U18 WJC Gold Medal GDT - USA vs. Canada

Gold Medal:
USa vs. Canada

Online Statistics (http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_05/output/w18/hydra.iihf.com/IIHF_Core/jsp/content/web_output/index.jsp@compId=1000000028)

Online Radio (http://www.usahockey.com/)

It really should be a great game. I was so excited during Czech Republic-Canada yesterday, this game will be even better. I miss hockey but it's not that bad, because of games like these.

Where is the audio-link on the USA-Hockey-Site? I can´t find it...

Where is the audio-link on the USA-Hockey-Site? I can´t find it...

I cant find it either.....

Lets go USA!!! :yo:

Where is the audio-link on the USA-Hockey-Site? I can´t find it...

They just put it on the main page now.

Let's Go Canada!! Clune, Clutterbuck and Pyatt (really fast)!

Who does Camp match up against Kessel? Is there a player on CAN who can match his speed and shadow him the whole game. The Clune, Clutterbuck, Bass line is the grinding line and Pyatt is a grinder as well but maybe someone like Bertram will be assigned to closely check Kessel for this one game.

I think Usa will win but Canada still has a strong chance to win.

Go CANADA!!!!! :yo:

The key is to neutralise Usa's forwards, like Kessel,Mueller,Skille,Stoa and etc...Frazee has alos been solid so putting pressure on the opposite d's could also work to score some goals!

Game is UNDERWAY! GO USA!!! :handclap: :handclap: :handclap:

Who does Camp match up against Kessel? Is there a player on CAN who can match his speed and shadow him the whole game. The Clune, Clutterbuck, Bass line is the grinding line and Pyatt is a grinder as well but maybe someone like Bertram will be assigned to closely check Kessel for this one game.

Good question. Who knows. I'd say Bertram et al, but who knows if they can even do it.

As for Frazee, I'm less worried about him than I am about the forward corps.


edit: Pierre just mentioned O'marra and Bourdon vs Kessel (split)

we have got to start hitting more! pp canada

Good question. Who knows. I'd say Bertram et al, but who knows if they can even do it.

As for Frazee, I'm less worried about him than I am about the forward corps.


Maguire just suggested O'Marra and Bourdon as much as possible against Kessel.
We'll see what happens.

Kessel Scores!!! 1-0 Usa!!

Ugh, well maybe they'll realise they need to double team Kessel now. (nice goal by the way, pure burst of speed).

Not a good sign. Kessel's first chance and he scores. They can't give him any more and expect to win.

Great break out and transition game by the US. Speed kills and Kessel has plenty of it. Maguire compares him to Pat Lafontaine.

Does Price always try to poke check oppenents on Breakaways? he tried it in the semi final game on the 2nd CZE goal and it didn't work then either. Great move when it works but you have zero chance if you miss the puck. Kessel made no mistake

Ugh, well maybe they'll realise they need to double team Kessel now. (nice goal by the way, pure burst of speed).

Is the game on TV in Canada / the States?

Kessel!!!!!!!!! :bow:

Is the game on TV in Canada / the States?


In Canada.

Geez. Tremendous chances by Canada but Johnson makes sliding save on an open net and Canada missed the net on a rebound.

Oh My God!!!!!!! how close can we get?!!!> Nice save by Frazee/Johnson

Omarra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1-1~

Garbage goal - but I'll take it. O'Marra Johnny on the spot for the rebound.


That said - we need to start winning more offensive zone face-offs.

1-1. O'Marra on the pp.

O'Marra has really impressed me in this tourny. Great chances there on the PP as 2 CAN's had an open net.

Johnson made some great plays in that sequence.

O'Marra scores as I'm typing this.

Tremendous pressure by Canada now. It seems we have a game.

:cry: Penalties must stop :madfire:

I've said it before, I'll say it again - Letang impresses me with his ability to get the puck on net (with force) from the point - no matter the situation. Impressive

7 Men on the ice for Canada and nothing called??? :dunno:

2-1 USA!! Lawrence with the Goal, Kessel with the assist! :handclap:

okay:
1: TSN - sort your ****ing feed out! we don't want a repeat of 94 [?]

2: on a 3 on 1 - make sure you get a shot off.

3: Lawrence 2-1 USA on the pp

2-1 U.S. after a boneheaded penalty by Bertram. Lawrence goal, Kessel assist.

:handclap: Back on top

I've said it before, I'll say it again - Letang impresses me with his ability to get the puck on net (with force) from the point - no matter the situation. Impressive


Central Scouting Service has him as the 127 NA skater in their Jan mid-term rankings.

He'll rocket up this list after his showing in this tourny. He's impressed me as well.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/naskaters.pdf

Great save by Frazee on O'Marra.

Great move when it works but you have zero chance if you miss the puck. Kessel made no mistake

Totally. Usually, goalie coaches ween you off that by Bantam. It's far too high-risk.

2-1 U.S after one. Excellent period. I thought Canada carried the play and had the better chances, but Kessel is the difference. He's head and shoulders above anybody else on the ice.

2-1 U.S after one. Excellent period. I thought Canada carried the play and had the better chances, but Kessel is the difference. He's head and shoulders above anybody else on the ice.

- I agree we carried the play all period - but the US seems to have a consistency between all lines that we lack - more of a system maybe.

- Our forecheck is not dominating as it should be - but they don't seem to even have one - which is weird :dunno:

- Our pp seems anaemic: not so much the D, so much as the cycle. It's telling that the US D is far bigger and stronger down low than our previous competition.

- We're only one goal out, and Frazee is a mystery - we could get a fluke and be back in this.

- Also, we need shorter shifts - especially if we're trying to match Kessel, who just dominates.

Let's Go!

The price of a pokecheck attempt on Phil Kessel is a goal. Anything but a pokecheck,please! Kessel looks like a sure thing in the 2006 draft. But,today...Canada can shut him down...by rolling the lines over and not isolating any one player on him.

2-1 U.S after one. Excellent period. I thought Canada carried the play and had the better chances, but Kessel is the difference. He's head and shoulders above anybody else on the ice.

Agreed, his speed is killing the big canadian d's.The canadian defence didn't play all that well.They must stop being intimated by the Us forwards.They had a lot of scoring chances but they were so unlucky.Good overall period by Usa.The key for the canadian is to make some traffic in front of Frazee and neutralize the forwards of the opposite team (that's what they didn't do in the first).

Shots 22-7 for Canada in the first. Price has got to start making some saves.

Parent is ******* awful with the puck.

Setoguchi breakaway. Frazee save. he's playing well.

Parent is ******* awful with the puck.

I agree - he's far better off with his positioning. There have been a few questionable decisions with him on the pp this tourney. He either waits too long or or fails to see the open man some time.


Frazee: nice save on Setoguchi!

Where's Bobby Clarke when you need him?

Is it just me, or does 28 shots deserve more than one goal :banghead:

If Canada keeps playing like this and keeps Kessel off the board the rest of the way (no small feat), they will win.

Is it just me, or does 28 shots deserve more than one goal :banghead:

Canada's lack of opportunism costing them.

Good PK Canada!

The Reffing has been good so far.

We need to keep rolling the lines and we'll win. They have one line only it would seem. With a bit of luck we can do this

I'm very surprised by how passively the U.S. is playing. They're not forechecking at all.

Not good. Bourdon off for "tripping" - 5 mins left in the 2nd

U.S. 3-1 pp

LAWERENCE SCOReS!!!!!! 3-1!!

The US PP is so much fun to watch.

The US PP is so much fun to watch.

For sure - it's great.


This kind of game kills me. We're losing on special teams. It's like we have no one who can just step up a notch 5on5

4 on 4 on international ice ... yea buddy

I should apologize. In another thread I said there was no chance Canada would get 45 shots. I think I'm going to be wrong! :eek:

That play Bourdon just made on Kessel is what the NHL needs to get rid of. It's what's killing the game and taking away all the skill and excitement.

3-1 after two.

That play Bourdon just made on Kessel is what the NHL needs to get rid of. It's what's killing the game and taking away all the skill and excitement.

I think that was Parent, not Bourdon.

That play Bourdon just made on Kessel is what the NHL needs to get rid of. It's what's killing the game and taking away all the skill and excitement.

I think, it was Parent.After, Bourdon wanted to injure Skille and like jumped on him but he missed Skille.That would have been dirty hit.

Again, we just can't put the puck in the net.The us defence is playing better then I expected.I really think, Usa is gonna win this one.

Canada is vastly outplaying the US. But the US has the two best players by far -- Frazee and Kessel. The US will win the game I think, unless Canada somehow gets a fluke goal off a rebound or deflection.

The US has been disappointingly passive. I haven't really been impressed with many of their players. But Kessel is veru good. He reminds me of Amonte with more creativity.

Some of Canada's players have been disappointing. Parent has been ordinary, and he was sleeping on the second goal. Latendresse is frustrating to watch. I would be hesitant about taking him in the top 10.

Anyway, entertaining game so far.

I think that was Parent, not Bourdon.

you're right

......:blush:

But those plays have got to go

I should apologize. In another thread I said there was no chance Canada would get 45 shots. I think I'm going to be wrong! :eek:

The shots have been deceptive. Lots of long, meaningless shots.

I was shocked when they put up those numbers, the chances have been pretty even.

The shots have been deceptive. Lots of long, meaningless shots.

I was shocked when they put up those numbers, the chances have been pretty even.


Thanks for info. I can't really tell since I'm listening to the game rather than watching it.... :cry:

We should be up. We're outplaying them, outshooting them...but they seem more mature and steady. We need a lucky break. But I still have hope. Let's go Pyatt!

Canada is vastly outplaying the US. But the US has the two best players by far -- Frazee and Kessel. The US will win the game I think, unless Canada somehow gets a fluke goal off a rebound or deflection.

The US has been disappointingly passive. I haven't really been impressed with many of their players. But Kessel is veru good. He reminds me of Amonte with more creativity.

Some of Canada's players have been disappointing. Parent has been ordinary, and he was sleeping on the second goal. Latendresse is frustrating to watch. I would be hesitant about taking him in the top 10.

Anyway, entertaining game so far.

Yeah even the U.S. radio broadcasters called it a great period....for Canada but they just couldn't cash in on their opportunities.

This of course is where the U.S. cohesiveness takes over. You have to remember that Canada had only one practice before heading to Europe and I would suspect that they really haven't had the time to work all that much on special teams play.... and that is what is costing them this game.

Mark Evans (the usahockey play-by-play guy) refers to the U.S. team speed as "bewildering." :biglaugh:

The US has been disappointingly passive.

I know - I was surprised when they decided to only send one man in on the forecheck. Too bad, it would've been an even better game.


I haven't really been impressed with many of their players.

I agree - Kessel, obviously, but Mueller strikes me as almost as good.


Parent has been ordinary,
All tournament.

those plays have got to go

I agree - it's interference, pure and simple.

Americans diving now? :shakehead

ugh. game over. Though I won't stop hoping.

Kirby?? (SP) Scores!! 4-1 USA!! KESSEL With the assist!

Scooooooooooooore!

4-1, USA!

Kirby?? (SP) Scores!! 4-1 USA!! KESSEL With the assits!


Gerbe

Kirby?? (SP) Scores!! 4-1 USA!! KESSEL With the assist!


Gerbe baby! Phil Kessel!!!!! :bow:

Gerbe

Ahh, Yea i didnt think it was Kirby lol.

On a side note: Congrats to Sweden, beating Czechs for the Bronze.

Kessel = GOD

8 Goals, 7 Assists, 15 Points in 6 games. Hes also got 3 GWGs. :eek:

2nd place player in stats only has 3 Goals, 5 Assists.
Kessel also has 2x as many goals as the 2nd leading goal scorer.

Mueller isn't showing alot of discipline. I'd give him a slap upside the head when he gets back to the bench.

Wake Up Ref!!

Wake Up Ref!!


don't expect the USA to get a lot of calls in a 4-1 game.

Americans diving now? :shakehead

Everybody diving, even Gretzky did

don't expect the USA to get a lot of calls in a 4-1 game.


Evans said Kessel got tackled, but you're right about the calls.

Kessel = GOD

8 Goals, 7 Assists, 15 Points in 6 games.

2nd place player in stats only has 3 Goals, 5 Assists.
Kessel also has 2x as many goals as the 2nd leading goal scorer.

Yes, to say the least I am very happy he chose to wear the treasured "M", and be a Gopher. Along with Stoa, and Frazee.

And Mueller in 2006. Thay are all going to be fun to watch to say the least.

don't expect the USA to get a lot of calls in a 4-1 game.

Just because USA is beating Canada 4-1, that doesnt mean Canada can do whatever they want, the Ref still needs to make the calls.

Yes, to say the least I am very happy he chose to wear the treasured "M", and be a Gopher. Along with Stoa, and Frazee.

And Mueller in 2006. Thay are all going to be fun to watch to say the least.

I cant wait for next NCAA season, im a big Michigan fan but i'm REALLY looking forward to cheering for the Gophers next season with Kessel on the team. :handclap:

That typifies our game all night. "Merceeer" should've had his ass kicked after that hit, but no one did anything.

Just because USA is beating Canada 4-1, that doesnt mean Canada can do whatever they want, the Ref still needs to make the calls.


this kind of thing is true even in the NHL. when a game is as far apart as this one is, the team that's winning won't get all the calls they should, whereas every penalty will be called against the winning team.

Yikes!! A 5 min penalty :cry: :shakehead

Oh no not a stretcher. Come on USA you are leading, no need for that.

More undisciplined play from the U.S. Now Mercier gets called for 5:00!!!! :banghead:

Yikes!! A 5 min penalty :cry: :shakehead

There bringing out the stretcher now...I hope he's alright.

Just because USA is beating Canada 4-1, that doesnt mean Canada can do whatever they want, the Ref still needs to make the calls.

Ya. For sure. They're calling the stretcher for Yellowhorn now. Class all the way.

Yikes!! A 5 min penalty :cry: :shakehead

Oh no not a stretcher. Come on USA you are leading, no need for that.

More importantly - Yellowhorn is hurt.

Im just listening to it (stupid ESPN). What kind of hit was it. From behind, charge. etc, etc????

Im just listening to it (stupid ESPN). What kind of hit was it. From behind, charge. etc, etc????

Cross check at full speed from behind on the halfboards - three feet from the boards. The only way it could be worse is if it were in the corner. Merceeer should have his clock cleaned.

Im just listening to it (stupid ESPN). What kind of hit was it. From behind, charge. etc, etc????

He was coming to get the puck at an angle with the boards and the US player gave him a cross check in the back a few feet away from the boards. Hit it head first. Looks really bad.

Wow up 4-1 and slams him into the boards like that from behind and almost breaks the guys neck. I bet that won't be on CNN. Lets get some payback boys.

I doubt Canada will get the chance. He should be out of the game.

Pretty cheap. No need for that. :shakehead

Lets get some payback boys.

On the scoreboard...

Wow up 4-1 and slams him into the boards like that from behind and almost breaks the guys neck. I bet that won't be on CNN. Lets get some payback boys.

It was a stupid dangerous play.

Getting "payback" is exactly what we *don't* need in hockey.

That was the most disgusting wreckless stupid cheapshot I have ever witnessed...they should send a message on that one..wow - they should show that to young kids on what can happen when you don't have respect...

That was the most disgusting wreckless stupid cheapshot I have ever witnessed...they should send a message on that one..wow - they should show that to young kids on what can happen when you don't have respect...

If that's the worst you've ever seen, you haven't seen much.

It was bad but that's an overeaction.

KESSEL SCORES THE EMPTY NET! 4 Point night!

Kessel is unreal. :eek:

Congrats to USA. Especially Frazee - a great game by him - totally solid. And the D-corps was stand-up as well. The forwards were a bit nothing, but when you have Kessel, Gerbe and Mueller you don't need much.

p.s. empty net goal by Kessel. Celebration like that is uncalled for in this particular scenario.

KESSEL SCORES THE EMPTY NET! 4 Point night!
He's kind of good. I guess I would pick him on my team :biglaugh:

USA WiNS GOLD! :win:

:clap: Congratulations Team USA! :clap:

:)

GO USA!

Phil Kessel!!!! :bow: USA!!!!!!!!! :bow: :clap:

Gold! :yo:

Congrats U.S.. You were by far the better team.

Congrats to USA. Especially Frazee - a great game by him - totally solid. And the D-corps was stand-up as well. The forwards were a bit nothing, but when you have Kessel, Gerbe and Mueller you don't need much.

p.s. empty net goal by Kessel. Celebration like that is uncalled for in this particular scenario.
Hes a kid, hes excited. Plus im sure it was nothing compared to how the Russians acted in the elimination game vs the US last Dec.

9 Goals, 7 Assists in 6 games for Kessel....what kind of #'s did Crosby put up last year??

Hes a kid, hes excited. Plus im sure it was nothing compared to how the Russians acted in the elimination game vs the US last Dec.

Who cares about the Russians? An empty net goal celebration is uncalled when your team is leading 4-1 in the late stages....... anyway, congrats to the US team, they were the better team, with Team Canada missing guys like Crosby, Brule, Staal, McQuaid, etc.

9 Goals, 7 Assists in 6 games for Kessel....what kind of #'s did Crosby put up last year??

He didn't play last year.

Ovechkin had 9 goals and 4 assists in 6 games in his last year of eligibility.

Great game by Team USA, this is an exceptionally good squad for this age group and was by far the best team at this tournament.

In some ways I *almost* wish there won't be an NHL next year so that we can see a full Canadian squad with Crosby, Brule, Staal, etc, go up against this team. Wow, what a game THAT would be.

He didn't play last year.

Ovechkin had 9 goals and 4 assists in 6 games in his last year of eligibility.


I don't think Crosby ever played in the U18s.

Great game by the U.S.

Kessel = GOD

8 Goals, 7 Assists, 15 Points in 6 games. Hes also got 3 GWGs. :eek:

2nd place player in stats only has 3 Goals, 5 Assists.
Kessel also has 2x as many goals as the 2nd leading goal scorer.
Let's not get carried away. He ain't no Sidney Crosby.

I don't think Crosby ever played in the U18s.

I think he played as a 16 year old. Might be wrong though.

Hes a kid, hes excited.

You don't get it. Congrats nonetheless.

I was hoping for a better game, but the US squad was just far more mature and balanced. They didn't even need a forecheck. Very opportunistic, and it paid off well.

I think he played as a 16 year old. Might be wrong though.

I ckecked the IIHF website and couldn't find anything. He played on the U20 team as a 16 year old though.

I think he played as a 16 year old. Might be wrong though.

He played at the U18 World Cup two Augusts ago with Canada's '86s. He lead the team in scoring.

I think he played as a 16 year old. Might be wrong though.I don't think so.

Let's not get carried away. He ain't no Sidney Crosby.

Never said he was...but he sure will be on the the best in the NHL someday.

Never said he was...but he sure will be on the the best in the NHL someday.
I was just joking anyway.He's a great player,congratulations to USA.

Let's not get carried away. He ain't no Sidney Crosby.


No one said he is. It's nice to have an elite forward prospect for a change though (with all due respect to guys like O'Sullivan, Parise, and Schremp).

Never said he was...but he sure will be on the the best in the NHL someday.
nope, you said he was god.. ;)

No one said he is. It's nice to have an elite forward prospect for a change though (with all due respect to guys like O'Sullivan, Parise, and Schremp).

Rabid, I'm maybe crazy but I'd have put Kessel on the Usa wc's roster.I think, Parise and Brown have been invited but I'd have had give Kessel a try to see what he could do out there.

I've really been impressed by the us defence.Jack Johnson gave some really big bodycheks and somehow he neutralized O'Marra , Setoguchi and etc... that's just amazing.They deserve the gold medal. :clap:

Rabid, I'm maybe crazy but I'd have put Kessel on the Usa wc's roster.I think, Parise and Brown have been invited but I'd have had give Kessel a try to see what he could do out there.

I've really been impressed by the us defence.Jack Johnson gave some really big bodycheks and somehow he neutralized O'Marra , Setoguchi and etc... that's just amazing.They deserve the gold medal. :clap:


Kessel's a great player, but he has no business playing in the men's World Championships. He'd get killed out there.

Kessel's a great player, but he has no business playing in the men's World Championships. He'd get killed out there.

Ditto. No disrespect to a future star, but he needs to adapt to a faster more physical game at his own pace. That deke where he hops around the defenceman is a minor league move. Can you imagine what Regher or Hannan would do if he tried that?

No worries, though. I'm sure he'll soon be just fine against the big Ds.

Ditto. No disrespect to a future star, but he needs to adapt to a faster more physical game at his own pace. That deke where he hops around the defenceman is a minor league move. Can you imagine what Regher or Hannan would do if he tried that?

No worries, though. I'm sure he'll soon be just fine against the big Ds.


I know exactly what would happen: He would end up in the hospital. He'll be in the position to play in the World Championships....in about five or six years.

I don't think so.

Crosby played on the Under-18 World Cup team in August of 2003, he had JUST turned 16 as the tournament began. He was an '87 playing with all '86 players.
Looks like he had about 6 points in 5 games for a Canadian squad that finished 4th.
Go to www.canadianhockey.ca for full rosters & results.

Great game by the US today. I wasn't expecting Canada to win, but it was an entertaining game until the 4th goal.

US' defence amazed me. Frazee (whom I thought was "Crazy" until I saw his jersey at the end of the game) was good, but I've never seen such young kids block so many shots. The defence and Kessel were the difference early on IMO.

As for the ugly incident at the end of the game, it was brutal but not malicious. Total lack of respect and a boneheaded play, but not malicious. I hope Yellowhorn is fine.

Kessel playing for the World Championship team? Let's not get carried away... What set him apart this tournament (beside his amazing skill) was his lightning speed. You couldn't keep up with him. But he wouldn't have that advantage playing against grown men, and would be totally dominated physically. He's 17, after all.

Again, congrats to the US. This was my first time watching the U-18 tournament and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Nice to see the americans coming through there. :yo: :handclap:

I missed the entire third period and just found out the final score. It's disappointing but congrats to the U.S. Kessel is something else and Frazee came up big. I'm very proud of the way Canada played.

Congrats to the USA on a good win. Frazee played an incredible game and really was a key part in his team's win.

The US defence played really well. As they pointed out on TSN, they really got in the way of a lot of shots and did a good job of collapsing in front of goal. The forwards were fast as well, good a lauching the counterattack.

I thought Canada's D should have played more physical but USA's speed seemed to be a bit of a problem. They really played like a team and had more talent up front. Great team speed and some nice rushes. I think this frustrated Canada's d because they couldn't punish the forwards as they would have liked to. (When Parent threw Kessel to the ice on the offside for example)

You could tell, (and this is the fear I had earlier in the tournament) that Canada, aside from O'Marra, Latendresse & a few others, didn't have enough offensive firepower. They had a ton of grinders who work hard, but little offensive creativtiy. In a game with a goalie playing well like that, a strong forcheck and cycle game isn't enough. They could have used some more scorers, but again, give credit to the US defence and especially Frazee.

As for Kessel is the WC, people have said what needs to be said. Let's not get carried away. He's could go no.1 next year, but he'd get killed against men. Those moves are nice and flashy, but they're junior moves, they don't work often against pro's. I'm not taking anything away from him though, he's going to be an absolute star in the NHL.

Again, congrats on the gold and congrats to the Canada boys too, they played great throughout the whole tournament despite not having been together before the tourney. Both teams played a good game.

Congrats to team U.S.A.It hurts to lose but there is no shame losing to that good of a team.Talent usually takes teams to the top and they were simply the most talented team there hands down.From start to finish they showed they were the team to beat there and carried it right to the end.I'm proud of the guys for righting the ship to take silver at least.In Canada,silver in hockey is considered failure but it's never really failure when you have done all you can and tried your best and i think they did. The States had a team that 9 times out of ten would win and it's as simple as that.Nice crop of young players there and deserving of victory.

Congrats to the USA on their win. Their team was quite good, and Kessel just seemed to dominate out there with his speed. I was also impressed with Johnson, and of course the goalie.

Congrats to Canada as well on the Silver. Considering we were missing some very skilled players, I thought Canada did well finishing 2nd.

I hope Yellowhorn is ok. That was a nasty hit that was totally uncalled for. Put a sour note on a good game.

I don't think Canada should have anything to be ashamed of here. This a situation where I don't mind applauding Canada's depth, since this was a team that was without several high profile players (such as Crosby and Brule) and still won the silver, making the game against the U.S. alot closer than the score would indicate.

Great news and great performance by Kessel. Congrats USA! :clap:

Here's where Kessel fits in the tournament scoring history FYI (it's been around since 1999 I think).

Points
18 - Alexander Ovechkin (8 games 2002)
16 - Konstantin Zakharov (6 games 2003)
16 - Phil Kessel (6 games 2005)
15 - Andrei Kastsitsyn (6 games 2003)
15 - Ilya Kovalchuk (6 games 2001)
15 - Alexander Semin (8 games 2002)
15 - Patrick O'Sullivan (8 games 2002)

Goals
14 - Alexander Ovechkin (8 games 2002)
11 - Ilya Kovalchuk (6 games 2001)
9 - Alexander Ovechkin (6 games 2003)
9 - Konstantin Puskharev (6 games 2003)
9 - Phil Kessel (6 games 2005)
9 - Kevin Romy (8 games 2002)
9 - Brett Sterling (8 games 2002)
8 - Vadim Karaha (6 games 2003)
8 - Alexander Semin (8 games 2002)
8 - Sean Bergenheim (8 games 2002)

regardless of Kessel & Johnson being bonafide future stars and dominating with their play - they were the difference.

Frazee was good, but also lucky...Canada had many oppurtunities with him on his back flapping about like a guppy out of water; just didn't get the bounces.

As for Canada...what depth we have. Our C team played the champions almost even or better through out the game & defeated other countries' national teams.
Says alot for our programs now. Congratulations to anyone who is a coach in Canada..awesome work (that's a pat on the back for me as well).

Great hockey game all and all. Hockey fans all over the world win again! :yo:

Here's where Kessel fits in the tournament scoring history FYI (it's been around since 1999 I think).

Points
18 - Alexander Ovechkin (8 games 2002)
16 - Konstantin Zakharov (6 games 2003)
16 - Phil Kessel (6 games 2005)
15 - Andrei Kastsitsyn (6 games 2003)
15 - Ilya Kovalchuk (6 games 2001)
15 - Alexander Semin (8 games 2002)
15 - Patrick O'Sullivan (8 games 2002)

Goals
14 - Alexander Ovechkin (8 games 2002)
11 - Ilya Kovalchuk (6 games 2001)
9 - Alexander Ovechkin (6 games 2003)
9 - Konstantin Puskharev (6 games 2003)
9 - Phil Kessel (6 games 2005)
9 - Kevin Romy (8 games 2002)
9 - Brett Sterling (8 games 2002)
8 - Vadim Karaha (6 games 2003)
8 - Alexander Semin (8 games 2002)
8 - Sean Bergenheim (8 games 2002)Interesting and impressive. Thanks

regardless of Kessel & Johnson being bonafide future stars and dominating with their play - they were the difference.

Frazee was good, but also lucky...Canada had many oppurtunities with him on his back flapping about like a guppy out of water; just didn't get the bounces.

As for Canada...what depth we have. Our C team played the champions almost even or better through out the game & defeated other countries' national teams.
Says alot for our programs now. Congratulations to anyone who is a coach in Canada..awesome work (that's a pat on the back for me as well).

Great hockey game all and all. Hockey fans all over the world win again! :yo:

Calling team Canada a C team is misleading, of the top 10 eligible Canadian forwards ranked by the CSB, 6 were on this team. Of the top 10 eligible defensemen by the CSB, 4 were on it, including the top 3.

Sure Crosby and Brule would have helped but this is no C Team, and this isnt the best team the US Could have iced. Bobby Ryan, Matt Niskanen and Brian Lee would have helped a great deal.

Calling team Canada a C team is misleading, of the top 10 eligible Canadian forwards ranked by the CSB, 6 were on this team. Of the top 10 eligible defensemen by the CSB, 4 were on it, including the top 3.

Sure Crosby and Brule would have helped but this is no C Team, and this isnt the best team the US Could have iced. Bobby Ryan, Matt Niskanen and Brian Lee would have helped a great deal.


agreed on all counts, but i wasn't going to comment. even before the game, there were statements being made by some(but not all, most canadian fans have been classy about the loss) that if canada lost, it would only be because it wasn't the best team they could field.

both teams were missing guys that could have helped. let's leave it at that.

Here's where Kessel fits in the tournament scoring history FYI (it's been around since 1999 I think).

Points
18 - Alexander Ovechkin (8 games 2002)
16 - Konstantin Zakharov (6 games 2003)
16 - Phil Kessel (6 games 2005)
15 - Andrei Kastsitsyn (6 games 2003)
15 - Ilya Kovalchuk (6 games 2001)
15 - Alexander Semin (8 games 2002)
15 - Patrick O'Sullivan (8 games 2002)

Goals
14 - Alexander Ovechkin (8 games 2002)
11 - Ilya Kovalchuk (6 games 2001)
9 - Alexander Ovechkin (6 games 2003)
9 - Konstantin Puskharev (6 games 2003)
9 - Phil Kessel (6 games 2005)
9 - Kevin Romy (8 games 2002)
9 - Brett Sterling (8 games 2002)
8 - Vadim Karaha (6 games 2003)
8 - Alexander Semin (8 games 2002)
8 - Sean Bergenheim (8 games 2002)

Tied for second is pretty impressive and he is only 2 points under AO.

Crosby and Kessel are different players as TSN pointed out, Crosby is more physical.

Kessel is a fast skater with skill, something the NHL desperately needs.

Kessel showed what can happen with the centre line taken away, more quality scoring chances and opening up the game.

agreed on all counts, but i wasn't going to comment. even before the game, there were statements being made by some(but not all, most canadian fans have been classy about the loss) that if canada lost, it would only be because it wasn't the best team they could field.

both teams were missing guys that could have helped. let's leave it at that.

Yes, both teams were missing guys that could have helped, but only one of the teams was missing the *potential* top two picks in the draft.

Let's not cloud reality. This USA dominated the tournament. It was a great team led by a very good talent, and there is no team in the tourney better than them.

But that also doesn't mean this same age group will be as dominant when they meet again at the WJC.

Yes, both teams were missing guys that could have helped, but only one of the teams was missing the *potential* top two picks in the draft.

Let's not cloud reality. This USA dominated the tournament. It was a great team led by a very good talent, and there is no team in the tourney better than them.

But that also doesn't mean this same age group will be as dominant when they meet again at the WJC.


Well, again..to be fair...granted, Canada was missing Crosby....

But Canada missing Brule is about the same as the US missing Bobby Ryan. Would any of this have made a difference? Who knows. That's the nature of the CHL playoffs.

Yes, both teams were missing guys that could have helped, but only one of the teams was missing the *potential* top two picks in the draft.

Let's not cloud reality. This USA dominated the tournament. It was a great team led by a very good talent, and there is no team in the tourney better than them.

But that also doesn't mean this same age group will be as dominant when they meet again at the WJC.

Agreed. According the the latet ISS rankings, Canada was missing four of the top 9 draft eligable players in the world - Crosby, Brule, Staal, Bouret.

That's pretty significant. Not significant enough for me to say 'Canada would have won easily with those players' but certainly significant enough to realize it would have been a very different game.

Congrats to the US team though, they were above everyone else in this tournament and what else can be said about Kessel - he's a star.

Canada missing Crosby is as much a factor as if Kessel was missing for USA. And, if he was, Team USA would be a bronze or silver team for sure.

Either way, it doesn't matter. Canada could have won this game but they didn't capitalize, and Team USA was just better overall.

Agreed. According the the latet ISS rankings, Canada was missing four of the top 9 draft eligable players in the world - Crosby, Brule, Staal, Bouret.

That's pretty significant. Not significant enough for me to say 'Canada would have won easily with those players' but certainly significant enough to realize it would have been a very different game.

Congrats to the US team though, they were above everyone else in this tournament and what else can be said about Kessel - he's a star.

Bourret = late 86, not eligible to play in u-18

Bourret = late 86, not eligible to play in u-18

Sorry, my bad.

Canada missing Crosby is as much a factor as if Kessel was missing for USA. And, if he was, Team USA would be a bronze or silver team for sure.

Either way, it doesn't matter. Canada could have won this game but they didn't capitalize, and Team USA was just better overall.

Lets not go overboard...yes if Crosby was on Team Canada then that last game could have been very differernt..but not "Team USA would be bronze or silver for sure"

Lets not go overboard...yes if Crosby was on Team Canada then that last game could have been very differernt..but not "Team USA would be bronze or silver for sure"

Kessel had 2G and 2A in the gold game. Take him away and the US are in a world of hurt. It isnt that far out in left field. Think of it as a compliment to the talent of Phil Kessel.

Canada played a solid game and could have been right in the hunt had a couple of their great chances gone in. They were not as sharp on their PK as usual and i'll give credit to the US for having a fine, well coached outfit. Thanks to TSN for the coverage, hope its not a one shot deal. Tremendous silver medal no matter what anyone says.

Here's where Kessel fits in the tournament scoring history FYI (it's been around since 1999 I think).

Points
18 - Alexander Ovechkin (8 games 2002)
16 - Konstantin Zakharov (6 games 2003)
16 - Phil Kessel (6 games 2005)
15 - Andrei Kastsitsyn (6 games 2003)
15 - Ilya Kovalchuk (6 games 2001)
15 - Alexander Semin (8 games 2002)
15 - Patrick O'Sullivan (8 games 2002)

Goals
14 - Alexander Ovechkin (8 games 2002)
11 - Ilya Kovalchuk (6 games 2001)
9 - Alexander Ovechkin (6 games 2003)
9 - Konstantin Puskharev (6 games 2003)
9 - Phil Kessel (6 games 2005)
9 - Kevin Romy (8 games 2002)
9 - Brett Sterling (8 games 2002)
8 - Vadim Karaha (6 games 2003)
8 - Alexander Semin (8 games 2002)
8 - Sean Bergenheim (8 games 2002)

Ovechkin was 16 in 2002 when he put up 14g and 18pts. He had 9g and 13pts points the following year in 2003, the year Canada won gold.

agreed on all counts, but i wasn't going to comment. even before the game, there were statements being made by some(but not all, most canadian fans have been classy about the loss) that if canada lost, it would only be because it wasn't the best team they could field.

both teams were missing guys that could have helped. let's leave it at that.

It was definitely a good game and Team USA did what they needed to do to win. No one can argue with what they did at the tourney, going undefeated on the way to the gold.

You can say both teams were missing players and the same can be said for some of the other countries as well, Zagrapan from Slovakia and Kindl from the Czechs come to mind, but Canada was clearly missing players that would have made a HUGE difference at this tourney! You can see what they did at the U18 World Junior Cup last August on their way to gold, with no game really being close.

The USA may have been missing a few guys, but no one really comes to mind other than Bobby Ryan and possibly Brian Lee. Personally I don't think Ryan would have stood out at this tourney with his average skating abilities and as for Lee, he would have possibly added some depth at D.

As for Canada, they were missing several key players from the Gold medal winning team last August. Starting with leading scorer Andrew Cogliano, one of the top 87's in NA right now, Gilbert Brule - could go #2 in '05, Bryan Little - a potential top 5 pick in '06, Brock Bradford - a top recruit for BC, Kendall McArdle - leading scorer for Moose Jaw/WHL, Daniel Ryder - potential 1st rounder in '05, Chris Durand - another potential 1st rounder in '05 and four guys from back on the blueline who would have pretty much been locks for this team, Patrick McNeill, Kris Russell, Ryan Wilson and Marc Staal. A few other guys who come to mind and would have been nice additions are, Steve Downie and Scott Jackson.

And if you thought that was enough, well, I haven't even mentioned Mr. Crosby yet, and we all know what he can do!

With all those guys put together, that is like 2 superstar forward lines and 4 out of a possible 7 D-men.

Congrats to the USA ..they deserved Gold and it was alot easier losing to that team than it would of been losing to a bunch of fakers wearing Czeck uniforms .
The USA were a class act all tourney and were decidely the best team .
the fact two North american teams made it to the final with those biased refs was a miracle in itself .
Jack Johnson being tossed because he hit someone TOO hard ..whew . :shakehead

[QUOTE=And if you thought that was enough, well, I haven't even mentioned Mr. Crosby yet, and we all know what he can do!=QUOTE]

No disrespect to a deserved win by the red white and blue, but. . .

Can you imagine Crosby setting up Brule? Oh well, maybe we'll all be lucky and the NHL will stay locked-out until the New Year.