Olympic Hockey OOT: Feburary 20th

[Jesse834]

vs 1:00 PM MT SNET

This will be an interesting game to watch, if for no other reason than the fact that it will most likely be a more European style than any of the other games in the tournament. There are virtually no NHL players in this game. The Norwegians don't have a single one on their roster, although they do have minor-league defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and former NHLer Patrick Thoresen, who is now a star in the KHL. For the Swiss, No. 1 defenseman Mark Streit and goalie Jonas Hiller are the only two NHL players. Regardless, both of these teams can skate and there is much at stake. The winner of this game will finish third in Group A and have a slightly easier road to the quarterfinal portion of the tournament. The loser will play most likely play the second-place finisher from Group B or Group C.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/preview.htm?id=2009090013

vs 5:30 PM MT SNET

The Czech Republic's victory over Latvia Friday precluded the possibility of Slovakia winning Group B. But the Slovaks remarkably can finish second in this toughest of the three round-robin pools by defeating Latvia and the Czechs topping the Russians Sunday afternoon.

That is a remarkable thing given that the Slovaks came into this tournament with their top two forwards banged up and then were given a rugged schedule -- three games in four nights with the first two back-to-back against the Czech Republic and Russia.

The Latvians have had their moments so far. And each of those moments has been boisterously cheered by the Latvian fans here and the countless others who are captivated by their enthusiasm.

But Latvia never had a chance among the heavyweights in Group B. And it now will look to ruin somebody's medal hopes by upsetting a power in the qualification games Tuesday for Wednesday’s quarterfinals.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/preview.htm?id=2009090014

vs 9:55 PM MT TSN

Virtually everyone expected these two teams to battle to avoid fourth place in Group C and here they are. But neither has disgraced itself in this tournament. While the tournament opening result against the Finns was nothing to write home about, The Belarusians did throw a scare into the Swedes on Friday afternoon before losing, 4-2. The Germans also put the Swedes on a hot seat earlier this week, hanging with the defending gold medalist throughout 60 minutes in a 2-0 loss that certainly qualifies as a moral victory. After those performances, both sides feel -- and rightfully so -- that it would be an injustice to go home without any points from preliminary-pool play. Plus, each knows a third-place finish will likely provide for a more favorable matchup in Tuesday's win-or-go-home qualification round.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/preview.htm?id=2009090015

[GirlySports]

Lots of funny names in all 3 games.

[Jesse834]

Jonas Holøs closes his hand on the puck in the crease and Hnat Domenichelli gets rewarded with a penalty shot. Penalty shot is no good.

[Jesse834]

Julien Sprunger. 1-0 Switzerland.

[dissentowner]

Go Slovakia!!

[Flash Walken]

The Swiss/Norway game is actually pretty entertaining hockey.

[Jesse834]

Tore Vikingstad. 1-1.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Jesse834

Tore Vikingstad. 1-1.

Go Tor!

[Jesse834]

Good opening twenty that was entertaining.

[Jesse834]

Mads Hansen. 2-1 Norway.

[GirlySports]

Wow, go NORGE!

[Bertuzzied]

hahaha. Norway has as many goes on Hiller as Team Canada.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Jesse834

Mads Hansen. 2-1 Norway.

John Garrett made a good point about the Swiss defenceman screwing up on that goal, but he's been harping on it for five minutes straight now.

[Jesse834]

Roman Wick. 2-2.

[Jesse834]

This has been a really good game so far.

[GirlySports]

Some kinda goal!

[Jesse834]

Raffaele Sannitz with a beauty. 3-2 Switzerland.

[Jesse834]

Tore Vikingstad with his second of the afternoon. 3-3.

[GirlySports]

Never thought I'd say this but this has been the game of the tournament so far!

[Jesse834]

Jonas Hiller has not looked very good this afternoon.