World Cup QF: Sep 8 GDT - Canada vs. Slovakia

Matchup: Canada vs. Slovakia
Venue, City: Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Time: 7:00 PM EDT

Rosters: Canada (http://wch2004.com/rosters/index.html#canada) | Slovakia (http://wch2004.com/rosters/index.html#slovakia)

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prediction: 4-1 Canada.

should be an ez one for the nucks.
go get 'em, boyz,
awaiting Canada-Finland final

should be an ez one for the nucks.
go get 'em, boyz,
awaiting Canada-Finland final
the last time canada had an easy qf and then looked past the czechs the czechs beat them.

oh, but it's never ez against the czechs, these are slovaks we are talking about.

not the healthiest roster out there...

the last time canada had an easy qf and then looked past the czechs the czechs beat them.

Not an easy win for Canada.

3-1 last one to empty net.

5-2 Canada

5-3 Canada

the last time canada had an easy qf and then looked past the czechs the czechs beat them.

That was 6 years ago, in the days of Hasek. European rules, bad ice surface, and a different team. As for the Slovaks, IF we play our best, we'll steamroll them. If we don't play well, or underestimate them, then there'll be problems.
5-2 Canada I say.

Slovakia takes an upset victory 4-2

Hossa 2
Chara
Satan (Empty net)

St.Louis 2

4-0 Canada

this has upset special written all over it.

this has upset special written all over it.

You wish it!!!

Not an easy win for Canada.

3-1 last one to empty net.


dude, you look like Ville Nieminen.

Canada is zeroed. Come out flying never look back

5-1 Canada

the last time canada had an easy qf and then looked past the czechs the czechs beat them.

You really need to check your facts.. that was a semi-final.

there's nothing to suggest this is going to be an "upset special". this is the best i've probably ever seen a team Canada play, and Slovakia has been a giant dissapointment all tournament. They've lost a few key players and apparently are having some internal issues with their coach

4-2 Canada

:handclap: Slovakia :handclap:

3-2 Slovakia

:handclap: Slovakia :handclap:

3-2 Slovakia

Really, it'll probably be 4-2 Canada but I can hope, can't I.

there's nothing to suggest this is going to be an "upset special".


:lol:

Slovakia could wake up at any moment. Slovakia played great against Canada in their pre-tournament game. Anything can happen. You're crazy if you think Canada can't lose. Slovakia has the players to win this game. They aren't Germany here (who, btw, almost upset Finland). Canadas defense is no where as good as it was at the start of this tournament.

Marty's moment to shine even brighter tonight.

3-0 Canada!!!!

Iginla, Doan, Richards

Slovakia will be a different team in the quarterfinals than in the round robin. The Slovaks can now play Hossa, Satan, Gaborik, Nagy, Stumpel, Zednik to play 25 minutes each, only leaving 10 minutes of weaker players. Chara will see some 30-35 minutes, etc. IF they can get good goaltending, they will be a serious threat.

That being said, if Canada brings their A game, they should win. But I do not expect this to be a blowout like the last game.

should be an ez one for the nucks.
go get 'em, boyz,
awaiting Canada-Finland final

I don't want to overlook any games and actually like Slovaks and Finns but I think it will be USA - Canada final.

You would hope that Slovakia would show up to at least one of their games this tournament. This team has been so disappointing. The only good thing about them is that players like Chara and Demitra are willing to take responsibility for the team's poor play. They've given some great quotes after games so far.

Having said that, Slovakia's goaltending is highly suspect and all their skilled players have yet to demonstrate that they can put together anything resembling a cohesive offence as of yet. I hope it's a good game, and I hope Slovakia can give Canada a run, but I can't see Canada putting in a sub-par effort, which is what it will take for them to lose. Canada is paranoid. They're at home, they're undefeated and they've seen two "upsets" already in the quarterfinals and one near upset in Finland. They're going to come out hard and Brodeur is going to be solid once again. If Slovakia can weather the initial storm and score the first goal, then it may be panic time, but if Canada scores first, watch out.

Canada 5-1

Iginla (2)
Sakic
Lecavalier
Richards

Stumpel

I'd like Slovakia to give a good show, but I think Canada will win. 4-0.

4-2 Canada

Canada will go down 2-0 early in the first, but will rally back and win 4-2 with the last goal being in an empty net with less than a half a minute to play.

I think it will be USA - Canada final.
Dunno.

Canada takes Slovaks out 5-1.

I think Canada's going to win, but what I would be concerned with if I was them is I don't think we've seen the best from them by a long shot. Everyone was writing off the U.S. and all of a sudden they're in the semis. IF Canada takes Slovakia lightly, and Stana plays well, Canada COULD be in for a long evening. I'm going with a 4-2 Canada victory, with the last goal and empty netter by Kris Draper.

Canadas defense is no where as good as it was at the start of this tournament.
Yet, despite all that, Canada still has the best defence of the tournament.

Yet, despite all that, Canada still has the best defence of the tournament.



You got that right , Canada 4 - Slovakia 1 :yo:

I think Canada's physical style of play will weaking the slovak team to where they will make mistakes and canada to capitalize on them. 4-2 Canada. 2 goals for the slovaks on PP.

Im pumped baby!!!!!!
Let's bury the Slovaks and get to the Czechs. I've never fully recovered from '98. I want them beat to a pulp.

Morrow scratched again I assume?

This Canadian team has been getting better with every passing game. The Canadians are bigger, stronger, faster, more skilled, better defense, better goaltending. I can't see anyway that the Slovaks win this game.

Canada 4-1.

Im pumped baby!!!!!!
Let's bury the Slovaks and get to the Czechs. I've never fully recovered from '98. I want them beat to a pulp.

Absolutely!!! I haven't forgotten that either. With no Hasek and no shootout to fall back on, we'll see what they've really got. But, Slovakia first...

Well look what happened the Swedish team. Lets not rule anything out but I'll always support my Canadian guys! GO TEAM CANADA GO!! 3-0!

there are 2 different scenarios in my mind:

- canada beats slovakia badly (5:0, 7:1,..)
- 1 gaol game (2:1,3:2, 3:4,...) with unknown winner (hopefully slovakia)

i'd be satisfied if the slovaks play what they are capable of...they have nothing to loss...might be inetersting game


go slovakia go :yo:

watch satan!

I got a really funny feelling about this game with the Slovaks upseting the Canucks.
3-1 Slovaks :dunno:

I'm calling upset. Slovakia 4-3

You really need to check your facts.. that was a semi-final.
no you just misunderstood.


98

canda played kazhakstan in an easy qf, then looked past the czechs to the final

04

canada plays slovakia(in what might not be an easy qf), and some of the fans are looking ahead right to the final.

Thats what I was trying to say.

I'd be worried about this game if I thought the players and coaches were taking
the Slovaks as lightly as some of the fans and media are.They are not.Even from the start they downplayed the preliminaries and talked about the elimination
games as do or die game sevens.Brodeur wrote an article in the globe and mail
a few days ago discussing this very thing. They will take every opponent one at
a time and very seriously.

I'll say Canada 5-1. I'd love to see them pour salt onto the wounds of the Slovaks. Then the Czechs I will never forget '98 and waking up at 3am to watch a game that we lose. In '02 we tied them so I hope we stomp them 5-1 as well. Canada has way too much offense to be thought to lose to any of these teams. Brodeur has been stellar as well.

I was actually hoping for a Can/Rus final now it'll be either Fin or USA. So I guess I can predict it will be USA only because they play on home ice, although I'm cheering for Finland for sure. Its getting old fast beating the USA. OUr round robin game wasnt even close although it was 2-1, it should have been 4-0 at the end of the first.

But lests just get by the Slovaks tonight. Hey lets face it who in their right mind would have thouhgt USA would have beaten Russia in 1980?

let's not compare even though the point could be valid.
the mighty Swedes just happen to choke in games like that. just like Russians.
Canada, in difference, pretty much always shows up prepared.

Canada 6 - Slovaks 3

Well look what happened the Swedish team. Lets not rule anything out but I'll always support my Canadian guys! GO TEAM CANADA GO!! 3-0!

Well, I am nervous as hell about this one. Slovakia 4 Canada 3. I smell an upset

:lol:

Slovakia could wake up at any moment. Slovakia played great against Canada in their pre-tournament game. Anything can happen. You're crazy if you think Canada can't lose. Slovakia has the players to win this game. They aren't Germany here (who, btw, almost upset Finland). Canadas defense is no where as good as it was at the start of this tournament.

I can't believe I'm saying(or typing, whatever) this but I agree. Slovakia is definitely capable of winning. Like you say that got a lot of good players. Also, Canada's defence is worse but to say that it's no where near as good as it was before is ludicrous(not including Blake and Pronger).

I really don't like the chances of there being three sleeping giants in the tournament being the U.S., Czechs, and Slovaks. I'm surprised there's two, I got a feeling there's not gonna be three.

I'm gonna say 4-2. Canada Scorers(in no order)- Jarome Iginla, Dany Heatley 2, Brad Richards. Slovakia Scorers(in no order)- Marian Hossa, Miro Satan

Morrow scratched again I assume?

Not likely Draper-Thornton-Doan are clicking well.

one thing that got me a little worried is everyone from the media was comparing the Slovakls this year to the past Belarussian teams in previosu tournaments. That didn't sit well with them, and they will come out fierce tonight.
But not fierce enough. it won't be a blowout. A one goal or 2 goal game for sure.

Canada 4 Slovakia 2


This won't be a blow away as everyone thinks.

If Canada scores first, it could get ugly.

If Canada scores first, it could get ugly.

If Slovakia scores right after that, it could be good.






:rolleyes:

I've noticed in this tournament whoever scores first will most likely win. Canada has GOT to draw first blood from here on in.

If Slovakia scores right after that, it could be good.






:rolleyes:

Could be, but it won't. :D

that's been the key factor.
and lead never changed as well...

quite straightforward if u ask me.

I've noticed in this tournament whoever scores first will most likely win. Canada has GOT to draw first blood from here on in.

...they have nothing to loss...

I think thats all the Slovaks have going for them over Canada. Everyone expects them to lose. Canada has all the pressure.

That being said though, Canada is playing great in every aspect of the game. There are no weak links. Every position of every line is top-notch. I dont see this game being close.

Morrow scratched again I assume?


Why would he be in the line up? Canada is doing fine.

I predict 5-1 Canada.

Sakic, Iginla (finally), Doan, Lecavalier & Heatley.

Hossa for the Slovaks.

don't expect iginla on the first power play unit tonite. tsn is saying st. louis switched spots with him in practice.

Why would he be in the line up? Canada is doing fine.

They'd do just as fine with him in the lineup IMO. He can easily replace Draper.

don't expect iginla on the first power play unit tonite. tsn is saying st. louis switched spots with him in practice.

Good, maybe now Iginla can play his game rather than have Mario & Sakic looking for him ALL THE TIME. Even when Iginla had 3 players hanging on him, they would still pass to him. Craig Conroy shoots more than Mario & Sakic. That should not be the case.

Put Iginla out with 2 other big bodies like Heatley and Thornton. Those guys can punish and score while Mario, Sakic, and St. Louis finese and score.

I'd like to see Slovakia have a good game - in fact, I wouldn't be terribly upset if they won, though of course Canada is my first choice.

I just want Chara to have a good game, despite his hurt thumb, since he's played so crappily through the first few games. He seems to be the only one who cares on that team most of the time.

4-3 Slovaks

:lol:

Slovakia could wake up at any moment. Slovakia played great against Canada in their pre-tournament game. Anything can happen. You're crazy if you think Canada can't lose. Slovakia has the players to win this game. They aren't Germany here (who, btw, almost upset Finland). Canadas defense is no where as good as it was at the start of this tournament.

i didn't say Canada can't lose. i just think its stupid when people reason that a team is "due for a bad game" for no reason other than they havn't had one yet. sure, some underachieving slovakians could suddenly explode on offense, but same could be said for Canada (lemieux, iginila, heatley, etc). since the pre-tourny games Canada has been on the upswing and Slovakia has been going in the other direction

Put Iginla out with 2 other big bodies like Heatley and Thornton.

That would be messing up 3 lines. Heatley, Vinnie and Smitty are a great line and shouldnt be broken up.

So will Iggy be with Richards and Gagne? St Louis and Richards were great together.

I say keep all the lines the same. Canada is unbeaten without their 1st line producing. It could also be that the opposing players are concentrating on the top line, which makes it easier on the other 3 lines. The top line is too good to not break out sometime. Just change the PP if need be.

i didn't say Canada can't lose. i just think its stupid when people reason that a team is "due for a bad game" for no reason other than they havn't had one yet.


it happens. It could happen tonight. :D

It's not just canada playing bad. Slovakia could show up and the Canadians might not be ready for it.

dude, you look like Ville Nieminen.

Well, you should see me on skates. No Ville Nieminen any more after that :)

After a lazy and sloppy first period, The Canadians take control of the game and never look back.

1st Period:
Zednik scores (PP)

2nd Period:
Gaborik scores
Smyth scores
Iginla scores

3rd Period:
Heatley scores
Richards scores
Draper scores (en)

Final score: 5-2 Canada

Matchup: Canada vs. Slovakia
Venue, City: Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Time: 7:00 PM EDT

Rosters: Canada (http://wch2004.com/rosters/index.html#canada) | Slovakia (http://wch2004.com/rosters/index.html#slovakia)

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prediction: 4-1 Canada.Canada crushes the Slovaks 6-2.

Well, you should see me on skates. No Ville Nieminen any more after that :)

Why is that ?? You don't stick your tongue out ?? ;)

If Canada loses tonight, and I suddenly disappear from these boards...

It's because the Prime Minister has called me off on an important mission.

I hope Canada wins, but as much as i hate to say it, i can see the slovaks walking away with this game. it will be a tough tight checking game in which the slovaks will fall back on the trap and hopefully the candians will be able to beat that pesky trap. but I hope canada wins.

3-2 ot

Morrow scratched again I assume?
Can't really fix whats not broken. Morrow doesn't play as well as Draper does with Jumbo Joe and Doaner.

Put Iginla out with 2 other big bodies like Heatley and Thornton. Those guys can punish and score while Mario, Sakic, and St. Louis finese and score.
I dunno, but I would keep the lines together. The Smyth-Lecavalier-Heatley line is awesome, so is the Gagne-Richards-St.Louis line. Plus, Thornon is playing great with Draper and Doan, and have been a very good checking line

If Canada loses tonight, and I suddenly disappear from these boards...

It's because the Prime Minister has called me off on an important mission.

What would that be ?? Operation Hell Freezing Over. Because that is what the whole country will feel like if Slovakia wins tonight. Oh, I can't even imagine losing tonight.

I dunno, but I would keep the lines together. The Smyth-Lecavalier-Heatley line is awesome, so is the Gagne-Richards-St.Louis line. Plus, Thornon is playing great with Draper and Doan, and have been a very good checking line

Yes, but you want your BEST players (Sakic, Iginla & Lemieux) playing at their best. If that means breaking up other lines, so be it. The goal is to have 4 lines clicking, not 3.

So far, two of the three teams that have moved on to the semi's really stepped it up and played at a different level yesterday. It's not a new level scene to this tournament as Canada and Finland played at that level through the entire round robin. Finland took a step backwards after the Niinimaa incident.

So now it's up to Canada to either rise beyond the level they played at in the round robin or stay at that level and be in a dogfight in the final four.

They will not lose this game. They dominated Slovakia in the round robin and are far beyond the skill level of their opponent tonight. Broduer alone just doesn't give Canada a chance to lose this matchup. So what it comes down to for me is a completely dominating performance or just a routine win. I really hope they show that the ceiling is higher than what they've played at so far. I don't care if it's a two-goal game or a five-goal game, I just want to see Canada's level of play improve from the round robin.

Lemieux will step up big with 1 goal and 2 assists.
4-0 canada

I think this will be a little closer than people think, I'll go with a 4-2 Canada win, with Canada scoring an empty netter.

I hope Canada wins, but as much as i hate to say it, i can see the slovaks walking away with this game. it will be a tough tight checking game in which the slovaks will fall back on the trap and hopefully the candians will be able to beat that pesky trap. but I hope canada wins.

3-2 ot

If Slovakia has to fall back into a trap they will get lit up like a Christmas tree

Can somebody post a link to the radio broadcast?

Thanks in advance.

I look for the big line of Sakic, Iginla and Lemieux to break out big time. It's a big game and they've been quiet. I think tonight's the night.

If you want to see something really enjoyable watch Brad Richards. I've loved watching this kid over the last week. He does it all. Maybe I'm to high on him but I can't help it.

They will not lose this game.



:shakehead

:shakehead

They won't.

:shakehead

:shakehead

:shakehead :shakehead :shakehead :shakehead

Hey, this is fun.

:cry:

Crap, I have failed another of life's tests...

here's to hoping that Lasak can hold up tonight. I want to see an upset.

They won't.


for the canadian posters sake on this board they better, cause if they do lose, you'll never hear the end of it from me.

for the canadian posters sake on this board they better, cause if they do lose, you'll never hear the end of it from me.

I dont think we will hear the end of it from you regardless.

I've noticed that the "How many gold medals has Canada won between 1952-2002" complaint has been very popular with non-Canadian hockey fans since Feburary 24, 2002. :shakehead

Canada will win handily. Look for Gagne to put a couple in. And Brodeur is not the best goalie in this tournament or in Canada for that matter.

Canada will win handily. Look for Gagne to put a couple in. And Brodeur is not the best goalie in this tournament or in Canada for that matter.
Who is then?

Who's that guy singing the national anthems? Horrible. Absolutely horrible.

link to Radiobroadcast anyone??? :cry:

Why do I get the feeling Slovakia is going to win this game?


I'm calling a 2-1 Slovakia win

Is it just me, or does Team Slovakia look like it belongs out there? Nice. We might have an entertaining game after all.

Keep it going, boys.

Can't watch or listen to the game (in class)... any update?

Can't watch or listen to the game (in class)... any update?

0-0 after 1st period.

Good christ the stifling Slovakian defence pisses me the hell off

:mad:

0-0 after 1st period.

Thanx a lot!

Thanx a lot!

No problem.

Canada will win handily. Look for Gagne to put a couple in. And Brodeur is not the best goalie in this tournament or in Canada for that matter.

Which Cup do you prefer, by the way? Envy at its finest, yet again.

Wow, lining 5 players across the neutral zone really makes it hard for Canada to get anything going through the neutral zone. It may be the only way for the Slovaks to win I guess. :cry:

Who's that guy singing the national anthems? Horrible. Absolutely horrible.

Weirdest thing, most comments I heard about him (like 19 out of 20) comments were very positive. I saw him sing the Russian national anthem in the first game as well. Interesting choise!


This game could very well turn out to be Slovakias game after all. Canada was not as overwhelming as I predicted, they did not have that many chances. Slovakia was close to a break away at least twice...It might take just one.

We'll see.

Wow, lining 5 players across the neutral zone really makes it hard for Canada to get anything going through the neutral zone. It may be the only way for the Slovaks to win I guess. :cry:

That's what Germany did against Finland for a long while and got them frustrated. If Canada won't score soon, the game will become painfull to watch when both start avoiding any mistakes....

And they are wasting more energy than Slovakia right now.

Burke saying Moore's injury was more from the pile up. :shakehead Get a job you big baby.

The Canadian team looks nervous out there. They aren't all fired up like they were in the round robin.

am i the only one thorougly annoyed by that "no nono nononononono no nooo!" commercial?!

Am I the only one thorougly annoyed by the poor atmosphere in Toronto? "The capital of hockey"? Yeah, right... It's a QF game and a Finnish reporter just said that he has never experienced as poor atmosphere in Toronto as now. :shakehead

Anyways, interesting game. Slovakia might even win this one.

Looks like it'll be a real hard hitting clutch and grab game.
The Lemieux line is looking real good tonight, they're bound to get the goal they've been seeking. This will be an interesting finish.

Am I the only one thorougly annoyed by the poor atmosphere in Toronto? "The capital of hockey"? Yeah, right... It's a QF game and a Finnish reporter just said that he has never experienced as poor atmosphere in Toronto as now. :shakehead

Anyways, interesting game. Slovakia might even win this one.

Just goes to show there's no ambiance like Montreal, we're the hockey capital of the world.

Montreal has the best atmosphere.

am i the only one thorougly annoyed by that "no nono nononononono no nooo!" commercial?!
I can't stand that one either. Gotta change the channel when that one comes on.

Montreal has the best atmosphere.

According to what I've heard and seen, yes indeed. :handclap:

so, in the past 30 seconds, i heard the czech republic referred to as "czechoslovakia" and team canada referred to as "team usa"

interesting.

LeCavalier. :yo:

Uh, that trip looked...embellished...

(Oy, the flaming)

pang totally jinxed lasak

Vinny! :handclap:

Uh, that trip looked...embellished...

(Oy, the flaming)

Like a dive? You would be correct.

Like a dive? You would be correct.

Almost as bad as Modano's dive? :lol

go vinnie 1 -0 Canada

Almost as bad as Modano's dive? :lol

I thought this was the Slovakia/Canada game thread..I didnt know Modano was Slovakian or Canadian...what does that have to do with the fact that it looked like Doan took a dive?

I guess that makes it okay, then.

Couple chances by Slovakia.

I thought this was the Slovakia/Canada game thread..I didnt know Modano was Slovakian or Canadian...what does that have to do with the fact that it looked like Doan took a dive?

I'm just saying that your hero Modano likes to dive.


2-0 Canada.

Goal! 2-0 Canada!! :handclap:

It's going to be a blow out. :yo:

I'm just saying that your hero Modano likes to dive.


2-0 Canada.

Good for you...but that has nothing to do with Shane Doan diving in a thread about Slovakia vs. Canada.

who scored the second?

Good for you...but that has nothing to do with Shane Doan diving in a thread about Slovakia vs. Canada.

That wasn't a dive. Open your eyes.

who scored the second?

The said Lemieux, but it was Iginla.

That wasn't a dive. Open your eyes.

Im not gonna get into an argument with you..I felt it was a dive, you dont....lets end it there.

It looked like Lemieux scored early on but it seems as though he didn't really touch the puck

knock off the childish bickering.

Im not gonna get into an argument with you..I felt it was a dive, you dont....lets end it there.


Alright.

To the two people bickering back and forth, and you know who you are, stop discussing it in this game thread. If you want to continue the discussion, talk about it via PM. Thanks. :)

who scored the second?

They said Mario, but it looked to me like he never touched it, which would give it to Iginla.

That wasn't a dive. Open your eyes.

If it would have been a player of ANY OTHER nationality, you would have called that a dive.

Well, Canada leads 2-0 and this one is practically over :)

Nice save by Brodeur.

3-0. Blow out. :yo:

Saw this coming from a mile away....

4-0 Blow out. Best shot on the planet. Joe Sakic. :yo:

Good bye, Slovakia.

Sakic!!! Beautiful pass and play. 4-0 Canada.

Lecavalier scores.

no that was Smyth :yo:

That was something eh.

Shame they didn't go with Stana from the outset.

Why in the world does Satan wear #18 and Hossa wear #81? Are they trying to confuse everyone on purpose :help:

Bring on the Czechs!

Great 2nd period. I hope the 3rd's just like it !!

About time the Sakic line got going !! Just in time I guess.

:yo: :banana: :yo:

I'm very excited with how Canada's played since the ten minute mark of the first, but a slow start like that against a stronger opponent could mean doom should we make it to the next round. Hope it's just that they had trouble getting motivated for this one.

Why in the world does Satan wear #18 and Hossa wear #81? Are they trying to confuse everyone on purpose :help:

6 + 6 + 6 = 18

Well, my prediction just went to hell in that period,Good job boys, Smyth is having one heck of a game, so i iggy. Brodeur looks very confident out there, batting pucks in mid air and popping them into his glove, dangerous, but looks awesome.... keep it up!

6 + 6 + 6 = 18
:lol:

Anyone here know where i can listen to this game?

5-0, get the Slovaks out of there.

aarrgghh!!...
when is that CBC guy going to pronounce Lecavalier's name correctly?

*sigh*

Has Gaborik done anything?

Has Gaborik done anything?

Not really.

Well i predicted 4-0 and really felt confident about this game, IMO i saw it as a SURE win. I came through, hooray for me! :handclap:

Well that game went pretty much as expected, bring on the Czechs! That should be a great game!

Well i predicted 4-0 and really felt confident about this game, IMO i saw it as a SURE win. I came through, hooray for me! :handclap:

Of course, highness. :D

Yay, they won! :banana:

Finland vs USA and Canada vs Czech Republic. Should be... interesting.

YIPPIE!!! :banana: :banana:

time for czechs!!

No matter what happens from here on in, Canadian hockey looks to be in pretty good shape. The ammount of young talent coming of age at the same time is very impressive. Big,fast,skilled complete players. I guess we can stop worrying about why we can't produce skilled players for a while. Should be a fun game Saturday. I imagine, it will be Doan's job to lean on Jagr a bit, can't wait.

No matter what happens from here on in, Canadian hockey looks to be in pretty good shape. The ammount of young talent coming of age at the same time is very impressive. Big,fast,skilled complete players. I guess we can stop worrying about why we can't produce skilled players for a while. Should be a fun game Saturday. I imagine, it will be Doan's job to lean on Jagr a bit, can't wait.

Not to mention the guys who aren't playing (Tanguay, Bertuzzi, Blake, Pronger). Canada was in a bit of a lull around Nagano, but everything goes in cycles. Like you said, even if Canada loses there won't be a big controversy about how Canada "can't compete anymore."

Nice Win, can't wait for Saturday...yeah baby. :yo:

The Big line came out in a big way. Good to see Iginla playing like Iginla.

Anyone else find that Chara had another rough one? I've seen 3 Slovak games (2 vs Canada one vs USA). He looked good against the USA throwing people around, taking the body, and pissing off a bunch of American forwards.

Today he seemed lost, indecisional, made plenty of mistakes and didn't take the body.

Maybe now that the Slovaks are done we will see a possible injury. :dunno:

US-Canada Final?

5-0, I was close (4-0) not a lot of shutouts predicted.

I found it in poor taste that Chara was booed when announced he was player of the game. Probably was already feeling like crap...

Then again, he's a key member from the Leafs' number 1 rival at the moment, so it is understandable. Ottawa fans probably would have booed Sundin.

I found it in poor taste that Chara was booed when announced he was player of the game. Probably was already feeling like crap...

Then again, he's a key member from the Leafs' number 1 rival at the moment, so it is understandable. Ottawa fans probably would have booed Sundin.

I found it looked like he was crying...

Not that it matters, but Iggy should have had a hattrick tonight.. that 1st period non-goal was a goal.. the puck went through Lasak's arm from the original shot and was going in already before Iggy 'knocked' Lasak into the net

It'll be interesting which Czech team shows up

I found it in poor taste that Chara was booed when announced he was player of the game. Probably was already feeling like crap...

Then again, he's a key member from the Leafs' number 1 rival at the moment, so it is understandable. Ottawa fans probably would have booed Sundin.

Haha I felt pretty bad too, but thats professional sports I guess.

Everywhere Chara plays now it seems like he hears the boos because of his freakish size. I guess thats a sign that he has earned the respect of hockey fans.

Not to mention the guys who aren't playing (Tanguay, Bertuzzi, Blake, Pronger). Canada was in a bit of a lull around Nagano, but everything goes in cycles. Like you said, even if Canada loses there won't be a big controversy about how Canada "can't compete anymore."


Canada HAD a problem in Nagano. The philosophy surrounding canadian hockey was, at the time: we have to play a physical, in-your-face type of hockey to be effective. Remember the composition of the team?

The Hockey Summit brought one good thing to the forefront: Canada CAN produce superior hockey players, but we have to insist even more on the skillset of players, not on their grit and size, which were Canadiana fixtures. Gretzky, at the time, said it on National TV. Bob Nicholson also. Since then, minor hockey has changed a bit, everywhere. The skills are better honed than they were. Our national program is the most complete of all the countries; no question about it, since we're the only country placing teams on podiums at most of all the international events. In minor hockey, the programs have been upgraded. The kids have "lessons" before or during the season, at practically every level except the latter ones. The Excellence program in this province (midget AAA, midget Espoir and Major Junior) has been super, nothing to say about it.

Canada could lose against a more experienced team saturday. But it is not a more talented team. Even if this is a young bunch (you take out Lemieux and, age-wise, it is the youngest, less experienced), it has an incredible lineup, fixtures we will see for the next 10 years or so. And to think we left a kid like Nash out of the picture! And imagine Crosby 3 years from now!

All I have to say is: chapeau! But let's not drop our guard, like we did in the mid 90's. Let's keep being the premier hockey nation in the world.

What can I say other than :banana: ?

YAY!!!!!!!!!!! GREAT GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO CANADA GO BABY YEAH :banana: :banana: :banana:

I'm not getting ahead of myself yet, but after a 5-0 QF iwn against a good Slovak team can we sya that if we win on Tuesday that this will for once silence the critics that we arent the best in the world (and let's face it, it's someitmes Canadian reporters too). After the 2002 Olympics, the back to back World Championships, and the six straight medals in the WJC its safe to say we'll be the best, no controversy

Reilly311's prediction for the Czech Canada game

4-1 Czech's. Then he will say "If they lose, you will never hear the end of it from me"

Shame they didn't go with Stana from the outset.

It wouldn't have mattered. I thought Lasak looked great. I can't fault him for any of the goals. In fact, goals 2-4 were, in my opinion, unstoppable. The last second tip-ins and shots like that from Sakic are the type of goals that no one saves, not even the hottest goalies. If you expect Stana to make any of those saves, you are going to be sorely disappointed.

It wouldn't have mattered. I thought Lasak looked great. I can't fault him for any of the goals. In fact, goals 2-4 were, in my opinion, unstoppable. The last second tip-ins and shots like that from Sakic are the type of goals that no one saves, not even the hottest goalies. If you expect Stana to make any of those saves, you are going to be sorely disappointed.

And if anyone watched Stana play Canada in the first go around.....he looked a heck of a lot worse than what Lasak did tonight.

I'm not getting ahead of myself yet, but after a 5-0 QF iwn against a good Slovak team can we sya that if we win on Tuesday that this will for once silence the critics that we arent the best in the world (and let's face it, it's someitmes Canadian reporters too). After the 2002 Olympics, the back to back World Championships, and the six straight medals in the WJC its safe to say we'll be the best, no controversy

Considering that Russian, Swedish, and now possibly Finnish hockey is in dissaray; Chech Republic no longer has the dominator, and the USA is not exacly surging (even though they still managed to beat us in the WJC)- Canada being the best is not much of an accomplishment.

Reilly311's prediction for the Czech Canada game

4-1 Czech's. Then he will say "If they lose, you will never hear the end of it from me"


Flattering, but you're giving canada too much credit. 5-0 Czechs.

Considering that Russian, Swedish, and now possibly Finnish hockey is in dissaray; Chech Republic no longer has the dominator, and the USA is not exacly surging (even though they still managed to beat us in the WJC)- Canada being the best is not much of an accomplishment. Canada has done a great job of developing players recently and win or lose in this tournament, can be pleased with the quality of players coming into the pro ranks. The status of player development and the ability of other countries to attract their players to tournaments has nothing to do with these accomplishments. There was a fear that Canada was only develping system oriented grinders, and that fear has been dispelled. Seems like a nice accomplishment to me.

Good to see Iginla find the back of the net. That line was unstoppable. THe Czechs will definitely have their hands full.

6 + 6 + 6 = 18
LOL!

Canada will win handily. Look for Gagne to put a couple in. And Brodeur is not the best goalie in this tournament or in Canada for that matter.
NEWSFLASH:PATRICK ROY RETIRED

NEWSFLASH:PATRICK ROY RETIRED


I think he was referring to Rick Tabbaraci, actually.

Flattering, but you're giving canada too much credit. 5-0 Czechs.

Clearly, you give countries that play Canada too much credit. Sure, sometimes Canadians do give Team Canada too much credit but please. It's not that bad and you know it. To say that the score against the Czech's is gonna be 5-0 for the Czech's is absurd. It couldn't be more clear how biased you are. I know, you know, everybody on these boards know it won't be 5-0 for the Czech's. Heck, there's no way the score will be 5-0 anyway. For once man push your bias aside when it comes to Canadian hockey. I'm not saying that Canada is always guarenteed to win but according to your predictions there's no way they're gonna win. So please man stop making a fool of yourself.

P.S. I know that you're gonna think I'm stupid for this but who is that fat guy in your avatar?

Mark Madden. Local sports radio personality and former sports writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He also once fancied himself a wrestler, and currently remains very much a attention-seeking, bombastic turdmaster. His approach is to insult, stir controversy and generally act like a child in order to garner as much publicity for his radio show as possible, while attracting attention to his favorite sports team, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The last is the only reason I don't wish him to drop off the face of the planet. Though he really isn't the type of person I want putting a face to my favorite sports franchise, it IS publicity in a almost entirely Steelers-dominated market.

Mark Madden. Local sports radio personality and former sports writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He also once fancied himself a wrestler, and currently remains very much a attention-seeking, bombastic turdmaster. His approach is to insult, stir controversy and generally act like a child in order to garner as much publicity for his radio show as possible, while attracting attention to his favorite sports team, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The last is the only reason I don't wish him to drop off the face of the planet. Though he really isn't the type of person I want putting a face to my favorite sports franchise, it IS publicity in a almost entirely Steelers-dominated market.

Sounds like a true low-life. Probably as bad as Reilly. I thought it was him though as Reilly seems to be in love with him.

Well, I dunno that he is truly a real low-life. I think he just feeds people what they want: controversy. Face it - people love to be pissed off about things and start yelling at each other.

He just exploits an unfortunate flaw in human nature, and it's unattractive in the extreme to watch unfold. People who like pro-wrestling, reality TV, and trashy talk shows are the same type that usually subscribe to his kind of rhetoric.

Mark Madden. Local sports radio personality and former sports writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He also once fancied himself a wrestler, and currently remains very much a attention-seeking, bombastic turdmaster. His approach is to insult, stir controversy and generally act like a child in order to garner as much publicity for his radio show as possible, while attracting attention to his favorite sports team, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The last is the only reason I don't wish him to drop off the face of the planet. Though he really isn't the type of person I want putting a face to my favorite sports franchise, it IS publicity in a almost entirely Steelers-dominated market.
Not to mention he totally contradicts himself. He says Lemieux doesnt count as being Canadian because he is from Quebec. Then he calls fans from Quebec "Stupid French-Canadians" :lol

5-0, I was close (4-0) not a lot of shutouts predicted.

I predicted 3-0...well I got the shutout right!! :banana:

Lemieux will step up big with 1 goal and 2 assists.
4-0 canada

Mine was close i almost predicted mario's output, maby ill count the goal he got at first but didnt touch :)