkov. Brutal. The Russians are ridiculous.

They are really banking on the idea that they will be spending the entire time in the offenive zone, anyway, because of their skilled forwards. I suppose that will work until they meet a team like Canada that has just as much skill up front over all 4 lines but a defense to match, too.

I don't see how Canada can lose.

[Phaneufenstein]

in the end it will come down to who has more chemistry and plays better as a team, and not the TSN/CP player rankings

[HPLovecraft]

Obviously, but you can't ignore Team Canada's advantage defensively.

[Phaneufenstein]

yea you're right...
Keith and Seabrook I think will the toughest to beat.
Plus Pronger is always damn solid back there.

[Meers]

The top US line did not look particularly threatening today.

[hwy19man]

Am I reading that right? 9 55 pm Calgary time?

Technically, it is five minutes later at 2200h Mountain time. NHL.com is putting at five to the hour so the last game is on the same day as the earlier games.

[HPLovecraft]

Anyone else in the East staying up for this game?

[Machiavelli]

Anyone else in the East staying up for this game?

I wish I could but it's in another hour and I've got to get up at 5:30.

[Savvy27]

Is anyone able to watch the Russia game right now? All I can get is curling!?!?

[Jesse834]

Is anyone able to watch the Russia game right now? All I can get is curling!?!?

Game does not start until 9:55 MT Time on CTV not on TSN.

[Savvy27]

Thanks Jesse, I was checking the ctvolympics site and it would only load the schedule for the next 15 minutes.

[Jesse834]

I gotta feeling this game will be over ten minutes in. 15-1 Russia will be the final.

[HPLovecraft]

Game on.

[arsenal]

are they playing on NHL sized ice? It doesn't look olympic sized.. or are they all just really really big men?

[OILFAN #81]

are they playing on NHL sized ice? It doesn't look olympic sized.. or are they all just really really big men?

It's NHL size.

[OILFAN #81]

1-0 Russia. KHL dude scored.

[Jesse834]

Zarpokov. 1-0 Russia.

[arsenal]

is that just for prelims then? Then they will move to olympic sized after?

[HPLovecraft]

The Russians aren't wasting much time getting chemistry.

1-0 by the KHL line.

[OILFAN #81]

is that just for prelims then? Then they will move to olympic sized after?

They said earlier(during the USA-Russia women's game) that this will be the 1st Olympics where they use the NHL size ice all tournament.

[Dan02]

quality dive by Kovalchuk

[arsenal]

They said earlier(during the USA-Russia women's game) that this will be the 1st Olympics where they use the NHL size ice all tournament.
That's a pretty big failure I think.

[Ark2]

Is this Russia, or the Canucks?

[KootenayFlamesFan]

That was a pathetic dive by Kovalchuk. I was initially hoping he was going to get the penalty.............can't believe the ref fell for it.

[HPLovecraft]

That's a pretty big failure I think.

Why? The game is far better on smaller sized ice.

[henriksedin33]

That was a pathetic dive by Kovalchuk. I was initially hoping he was going to get the penalty.............can't believe the ref fell for it.

are you talking about the first one or the 2nd one?

Liking the Latvian fans behind the bench...

[Dan02]

That was a pathetic dive by Kovalchuk. I was initially hoping he was going to get the penalty.............can't believe the ref fell for it.

like do you seriously need to dive against the worst team in your division???

[silentsim]

another KHL line goal by radulov

[OILFAN #81]

2-0 Radulov

[Jesse834]

Alexander Radulov. 2-0 Russia.

[HPLovecraft]

What's with Radulov's ugly green gloves?

[arsenal]

Why? The game is far better on smaller sized ice.
It's an international competition, and should be played on international sized ice.
With the amount of talent out in these games, the game would be good regardless the size of the ice.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

are you talking about the first one or the 2nd one?

Liking the Latvian fans behind the bench...

The first one was bad, the second was Oscar-worthy. Definitely deserved a penalty.

[wooohooo]

The Russians are making this look like NHL players against a bantam team

[silentsim]

their D looks brutal but the good ol sayin is when you have the puck you dont need to play D

[goodyear]

I'm not use to seeing Fedorov not wearing 91. He is #29.

[Ark2]

Meh, not too worried about the Russians thus far. Their offense looks great but they are a mess in their own zone.

[CMPunk]

Wow...I'm surprised at the size of the crowd for a game this late

[silentsim]

my early thoughts on them are if Canada plays them and can establish down low board play we will be A OK.

[Diet Water]

Canada didn't exactly look all that good in the first 20 minutes either, I think we learn a lot more by the 2nd and 3rd period than we do the 1st.

[wooohooo]

Our defense better be hella solid against this Russian machine. I think it'll actually be a balanced game between Canada/Russia.

Russia offense >>> Canada
Canada defense >> Russia

[HPLovecraft]

It's an international competition, and should be played on international sized ice.
With the amount of talent out in these games, the game would be good regardless the size of the ice..

In terms of the Olympics, international still includes North America. Just because in Europe they play with larger ice doesn't mean that's the only way it should be played.

[wooohooo]

How come Ovechkin is playing on the RW? Isn't he a LW

[OILFAN #81]

Wow Ovechkin took more shots in his 1st 4 years then anyone has in their first 6.

[henriksedin33]

Wow...I'm surprised at the size of the crowd for a game this late

I'd say its worth it just to see the Ovi-Kovy-Dats line live

[Flabbibulin]

Ovechkin has Ed Hardy skates?

[CMPunk]

I'd say its worth it just to see the Ovi-Kovy-Dats line live


True...the city of Vancouver must just shut down for the Olympics lol....I could not be hitting a 9pm game on a tuesday night

[wooohooo]

Oh my god that was nice

[YourCalgaryFlames!!!!]

I can't wait till the Finals

[Jesse834]

Ovi. 3-0 Russia.

[OILFAN #81]

There is AO. 3-0

[CMPunk]

Could the Russians seriously not afford matching gloves for everyone?

[HPLovecraft]

Could the Russians seriously not afford matching gloves for everyone?

They had to spend all their money on new stands for their TVs so they didn't have to watch them on the floor.

[jschick88]

Our defense better be hella solid against this Russian machine. I think it'll actually be a balanced game between Canada/Russia.

Russia offense >>> Canada
Canada defense >> Russia

You will see just how valuable Mike Richards and Brendan Morrow will be if we face off against the Russians. I have watched a few games between Philly and Washington and everytime Ovechkin hit the ice, Richards was in his face.

[HPLovecraft]

Kypreos calling out Kovalchuk for diving.

[d_phaneuf]

I wouldn't call the russia offense>>>>Canada's

it is certainly more flashy

but Canada has just as much high end talent, and more depth

[CMPunk]

Good

[Jesse834]

Kypreos calling out Kovalchuk for diving.

Kypreos has been pretty good today on everything he has said.

[Smell My Finger]

In terms of the Olympics, international still includes North America. Just because in Europe they play with larger ice doesn't mean that's the only way it should be played.

thats a great point.

[HPLovecraft]

Afinogenov killing penalties = goals for Team Canada.

[kirant]

Anybody notice the Russians vanished after the 1st?

[HPLovecraft]

Russia doesn't impress IN THE LEAST. Where as the Canadians got better as time progressed, the Russians seem far worse.

[jkstuart12]

Anybody notice the Russians vanished after the 1st?

I have.

They have not looked sharp at all in the second period. Very sloppy with lots of mistakes. Fortunatly for them the Latvians are just not skilled enough to capitalize on all of their chances.

The Russians did look scary in the first though, so we know there is potential for a thunderstorm. However, if Canada plays the way they can and should though they can beat anyone in the tournament.

[Dan02]

wow this one official really sucks, lets hope this is the last game he does.

[Jesse834]

Malkin. 4-0 Russia.

[kirant]

Wow. One of the luckiest goals I've seen. Gift wrapped goal for Malkin.

[henriksedin33]

that penalty call was brutal, Latvia deserved better in that period. Nabokov actually had to make a few big saves.

[Jesse834]

4-1 Russia.

[IceMan]

haha yes a Latvian goal!

[Diet Water]

Not a great goal for Nabokov to give up, I am really disappointed with Russia thus far.

As I type this Ovechkin scores, but the point still stands.

[Jesse834]

Ovi with a shot. 5-1 Russia.

[murray1]

Ovechkin is a machine.

[IceMan]

Well that was short lived. Ovie with the response.

[HPLovecraft]

Kovalchuk totally bailed on his defensive duties and tried to blow the zone without making sure he had the puck.

[Jesse834]

KHL dude with his second of the night. 6-1 Russia.

[Diet Water]

Perhaps I spoke too soon, this is more of what I was expecting to see tonight.

[Matata]

what is the crowd chanting?

[IceMan]

Wow and just like that it's 7-1.

[murray1]

Canada is going to have to be careful if they end up playing the Russians.

[Jesse834]

Ilya Kovalchuk goes short side. 7-1 Russia.

[Ark2]

Canada is going to have to be careful if they end up playing the Russians.

I'm not too worried. The Latvian goaltending has been pretty brutal.

[Jesse834]

7-2 Russia.

[getbak]

That goal against just woke up the Russians.


The Latvian coach looks like David Spence.


Damn, everything is going in now.

LAT-VI-A! LAT-VI-A! LAT-VI-A!

[IceMan]

And that right there folks is why Russia are not the favorites. They've got amazing skill up front but their back end and goaltending are suspect at best.

[HPLovecraft]

Well, the game's sure opened up a bit.

[murray1]

I'm not too worried. The Latvian goaltending has been pretty brutal.

Well there is a chance 7uongo could be in net :D

[Tsawwassen]

I like the 2100h Pacific start time for a hockey game. So this is what it is like for games starting at this time in the Central and Eastern time zones.

Talk about lots of goals to start the 3rd period, five goals in 3:35.

[Flabbibulin]

what is the crowd chanting?

0yDrtNEr_5M

[henriksedin33]

I'm more worried about Sweden than Russia....equally good offense but better defense and goaltending.

[Matata]

It would be a shame if Canada and Russia didn't meet these olympics. Both teams are loaded right now, there aren't very many elite players in the world that would be missing from that game.

[HPLovecraft]

I cannot wait to see Kovalchuk and Afinogenov trying to kill Team Canada's power plays.

[IceMan]

I'm more worried about Sweden than Russia....equally good offense but better defense and goaltending.
Ya me too. The Swedes are a really well-rounded team and plus, they're the defending gold medalists.

[minnow]

Go Latvia Go!

[Jesse834]

Some KHL dude. 8-2 Russia.

[Smell My Finger]

Wow Russia gave up 2 to Latvia lol. Good for the underdog.

[minnow]

Yep, not so worried about them now. Good on Latvia. Too bad they got all those lame penalty calls. Is "hooking" the only allowed penalty?

[d_phaneuf]

based on today neither Russia or the US are looking very formidable at this point

US can barely score and probly allowed more chances than they created

and while Russia can score, they gave up a bunch of chances to Latvia

things can change as the tournament goes on, but looking good for the red and white after today's games

looking forward to seeing sweden tomoro

[Bring_Back_Oliwa]

Who's +8 and who's +6.....

[Fairweather]

So in terms of Latvia vs Norway, what are your thoughts about which would've been a tougher match for Canada?

[trackercowe]

To be fair to the US and Russia; Switzerland>Latvia.......>Norway.

Canada did play the easiest of the three teams

Do not forget that Switzerland beat Canada in 06, and Latvia tied the US. Switzerland also has NHL level goaltending, so they are no push over.

I could see Canada pulling out a 3-1 victory over the Swiss as well.