[GDT] February 12

[Kelekin]

Originally Posted by 19Yzerman19

Not surprising. We don't really have much going for us in SNB pipe in men's or women's. There are a couple of outside shots in ski pipe, but their best chance is for the pipe to continue being terrible enough that it prevents the top guys from going all out and levels the playing field a bit.

I don't think "being top 5 talent" is that much of an outside shot. Riddle and Dorey both have a shot, and how is Groenewoud an outside shot?

[Nehkara]

I know this will reveal my ignorance about the sports but it is somewhat surprising to me that we can be so good at ski cross, snowboard cross, snowboard slopestyle, ski slopestyle, moguls, and aerials... and not be any good at halfpipe.

[Mango]

Originally Posted by craigwd

That's pretty insulting, especially with Volosozar/Trankov, Pang/Tong and Savchenko/Szolkowy skating.

Volosozar and Trankov are stunning to watch. It's like they skate on air and every element is flawless.

[Nehkara]

Originally Posted by Kelekin

I don't think "being top 5 talent" is that much of an outside shot. Riddle and Dorey both have a shot, and how is Groenewoud an outside shot?

Yeah, getting to the podium in each of the last 5 Winter X-Games... I don't think Groenewoud should be considered an "outside shot" at all.

[J epworth]

Originally Posted by Nehkara

I know this will reveal my ignorance about the sports but it is somewhat surprising to me that we can be so good at ski cross, snowboard cross, snowboard slopestyle, ski slopestyle, moguls, and aerials... and not be any good at halfpipe.

Really just a guess by me, but perhaps the lack of Halfpipe parks in Canada? We used to have more but the insurance issue for the ski resorts were too high to keep big park features, so the halfpipe disappeared from many resorts about 10 years ago.

[doctajones428]

Dennnnny

[19Yzerman19]

Originally Posted by Nehkara

I know this will reveal my ignorance about the sports but it is somewhat surprising to me that we can be so good at ski cross, snowboard cross, snowboard slopestyle, ski slopestyle, moguls, and aerials... and not be any good at halfpipe.

It's cyclical. If this was in the games in 2010, Dorey would be one of the favourites for gold and Burke would be a major favourite for gold in the women's. Since then others have surpassed the people who were good back then, particularly on the men's side. The sport is evolving so quickly (not as quickly as 2000-2010, but still quickly) that different people are favourites each year. To give you an idea, Nick Goepper just became the first person to win gold in back to back years in ski slope in over a decade.

I don't think "being top 5 talent" is that much of an outside shot. Riddle and Dorey both have a shot, and how is Groenewoud an outside shot?

Let's be serious: barring major screw ups, Torin Yater Wallace and David Wise have two of the three podium spots; they're just too damned good. The third is a matter of debate; I'd say the odds on favourite for that one is Kevin Rolland, taking into account the ####tiness of the pipe and how locked down his doubles are. But the ####tiness of the pipe could put the whole thing in a blender.

As for the Canadians, Dorey has a shot if he puts his run down. The problem is he rarely seems to actually do that in major events lately. He's definitely the best shot at the podium, but I wouldn't put money on it. Riddle didn't even (technically) make the final at X this year, and he didn't fall, he had one of the best runs of his life, there were just too many guys who were as good or better. He's a member of a large crowd of guys who are good enough for finals but not a good bet to win. And I'm pulling for Marg, but even making the finals with a recently torn ACL would be an accomplishment for him.

You're right, Roz has a good chance at a podium spot. You never really know what a Women's pipe comp is going to look like; Maddie Bowman is coming off her second gold and can't even do an uphill 3 consistently. Just a matter of who puts the least sketchy run down, most likely.

EDIT: In related news, how about a separate thread for ski slope and pipe to explain stuff to people who haven't seen it very much before? Seemed like a number of people were pretty baffled on the SNB side. Probably a good time for it considering men's ski slope qualis are at 11:15 MST tonight.

[Kelekin]

Originally Posted by 19Yzerman19

EDIT: In related news, how about a separate thread for ski slope and pipe to explain stuff to people who haven't seen it very much before? Seemed like a number of people were pretty baffled on the SNB side. Probably a good time for it considering men's ski slope qualis are at 11:15 MST tonight.

It might be helpful to post a "FAQ" for the sport, certainly.

[FFR]

Some big runs in the Luge finals. Canadians about to go.

[Nehkara]

Walker and Snith are going now!

[Table 5]

Damn it.

[Nehkara]

Nope. They moved back. Probably will finish 5th.

[GirlySports]

what happened? they lost a spot, down to 5th(?) probably

[FFR]

Barring any major catastrophe, no medal for Canadians in luge. A good run according to the announcers - they mentioned some wavering on a few of the corners which cost them the valuable time.

[GirlySports]

Austrian's bombed! Canada back in 4th :P

[FFR]

Oooo devastating run for the Austrians.

Announcers mentioned Canadians could be back in contention for a medal. Would require a poor run from another slide team though, I think.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Looks like they will get 4th at least. I believe that's a new best in Canadian luge?

[Kelekin]

Between the women yesterday and the doubles today, it's nice seeing Canadians improving in luge. We do have a shot at the Bronze tomorrow in that event.

[Nehkara]

Originally Posted by Kelekin

Between the women yesterday and the doubles today, it's nice seeing Canadians improving in luge. We do have a shot at the Bronze tomorrow in that event.

How does the team relay work anyway?

[craigwd]

Yeah Sics brothers will medal!!!!