[GT] Team Canada vs. Team USA - Nationwide Arena - 5:00 MST

[dino7c]

Canada dominating Sochi in the middle of the night might have something to do with it being "boring" there wasn't much drama

Olympics are certainly more meaningful but this has been very entertaining so far

[RougeUnderoos]

I thought this was going to be a half-assed "nobody really cares" deal, but I was completely wrong and this is going to be awesome. I was dumb in thinking that the guys who can make these teams are going to float through anything.

Maybe a little rust here and there of course, and there was some of the traditional over-passing that Canada always seems to do early in these tourneys, but they are definitely playing for keeps.

I don't know who would be left off and who would replace them, but it wouldn't be bad to have one or two more intimidating tougher guys over a couple of the skill guys. Especially when playing the Yanks. Not goons or grinders of course, but the current equivalent of Jarome or a heyday Lucic even. Getzlaf and Burns and Weber are the meanest guys on the team, but they aren't all that intense or seemingly interested in kicking someone's ass. Well, Marchand is mean too, but that doesn't really count. Nobody's scared of him.

[flames_fan_down_under]

I am still not a fan of the Team NA and Team Europe, to me that's too gimmicky and I do think it waters down the talent of some of the other teams. For instance Gaudreau would clearly be on Team USA etc.

But I do think that these games between USA and Canada are going to be special the whole tournament.

[Strange Brew]

That was entertaining and players played hard. This is very much how I remember the Canada Cup.

[blender]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

I thought this was going to be a half-assed "nobody really cares" deal, but I was completely wrong and this is going to be awesome. I was dumb in thinking that the guys who can make these teams are going to float through anything.

Maybe a little rust here and there of course, and there was some of the traditional over-passing that Canada always seems to do early in these tourneys, but they are definitely playing for keeps.

I don't know who would be left off and who would replace them, but it wouldn't be bad to have one or two more intimidating tougher guys over a couple of the skill guys. Especially when playing the Yanks. Not goons or grinders of course, but the current equivalent of Jarome or a heyday Lucic even. Getzlaf and Burns and Weber are the meanest guys on the team, but they aren't all that intense or seemingly interested in kicking someone's ass. Well, Marchand is mean too, but that doesn't really count. Nobody's scared of him.

Corey Perry

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

I thought this was going to be a half-assed "nobody really cares" deal, but I was completely wrong and this is going to be awesome. I was dumb in thinking that the guys who can make these teams are going to float through anything.

Maybe a little rust here and there of course, and there was some of the traditional over-passing that Canada always seems to do early in these tourneys, but they are definitely playing for keeps.

I don't know who would be left off and who would replace them, but it wouldn't be bad to have one or two more intimidating tougher guys over a couple of the skill guys. Especially when playing the Yanks. Not goons or grinders of course, but the current equivalent of Jarome or a heyday Lucic even. Getzlaf and Burns and Weber are the meanest guys on the team, but they aren't all that intense or seemingly interested in kicking someone's ass. Well, Marchand is mean too, but that doesn't really count. Nobody's scared of him.

If they called penalties (and they might in the actual tournament) the US game gets crippled.

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

If they called penalties (and they might in the actual tournament) the US game gets crippled.

Yeah that's a good point, but even so it's good to have a guy on the team that everyone is kind of scared of.

Ferinstance, Tavares was invisible tonight. In every Islanders game I see (which is every Flames/Islanders game and that's about it so not exactly a huge sample size) he's the most skilled player on the ice but he seems redundant on Team Canada. There are a few guys at least who can do what he does and do it a little better. Some added toughness might not hurt, in place of him. And I know I know he's an amazing player, but on that roster he's just another guy.

Who is today's Brendan Shanahan or Owen Nolan? That kind of guy? I guess it could be Jamie Benn and he's hurt, but it just seems like they could use a little more grit. I don't know who it would be.

That being said, I thought Matt Niskanen was Brian Leetch. And when I realized he was too old, I thought he was Derian Hatcher. So maybe I'm a little out of touch.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by flames_fan_down_under

I am still not a fan of the Team NA and Team Europe, to me that's too gimmicky and I do think it waters down the talent of some of the other teams. For instance Gaudreau would clearly be on Team USA etc.

But I do think that these games between USA and Canada are going to be special the whole tournament.

I have no issue with Team Europe. I much prefer the combination of the best players from the euro nations who can't really compete combine versus have Germany or Belarus games to endure.

The NA team I don't like.....mostly because I like them. It's dividing my interest and frankly I just want one team to cheer for in these things, and I want it to be my country and I want all my countries best players on one team.

[trublmaker]

A 3 game final with the US could get real good

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

I have no issue with Team Europe. I much prefer the combination of the best players from the euro nations who can't really compete combine versus have Germany or Belarus games to endure.

The NA team I don't like.....mostly because I like them. It's dividing my interest and frankly I just want one team to cheer for in these things, and I want it to be my country and I want all my countries best players on one team.

What bothers me is people keep jumping to Germany, or Denmark.

This tournament is missing Slovakia, and the Swiss, both have put together decent to great teams in the past (especially Slovakia).

[chubeyr1]

Wow, came home from work, and went to have an hour long nap. Body must of been tired cause six hours later I woke up. Well well rested.
In that time Canada is no longer the Hockey powerhouse nation I thought it was!

I am guessing we lost the mean nothing exhibition game. How bad did we lose the game by? 10 - 1? Honestly I have not seen the score yet. Sounds like Canada got pummeled!

You all need to relax! Go have a 6 hour nap! If the game meant anything I would not of been napping!

Seriously, I dont know the score. Yet the takes from some of you scare me. Are the Zombies attacking us all now? Wow, in six hours how the world can change!

Mean nothing game! Saw the under 23 team the other night flying out there for the first two periods. Saying to myself you do realize this is an exhibition game? Real games dont start for a week. We will be fine!

[transplant99]

Anyone that thought this hockey would be anything but top notch isn't/hasn't paid attention.

If you know ANY NHL players (or former), when these guy hit the ice...game on. This tourney will be awesome and the level of hockey even better.

I was befuddled by those that suggested that because this isnt the Olympics, the quality of the game/effort would somehow suffer.....simply untrue.

Hell a team that doesn't even have a flag to play under is the belle of the ball.

This is gonna be fun.

[Locke]

I'm looking forward to Corey Perry vs. Ryan Kesler.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by MattyC

What bothers me is people keep jumping to Germany, or Denmark.

This tournament is missing Slovakia, and the Swiss, both have put together decent to great teams in the past (especially Slovakia).

Why pick on Denmark?? Neither teams you mentioned have put together "great teams"... Not that I wouldn't prefer a tournament where it is 8 countries with a play in tourney for last 2 spots.

A Canada vs. U23 NA squad final would be interesting viewing you have to admit.

[trublmaker]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Why pick on Denmark?? Neither teams you mentioned have put together "great teams"... Not that I wouldn't prefer a tournament where it is 8 countries with a play in tourney for last 2 spots.

A Canada vs. U23 NA squad final would be interesting viewing you have to admit.

A Canada vs US 3 game final would be more fun

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by chubeyr1

Wow, came home from work, and went to have an hour long nap. Body must of been tired cause six hours later I woke up. Well well rested.
In that time Canada is no longer the Hockey powerhouse nation I thought it was!

I am guessing we lost the mean nothing exhibition game. How bad did we lose the game by? 10 - 1? Honestly I have not seen the score yet. Sounds like Canada got pummeled!

You all need to relax! Go have a 6 hour nap! If the game meant anything I would not of been napping!

Seriously, I dont know the score. Yet the takes from some of you scare me. Are the Zombies attacking us all now? Wow, in six hours how the world can change!

Mean nothing game! Saw the under 23 team the other night flying out there for the first two periods. Saying to myself you do realize this is an exhibition game? Real games dont start for a week. We will be fine!

Canada dominated the entire game...Price was a bit rusty and the US got the bounces. Anyone that is worried after that needs to relax

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by trublmaker

A Canada vs US 3 game final would be more fun

Animosity wise, yes.

Skill and intrigue wise, no.

The rivalry aspect via Canada vs. USA would catch me, but the Canada vs. Youth/Johnny would be so freaking cool and interesting to watch too.

See, and it's for that reason that the make-up of this tournament, while gimmicky, is actually kind of interesting. Can a team of under 23s made up of the best young talent in NA this league has to offer overcome the powerhouse Canadians? Tune in...

[combustiblefuel]

I personally dis not believe this was a tournament to watch vs Olympics.

I now recind the view I previously had. The game was definitely entertaining. I did prefer the NHL rules over iihf. It was much more combative which I enjoyed more. The only thing in the back of my mind I did not like was it is not the prestiege of the Olympics (If you know what I mean). It is hard to explain. In my mind the tournament is a bust being ran by the nhl. O sure, you won the nhls world cup of hockey but its not the NHL stanley cup at years end.

It seems higly diluted in my opinion. The calibre of game we are use to is there but the meaning of the game seems to be nill. I don't feel the same national pride or hate I should for the opposing team. The overall game looks more competitive then an allstar game but the emotional respone I feel is the same as the all star game.

If you get what I mean. I don't have the same emotional investment I would vs. The Olympics.

I remember the the world cup before the players went to Japan and it felt like ot meant something. Now that they have been to the Olympics for the better part of a decade. It just feels like a huge step back.

[trublmaker]

Originally Posted by Yamer

Animosity wise, yes.

Skill and intrigue wise, no.

The rivalry aspect via Canada vs. USA would catch me, but the Canada vs. Youth/Johnny would be so freaking cool and interesting to watch too.

See, and it's for that reason that the make-up of this tournament, while gimmicky, is actually kind of interesting. Can a team of under 23s made up of the best young talent in NA this league has to offer overcome the powerhouse Canadians? Tune in...

mmmmm animosity

[vilzeh]

That was a fun game

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