[GDT] Norway vs. Canada, Mens Hockey at 10 AM Mountain

[Meers]

Kunitz was the biggest disappointment to me.

Hamhuis was the most refreshing surprise.

[19Yzerman19]

I don't mind the idea of Kunitz sitting at all. I just figure it's sort of unrealistic since he's there to be Crosby's guy. He's probably stapled to 87 for the balance of the tourney.

Originally Posted by JayP

Nothing to worry about. Canada dominated the game as well as possible against a hard working team

This isn't remotely true. Not only were there passengers who looked out of place, but the entire team was totally out of sorts until well into the 2nd period.

The team can play much, much better than it did today. It wasn't a disastrous performance by a long shot, but it's ridiculous to say they played as well as possible.

It's also not very illustrative. I found myself thinking, "if this is how this tournament is going to go on the big ice, most of our scoring chances are going to have to start from above the faceoff dots - lots of point shots for rebounds". But then I quickly corrected myself as none of the teams we actually need to worry about play anything even vaguely resembling this style.

But still, if they play like that against the USA or Sweden they're going to get mauled.

[Bigfeet24]

As long as they better in each game going forward. Hopefully

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Meers

Kunitz was the biggest disappointment to me.

Hamhuis was the most refreshing surprise.

I hate to say it because he's a dirty Canuck, but yea Hamhuis had a pretty good game. Still wish Gio was on the team though.

[Azure]

Kunitz is useless. Still have no idea why he is on the team. Putting him there just because he puts up points playing with Crosby is a stupid strategy because he's effectively useless playing with everyone else. Even Jeff Carter, who was a bit of a surprise can at least penalty kill and play an effective big body, fast game.

Kunitz is there to what? Stand in the slot and receive passes from Crosby? Duchene can do that too, plus generate a few of his own chances.

[Azure]

I also don't understand why people say they played that well. Scoring chances don't mean as much because you're playing against a defense that simply can't compete and has to adopt the 6 guys playing goalie mentality to keep the puck out of their net.

Also, Canada has bigger, stronger and faster forwards, and will obviously dominate the neutral zone as well as the cycle game. Well no wonder they had that many scoring chances.

We're talking about the best players in the world playing against a bunch of nobodies. Crosby, as the single 'best' player was effectively useless. I know, I know...first game and all, but isn't that why Kunitz is there? For the chemistry? So why didn't they do anything?

Concerning to say the least if your best player and his linemate with their 5 years of chemistry can't generate much against a sub par defense that couldn't even make the NHL as bottom end guys.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Azure

I also don't understand why people say they played that well. Scoring chances don't mean as much because you're playing against a defense that simply can't compete and has to adopt the 6 guys playing goalie mentality to keep the puck out of their net.

Also, Canada has bigger, stronger and faster forwards, and will obviously dominate the neutral zone as well as the cycle game. Well no wonder they had that many scoring chances.

We're talking about the best players in the world playing against a bunch of nobodies. Crosby, as the single 'best' player was effectively useless. I know, I know...first game and all, but isn't that why Kunitz is there? For the chemistry? So why didn't they do anything?

Concerning to say the least if your best player and his linemate with their 5 years of chemistry can't generate much against a sub par defense that couldn't even make the NHL as bottom end guys.

Yes.... let's panic after one game on big ice instead of using the 100s of NHL games where they've been good together. Easy fella.

[Azure]

Nobody should panic. They still have the best team in the tournament and hopefully should do pretty well.

But they didn't play that well. Scoring chances against a lessor opponent are a ###### way to analyze how well they played. Call it what it was. A subpar effort against a team whose strategy was to collapse 6 guys in the front of the net and hope Canada doesn't find a hole.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

I never paid much attention to Tollefsen before, but I loved the way he played today. Lots of hits and kind of a pain to play against. Really impressed with him.

He would easily be the best defenceman on the Oilers. Maybe a good Olympics will get him another shot at the NHL.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Canada "struggled" early on in both 02 and 10. Maybe it shouldn't happen, but it does. They just need to win and keep getting better, nothing to worry about at this point.

[dino7c]

I have to defend Kunitz here...he has been great with crosby but he has also been great when sid has been injured and in Anaheim

obviously playing with Sid helped his chances but I think he deserves to be there. Would Jaybo be there had the Flames not traded him to the blues? He is partially there because of his partner

my thoughts

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by cannon7

If Norway is this tightly contested, then Finland is going to be tough.

Last Olympics beat Swiss in a shootout and then destroyed Russia.

and I would hardly say the game was tightly contested...Norway had 2 scoring chances and got a fluke goal. They basically just defended all game long score was flattering for them. Canada does need to improve though obviously.

Many of the players on Norway have been playing together on this team for 10-15 years! they have their systems down gotta give them credit for that

[zamler]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Last Olympics beat Swiss in a shootout...

Crosby scored the winning shootout goal IIRC.

No need to worry about team Canada after 1 game. I do worry about team Russia though, when Malkin is on he can win games nearly by himself. And he's playing great right now.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Canada felt no pressure playing and were getting fancy. No big deal

Crosby made a few sweet passes upon which his teammates did not convert.

With some urgency the team will play differently. The game was under control.

Let's see how things develop as things move along

[codynw]

Only in Canada would fans be worried about a 3-1 win.

[Azure]

Originally Posted by dino7c

I have to defend Kunitz here...he has been great with crosby but he has also been great when sid has been injured and in Anaheim

obviously playing with Sid helped his chances but I think he deserves to be there. Would Jaybo be there had the Flames not traded him to the blues? He is partially there because of his partner

my thoughts

Bouwmeester brings a lot of other intangibles as well. Obviously his d partner helps his game, but he also is useless if he can't play with other guys.

Remember Seabrook needing to play with Keith, and then running into problems when they were split up?

I just think there are better players than Kunitz that Canada should have given a chance.

[RM14]

Nm wrong thread