Olympic Hockey OOT: Feburary 21th Rivalry Sunday

[Jesse834]

http://www.nhl.com/images/logos/nonsites/rus_large.pngvshttp://www.nhl.com/images/logos/nonsites/cze_large.png 1:00 PM MT TSN
Two traditional rivals who play some of the most highly-skilled hockey in the world will take the ice for the first of three scintillating Sunday matchups. This one has all of the history, geopolitical trappings and personal connections to make for great theater.

Neither team's top players have erupted -- unless you count 38-year-old Czech winger Jaromir Jagr, who entered these Olympics as more of a sideshow than leading man. But both teams' stars have produced moments of brilliance. And, given the setting and the emotions, this one should not be missed.

The winner takes the Group B title and earns an automatic berth in the quarterfinals, which begin Wednesday. The Czechs could earn the fourth pass to the quarters if they lose -- particularly if they do it in overtime or in a shootout. But the Russians would be relegated to one of four dangerous "qualifying" games on Tuesday that will determine the four lower seeded teams for the eight-team quarters.

Will Jagr continue to turn back the clock? Will Alexander Ovechkin explode? Will Tomas Vokoun continue to be solid in the Czech net? Will Evgeni Nabokov come through or make critics wonder why Ilya Bryzgalov wasn’t tabbed to start this game?http://www.nhl.com/ice/preview.htm?id=2009090016

http://www.nhl.com/images/logos/nonsites/swe_large.pngvs http://www.nhl.com/images/logos/nonsites/fin_large.png10:00 PM MT CTV
First place in Pool C and an automatic bye into the quarterfinals is on the line in the nightcap of what could be one of the greatest hockey days of all time. This one just happens to be a rematch of the 2006 gold medal game, too.

"For us this rivalry is bigger than Canada and U.S., and of course for the North Americans their rivalry is bigger," Henrik Zetterberg said. "So we are looking forward to this game and we know we've got our country behind us."

The goalies -- Sweden's Henrik Lundqvist and Finland's Miikka Kiprusoff -- are elite, so no advantage swing there. Sweden may have more recognizable names up front in Peter Forsberg, Zetterberg, Nicklas Backstrom, Johan Franzen, etc. However, the Finns boast some high-end talent, too, including two of the great Olympic players of all time in Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu.

Nicklas Lidstrom and Niklas Kronwall lead the Swede D, but it's not as if the Finland blue line can't keep up. Kimmo Timonen, Sami Salo and Joni Pitkanen can definitely hold their own.

This one should be fun.http://www.nhl.com/ice/preview.htm?id=2009090018

[Henry Fool]

Finland's lines as far as we know:

T.Ruutu-M.Koivu-Filppula
Lehtinen-Koivu-Selänne
Jokinen-Immonen-Hagman
Peltonen-Kapanen-J.Ruutu

Interesting that some Flames fans said that Jokinen should play wing, and now he's there as Antti Mittens, the receiver of great hits, and one of my favourites in the NHL, is demoted to 13th forward.

Olli has been getting some fairly positive reviews so far. He hasn't impressed on the national team before, but seems to fit in this year. He said that there had been some talk of him being a selfish player before, but he learned a lot about defense and team play in Calgary.

Hagman would get a lot of points if he played with Mikko Koivu, but the coach likes Filppula there better for now.

[HPLovecraft]

Super excited for today!

[Jesse834]

Let's Go Czech Republic!

[HPLovecraft]

That Tide Olympics commercial is great.

[HPLovecraft]

Time for Jagr to show Ovechkin what the master is like.

[Texas Blueliner]

Lots of energy to start this one. Should be a great game.

[HPLovecraft]

Kovalchuk flopping around on the ice again.

[jd456]

Wow... what a terrible call. Jagr couldn't do a thing about that.

[Diet Water]

Malkin

1-0 Russia

[jd456]

1-0 Russia. Goal by Malkin on the powerplay.

[Jesse834]

Evgeni Malkin. 1-0 Russia.

[OILFAN #81]

Going for Russia in this one. A Russian win followed by a Canadian win means at worst we get the #2 seed.

[HPLovecraft]

Fleischmann! So close! They need to score on those types of chances, yeesh.

[HPLovecraft]

Going for Russia in this one. A Russian win followed by a Canadian win means at worst we get the #2 seed.

You could never get me to cheer for the Russians, no matter what the situation. I don't think any seed in the top 4 matters in the long run besides the #1, anyway, as far as advantages go.

[Diet Water]

Well that was impressive.

[Jesse834]

Tomáš Plekanec with a beauty of a goal. 1-1.

[CheckRaise]

1-1 Plekanec

[jd456]

1-1 Plekanec

[HPLovecraft]

What a sweet goal! 1-1!

[KTown]

Good game so far, I don't think the shots dictate the game play, it's been pretty even in my mind.

[GirlySports]

Czech could win this game on PPs. Kaberle and Zidlicky are so much better pointmen on the PP than Gonchar and whoever.

[Jesse834]

Viktor Kozlov. 2-1 Russia.

[Diet Water]

2-1 for the good guys.

[BourqueBourqueBourque]

2-1 for the good guys.
Cheering for two teams is pretty cool, eh.

[Diet Water]

Cheering for two teams is pretty cool, eh.

Yup.

Go Russia / Finland!

[Jesse834]

Alexander Radulov is starting to really piss me off something fierce.

[jeremywilhelm]

I like Radulov.

[KTown]

Talk about crap the game should be 2-2, stupid quick whistle.

[Jesse834]

I like Radulov.

He needs stop bitching about everything and play! That hit on David Krejčí looked brutal.

[KTown]

Radulov is terrible, he should have scored on that 2-1 after kuba decided to just lay down and die. Then he goes and takes a boarding penalty and could have seriously injured his linemate.

[Phaneufenstein]

Talk about crap the game should be 2-2, stupid quick whistle.

that was the right call the ref lost sight of the puck
a

[Phaneufenstein]

He needs stop bitching about everything and play! That hit on David Krejčí looked brutal.

yea that was a moronic play.... just when Russia has the momentum too

[KTown]

that was the right call the ref lost sight of the puck
a

I've seen alot longer go not called. It my opinion it was a terrible call, way to quick of a whistle. Good thing it's a non elimination game, this is why reffing is so critical in one game elimination games. In an important game this could have cost them there tournament.

If the tides were turned you'd be pissed

[Jesse834]

Also what is with Alexander Radulov fugly looking green gloves?

[Phaneufenstein]

Yup.

Go Russia / Finland!

Go Russia Go Canada
I wanna see them both in the final!

[Phaneufenstein]

Also what is with Alexander Radulov fugly looking green gloves?

I think he uses the same gloves from his KHL team Salavat Yulaev Ufa.
Same with Zinoviev

[Jesse834]

There is no way in hell I will ever cheer for Russia unless they are playing the Americans.

[Phaneufenstein]

I've seen alot longer go not called. It my opinion it was a terrible call, way to quick of a whistle. Good thing it's a non elimination game, this is why reffing is so critical in one game elimination games. In an important game this could have cost them there tournament.

If the tides were turned you'd be pissed

Probably...:D

But it's not like the puck was loose, just out and about.
It was covered and the ref didn't see it. I think it was Cajanek's stick that came out of nowhere that ended up knocking it in the net though.

[Diet Water]

Haha, Ovechkin is awesome.

3-1 Russia after Ovechkin steamrolls Jagr.

[CokeMachineGlow]

that was an epic russian goal

[Jesse834]

Alexander Ovechkin leveled Jaromír Jágr.

Evgeni Malkin. 3-1 Russia.

[GirlySports]

woah! What's Jagr think this is? Pond hockey?

[HelloHockeyFans]

And that's an element that AO has that Crosby just doesn't. He brings that physical aspect to his game that Crosby simply doesn't like to engage in.

And as a result of that hit, the Russians score.

[Henry Fool]

Ovechkin just "swung the entire momentum of this tournament" with his hit. Jesus, Pierre McGuire is painful.

[moon]

What a terrible job by just about every Czech player on that play.

[Igottago]

That was one of the coolest plays I've seen in a while. What a hit. Just made it awesome that it was Ovechkin and Jagr involved.

[CokeMachineGlow]

Anyone else giggle little a 15 year old when the play by play guy said "semin really let fly"

[GirlySports]

That's why you should start fights after a big hit, prevents a goal :D

[Diet Water]

Ovechkin - Malkin - Semin line is looking very dangerous right now.

[Henry Fool]

woah! What's Jagr think this is? Pond hockey?

That's been one of Jagr's weaknesses in international games before. He plays like expects not to get hit.

The Czechs haven't looked too good. They had plenty of chances on PP but couldn't make two clean passes. Elias especially has made poor decisions with the puck.

[HPLovecraft]

And that's an element that AO has that Crosby just doesn't. He brings that physical aspect to his game that Crosby simply doesn't like to engage in.

And as a result of that hit, the Russians score.

Crosby engages in physical play all the time. Most talented grinder in the league. He just doesn't throw the big hit like Ovechkin does.

Jagr forgot what real hockey is like. He got destroyed trying to dangle at centre ice.

[Infamous1]

Malkin is happy to be on that line and they look dominant.

[HelloHockeyFans]

Crosby engages in physical play all the time. Most talented grinder in the league. He just doesn't throw the big hit like Ovechkin does.

Jagr forgot what real hockey is like. He got destroyed trying to dangle at centre ice.

Yup agreed. Crosby doesn't go out and throw huge hits like AO, Phaneuf, etc. I'm a fan of both guys but I really love that element that Ovechkin brings.

[Resolute 14]

As fantastic as that hit was, if the commentators want to continue fellating Ovechkin that badly, I rather wish they would do off camera. It was a great hit, we get it, you don't need to repeat it 500 times.

[valo403]

Yup agreed. Crosby doesn't go out and throw huge hits like AO, Phaneuf, etc. I'm a fan of both guys but I really love that element that Ovechkin brings.

I'd be a bigger fan of the element of Ovechkin's game if he didn't leave his feet so often to do it.

[BourqueBourqueBourque]

Yup.

Go Russia / Finland!
Bandwagoning the Capitals is the best, eh

[Diet Water]

Bandwagoning the Capitals is the best, eh

What do the Capitals have to do with the Olympics?

[Jesse834]

Milan Michálek. 3-2 Russia.

[Diet Water]

This should make for an interesting last 5 minutes.

[HPLovecraft]

This is set up to be a great finish.

[HPLovecraft]

Kuba was playing like he was trying to sabotage the game, geez.

[Diet Water]

Datsyuk ices the game.

4-2 Russia

[Jesse834]

Pavel Datsyuk that will do Russia wins Pool B. 4-2.

[Hemi-Cuda]

a small detail, but i really like how TSN is using the NHL standard of time keeping with the clock counting down, unlike CBC who uses the IIHF method of counting up for international hockey. it always messed me up at first watching games in past Olympics

[HPLovecraft]

Crap.

[GirlySports]

Current Standings

1. Russia 7 pts +7 (finished)
2. Finland 6 pts +9
3. USA 6 pts +7
4. Czech Rep. 6 pts +3 (finished)
------------------------------
5. Sweden 6 pts +4
6. Canada 5 pts +9
7. Slovakia 5 pts +5 (finished)
8. Switzerland 3 pts -2 (finished)
9. Belarus 3 pts -4 (finished)
10. Norway 1 pt -14 (finished)
11. Germany 0 pt - 9 (finished)
12. Latvia 0 pt -15 (finished)

So we know one matchup for Tuesday #8 Switzerland vs #9 Belarus
Another matchup is probably #7 Slovakia against #10 Norway unless
Canada loses by 5 goals or more :bag:

[Henry Fool]

Not exactly a classic.

[KTown]

Well that's that, the Czechs played great!!!! We don't have the talent of Russia and Canada, we have some good players but no dynamic players. The czechs played toe to toe with the Russians and dominated the later havlf of the 3rd period and generated many chances.

The quarter will be interesting later on. It looks like the Czechs will be 5th or 6th after the round robin.

[GirlySports]

a small detail, but i really like how TSN is using the NHL standard of time keeping with the clock counting down, unlike CBC who uses the IIHF method of counting up for international hockey. it always messed me up at first watching games in past Olympics

I think it's just whatever the clock is in the arena.

[valo403]

So if Canada wins by 2 or more and the Sweden-Finalnd game heads into OT Canada will clinch the number 1 seed.

[HPLovecraft]

Current Standings

1. Russia 7 pts +7 (finished)
2. Finland 6 pts +9
3. USA 6 pts +7
4. Czech Rep. 6 pts +3 (finished)
5. Sweden 6 pts +4
---------------------------
6. Canada 5 pts +9
7. Slovakia 5 pts +5 (finished)
8. Switzerland 3 pts -2 (finished)
9. Belarus 3 pts -4 (finished)
10. Norway 1 pt -14 (finished)
11. Germany 0 pt - 9 (finished)
12. Latvia 0 pt -15 (finished)

So we know one matchup for Tuesday #8 Switzerland vs #9 Belarus
Another matchup is probably #7 Slovakia against #10 Norway unless
Canada loses by 5 goals or more :bag:

You should put the separation between 4 and 5 since only 4 teams get byes into the quarterfinals, and the rest have to play the qualification round.

[GirlySports]

Yup that sounds about right.

[jkstuart12]

In the long run that win by Russia is probably a better result for Canada because now we are almost guaranteed not to see them until AT LEAST the semis. If they had lost that game there would have been a great possibility for a Canada/Russia quarterfinal especially if we win our game tonight against the US.

[GirlySports]

You should put the separation between 4 and 5 since only 4 teams get byes into the quarterfinals, and the rest have to play the qualification round.

Yes that's my mistake :)

[Phaneufenstein]

Well that's that, the Czechs played great!!!! We don't have the talent of Russia and Canada, we have some good players but no dynamic players. The czechs played toe to toe with the Russians and dominated the later havlf of the 3rd period and generated many chances.

The quarter will be interesting later on. It looks like the Czechs will be 5th or 6th after the round robin.

Yea that was a good game
I was worried after the second Czech goal

[Bertuzzied]

Kipper will lay down the Finnish Law on the Sedin girls tonite.

GOooo Fins!

[GirlySports]

In the long run that win by Russia is probably a better result for Canada because now we are almost guaranteed not to see them until AT LEAST the semis. If they had lost that game there would have been a great possibility for a Canada/Russia quarterfinal especially if we win our game tonight against the US.

Now it's the other way around.. a Canadian loss could set up a Russia-Canada QF

[HPLovecraft]

Does anyone think there is any advantage at all for a team like Canada to finish out of the top 4 and have to play a weaker team (say, Norway or Germany or the like) in the qualification round? The reason I mention this is because something like that could give a strong team an extra game to gel, get chemistry, and learn the system ina game situation.

The only cons I can think of are playing back-to-backs going into the quarter-finals and, of course, possibly losing that qualification game somehow.

[GirlySports]

Does anyone think there is any advantage at all for a team like Canada to finish out of the top 4 and have to play a weaker team (say, Norway or Germany or the like) in the qualification round? The reason I mention this is because something like that could give a strong team an extra game to gel, get chemistry, and learn the system ina game situation.

The only cons I can think of are playing back-to-backs going into the quarter-finals and, of course, possibly losing that qualification game somehow.

I don't think there's an advantage in trying to win 4 games in 6 days at this level. Do you really want to finish 6th and play the Germans? Germans have been hitting everything that moves.

Plus Canada would not be the home team from the QF forward since being ranked 6th will always be lower.

[SkunkyJosh]

Go Finland,
Go USA!

[Kaine]

Go Finland,
Go USA!

Here here!

Been some really great hockey played so far this tournament and were not even into the "do or die" games yet, got a few days off work this week and can't wait to spend it watching some of the best hockey I've seen played in a long time ;)

[GirlySports]

Sweden against Finland in a couple hours.

Current Standings

1. USA 9 pts +9 (finished)
2. Russia 7 pts +7 (finished)
3. Finland 6 pts +9
4. Sweden 6 pts +4
------------------------------
5. Czech Rep. 6 pts +3 (finished)
6. Canada 5 pts +7 (finished)
7. Slovakia 5 pts +5 (finished)
8. Switzerland 3 pts -2 (finished)
9. Belarus 3 pts -4 (finished)
10. Norway 1 pt -14 (finished)
11. Germany 0 pt - 9 (finished)
12. Latvia 0 pt -15 (finished)

Finland regulation win clinches #1
Sweden regulation win clinches #2
Sweden regulation loss takes them out of the top 4.

Tuesday matchups
#8 Switzerland vs #9 Belarus
#7 Slovakia vs #10 Norway
#6 Canada vs #11 Germany

[Yamer]

So what is the tie-break between Czech and Sweden if Sweden loses by 1 in regulation?

[GirlySports]

So what is the tie-break between Czech and Sweden if Sweden loses by 1 in regulation?

I think goals for which gives Czech the edge.

I still think Sweden will tank, lose by about 4.

[Yamer]

I think goals for which gives Czech the edge.

I still think Sweden will tank, lose by about 4.

Haha, I hope so. Fins are my second team, for genetic reasoning.

[GirlySports]

Who's Swedish's 3rd goalie, they should play him.

[Jesse834]

Who's Swedish's 3rd goalie, they should play him.

Stefan Liv.

[Yamer]

Stefan Liv. (3 mins late, nice)

Then have the ultimate ratings booster with Lundqvist and Gustavsson calling the game.

Magic.

[Jesse834]

Let's go Finland! That could make my day a little bit better.

[Flabbibulin]

C'mon Suomi! jotta helvetti avulla Ruotsi!

[HPLovecraft]

Is Kipper in net?

[DaQwiz]

wow, swedish analysts diss kipper saying that backstrom is way better...

ugh...

[Flabbibulin]

Is Kipper in net?

jaa

[jayswin]

Just a heads up, the OP has this game on CTV. It's actually on sportsnet.

[shermanator]

Sweden against Finland in a couple hours.

Current Standings

1. USA 9 pts +9 (finished)
2. Russia 7 pts +7 (finished)
3. Finland 6 pts +9
4. Sweden 6 pts +4
------------------------------
5. Czech Rep. 6 pts +3 (finished)
6. Canada 5 pts +7 (finished)
7. Slovakia 5 pts +5 (finished)
8. Switzerland 3 pts -2 (finished)
9. Belarus 3 pts -4 (finished)
10. Norway 1 pt -14 (finished)
11. Germany 0 pt - 9 (finished)
12. Latvia 0 pt -15 (finished)

Finland regulation win clinches #1
Sweden regulation win clinches #2
Sweden regulation loss takes them out of the top 4.

Tuesday matchups
#8 Switzerland vs #9 Belarus
#7 Slovakia vs #10 Norway
#6 Canada vs #11 Germany


Based on this, a Sweden OT win will put the top seeds as such:

1. USA 9 pts +9
2. Sweden 8 pts +5
3. Finland 7 pts +8
4. Russia 7 pts +7

Which, if the prelims go as expected, sets up a Canada / Finland quarterfinal

[MRCboicgy]

Nice, penalty on one of the sisters 31 seconds in

[flip]

nm

[HPLovecraft]

I like how distinctive Kiprusoff's mannerisms are in net.

[Jesse834]

Loui Eriksson. 1-0 Sweden.

[jayswin]

Kipper kept Finland in it with some nice saves, but he can't do it all.

[HPLovecraft]

Puck hit the netting and should have been blown down.

[jeremywilhelm]

Anyone know which channel this is on bell? I can't find it

[getbak]

Based on this, a Sweden OT win will put the top seeds as such:

1. USA 9 pts +9
2. Sweden 8 pts +5
3. Finland 7 pts +8
4. Russia 7 pts +7

Which, if the prelims go as expected, sets up a Canada / Finland quarterfinal
http://www.iihf.com/channels10/olympics-2010/home/men/format.html

Group ranking is the first priority. The Russians won their pool, so they'll get ranked 3rd. Canada will play Russia if they beat Germany.



Dammit.

I want Finland to win so that Kipper gets a little extra rest...Actually, looking at the standings, Finland would have to lose by 7 goals in order to be ranked 5th, so Sweden has more incentive to win this.

[jeremywilhelm]

D'oh never mind. Found it

[getbak]

Nothing says "I'm proud to be Swedish" like painting the Statue of Liberty on your mask.

[HelloHockeyFans]

Kiprusoff is awesome. So calm.

[Jesse834]

nm

[jeremywilhelm]

Hagman just got laid out by Kronwall. He looks ok.

[jeremywilhelm]

Sweden probelm is they don't have any good players like Backlund in their team.....

[getbak]

Stupid IIHF forced Kipper to cover the Flames logos on his mask. Blasphemers!


He's looking really good tonight. Too bad Canada doesn't have a goalie of that calibre.

[jeremywilhelm]

Can we haz a kipper?

[Henry Fool]

Looks like the penalties took Finland out of their rhythm. Nice dive from Franzen to get the 5-3. Methinks Mule could benefit from another punch in the face - just to see how quickly he'll drop this time.

Sweden is slowing down the game. Need way more intensity from Finland to break their trap.

[Kipru]

"..meanwhile in Sweden - search the video" - sign was best part of period no. 1 . + Kippers few excellent saves

[getbak]

"..meanwhile in Sweden - search the video" - sign was best part of period no. 1
What does that mean?

[Kipru]

pw3e64sosEg

[HPLovecraft]

I guess this'll be a long night for Kipper.

[Inferno]

Finland looks like crap tonight. If it wasn't for Kipper the score would be pretty ugly.

[Bertuzzied]

Hagman has drawn 3 penalties now. Lets goooo.

[jayswin]

Wow, what a brutal dive by Sedin there.

[getbak]

Kipper stands on his head, lets in a couple of tough goals, then watches the team in front of him crap the bed on multiple power plays.

At least he should be used to it by now.

[HPLovecraft]

A Sedin sister goes down easy like the whore she is.

[Jesse834]

Loui Eriksson. 3-0 Sweden.

[HPLovecraft]

Blah. This has been a crappy day for me in Olympic hockey.

[GirlySports]

why does kipper have to cover the Flames?
I saw Bryzgalov the other day and could see the Coyote clearly.

[getbak]

Stupid Pikachu.

[Jesse834]

Joni Pitkänen is such a dumb player 95% of the time.

How these guy has an NHL job is beyond me?

[d_phaneuf]

I thought Finland had a free pass to the finals?

outside of Kipper they look terrible

[henriksedin33]

I thought Finland had a free pass to the finals?

outside of Kipper they look terrible

where is Bertuzzied?

I guess Finland's free pass doesn't include going through Sweden...

[Brick]

Daniel Sedin is an embarrassment to hockey, taking a dive like that in an Olympic game.

I had to turn the tv off, no sense watching that, that's not real hockey.

[Bertuzzied]

where is Bertuzzied?

I guess Finland's free pass doesn't include going through Sweden...
Just taking it easy since they got a free pass into the quarters.

Glad to see Sedin bring the diving spirit into the olympics since Poor Burrows couldn't give a show.

[Henry Fool]

Rare to see a team come into a game so poorly prepared.

Everyone is crap. Every puck is fumbled, every pass bounces at the wrong moment, every pathetic shot is blocked. Well done boys, you're ugly and stupid and on your way to embarrassing your country in front of a global audience.

Maybe next game you'll show up before the game is already 0-2?

[Henry Fool]

If you ask me, Pitkänen had the right idea.

I mean, he is a grade A dumbass but the only thing he got wrong was the target of his head shot.

Vigilante stuff, Pat Quinn style, jumalauta!

[Flames699]

I feel sorry about Kipper, his teammate is so suck.

[getbak]

If it wasn't for Kipper, the Finns would be in danger of getting bounced out of the #4 seed.


So, why doesn't sister Hank wear #33 for Sweden?

[vilzeh]

Lasse Kukkonen screwed it twice, Kiprusoff playing for the flames at the moment, no change there..

[getbak]

I didn't know that Ray Ferraro is married to Cammi Granato. Now, I hate him even more.

[Jesse834]

Good gawd no love for Iggy.

[Kesler17]

Yeaaaaaaaaa Sedins and Sweedes loving it

[getbak]

Good gawd no love for Iggy.
Every point Crosby's line has had in the Olympics so far were with Iginla on the ice. How is there still a debate who should be playing there?

[Kesler17]

Someone tell Gord Miller Oduya got traded to Atlanta

[d_phaneuf]

If it wasn't for Kipper, the Finns would be in danger of getting bounced out of the #4 seed.


So, why doesn't sister Hank wear #33 for Sweden?

Modin has seniority

[GirlySports]

So here's the Olympic bracket

----------------------------------- #1 USA
#8 Switzerland
#9 Belarus


----------------------------------- #4 Finland
#5 Czech Rep.
#12 Latvia


----------------------------------- #3 Russia
#6 Canada
#11 Germany

----------------------------------- #2 Sweden
#7 Slovakia
#10 Norway

[getbak]

30 years after the Miracle on Ice, Team USA wins the Olympic Round Robin. I don't think anyone expected that (even the team's GM).

[Kipru]

Perkele!

[HPLovecraft]

Playing Russia in the quarters is just so terrible it's not even funny.

[GirlySports]

Even worse is that after the Germany game, Canada no longer has home ice.

[Bring_Back_Oliwa]

What would be the Bracket if Canada won today?

[Jesse834]

I don't think Canada will win a medal. :mad:

[GirlySports]

What would be the Bracket if Canada won today?

#1 Sweden
#2 Canada
#3 Russia


#4 Finland
#5 USA
#6 Czech

I think. Not too sure about #4 to #6 depends on goal difference

[getbak]

What would be the Bracket if Canada won today?

Sweden
Canada
Russia
Finland
USA
Czech

Bottom 6 unchanged.

[Henry Fool]

Instant classic! Boy, they're going to be replaying this one for a long time!

Finland wasn't ready to play and it's tough to jump start the engine after such a flat beginning. Sweden scored a couple and sat back.

The old dogs Koivu-Selänne-Lehtinen look like they're ready to be taken behind the barn and shot.

The "creative" line changes completely killed the Jokinen-Hagman line. Immonen swooped in to work his KHL magic and managed to suck even more than everyone else.

I'm holding a public flag-burning this afternoon. PM me if you're interested.

[GirlySports]

I still think Sweden should have tanked.

[Henry Fool]

I still think Sweden should have tanked.

They tried but were helpless before Finland's ineptitude.

[Treach]

God DAMN that lower bracket is stacked. This is gonna be tough :(

[Hemi-Cuda]

so if Canada loses to Russia, where do they finish? 6th?

at least it would be an improvement on Torino :bag:

[OILFAN #81]

I think the Czech's will take out Finland in the QF's. Finland doesn't really impress me. Kiprusoff is good but other then that they don't have a lot of depth.

[Textcritic]

so if Canada loses to Russia, where do they finish? 6th?

at least it would be an improvement on Torino :bag:

...Own the podium...

[Henry Fool]

I think the Czech's will take out Finland in the QF's. Finland doesn't really impress me. Kiprusoff is good but other then that they don't have a lot of depth.

You're right about the depth of course, but I doubt you'll get two bad games in a row from Finland. The Swedes are speculating whether or not Finland lost on purpose, which tells a lot about the level of play.

Funny that after all the expert talk of Finnish chemistry and team play, the Finnish coach is talking about the lack of effort and how some lines don't execute the system.

The game reminded me a bit of a couple of Calgary-Colorado matches this season. Couldn't get through the neutral zone with momentum, couldn't get pucks through to challenge the goalie, the PP choked.

That's tournament hockey. You have to be ready for the one single performance much like any other athlete in any other event. It just seems very difficult for hockey players sometimes.

[GirlySports]

so if Canada loses to Russia, where do they finish? 6th?

at least it would be an improvement on Torino :bag:

It would depend on the ranking of the other Quarterfinal losers.

[Vinny01]

If Finland would have won they would have to play Russia or Canada (most likely) in the semi final. Now they get USA or Slovakia?

Smart move on the no show last night Finland! I really hope they make it to the final after Kipper stones the USA.

[GirlySports]

If Finland would have won they would have to play Russia or Canada (most likely) in the semi final. Now they get USA or Slovakia?

Smart move on the no show last night Finland! I really hope they make it to the final after Kipper stones the USA.

No it's the other way around. If Finland won, they would have been #1.
It's Sweden that needed to tank to avoid #2.

[Henry Fool]

No it's the other way around. If Finland won, they would have been #1.
It's Sweden that needed to tank to avoid #2.

Are you sure? I'm hearing that by losing Finland avoided Russia/Canada in the semis.

I really don't think they tanked, but I get why some people ask those questions. The problems were all pretty systemic and effort-related: forwards too far gone when it was time to go on offense, not enough energy on the neutral zone back check, too little willingness to put the puck deep and make the effort to work for possession. In other words, they didn't want to play Finnish hockey, and that applies to most of the forwards. Some useless flailing around during puck battles but not enough work ethic where it really matters.

No fire, Tuomo Ruutu was the only one hitting - yeah, I'd be surprised and embarrassed if they did it on purpose, but clearly the rivarly alone wasn't enough for them in an otherwise meaningless game. Sweden didn't have to do much either. I wish it had been the first game of the evening.

[getbak]

Are you sure? I'm hearing that by losing Finland avoided Russia/Canada in the semis.
Going into the game, Finland's goal differential was +9. The USA ended with a goal differential of +9. If Finland had won the game, they obviously would have increased their goal differential, so they would have been ranked higher than the USA. With a win, Finland would have had the path to the finals that the USA has now, which means no Russia or Canada until the finals.

The only way that Finland could have finished second would have been an OT win.

The one thing that losing to Sweden did for Finland was ensure they won't face Sweden until the final game, and forced Sweden to go against either Russia or Canada in the semis.

[GirlySports]

So Finland tanked to screw Sweden. That's pretty cool :)

[Henry Fool]

Ah, okay. That's pretty devious from Finland to force Canada on them like that. Ha!

When you get there, and you will, prepare yourselves for some magnificent diving from the Swedes. Feel free to punch Franzen in the face - I guarantee it's worth the 2 minutes.

[Sune76]

So Finland tanked to screw Sweden. That's pretty cool :)

eh finland sucked and got dominated. I know everyone here hate Sweden but they're better then you think.