For those expected to win yesterday in the preliminary round of the tournament there were no surprises. Some of the teams cut it a little close, but we'll still get, for the most part, power house match ups today. Tonight will be the biggest international confrontation between Russia and Canada since the Canada Cup in the late 80s. The hockey world is already buzzing at the thought of this game, and in some respects, this is much more tantalizing than an All-Star Game. The fact of the matter is, whoever loses does not medal, a prospect hockey pundits would've scoffed at merely a week ago, myself included. But that precisely is the magic of these Olympic games. Ovechkin/Crosby is gonna be good tonight, needless to say. Here, as usual, is my analysis of the games yesterday and today.
YESTERDAY:
SWITZERLAND 4, BELARUS 3 (SHOOTOUT)
- An interesting game considering the Swiss gave up 3 goals to the Belorussians. Their defense is good, no doubt, but one would have thought that this game would come a little easier for the Swiss. Word at the beginning of these games is that the Swiss want a medal. Not good news for them now that they have to play an extremely confident USA squad, but that was to be expected, considering their seeding. Belarus gave a solid effort at the Olympics, and if you're a country like Belarus, this is really all you'll be able to accomplish against super teams from the NHL.
CANADA 8, GERMANY 2
- This is pretty much what everyone expected would happen. Canada will play the rest of this tournament with a chip on their shoulders, and Roberto Luongo in net it looks like. Great team that just got upset hands it to a team that just can't keep up. Not much else here to consider except that Canada now has a top line of Eric Staal, Sidney Crosby, and Jarome Iginla. This team looked a lot more complete than they did against the USA team, but that was to be expected.
CZECH REPUBLIC 4, LATVIA 3 (OVERTIME)
- This was the big surprise on a day of otherwise fulfilled expectations. The Czechs should have won this game, and they were resiliant when they had to be, especially in the latter portion of the third period and moving into OT. However, that doesn't excuse the fact that they were playing Latvia, and any such lapses in scoring touch will put them in a quick hole against their next opponent Finland. If Kipprusoff stands on his head the way Latvia's Edgars Masalskis did last night, the Czechs will find themselves out of Vancouver shortly.
SLOVAKIA 4, NORWAY 3
- This is eerily similar to their rivals game aginst the Latvians. Norway's goalie wasn't particularly hot, the Slovaks just really wanted to lose this game, it felt like. Sure, they held the fort at the end, but they were playing one of the worst teams in the tournament and it should've been over long before that. If they come with the same lackadaisical effort against the Swedes, they'll get blown out. Even if they don't they might get blown out.
TODAY:
1:00- #1 USA VS. #8 SWITZERLAND
- This is precisely what the USA earned with its win over the Canadians on Sunday: the right to play a lower seeded team. The ball is in the Americans court to get to the gold medal game, at least. Their road is by far the easiest of any team in the tournament, as it should be for a top seed. Don't expect this to be as close as their 3-1 game in pool play. Even if Jonas Hiller is a wall, don't expect the Swiss offense to do much against the physical, smart American defense (they played with much more intelligence against Canada). The USA will win at least 4-1, and advance to play either Finland or the Czech Republic in the Semi-Finals.
5:30- #3 RUSSIA VS. #6 CANADA
- This game is going to be huge. Consequently, I will run through the offenses and defenses in this game, as well as analyze the goaltending and special teams of both teams. This is a game with social and even political implications for both countries. Both countries don't just want Gold like the Americans do, they expect it (a la USA basketball). And one of them will not medal. This is by far the biggest international rivalry going at this time, much to the shagrin of American fans.
WHEN RUSSIA ATTACKS: Look for quick puck movement between the shifty Russian forwards as they attempt to navigate around an all-star defense. Malkin will lead the way though, not Ovechkin as he lead the team in points in pool play. When not on the rush, look for the Russians to attempt to get as much traffic in front of Roberto Luongo as they can. When on the rush, the Russians will be trying to make Luongo move around in his crease and test his quickness. The Canadians will be physical with the Russians much more so than they were with the Americans. The depth of Canada's defensemen trumps the depth of the Russian forwards. EDGE: EVEN
WHEN CANADA ATTACKS: This team almost banked on the American defense jumping up into plays to create counter-attack oppurtunities on Sunday. The Americans didn't, and the Canadians lost. The Russian defenders are good, but not good enough to contain this roster unless they put forth a supreme effort as they are no where near as deep as the Americans. Canada will continue to do what it has done all tournament: work along the side boards to create chances, whether by working them down low into the slot, or passing it back to guys like Shea Weber who can literally put the puck through the net (incredible play from last night's game with the Germans). If Crosby works the sideboards all game, look out as his outlets from there are either Jarome Iginla or the aforementioned Weber. And Russia's defense may not be good enough, or fast enough, to keep up. EDGE: CANADA
RUSSIAN GOALTENDER: EVGENI NABOKOV
- In this tournament, Nabby is 3-0 with a .911 save percentage and a 2.00 GAA. He's been good when he has had to be. But the team he's facing tonight is a horse of a complete different color. An interesting note, however, is that Nabokov plays for the San Jose Sharks, and faces Canada's Heatley-Thornton-Marleau line every day in practice. He may have it in him to stand in his head tonight and pull out a win, do not count him out.
CANADIAN GOALTENDER: ROBERTO LUONGO
- Luongo, while facing decidedly lower competition in Norway and Germany, is in the shape one would expect with a .947 save percentage and a 1.00 GAA. What goes for Nabokov goes for Roberto as well, this is a super team Canada is facing tonight, even more talented than the Americans. He can easily stand on his head, and tonight should not be a big problem for him. However, if Russia gets in his head early and makes it 2-0 (just a random score), that is when Luongo can struggle to win games. If Russia gets in his head early, they have a much better chance to win.
EDGE: CANADA
WHEN RUSSIA IS ON THE POWERPLAY:
- Look for them to go with the Pittsburgh Penguin attack that they have been of playing Gonchar at the point and having Malkin up there as well and letting those two quarterback. Canada, though, knows how to play against that (or at least Crosby and Fleury do). The talent level for both teams is so high that even a one man advantage is huge. Both powerplays, if given the chance, should light the lamp. EDGE: RUSSIA
WHEN CANADA IS ON THE POWERPLAY:
- This powerplay could be compared to a weapon of mass destruction. That's how good they are. That said, they cannot wait to get the powerplay unit working until late in the third, as they did on Sunday. Crosby has to step up, and usually, when that's the case, he does. They have the better powerplay of the two teams, and they need to exploit one of the only advantages they are going to get against this Russian team. EDGE: CANADA
PICK
- This game could be one for the ages. These are two titans at the heights of their powers going at it. Ovechkin/Crosby will be the main focus I'm sure, and that will only make it a little easier for these teams to hate eachother, if they don't already. This is going to be a fantastic game, and I see the Canadians winning in overtime 5-4.
8:00- #4 FINLAND VS. #5 CZECH REPUBLIC
- Tough act to follow, to say the least. However, this game should provide plenty of drama as both teams can score, both can defend, and both can hit. Jaromir Jagr is still not 100% after taking that bomb of a hit from Alexander Ovechkin on Sunday, and his health is huge variable for this Czech team. Goaltending is the quesiton in this game, as Tomas Vokoun was shaky against the Latvians yesterday and Mikka Kipprusoff looked really questionable against the Swedes on Sunday night. The onus is on Finland to take control of this game and move on to the semis, which I think they will with a grind-it-out 3-2 win over the Czechs.
10:00- #2 SWEDEN VS. #7 SLOVAKIA
- Good way to end a full day of great games. Sweden's offense has not looked as impressive as it has in previous years (aging Peter Forsberg, Daniel Alfredsson, Niclas Lidstrom, no Mats Sundin). That is the one hope Slovakia has to win this game. They need a sub par effort from Sweden's scorers to even have a chance. Their effort against Norway was complete garbage, and they are lucky to be here. They could prove me wrong and play a fantastic game tonight (the pieces are certainly there). For Sweden, they just need to score 3 or 4 goals. If they score, they'll win with Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes.
-Since all my picks from the first round held true, I don't need to update my speculation bracket. Yet.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Commentary on Sunday's games and look ahead to medal round
The moniker "Super Sunday" seemed appropriate in describing the hockey action in Vancouver yesterday. Russia and the Czech Republic battled it out to determine the winner of group B, while Sweden and Finland renewed hostilities to determine the winner of that group. Russia showcased its talent, and Evgeni Malkin wants a little recognition (it seems he will always be under either Crosby or Ovechkin's shadow) with 3 points yesterday, including a huge goal on the powerplay. Sweden showed that Finland may not be as good as the Finns might think. Kipprusoff looked shakey at times last night in goal, but his defense was of little to no help. They should be grateful that they were able to pull out a first round bye, despite losing. But obviously, yesterday was about the huge upset of team Canada by the young guns of the United States. This was the biggest upset for team USA in some time, some would say their biggest since beating the USSR in 1980 in Lake Placid. However, such a comparison is ridiculous and carried no weight. Their upset was big, no doubt about that (it even got casual American sports fans talking about hockey, as shocking as it may seem). But to compare it to the biggest upset in the history of sports (I think its more like the 96 world championships, the last time the USA beat Canada) ignores the fact that the United States' roster is now comprised entirely of elite NHL talent, not the college kids that took on the highly trained and experienced Soviet squad back in 1980 who had beaten NHL teams, including NHL all-star teams. That's not to say the win wasn't exciting, as beating Canada without Mike Komisarek or Paul Martin speaks volumes about the depth of the USA team. They are now the top seed. The onus is on America to take care of business in what would otherwise be called an easy route to the gold medal game. Sunday was everything any hockey fan could have wanted to see. Here's the breakdown of the bracket's first round, game by game, and a quick overview of how I see the whole tournament going.
FEB 23-
1:00- #8 SWITZERLAND VS. #9 BELARUS (WINNER PLAYS #1 USA)
- This is an interesting matchup of lower teams, with the Swiss being the more defensive minded (and having an NHL goalie in Jonas Hiller) team and the Belarussians the more offensive. However, these games often come down to holding the defensive fort and not allowing the other team to score late in the game. Switzerland is simply the better team in this case (they held the USA to 3 goals and took Canada to a shootout). Switzerland moves on, 2-0 to get another crack at the Americans.
5:30- #6 CANADA VS. #11 GERMANY (WINNER PLAYS #3 RUSSIA)
- Canada has really put themselves in an awkward position with the way they finished pool play. They did not want to see Russia until the gold medal game, much less the quarterfinals, but they have only themselves to blame for not putting away Switzerland as they should have and not matching the grit of the Americans. Goaltending is in question now for Canada, do you stick with Brodeur, who hasn't looked good at all, or go with Roberto Luongo, who shut out Norway. The shocker in this case would be if Mike Babcock decides to ride the most clutch goalie he has into the tournament in Marc-Andre Fleury. This game is a no brainer for Canada, don't expect it to be close as they'll want to bounce back from that heartbreaker against the USA. Canada is loaded, Germany isn't. 6-0 at least. Let the pandamonium that will be Canada Vs. Russia ensue.
8:00- #5 CZECH REPUBLIC VS. #12 LATVIA (WINNER PLAYS #4 FINLAND)
- These two teams have already played once, with the Czechs taking a 5-2 win. Not much will change, except the margin might get a little bigger. The Czechs have it, and will take it easily. Finland and the Czechs should be a surprisingly good game.
10:00- #7 SLOVAKIA VS. #11 NORWAY (WINNER PLAYS #2 SWEDEN)
- The last two games on the first day of medal round play certainly don't look to have much excitement. These will be blowouts, and Norway hasn't really been able to show any adversity so far in this tourny. Watch for Norway to try to play dirty, as it did against the USA, in order to try to win. They won't, though.
SPECULATION TIME:
- Here, I'll pick the rest of the bracket. At the end of the tournament, everyone can look back at how wrong I was (My gold medal game was Russia Vs. Canada, thats already wrong).
USA/SWITZERLAND- USA WINS 5-1
FINLAND/CZECH REPUBLIC- FINLAND WINS 4-3
SWEDEN/SLOVAKIA- SWEDEN WINS 5-2
CANADA/RUSSIA- CANADA WINS 5-4
USA/FINLAND- USA WINS 3-1
SWEDEN/CANADA- CANADA WINS 4-2
BRONZE GAME:
FINLAND/SWEDEN- SWEDEN WINS 2-1
GOLD GAME:
USA/CANADA- CANADA WINS 4-3
FEB 23-
1:00- #8 SWITZERLAND VS. #9 BELARUS (WINNER PLAYS #1 USA)
- This is an interesting matchup of lower teams, with the Swiss being the more defensive minded (and having an NHL goalie in Jonas Hiller) team and the Belarussians the more offensive. However, these games often come down to holding the defensive fort and not allowing the other team to score late in the game. Switzerland is simply the better team in this case (they held the USA to 3 goals and took Canada to a shootout). Switzerland moves on, 2-0 to get another crack at the Americans.
5:30- #6 CANADA VS. #11 GERMANY (WINNER PLAYS #3 RUSSIA)
- Canada has really put themselves in an awkward position with the way they finished pool play. They did not want to see Russia until the gold medal game, much less the quarterfinals, but they have only themselves to blame for not putting away Switzerland as they should have and not matching the grit of the Americans. Goaltending is in question now for Canada, do you stick with Brodeur, who hasn't looked good at all, or go with Roberto Luongo, who shut out Norway. The shocker in this case would be if Mike Babcock decides to ride the most clutch goalie he has into the tournament in Marc-Andre Fleury. This game is a no brainer for Canada, don't expect it to be close as they'll want to bounce back from that heartbreaker against the USA. Canada is loaded, Germany isn't. 6-0 at least. Let the pandamonium that will be Canada Vs. Russia ensue.
8:00- #5 CZECH REPUBLIC VS. #12 LATVIA (WINNER PLAYS #4 FINLAND)
- These two teams have already played once, with the Czechs taking a 5-2 win. Not much will change, except the margin might get a little bigger. The Czechs have it, and will take it easily. Finland and the Czechs should be a surprisingly good game.
10:00- #7 SLOVAKIA VS. #11 NORWAY (WINNER PLAYS #2 SWEDEN)
- The last two games on the first day of medal round play certainly don't look to have much excitement. These will be blowouts, and Norway hasn't really been able to show any adversity so far in this tourny. Watch for Norway to try to play dirty, as it did against the USA, in order to try to win. They won't, though.
SPECULATION TIME:
- Here, I'll pick the rest of the bracket. At the end of the tournament, everyone can look back at how wrong I was (My gold medal game was Russia Vs. Canada, thats already wrong).
USA/SWITZERLAND- USA WINS 5-1
FINLAND/CZECH REPUBLIC- FINLAND WINS 4-3
SWEDEN/SLOVAKIA- SWEDEN WINS 5-2
CANADA/RUSSIA- CANADA WINS 5-4
USA/FINLAND- USA WINS 3-1
SWEDEN/CANADA- CANADA WINS 4-2
BRONZE GAME:
FINLAND/SWEDEN- SWEDEN WINS 2-1
GOLD GAME:
USA/CANADA- CANADA WINS 4-3
Friday, February 19, 2010
More olympic hockey, Stunning results from yesterday
All of yesterday's games were entertaining, and two of them turned out to be shocking. Canada now needs to beat the United States on Sunday if it wants a bye into the quarterfinals after taking Switzerland to a shootout. It looks like the United States has a legitimate chance to win on Sunday where hope may not have been as bright before. Russia now must do the same against the Czechs on Sunday to avoid playing in the opening round of the medal rounds. Slovakia shocked many yesterday with a huge upset of the Russians, and their chances for that bye are, for now, intact. The only team they have yet to play is Latvia, so Slovaks gotta be feeling pretty confident in their team right now. Here's the recap and analysis plus a look at the games today:
YESTERDAY:
USA 6, NORWAY 1
- This game was never necessarily in doubt, but American fans must be concerned with this team's inability to cut down odd man rushes defensively. If Canada gets as many chances as Norway and even Switzerland got, it won't be a close game. This USA squad looks uncertain of itself in many ways. Defenders are constantly pinching, and forwards are not covering their spots because it seems every player on the ice wants to be the hero, and plays that way. Americans have to be pleased with Switzerland for taking Canada to a shootout, thus making the showdown on Sunday witht the Canadians a win and you're in with a first round bye, lose and you might have to play in the first round.
CANADA 3, SWITZERLAND 2 (SHOOTOUT)
- Switzerland is a team designed around defense. More precisely, they are designed to take on Canada with the way that they play. Numerous times in the game, the Swiss defense flustered and frustrated the Canadian attack. The Swiss control the superstars through the neutral zones, and they trap them in the offensive zone. Go ahead and call the Swiss team an international version of the New Jersey Devils. This is the second time in the last two olympics that Switzerland has skated right with the Canadians, and to see the Canadians need a shooutout gives the USA team hope. Jonas Hiller is a legitimate star goalie in the NHL, and without him, the score of this game is much different. Don't fault him for being scored on by Sidney Crosby in the shooutout, fault the Swiss offense for not supporting their goaltender or scoring in the shootout against a Martin Brodeur that looked quite beatable in this game. Too bad for the United States Marty probably isn't playing on Sunday, I'd bet on Marc-Andre Fleury.
SLOVAKIA 2, RUSSIA 1 (SHOOTOUT)
- This game was easily the game of the day, and Slovakia shocked many in the hockey world with this win. To be honest though, the Russian offense went a little cold in this game, and Ilya Bryzgalov is not necessarily the guy you want in shootouts because of his size and lack of quickness. The Slovakians hung around a day after being beaten by their rivals in a game in which the Slovaks took numerous penalties. On this night, however, the Slovaks maintained their discipline and it was the Russians who became frustrated. One can question the Russian coach for having Ovechkin shoot 3 times in the shootout, whilst Malkin and Kovalchuk only shot once each. The Slovaks are sitting pretty for now, with their only opponent remaining being a Latvian team that was smashed by this Russian squad. Russia is put in a bit of a bind, but they certainly have the skill to dig themselves out of what at most for this team is a minor obstruction in playing in the first round. They must win on Sunday, or face a grab bag of teams that could really include anyone from the United States to Sweden or even Finland. Canada still could play in the first round as well.
FRIDAY'S GAMES
1:00- SWEDEN 4, BELARUS 2 FINAL
5:30- CZECH REPUBLIC VS. LATVIA
10:00- FINLAND VS. GERMANY
YESTERDAY:
USA 6, NORWAY 1
- This game was never necessarily in doubt, but American fans must be concerned with this team's inability to cut down odd man rushes defensively. If Canada gets as many chances as Norway and even Switzerland got, it won't be a close game. This USA squad looks uncertain of itself in many ways. Defenders are constantly pinching, and forwards are not covering their spots because it seems every player on the ice wants to be the hero, and plays that way. Americans have to be pleased with Switzerland for taking Canada to a shootout, thus making the showdown on Sunday witht the Canadians a win and you're in with a first round bye, lose and you might have to play in the first round.
CANADA 3, SWITZERLAND 2 (SHOOTOUT)
- Switzerland is a team designed around defense. More precisely, they are designed to take on Canada with the way that they play. Numerous times in the game, the Swiss defense flustered and frustrated the Canadian attack. The Swiss control the superstars through the neutral zones, and they trap them in the offensive zone. Go ahead and call the Swiss team an international version of the New Jersey Devils. This is the second time in the last two olympics that Switzerland has skated right with the Canadians, and to see the Canadians need a shooutout gives the USA team hope. Jonas Hiller is a legitimate star goalie in the NHL, and without him, the score of this game is much different. Don't fault him for being scored on by Sidney Crosby in the shooutout, fault the Swiss offense for not supporting their goaltender or scoring in the shootout against a Martin Brodeur that looked quite beatable in this game. Too bad for the United States Marty probably isn't playing on Sunday, I'd bet on Marc-Andre Fleury.
SLOVAKIA 2, RUSSIA 1 (SHOOTOUT)
- This game was easily the game of the day, and Slovakia shocked many in the hockey world with this win. To be honest though, the Russian offense went a little cold in this game, and Ilya Bryzgalov is not necessarily the guy you want in shootouts because of his size and lack of quickness. The Slovakians hung around a day after being beaten by their rivals in a game in which the Slovaks took numerous penalties. On this night, however, the Slovaks maintained their discipline and it was the Russians who became frustrated. One can question the Russian coach for having Ovechkin shoot 3 times in the shootout, whilst Malkin and Kovalchuk only shot once each. The Slovaks are sitting pretty for now, with their only opponent remaining being a Latvian team that was smashed by this Russian squad. Russia is put in a bit of a bind, but they certainly have the skill to dig themselves out of what at most for this team is a minor obstruction in playing in the first round. They must win on Sunday, or face a grab bag of teams that could really include anyone from the United States to Sweden or even Finland. Canada still could play in the first round as well.
FRIDAY'S GAMES
1:00- SWEDEN 4, BELARUS 2 FINAL
5:30- CZECH REPUBLIC VS. LATVIA
10:00- FINLAND VS. GERMANY
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Analysis of yesterday and preview of today at the olympics
Yesterday was a lot more competitive than Tuesday, as none of the games particularly were blowouts. Some good hockey, and upon looking at the standings, with goals for being the first tie breaker after points, both Latvia and Belrus, despite losing, hold the final two spots in the medal round. That will change barring a big surprise, as both Germany and Slovakia should respond from losses yesterday. Today, the hockey will be return to the blowout style we saw Tuesday as Pool A resumes play with USA Vs. Norway at 1 and Canada Vs. Switzerland at 5:30. Tonight, two good teams go at it with Russia playing the Slovaks, fresh from a loss to their bitter rival, the Czech Republic. But let's start with a recap of the action from yesterday:
FINLAND 5, BELARUS 1
- Goaltender Vitali Koval kept Belarus in this game as long as he possibly could have. Mid-way through the second period, the score was 2-1 and Belarus was looking to seize momentum in the game. Niclas Hagman, however, scored for Finland shortly after, and the Finns roll. Selanne and Koivu, of course, played good games for this Finnish squad. For Belarus, it doesn't get any easier with Sweden next. On the bright side, at least they get the two best teams in the pool out of the way first right?
SWEDEN 2, GERMANY 0
- I thought Sweden would come out of the gates blazing to start pool play, but they stalled. Henrik Lundqvist finished with 21 saves and got some offense. Tough game for Peter Forsberg. All signs point to this being his final Olympics, and put any hopes he had of returning to the NHL to bed. Germany knew they probably weren't going to win, but they have to take care of business against Finland, and especially Belarus if they want to make the medal rounds.
CZECH REPUBLIC 3, SLOVAKIA 1
- Well, it certainly looks like Jaromir Jagr can still get it done. He single-handedly won this game for the Czechs in the second period with two goals 2:02 apart, scoring at a time when it looked like the Slovaks were beginning to get an edge. Frustrating game for Slovakia, and their game tonight against Russia won't be fun. Tough enough to do a back to back in the Olympics, but to do it against the Czechs and then the Russians is a tall order for anyone. Simply need to get better goaltending from Jaroslav Halak, or they might go to a fresh Petr Budaj, who has spent most of this season in the NHL on the bench behind Craig Anderson in Colorado.
TONIGHT:
1:00- USA VS. NORWAY
- This should be the Americans' easiest game in the entire Olympic tournament. That said, they can't afford to overlook Norway and have this game be close. If they take care of business, which they should, this game will be 5-0 easily, maybe worse. Norway was battered in their opening loss to the Canadians on tuesday, and don't expect things to get any easier for them. Well, they also get the top two teams in their pool out of the way first, but even a win against the Swiss on Saturday will not be enough to get them into the top 8.
5:30- CANADA VS. SWITZERLAND
- Canada needs to continue its offensive domination in this game, and it cannot wait until the end of the second period against the Swiss like they did against Norway to heat up. This Swiss team beat Canada in Torino in 2006 in what still is that country's biggest hockey win. Canada is much better than they were in Torino, however. I still think Canada will win even if this game becomes a defensive struggle, because of all the clutch talent they have on the bench when they need a goal (led by Sidney Crosby, of course). Probably 5-1.
10:00- RUSSIA VS. SLOVAKIA
- Slovakia needs to have instant amnesia in regard to their game last night if they want to have any hope to beat the Russians. The Russians, on the other hand, want more of the same from their last game, a 8-2 beating of Latvia. Should be plenty physical, and the scoring no doubt is there. Russia could lose this game, it is quite possible that the Slovaks have enough to beat them. Not necessarily probable, though. 4-2 Russia.
FINLAND 5, BELARUS 1
- Goaltender Vitali Koval kept Belarus in this game as long as he possibly could have. Mid-way through the second period, the score was 2-1 and Belarus was looking to seize momentum in the game. Niclas Hagman, however, scored for Finland shortly after, and the Finns roll. Selanne and Koivu, of course, played good games for this Finnish squad. For Belarus, it doesn't get any easier with Sweden next. On the bright side, at least they get the two best teams in the pool out of the way first right?
SWEDEN 2, GERMANY 0
- I thought Sweden would come out of the gates blazing to start pool play, but they stalled. Henrik Lundqvist finished with 21 saves and got some offense. Tough game for Peter Forsberg. All signs point to this being his final Olympics, and put any hopes he had of returning to the NHL to bed. Germany knew they probably weren't going to win, but they have to take care of business against Finland, and especially Belarus if they want to make the medal rounds.
CZECH REPUBLIC 3, SLOVAKIA 1
- Well, it certainly looks like Jaromir Jagr can still get it done. He single-handedly won this game for the Czechs in the second period with two goals 2:02 apart, scoring at a time when it looked like the Slovaks were beginning to get an edge. Frustrating game for Slovakia, and their game tonight against Russia won't be fun. Tough enough to do a back to back in the Olympics, but to do it against the Czechs and then the Russians is a tall order for anyone. Simply need to get better goaltending from Jaroslav Halak, or they might go to a fresh Petr Budaj, who has spent most of this season in the NHL on the bench behind Craig Anderson in Colorado.
TONIGHT:
1:00- USA VS. NORWAY
- This should be the Americans' easiest game in the entire Olympic tournament. That said, they can't afford to overlook Norway and have this game be close. If they take care of business, which they should, this game will be 5-0 easily, maybe worse. Norway was battered in their opening loss to the Canadians on tuesday, and don't expect things to get any easier for them. Well, they also get the top two teams in their pool out of the way first, but even a win against the Swiss on Saturday will not be enough to get them into the top 8.
5:30- CANADA VS. SWITZERLAND
- Canada needs to continue its offensive domination in this game, and it cannot wait until the end of the second period against the Swiss like they did against Norway to heat up. This Swiss team beat Canada in Torino in 2006 in what still is that country's biggest hockey win. Canada is much better than they were in Torino, however. I still think Canada will win even if this game becomes a defensive struggle, because of all the clutch talent they have on the bench when they need a goal (led by Sidney Crosby, of course). Probably 5-1.
10:00- RUSSIA VS. SLOVAKIA
- Slovakia needs to have instant amnesia in regard to their game last night if they want to have any hope to beat the Russians. The Russians, on the other hand, want more of the same from their last game, a 8-2 beating of Latvia. Should be plenty physical, and the scoring no doubt is there. Russia could lose this game, it is quite possible that the Slovaks have enough to beat them. Not necessarily probable, though. 4-2 Russia.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Post-game reaction and preview for Olympics tonight
Yesterday, Olympic hockey returned in all its glory. Ok, well, maybe not so glorious for some teams, but that was to be expected. Tonight there is a clash that may crush either Slovakia or the Czech Republic's shot at the medal rounds. Other than that, the best games are still yet to come.
LAST NIGHT:
USA 3, SWITZERLAND 1
- A solid performance by Switzerland, I had this game being 5-1. Their defense is stout, but as a team that wants to make the medal round, they can not afford a slip up against Norway in their final game. Don't bet on the Swiss beating Canada. On the American side, this game was scary, and could be called a disappointment in some ways. Sure, the Swiss are strictly a defensive team, but this doesn't bode all that well for a team with big games looming (Canada, others in the medal rounds against the likes of Sweden, Russia, Finland, etc).
CANADA 8, NORWAY 0
- Pretty much went as expected. The Canadians started out slow, but found their game. Crosby had 3 assists, Iginla a hat trick. For Canada, this was business as usual. Luongo was stellar, and this team proved why it is the favorite for gold. Norway tried, they really did, and they played well for a while, but this was like asking a child to fight a heavyweight boxer. Not pretty.
RUSSIA 8, LATVIA 2
- I was impressed with the effort Latvia showed throughout the game. This is a surprisingly speedy group, and they're feisty. They may not get far, or even advance out of pool play, but if they scratch their way in (say via upset of either Slovakia or the Czechs), they could upset someone in the medal round. However, last night, the Russians were simply too much. Malkin, Kovalchuk, and Afinogenov as a starting line is more than scary. Throw in Datsyuk, Semin, and Ovechkin on top of that. Exactly what everyone thought would happen. Latvia put up a fight, at least.
TONIGHT:
1:00 PM: FINLAND VS. BELARUS
- This game should be a good barometer for a Finnish team that honestly at this point doesn't know what to expect in this deep hockey field. Obviously, this is a must win for Finland, they cannot afford to slip up today. For Belarus, in their pool (Sweden, Germany, Finland the other teams) it is looking grim that they'll make the medal rounds. Expect Finland to dominate the game, but the score may be closer than those we saw yesterday, something along the lines of 4-2 for Finland.
5:30 PM: SWEDEN VS. GERMANY
- This will be an entertaining game, and might be the closest of those already played (Even though the USA/Swiss game was 3-1, it wasn't as close as the score indicated). Hockey fans all over the world are anxious to see Peter Forsberg play again for Sweden. Nothing but a great thing when Forsberg is in the olympics, or in the international hockey eye. I'm thinking if Sweden clicks early, they may roll 3-0 or 4-0. If not, I think they'll still win, but maybe only 4-2. Sweden is clearly the better team here, and the best team in their pool.
10:00 PM: SLOVAKIA VS. CZECH REPUBLIC
- This game is going to be dirty. Scrappy will be the operative word for most of this night. These teams absolutely despise eachother, and in the Olympics, that makes for great hockey. Both teams have solid offensive players who can put the puck in the net, and neither team's defensive players are a wall (that is, except for 6'9", 265 lb Zdeno Chara, who is closer to 7'0", 300 lbs on skates and equiptment). Should be a fireworks display, and a fight to the finish. As of now, I give the slight edge to the Slovaks because their defense is more stout than that of the Czechs. Powerplay-wise, these teams are dead even. Again, this will be a fantastic hockey game tonight, stay up and watch if you have the chance. This game may even end in a tie, but for now I've got Slovakia 3, Czech Republic 2.
LAST NIGHT:
USA 3, SWITZERLAND 1
- A solid performance by Switzerland, I had this game being 5-1. Their defense is stout, but as a team that wants to make the medal round, they can not afford a slip up against Norway in their final game. Don't bet on the Swiss beating Canada. On the American side, this game was scary, and could be called a disappointment in some ways. Sure, the Swiss are strictly a defensive team, but this doesn't bode all that well for a team with big games looming (Canada, others in the medal rounds against the likes of Sweden, Russia, Finland, etc).
CANADA 8, NORWAY 0
- Pretty much went as expected. The Canadians started out slow, but found their game. Crosby had 3 assists, Iginla a hat trick. For Canada, this was business as usual. Luongo was stellar, and this team proved why it is the favorite for gold. Norway tried, they really did, and they played well for a while, but this was like asking a child to fight a heavyweight boxer. Not pretty.
RUSSIA 8, LATVIA 2
- I was impressed with the effort Latvia showed throughout the game. This is a surprisingly speedy group, and they're feisty. They may not get far, or even advance out of pool play, but if they scratch their way in (say via upset of either Slovakia or the Czechs), they could upset someone in the medal round. However, last night, the Russians were simply too much. Malkin, Kovalchuk, and Afinogenov as a starting line is more than scary. Throw in Datsyuk, Semin, and Ovechkin on top of that. Exactly what everyone thought would happen. Latvia put up a fight, at least.
TONIGHT:
1:00 PM: FINLAND VS. BELARUS
- This game should be a good barometer for a Finnish team that honestly at this point doesn't know what to expect in this deep hockey field. Obviously, this is a must win for Finland, they cannot afford to slip up today. For Belarus, in their pool (Sweden, Germany, Finland the other teams) it is looking grim that they'll make the medal rounds. Expect Finland to dominate the game, but the score may be closer than those we saw yesterday, something along the lines of 4-2 for Finland.
5:30 PM: SWEDEN VS. GERMANY
- This will be an entertaining game, and might be the closest of those already played (Even though the USA/Swiss game was 3-1, it wasn't as close as the score indicated). Hockey fans all over the world are anxious to see Peter Forsberg play again for Sweden. Nothing but a great thing when Forsberg is in the olympics, or in the international hockey eye. I'm thinking if Sweden clicks early, they may roll 3-0 or 4-0. If not, I think they'll still win, but maybe only 4-2. Sweden is clearly the better team here, and the best team in their pool.
10:00 PM: SLOVAKIA VS. CZECH REPUBLIC
- This game is going to be dirty. Scrappy will be the operative word for most of this night. These teams absolutely despise eachother, and in the Olympics, that makes for great hockey. Both teams have solid offensive players who can put the puck in the net, and neither team's defensive players are a wall (that is, except for 6'9", 265 lb Zdeno Chara, who is closer to 7'0", 300 lbs on skates and equiptment). Should be a fireworks display, and a fight to the finish. As of now, I give the slight edge to the Slovaks because their defense is more stout than that of the Czechs. Powerplay-wise, these teams are dead even. Again, this will be a fantastic hockey game tonight, stay up and watch if you have the chance. This game may even end in a tie, but for now I've got Slovakia 3, Czech Republic 2.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Olympic Roster Updates
This weekend as the NHL wrapped up play before the Olympic break, attention was focused on the health of certain players who had planned to play for their countries in Vancouver. Anaheim forward Ryan Getzlaf returned to the lineup against the Edmonton Oilers and had 4 points, making a clear statement that he can play, and play well, if Canada needs him to. They have since announced that he will play for Canada and have no roster changes planned. The other main player on the injury bubble for the olympics was Detroit forward Tomas Holmstom, who will not play, and will be replaced by teammate Johan Franzen, which could be big. Franzen is notably much more skilled than Holmstrom and can do just as much damage, if not more, on the powerplay. Sweden upgrades its roster, and indeed its chances to advance deep in the medal rounds.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Roster Freeze
Well , looks like I was dead wrong on the roster freeze, it looks like GMs would rather negotiate deals through the olympics. As a result, I think deadline day may be smaller in scale this season if deals are announced as soon as rosters are unfrozen. Even still, deadline day is mere 3 days after the Gold Medal game that is scheduled for Feb. 28, so teams may already have agreed to deals but wait til Mar. 3 to announce them. Here's all the deals that did happen last week before the freeze, and my analysis of the Kovalchuk deal:
- Chicago receives: Kim Johnnson and Nick Leddy, Minnesota receives: Cam Barker
- A swap of defenders, and the Blackhawks add a more veteran presence on the blue line than Barker, who's youth and energy should help a Minnesota squad struggling to stay afloat. In addition, Chicago gets Minnesota's 2009 first round pick in Leddy.
- Ottawa receives: Matt Cullen, Carolina receives: Alexandre Picard and 2nd round pick in 2010.
- Ottawa gets some baggage out and brings in Cullen, a forward who is certainly a veteran when it comes to the playoffs. Bryan Murray wants this team to advance past the first round, not simply qualify for the playoffs.
- Montreal receives: Dominic Moore, Florida receives: 2nd round pick in 2011.
- Moore is a solid forward who could add some depth to the Canadiens forwards.
- San Jose receives: 6th round pick in 2010, New York (R) receive: Jody Shelley
- Could be the Rangers are tired of getting bullied by the likes of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New Jersey within its own division.
- Thrashers receive: Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, Patrice Cormier, 1st round pick in 2010, Devils receive: Anssi Salmela, Ilya Kovalchuk.
- Sure, the Thrashers got a good group of prospects in this deal, but I don't think they got near what they thought they would get on the open market with Kovalchuk. Could be that this was the best deal the Thrashers got, and it that is the case, I don't see why Atlanta GM Don Waddell simply doesn't make more of an effort to re-sign Kovie. The Devils get a hell of a rental, and that's what he is in New Jersey, a rental. Expect him to sign elsewhere (Maybe even a mega deal in the KHL) come July 1.
- Chicago receives: Kim Johnnson and Nick Leddy, Minnesota receives: Cam Barker
- A swap of defenders, and the Blackhawks add a more veteran presence on the blue line than Barker, who's youth and energy should help a Minnesota squad struggling to stay afloat. In addition, Chicago gets Minnesota's 2009 first round pick in Leddy.
- Ottawa receives: Matt Cullen, Carolina receives: Alexandre Picard and 2nd round pick in 2010.
- Ottawa gets some baggage out and brings in Cullen, a forward who is certainly a veteran when it comes to the playoffs. Bryan Murray wants this team to advance past the first round, not simply qualify for the playoffs.
- Montreal receives: Dominic Moore, Florida receives: 2nd round pick in 2011.
- Moore is a solid forward who could add some depth to the Canadiens forwards.
- San Jose receives: 6th round pick in 2010, New York (R) receive: Jody Shelley
- Could be the Rangers are tired of getting bullied by the likes of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New Jersey within its own division.
- Thrashers receive: Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, Patrice Cormier, 1st round pick in 2010, Devils receive: Anssi Salmela, Ilya Kovalchuk.
- Sure, the Thrashers got a good group of prospects in this deal, but I don't think they got near what they thought they would get on the open market with Kovalchuk. Could be that this was the best deal the Thrashers got, and it that is the case, I don't see why Atlanta GM Don Waddell simply doesn't make more of an effort to re-sign Kovie. The Devils get a hell of a rental, and that's what he is in New Jersey, a rental. Expect him to sign elsewhere (Maybe even a mega deal in the KHL) come July 1.
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