GDT - Canada vs Germany (5:30 MT, CTV)

[I wanna be like Miikka]

This is good, we saved Luongos dominating game and Iggys hat trick for tomorrow. Time to destroy the Russians!

[AC]

I have to say I love Crosby's effort level, but I've been really disappointed with his passing. He seemed to try and force passes through 3 players and turn it over more than he completed passes.

I think he needs to relax and stop trying to force plays given how talented he is.

[Textcritic]

I thought the Staal–Crosby–Iginla line looked progressively better through the first 30 minutes of the game, and were easily the most dangerous line all night long. I'm very pleased by the play of the whole team minus Perry and Getzlaf; Niedermayer looked much better; the SJ line was better with less ice time. The coaching is still mind-blowingly bewildering. If this team wins a gold medal, it will be a monumental achievement, and one most certainly precipitated in spite of the coaching.

[sa226]

Originally Posted by AC

I have to say I love Crosby's effort level, but I've been really disappointed with his passing. He seemed to try and force passes through 3 players and turn it over more than he completed passes.

I think he needs to relax and stop trying to force plays given how talented he is.

Ya I agree, the guy is obscenely talented, and I think those talents come to the surface when he keeps things simple just like everyone else (Getzlaf especially)

I gotta say on that 3 way passing play where Crosby made the extra pass when he had a wide open shot.....that first pass from Iggy to Crosby was incredible, to hit Crosby at full flight right on the tape and over a couple of sticks....just another weapon in Iggy's arsenal.

[burning_acid1]

I felt that some of the players were trying to get a little too fancy.

Just shoot the puck. Getting a shot off is better than a turnover or not getting a shot off.

[Mayer]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I thought the Staal–Crosby–Iginla line looked progressively better through the first 30 minutes of the game, and were easily the most dangerous line all night long. I'm very pleased by the play of the whole team minus Perry and Getzlaf; Niedermayer looked much better; the SJ line was better with less ice time. The coaching is still mind-blowingly bewildering. If this team wins a gold medal, it will be a monumental achievement, and one most certainly precipitated in spite of the coaching.

Aside from putting Crosby on the penalty shot rather than Nash, what were your problems with Babcock tonight?

[henriksedin33]

Originally Posted by sa226

Ya I agree, the guy is obscenely talented, and I think those talents come to the surface when he keeps things simple just like everyone else (Getzlaf especially)

I gotta say on that 3 way passing play where Crosby made the extra pass when he had a wide open shot.....that first pass from Iggy to Crosby was incredible, to hit Crosby at full flight right on the tape and over a couple of sticks....just another weapon in Iggy's arsenal.

Crosby definitely should have shot that, if he had got it off quickly, and on net, it was a sure goal.

[Ark2]

Originally Posted by Mayer

Aside from putting Crosby on the penalty shot rather than Nash, what were your problems with Babcock tonight?

Can't really complain too much about the guy tonight, but if there is one thing that I would do, it would be to make the Toews-Morrow-Richards line the third line and give the Perry-Getzlaf-Nash line fourth line minutes, as that line was easily the least effective of the four. Outside of that, I think the guy has basically done so many things wrong during the first 3 games, that he can't really do anything other than stumble upon the right moves now.

As for Crosby taking the penalty shot, I don't really have an issue with that. Crosby is supposed to be this team's offensive leader, and you go with your offensive leader whether you are playing a juggernaut like Russia, or a push-over, like Germany. People will argue that at the time, Nash could have used the confidence boost, but suppose he misses and his confidence takes an even greater dive. Then what? Frankly, I thought the right decision was made by Babcock (for a change).

[CSharp]

Originally Posted by sa226

Ya I agree, the guy is obscenely talented, and I think those talents come to the surface when he keeps things simple just like everyone else (Getzlaf especially)

I gotta say on that 3 way passing play where Crosby made the extra pass when he had a wide open shot.....that first pass from Iggy to Crosby was incredible, to hit Crosby at full flight right on the tape and over a couple of sticks....just another weapon in Iggy's arsenal.

Yes, I've seen these types of passes from Iggy numerous times to guys like Camellari, Bourque, Jokinen, and Glencross. The guy can sure make awesome passes and has one of the best shots in the league. If only the guys in Calgary can score on a consistent basis. Then, Iggy doesn't need to score any more. Maybe, that's what Babcock means.

[CSharp]

TSN's 4 blind mice saying it's gonna be a Crosby vs Ovechkin battle on Thursday. Me thinks Iggy vs Ovechkin come Thursday. Iggy score multiple goals, Canada will win. Bet on it!

[Mayer]

Originally Posted by Ark2

As for Crosby taking the penalty shot, I don't really have an issue with that. Crosby is supposed to be this team's offensive leader, and you go with your offensive leader whether you are playing a juggernaut like Russia, or a push-over, like Germany. People will argue that at the time, Nash could have used the confidence boost, but suppose he misses and his confidence takes an even greater dive. Then what? Frankly, I thought the right decision was made by Babcock (for a change).

I agree, I didn't have a problem with Crosby taking that shot. I just noticed that a lot of people were taking issue with Babcock after that.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Ark2

As for Crosby taking the penalty shot, I don't really have an issue with that. Crosby is supposed to be this team's offensive leader, and you go with your offensive leader whether you are playing a juggernaut like Russia, or a push-over, like Germany. People will argue that at the time, Nash could have used the confidence boost, but suppose he misses and his confidence takes an even greater dive. Then what? Frankly, I thought the right decision was made by Babcock (for a change).

Its not really about the fact that maybe Crosby had a better chance to score, and its not like Rick Nash is some plug who can't score, but that fact that Nash earned the penalty shot. Splits the defense while showing ridiculous control of a rolling puck and working his balls off gets hauled down only to have his chance taken away by the golden boy in a 4-0 game? Bush league move IMO. And if I was another player on that team I wouldve been pretty cheezed at my coach for making that choice.

[OzSome]

I missed the first 2 periods but saw the whole third period. I am sure some people will say it's only the Germans but that was a good win. Luongo probably didn't get much shot against but I think he will start the rest of Canadian games unless he falters and Brodeur save the day. It's actually better that the Canadians had to play extra game (too bad they have to play Russian right away) because Babcock doesn't seems to know who he plays with who. Tonight I think he got the answer. Iggy playing with Crsoby and Staal were awesome tonight. I kind of like it when Rick Nash played on the energy line with Toews and Richard while Morrow sparks the Ducks' line in the thrid period.

So far Drew Doughty is making me a believer and I am starting to like Brendan Morrow as well with his high energy game. I really think Morrow, Iggy and Toews are the most consistent players for the Canadian team. Iggy can play with 4th line and 1st line and still play well. I am glad Niedermayer played much better tonight and I am also glad that Rick Nash finally hit the net. We just need to see the snakebitten Marleau score a goal. Against the Americans he's got the most chances but he couldn't put in the puck in the net.

It'll be interesting to see the Canada-Russia game tomorrow. I wonder which defenseman will watch Alexander the Great. I have to think Duncan Keith or Doughty will watch him all night.

[moon]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Its not really about the fact that maybe Crosby had a better chance to score, and its not like Rick Nash is some plug who can't score, but that fact that Nash earned the penalty shot. Splits the defense while showing ridiculous control of a rolling puck and working his balls off gets hauled down only to have his chance taken away by the golden boy in a 4-0 game? Bush league move IMO. And if I was another player on that team I wouldve been pretty cheezed at my coach for making that choice.

His chance taken away by the Golden Boy? What a load of crap. His chance was taken away by the German that hooked him.

As a team Canada player I would happy that my coach put the likely best shootout guy in the league in to take a PS in a game we needed to win.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by moon

His chance taken away by the Golden Boy? What a load of crap. His chance was taken away by the German that hooked him.

As a team Canada player I would happy that my coach put the likely best shootout guy in the league in to take a PS in a game we needed to win.

Well as I said it is just my opinion. Nash earned the shot.

[OzSome]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Well as I said it is just my opinion. Nash earned the shot.

Especially when the score is 4-0 against Germany.