Quote:
Originally Posted by GirlySports
Canada never plays small teams well in these things. Didn't we barely beat the Germans in 2002, lost the the swiss in 2006, beat the swiss in a shootout in 2010 and now this. Canada only smooth sailing Olympic tournament really was 1998. Crushed everyone until the they ran into Hasek.
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I believe it's more than just "the way it is". I played lots of competitive volleyball in my younger years and there was no way in hell a weak team in any tournament had any chance to win against the strong team, ever. Stronger teams simply murder the weaker teams on the court. This is not what we're seeing in today's international hockey. If obviously weak teams can win, this means our coaches are not doing a good job.
NHL players and coaches always like to say "we just want/need to play our game". Babcock said this same phrase a day or two ago. I have a fundamental disagreement with this statement. In order to win, the team must play the most effective game against the other team. And if "your game" is not it, then you better adjust the game plan and tailor it specifically against the opponent's style of play. Which is exactly what Ted Nolan did and Babcock did not.