Long gone are the days of Chara, Bondra, Hossa, Palffy, and Gaborik. I know they're in the semi's, but it's surprising the Slovaks only have one top six NHL forward in their lineup. At least it seems like they're developing more too end players based on recent drafts.
A guy like Fleury who many thought shouldn't be there due to his substance abuse issues in the 2-3 years leading up to that tournament.
Kariya getting some redemption after missing 98.
Sakic trying to take claim as the best player in the world.
Young guys like Iginla and Gagne surprising to make the team.
Gretzky's press conference in 2002 was legendary. Middle of the tournament, so much pressure on the team, lots of questions this was his moment where he took all the media attention and pressure off the team and put it on himself, it was utterly amazing. Wayne's patriotism has been questioned lately, and for good reason, but 2002 Gretz was f'n suck.
__________________ MMF is the tough as nails cop that "plays by his own rules". The force keeps suspending him when he crosses the line but he keeps coming back and then cracks a big case.
-JiriHrdina
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Canadas bottom 6 has to get going in the finals, especially if Jack Hughes actually plays like Jack Hughes
Yeah, I recall Jack Hughes being quite invisible in the 4NF games, against Canada at least. If he's rolling that's an extra problem for Canada. Plus I think Quinn Hughes was injured as well. As was McAvoy. Now it's Canada who are banged up.
Saw Sid might be able to play in the gold medal game. I mean, it's Sid, so 50% Crosby is better than 100% of other guys.... but if he's really banged up you wonder if it's the best idea. I'll trust Crosby's decision- he's not a selfish player.
I think any of these tourneys that don't have Russia have to rank below the ones that do. It's not true best on best when they aren't there.
Russia has been a non factor even prior to their expulsion, losing out before the medal rounds in the 2014, 2010 and 2006 Olympics. I get the sentiment, but in reality it's not like they are showing up and reshaping the entire tournament as something more than it is right now. They are highly skilled at the top end and in net. But they also lack big time defensively, depth wise, and in overall give a crap which still puts them outside of medal contention in my books.
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I hate to tell you this, but I’ve just launched an air biscuit
The pressure to win in 2010 was also immense. Losing twice to the Americans on home soil would have been a disaster we all still would talk about. That win was huge given the circumstances.
I find this whole “is it still our game?” conversation to be very media contrived.
The world competition being caught up isn’t anything new. Beating the Americans in overtime in 2010, it’s a neck and neck battle every match up, and it will be that way on Sunday. I’m not going to lose sleep that Canada isn’t the world dominant super power if they lose, rather I’m just interested and excited to watch a once in a decade game of the two best teams in this tournament.
I think it hit me today when watching just how rare these games are and how exceptional the talent is. Trying to enjoy it as much as possible, especially with the state of the Flames right now.
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I find this whole “is it still our game?” conversation to be very media contrived.
The world competition being caught up isn’t anything new. Beating the Americans in overtime in 2010, it’s a neck and neck battle every match up, and it will be that way on Sunday. I’m not going to lose sleep that Canada isn’t the world dominant super power if they lose, rather I’m just interested and excited to watch a once in a decade game of the two best teams in this tournament.
I think it hit me today when watching just how rare these games are and how exceptional the talent is. Trying to enjoy it as much as possible, especially with the state of the Flames right now.
Yes, going back to watching Flames hockey after the Olympic hockey will be a kick in the privates....
I find this whole “is it still our game?” conversation to be very media contrived.
The world competition being caught up isn’t anything new. Beating the Americans in overtime in 2010, it’s a neck and neck battle every match up, and it will be that way on Sunday. I’m not going to lose sleep that Canada isn’t the world dominant super power if they lose, rather I’m just interested and excited to watch a once in a decade game of the two best teams in this tournament.
I think it hit me today when watching just how rare these games are and how exceptional the talent is. Trying to enjoy it as much as possible, especially with the state of the Flames right now.
Exactly, Canada has dominated best on best this century outside of 2006. This all culminated in creating probably the greatest team of all time in 2014. We have been very spoiled with some great Canadian teams but also got lucky with some very close wins. It should not be expected that every Canadian Olympic team will be as dominant as the Sochi team was, that was the greatest team ever assembled by any nation anywhere. It’s just not possible to have a team like that every tournament.
The Americans have been nipping at Canadas heals for quite some time, they can definitely win a one off game on Sunday and i’d be annoyed but it doesn’t erase the pure dominance that the last 24 years has been for Canada. It’s still Canadas sport, we are not going to win gold in every Olympics for eternity. That being said I think we get it done on Sunday.
You know the Americans are going to be motivated after the 4 Nations loss. Canada is going to have to weather the storm early. Goaltending will be crucial and I still have concerns about Binnington. Hopefully Canada can get big contributions from the bottom six. It will be insufferable if both the men and women come up short against these guys.
I'm an all-time Oiler hater, probably top 10 in the slander per second leaderboards, but I'd rather McDavid wins the next 3 cups than Team Canada lose to this ####heel MAGA team on Sunday
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