WC: Apr 30 GDT - Latvia vs. Canada

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Match: Latvia vs. Canada

Official Website: http://www.ihwc.net/english/
Online Statistics & Rosters: http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_05/output/ws/hydra.iihf.com/IIHF_Core/jsp/content/web_output/index.jsp@compId=1000000009
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i know it's a bit early, but hey. the tournament opens tomorrow and we have live action on TSN starting at 10:00am. game time 10:15. here are the rosters for the teams.

1 LUONGO Roberto GK L 1.91 / 6'3'' 94 / 207 04.APR.1979 Florida Panthers USA 29 APR 2005
4 PHILLIPS Chris D L 1.91 / 6'3'' 98 / 216 09.MAR.1978 Brynas IF Gavle SWE 29 APR 2005
6 REDDEN Wade D L 1.88 / 6'2'' 94 / 207 12.JUN.1977 Ottawa Senators CAN 29 APR 2005
7 MORRISON Brendan F L 1.81 / 5'11'' 84 / 185 15.AUG.1975 Linkopings HC SWE 29 APR 2005
10 MORROW Brenden F L 1.81 / 5'11'' 96 / 212 16.JAN.1979 Dallas Stars USA 29 APR 2005
15 HEATLEY Dany F L 1.91 / 6'3'' 98 / 216 21.JAN.1981 AK Bars Kazan RUS 29 APR 2005
17 FISHER Mike F R 1.83 / 6'0'' 94 / 207 05.JUN.1980 EV Zug SUI 29 APR 2005
18 MALTBY Kirk F R 1.83 / 6'0'' 87 / 192 22.DEC.1972 Detroit Red Wings USA 29 APR 2005
19 DOAN Shane F R 1.88 / 6'2'' 98 / 216 10.OCT.1976 Phoenix Coyotes USA 29 APR 2005
21 GAGNE Simon F L 1.83 / 6'0'' 85 / 187 29.FEB.1980 Philadelphia Flyers USA 29 APR 2005
22 MARLEAU Patrick F L 1.88 / 6'2'' 96 / 212 15.SEP.1979 San Jose Sharks USA 29 APR 2005
23 HANNAN Scott D L 1.86 / 6'1'' 100 / 220 23.JAN.1979 San Jose Sharks USA 29 APR 2005
24 WALKER Scott F R 1.8 / 5'11'' 91 / 201 19.JUL.1973 Nashville Predators USA 29 APR 2005
27 BOYLE Dan D R 1.81 / 5'11'' 87 / 192 12.JUL.1976 Djurgardens IF Stockholm SWE 29 APR 2005
28 REGEHR Robyn D L 1.91 / 6'3'' 103 / 227 19.APR.1980 Calgary Flames CAN 29 APR 2005
30 BRODEUR Martin GK L 1.88 / 6'2'' 96 / 212 06.MAY.1972 New Jersey Devils USA 29 APR 2005
33 DRAPER Kris F L 1.81 / 5'11'' 87 / 192 24.MAY.1971 Detroit Red Wings USA 29 APR 2005
35 TURCO Marty GK L 1.81 / 5'11'' 85 / 187 13.AUG.1975 Djurgardens IF Stockholm SWE 29 APR 2005
44 SOURAY Sheldon D L 1.93 / 6'4'' 105 / 231 13.JUL.1976 Farjestad Karlstad SWE 29 APR 2005
55 JOVANOVSKI Ed D L 1.88 / 6'2'' 96 / 212 26.JUN.1976 Vancouver Canucks CAN 29 APR 2005
61 NASH Rick F L 1.93 / 6'4'' 94 / 207 16.JUN.1984 HC Davos SUI 29 APR 2005
94 SMYTH Ryan F L 1.86 / 6'1'' 87 / 192 21.FEB.1976 Edmonton Oilers CAN 29 APR 2005
97 THORNTON Joe

1 IRBE Arturs GK L 1.74 / 5'9'' 80 / 176 02.FEB.1967 Columbus Blue Jackets USA 29 APR 2005
2 LAVINS Rodrigo D L 1.79 / 5'10'' 84 / 185 03.AUG.1974 HK Riga 2000 LAT 29 APR 2005
4 SAVIELS Agris D L 1.86 / 6'1'' 98 / 216 15.JAN.1982 Hershey Bears USA 29 APR 2005
5 SPRUKTS Janis F L 1.9 / 6'3'' 105 / 231 31.JAN.1982 HK Riga 2000 LAT 29 APR 2005
7 SKRASTINS Karlis D L 1.88 / 6'2'' 85 / 187 09.JUL.1974 HK Riga 2000 LAT 29 APR 2005
8 GALVINS Guntis D L 1.84 / 6'0'' 86 / 190 25.JAN.1986 HK Riga 2000 LAT 29 APR 2005
9 ANKIPANS Girts F L 1.83 / 6'0'' 83 / 183 29.NOV.1975 HK Riga 2000 LAT 29 APR 2005
10 ZIEDINS Maris F L 1.78 / 5'10'' 78 / 172 03.JUL.1978 Greenville Grrrowl USA 29 APR 2005
12 VASILJEVS Herberts F R 1.8 / 5'11'' 75 / 165 27.MAY.1976 Nurnberg Ice Tigers GER 29 APR 2005
13 PANTELEJEVS Grigorijs F L 1.76 / 5'9'' 90 / 198 13.NOV.1972 IFK Arboga SWE 29 APR 2005
14 TAMBIJEVS Leonids F R 1.76 / 5'9'' 85 / 187 26.SEP.1970 EHC Chur SUI 29 APR 2005
16 SIROKOVS Aleksejs F R 1.82 / 6'0'' 88 / 194 20.FEB.1981 Amur Khabarovsk RUS 29 APR 2005
17 NIZIVIJS Aleksandrs F R 1.77 / 5'10'' 78 / 172 16.SEP.1976 Bjorkloven Umea SWE 29 APR 2005
22 SOROKINS Olegs D L 1.77 / 5'10'' 82 / 181 04.JAN.1974 Assat Pori FIN 29 APR 2005
23 TRIBUNCOVS Atvars D L 1.88 / 6'2'' 98 / 216 14.OCT.1976 Spartak Moscow RUS 29 APR 2005
24 REDLIHS Mikelis F L 1.79 / 5'10'' 78 / 172 01.JUL.1984 HK Riga 2000 LAT 29 APR 2005
25 MACIJEVSKIS Aleksandrs F L 1.77 / 5'10'' 80 / 176 26.JUN.1975 Odense IK DEN 29 APR 2005
27 SEMJONOVS Aleksandrs F L 1.81 / 5'11'' 91 / 201 08.JUN.1972 IFK Arboga SWE 29 APR 2005
29 CIPRUSS Aigars F L 1.78 / 5'10'' 80 / 176 12.JAN.1972 Spartak Moscow RUS 29 APR 2005
30 RAITUMS Martins GK L 1.8 / 5'11'' 80 / 176 14.APR.1985 HK Riga 2000 LAT 29 APR 2005
31 MASALSKIS Edgars GK L 1.76 / 5'9'' 78 / 172 31.MAR.1980 HC Dukla Jihlava CZE 29 APR 2005
35 IGNATJEVS Viktors D L 1.9 / 6'3'' 95 / 209 26.APR.1970 EHC Black Wings Linz AUT 29 APR 2005
47 CIPULIS Martins F L 1.8 / 5'11'' 82 / 181 29.NOV.1980 HK Riga 2000 LAT 29 APR 2005

Looking at the two lineups, I'm leaning toward Canada on this one.
Of course, you never know...a lot of Canadians have not been playing meaningful hockey for over a year...

I think Canada is going to win but they will be surprised by Latvia.

2-1 Latvia..............................i hope

As for the score goes I'm saying. 4-1 Canada. With our goals coming from Gagne,Doan,Thornton and Souray. Brodeur plays a very strong game.

Canada will shut out Latvia...and TSN playxplay will buthcer the Latvian players name pronunciations

Canada will shut out Latvia...and TSN playxplay will buthcer the Latvian players name pronunciations

They can't be worst then RDS.

Canada will shut out Latvia...and TSN playxplay will buthcer the Latvian players name pronunciations


can't be worse than the way you butchered the word butcher.

Brendan Morrison with a Hat-Trick and 4 Assists.

Brendan Morrison with a Hat-Trick and 4 Assists.

and ryan smyth gets 2 goals and 5 assists :sarcasm:

I'm going with a 2-1 for Canada.

Well, here we go baby. Let's play some hockey!!!!. 5:0 Canada. Brodeur with the SO.

Past results:
2004: 6-1 Canada
2003: 2-0 Canada
2002: 4-1 Canada

Canada tied Austria (2-2) in their opening game last year, a repeat this time? Maybe not, my "bold" prediction is 4-1 Canada.

Lativa 26-4

Reason says 4-1 Canada, heart says 3-2 Latvia (my wife is Latvian).

Canada's first game so there's a possibilty for a surprise... hmm...

2-2 I say.

I seriously (this is NOT a joke) think that Canada win with about 3-0

15-0 Lativa :dunce:









No seriously, 4-1 Canada.

4 - 0 Canada

7-1 Canada.

Canada are rarely in top shape early in the tournament, and they also rarely record blowout against weaker teams, so my guess is 3-1 Canada

Lativa 26-4

Canada will Tie latvia 20-20. :teach:

can't be worse than the way you butchered the word butcher.
mibad...I nailed "pronuciations" though! (I think?)
Canada has 2 weeks of prep. work before this game...so I think its safe to expect a sharp performance this morning. They should be able to shut out Latvia,and spend the entire game controlling the puck/play.
We have been slow starters in INT. tourneys on numerous occasions...but this one will be different. I think Heatley will be in on the scoring...I wonder if Artie Irbe starts for the Latvians? He is a "neat" little goalie...fun to watch.

I expect some problems for Canada. This game will end up tie 2-2.

If Arturs Irbe plays as he has before (though a while ago), Karlis Skrastins plays in front of the net as he has impressed last season, and a no-name forward like Vasiljevs scores a timely goal

Latvia could win 1-0 or tie 1-1.

But I give them about a 10 % chance of doing it.

Odds are, a 4-1 Canadian win would be respectable all around.

I expect some problems for Canada. This game will end up tie 2-2.
Not a chance...later in the tourney Canada might miss Niedermayer...but for this game...I predict we score in the first 3 minutes of the game...and never look back!

I expect some problems for Canada. This game will end up tie 2-2.

Not gonna happen, the game starts in 2 minutes and you'll see.

Lineups

No.Name

Team : LAT (white)

No.Pos.Name
1 G IRBE Arturs
31 G MASALSKIS Edgars

2 D LAVINS Rodrigo
35 D IGNATJEVS Viktors
4 7 FCIPULIS Martins
5 F SPRUKTS Janis
9 F ANKIPANS Girts

4 D SAVIELS Agris
7 D SKRASTINS Karlis
12 F VASILJEVS Herberts
13 F PANTELEJEVS Grigorijs
29 F CIPRUSS Aigars

22 D SOROKINS Olegs
23 D TRIBUNCOVS Atvars
14 F TAMBIJEVS Leonids
17 F NIZIVIJS Aleksandrs
27 F SEMJONOVS Aleksandrs

8 D GALVINS Guntis
10 F ZIEDINS Maris
16 F SIROKOVS Aleksejs
24 F REDLIHS Mikelis
25 F MACIJEVSKIS Aleksandrs

Head Coach:BERESNEVS Leonids

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Team : CAN (red)

No.Pos.Name

1 G LUONGO Roberto
30 G BRODEUR Martin

28 D REGEHR Robyn
55 D JOVANOVSKI Ed
18 F MALTBY Kirk
19 F DOAN Shane
33 F DRAPER Kris

23 D HANNAN Scott
27 D BOYLE Dan
10 F MORROW Brenden
61 F NASH Rick
7 F MORRISON Brendan

44 D SOURAY Sheldon
6 D REDDEN Wade
17 F FISHER Mike
94 F SMYTH Ryan
97 F THORNTON Joe

4 D PHILLIPS Chris
15 F HEATLEY Dany
21 F GAGNE Simon
22 F MARLEAU Patrick
24 F WALKER Scott


Head Coach:HABSCHEID Marc

http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_05/output/ws/hydra.iihf.com/data/iihf/output/xml/1000000009/IHM1000000009B02_54B_1_0.html

Puck drop coming up...let's go canada! (and belated congrats to the 1964 team)

Not gonna happen, the game starts in 2 minutes and you'll see.

Hey you never know - remember the first game at Salt Lake.


pp canada

Pride of Pitt Meadows! 1-0

Great goal by Brendan Morrisoooooooooooon! :)

Hey you never know - remember the first game at Salt Lake.


pp canada

You're right, you never know but hey, they're already off to a good start!!!

A Latvian was tripped in front of the net just before the goal. No call.

1-1. Semijonovs off the draw.

1-1, scratch that!!! :cry:

Dumb penalty on Smyth - negated a good chance for Heatley.

Way to go Smith!!! :madfire:

1-1. Semijonovs off the draw.

A nice goal too!

Dan Boyle looks great early on...Heatley flashed on a great set up from him.

A nice goal too!

For sure, but also piss-poor coverage on the side of the net.


Thornton's line looks unstoppable so far.

Ha ha, McGuire has to throw in a diving comment!!!! :biglaugh:

Ha ha, McGuire has to throw in a diving comment!!!! :biglaugh:

Did he make a comment about the interference on the first goal? Otherwise he is just pathetic... :)

Horrible Reffing!!!!

um, great call on Marleau.

nice "high-stick" there, eh? :dunno:

Did he make a comment about the interference on the first goal? Otherwise he is just pathetic... :)

When the goalie for Latvia fell for the second time, McGuire implied that he took some diving lessons from the Czechs this year while playing in their Elite League, you gotta expect that from McGuire.

Were lucky Morrow didn't get called for highsticking their goalie in the head. Or I think it was Morrow?

Were lucky Morrow didn't get called for highsticking their goalie in the head. Or I think it was Morrow?

Highsticking??? I didn't see any highsticking!! :sarcasm:

Highsticking??? I didn't see any highsticking!! :sarcasm:

lol

good first period from canada. started off strong, kept the puck in the latvian zone. good puck pressure in the opening minutes. then they sorta fell out of the game plan and got caught running around a bit. the denfense looks a little shaky out there, but they will tighten up. it's quite obvious to see the latvians are in better shape as by the end of the 1st the canadians looked pretty tired. Marty looks fine out there. and the reffing was great as far as reffing goes. lets see how they come out in 2nd and 3rd.


i'm guessing a 3-1 game

Waaaaah, no Irbe in goal. I have hhim in my pool. :cry:

and the reffing was great as far as reffing goes.

Did you miss the "highsticking" call against Canada???? :dunno:

i like the way canada is crashing the net. it's not very affective now, but soon the goalie will crack. but they can't get penalty's when they crash JOVO :madfire:

Did you miss the "highsticking" call against Canada???? :dunno:

you gotta give the ref a break on that. in all fairness the latvian was hit with elbow an and he went down, the refs will almost always call that. even if marleau got a penalty for trying to stay on his feet. that just speaks vloumes about the way the europeans call the game. if marleau had have went down he the latvian might have got the penalty, but he decided to stay on his feet and got punished for it. it's pretty sad when you get punished for good balance and trying to stay on your feet. but after watching the women's championships and the U18's, this reffing has been great.

penalty coming up to latvia for tripping. canada has not had a good start to the 2nd period

A timely powerplay chance coming up. Canada needs to get there act back together right now!

you gotta give the ref a break on that. in all fairness the latvian was hit with elbow an and he went down, the refs will almost always call that. even if marleau got a penalty for trying to stay on his feet. that just speaks vloumes about the way the europeans call the game. if marleau had have went down he the latvian might have got the penalty, but he decided to stay on his feet and got punished for it. it's pretty sad when you get punished for good balance and trying to stay on your feet. but after watching the women's championships and the U18's, this reffing has been great.

Ok well, if you compare it to the women's....but still the ref could have made an appropriate call.

Canadian goal!!! #97!!

2-1 canada

Ok well, if you compare it to the women's....but still the ref could have made an appropriate call.

but he didn't. thats the why it goes. but he's letting alot of pysical play go. he;s doing a good job. :clap:

Wow that was sad. Thornton missed that wide open net. Good thing he was able to get the rebound.

penalty to philips. latvia going on the PP

Wow that was sad. Thornton missed that wide open net. Good thing he was able to get the rebound.

meh he still scored. the puck ended up in the back of the net. that's what counts.

Ah, the ref is certainly not the worst I've ever seen, I'm just mad cause it caused Latvia to score, I'm just defending my country. Don't worry I know you're certainly not against them either.

Wow that was sad. Thornton missed that wide open net. Good thing he was able to get the rebound.
That was a tough angle,on a quick pass...Nash and Thronton have been the best players in the game so far.

Go Marty!!!!! :handclap:

Ah, the ref is certainly not the worst I've ever seen, I'm just mad cause it caused Latvia to score, I'm just defending my country. Don't worry I know you're certainly not against them either.

oh don't get me wrong. i'm going for canada, it's great seeing ryan smyth out there in front the net again ;)

latvia scored 2-2

Go Marty!!!!! :handclap:
Ah Crap!!!!, I"m not so proud of Marty now.

Fantastic stop. Just two inches too late.

Gotta admit it was a goal though :shakehead

PP for Canada, lets make it 3 out of 3 boys!!!

...And another Canadian powerplay chance...that is badly needed!

Nasher!!!

NASH! with a goal 3-2 CDN

There we go. Nice goal boys.

omigod...3 for 3 on the PP...and Nash is carrying us!!

Nice goal by Nash :handclap:

I swear that if Latvia scores right now, I'm gonna cry!!!

4 out of 4??? I wanna see a goal by Heatley!!!

Canada's PP on the prowl again.

dont worry canada always suck in the start to win the tournament later.

marleau scores!! 4-2 canada.

Nice goal by Nash :handclap:

Nothing to do with hockey, but you like the Family guy??? Have you seen the previews for the new show??? Looks awesome.

Goal!!!!!!!!!!

bank shot!!

Open the Floodgates :handclap: :D :bow:

Wow Nice goal!

What a pass by Heatley! Marleau also made a nice accurate shot.

Heater' doesn't get the goal...but he sets it up beautifully

Heater' doesn't get the goal...but he sets it up beautifully

I can do with that!!!

All the goal power comes off Canadas strength down low...battling and crashing...and finishing with deft touch.

Yes!!!!!!!!!Go Nash!!!

NASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :handclap:

nash with another one! 5-2 canada

irbe is coming in now. he should have started :dunno:

Nash is leading the tourney in points(I think)

Nash is awesome.

now that was a phantom call!

Anyone else getting tired of know-it-all McGuire?

Nice goal by Nash. :yo:

5-2 end of 2nd period.

Anyone else getting tired of know-it-all McGuire?
Mcguire questioned the Canadian powerplay this morning in the pre-game...he's eating his microphone now!

Anyone else getting tired of know-it-all McGuire?

Sometime's he is funny.

Sometime's he is funny.
...but most of the time he's really lame.

Mcguire questioned the Canadian powerplay this morning in the pre-game...he's eating his microphone now!

It was horrible in the pre-game matches. He had the right to do so.

The glass in Innsbruck is "old school"...making it an unreliable clearing option. Canada needs to stay away from trying to put the puck on that glass...its trouble!

...but most of the time he's really lame.

Oh well, he's there and we can't get rid of him so lets just accept it and move on.

The Gagne - Thornton - Nash line has three of the five goals for Canada. Total domination by this line.

canada's powerplay and penalty killing has impressed me, as for 5 on 5, the second period was brutal for canada in that regard. except for that nash goal. and the defence! oh boy, they need some work to come together as a team. i say lock em up in a room tonight and make em share thier feelings :rant:

It was horrible in the pre-game matches. He had the right to do so.
I can't say I would be doubting the powerplay on account of exhibition games...they are called "tune ups" for a reason.
Morrison,Heatley,Nash,Thornton and a couple of D-men give Canada alot of options. How could Pierre realistically think we were going to have trouble figuring things out?
I think our powerplay will be effective evey time its allowed to go to work as often as this game.

I can't say I would be doubting the powerplay on account of exhibition games...they are called "tune ups" for a reason.
Morrison,Heatley,Nash,Thornton and a couple of D-men give Canada alot of options. How could Pierre realistically think we were going to have trouble figuring things out?
I think our powerplay will be effective evey time its allowed to go to work as often as this game.


because we have MacT behind the bench DOH! :sarcasm:

Nice footage they had on Heater.

because we have MacT behind the bench DOH! :sarcasm:
Yes,T-Mac is Latvias best penalty killer.

Yes,T-Mac is Latvias best penalty killer.

MacT can't run a PP, it won't be long until canada is snake bitten on the PP :sarcasm:

Yes,T-Mac is Latvias best penalty killer.

I didn't know Tracy McGrady played for the Latvians.

Anyone has a link to live streaming?

Pee-air wants another Canadian Powerplay now!!

Pee-air wants another Canadian Powerplay now!!

Take you Pierre hating somewhere else. This is a gameday thread.

i say lock em up in a room tonight and make em share their feelings

"Rick, I love you" says Thornton to Nash. :sarcasm:

Just kidding. But should that last goal count? I mean Nash really pushed the goalie and the puck inside the net with his legs ... doesn't matter.

"Rick, I love you" says Thornton to Nash. :sarcasm:

Just kidding. But should that last goal count? I mean Nash really pushed the goalie and the puck inside the net with his legs ... doesn't matter.
Hahaha,

No, it should count, a goal for Canada is a goal for Canada regardless of how it was made.

This play-by-play guy is brutal (at least on the mediazone stream).

Oh yeah... sweet goals by the Columbus Franchise..

Nash is leading the tourney in points(I think)

LoL of course he is...Canada and another 2 teams are the only ones that have played half a game so far.

latvian PP

latvia scores 5-3

No!!!!!!!, oh well at least we're still leading!!

Boy i sure hope this isnt Canadas best game ..Doan and Maltby look like they should be playing junior B.

We need to see some shot blocking on the penalty kill!

Rick Nash gets penalty for elbowing...kind of a bad call

canada's D looks very amateurish out there. not very good.

Nooooooooooo

Damn Jovanovski! :madfire:

latvia just scored on a play that made the canada defence look like tykes. 5-4 now.

There will be no GOLD this year :shakehead

Oh-oh! Jovo and Regher are taking it!

Wow, Marty looks HORRIBLE out there!

Rick Nash gets penalty for elbowing...kind of a bad call

He deserved a penalty just not the one he got.

There will be no GOLD this year :shakehead

well, the D needs to get better and marty needs to be sharper. not a very good game by our D at all. the Offence looks like it's clicking or very close to clicking.

Brodeur is trying to recover on loose play from the d-men in front of him

There will be no GOLD this year :shakehead

Hey, its the first game, don't you think you're pushing it a little??

The only decent D so far is Redden ,Regehr and Hannan.I hope they have J-Bo in next game and send Sorry home .

i am amazed at how our D is playing...very bad. Latvia is playing strong on the puck and are beating the forcheckers and getting the puck back down in the Canadian zone creating odd man rushes. play has really picked up...for the latvians

Hey, its the first game, don't you think you're pushing it a little??

Yeah, you remember Salt Lake city? We had a terrible start but we bounced back and won the gold medal!

It's too early to tell here.

Anybody know where I can see a scoring summary of all the goals??

An energy shift from Fisher,hopefully restores some momentum. Dan Boyle has been the only defenceman remotely reliable so far today.

I dont see no Sakics ,lemieuxs or Iginlas on this team .
If you think Thornton will lead this team to anything ..ask Boston fans about that .
Hey i hope ime completely wrong ..but i doubt it .

The only decent D so far is Redden ,Regehr and Hannan.I hope they have J-Bo in next game and send Sorry home .

yes, sourray is not looking good. he got exposed very badly in the second. caught looking in the crowd and the latvians just snuck in behind him, almost caused a goal, it caused an odd man rush though.

Nash Hat Trick!!!!!!! 6-4!!

Thornton to Nash GOAL!!!!!!

These two are going to dominate this tournament.

I cant believe Latvia is giving Canada a scare. LATVIA!! :shakehead

I love Nash!!!!!

Thank God for Nash.
The Ruskies seem to be having as much trouble as we are they are tied i belive with 9 min to go .

Thronton and Nash!!
61 has awesome hands....

Nash is so impressive! Nice hat trick. Cant wait to see this kid dominating in the NHL in the coming years. :handclap:

Smyth is looking good out there. going hard to the net every shift. character guy.

61 is obviously leading the tourney in scoring now

Smyth is looking good out there. going hard to the net every shift. character guy.

You know what you get with Le Moulet ..110% effort and 1000% heart ....he is what Canadian hockey is all about .

yes, sourray is not looking good. he got exposed very badly in the second. caught looking in the crowd and the latvians just snuck in behind him, almost caused a goal, it caused an odd man rush though.

He's made a few mistakes, but he's also had some good plays. You can tell it's his first game playing for Canada. But realy, all the D minus maybe Hannan is playing quite badly.

61 is obviously leading the tourney in scoring now
Yep. Nash has 4 points. Marleau and Thornton also have 2 points each (Gagne may have 2 points as well).

Yep. Nash has 4 points. Marleau and Thornton also have 2 points each (Gagne may have 2 points as well).
People questioned Boyle's selection...but he has 3 points today...and led our d-men in scoring through the ex. schec.

God job boys!!

People questioned Boyle's selection...but he has 3 points today...and led our d-men in scoring through the ex. schec.

Um, I think he only had 1 point.

1. Morrison (Redden, Heatley) (PP) 2:55

2. Thornton (Gagne, Nash) PP 27:49

3. Nash (Jovanovski) PP 34:00

4. Marleau (Heatley) PP 35:32

5. Nash (Boyle) 36:50

6. Nash (Thornton, Gagne)54:20

People questioned Boyle's selection...but he has 3 points today...and led our d-men in scoring through the ex. schec.

Boyle is a defender made to play on big ice. He was great in the SEL.

God job boys!!
Good job boys. Really????

6-4 final

Um, I think he only had 1 point.

1. Morrison (Redden, Heatley) (PP) 2:55

2. Thornton (Gagne, Nash) PP 27:49

3. Nash (Jovanovski) PP 34:00

4. Marleau (Heatley) PP 35:32

5. Nash (Boyle) 36:50

6. Nash (Thornton, Gagne)54:20

http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_05/output/ws/hydra.iihf.com/data/iihf/output/xml/1000000009/IHM1000000009B02_74_1_0.html
This site says Thornton had an assist on the 5th goal, which would give Thornton 3 points. I guess we'll have to wait a while to see which site it right.

Overall good game by canada. the D needs some tweaking and we'll be fine.

Healy is right...the defence men were scattering too much of the ice time. Canada needs to load 4 guys up with the bulk of the ice time and ease who ever else into the game with limited action. That will go a long way to cutting down on the ugly turn overs and lack of awareness that kept the game so wide open today.

I cant believe Latvia is giving Canada a scare. LATVIA!! :shakehead

Austria gave Russia a run too!

Austria gave Russia a run too!
Yeah well Austria is stronger than Latvia...

Yeah well Austria is stronger than Latvia...


you sure?

you sure?


I just saw Latvia-Canada and Latvia sure looked good. Except for the incredibly poor PK, that is. They got the tactics perfectly fit for the roster they have.

Well Latvia sure had me going for a while, lol, but luckily Canada pulled off the win! :handclap: :handclap: :handclap:

Yeah well Austria is stronger than Latvia...
those comparisons never made any sense, so please stop!

good example : Sweden beats Canada, Belarus beats Sweden, is Belarus the best ...

Good job boys. Really????

Well, they won didn't they!!! IMO, winning a game is doing a good job.

those comparisons never made any sense, so please stop!

good example : Sweden beats Canada, Belarus beats Sweden, is Belarus the best ...

Good point... and even if Austria is stronger, I don't think there's enough of a difference to get anything out of it.

It's good to see a lack of doormats in international competition. I'd rather watch an entertaining game that sees Canada scrape out a win, rather than a 15-1 wallpapering (like Canada did to Denmark at the U-18's).

Besides, Latvia has played Canada relatively well the past few meetings. Most are 1-2 goal affairs.

Wow I think this game showed us that Canada is still very rusty. It should be interesting when we play one of the good teams like Russia or the Sweds.

Wow I think this game showed us that Canada is still very rusty. It should be interesting when we play one of the good teams like Russia or the Sweds.


the offence didn't look very rusty, it was the D and marty imo that looked rusty.the fowards are coming together nicely

So maybe Russian defence isn't THAT bad? :sarcasm: . Anyway I'm sure Canadians will be better in next games. Great game for Nash :clap:
And good game for Latvia ofcourse :clap:

So maybe Russian defence isn't THAT bad? :sarcasm:

Believe me, Russia's defense IS bad!

So is Canada's ... :sarcasm:

It's good to see a lack of doormats in international competition. I'd rather watch an entertaining game that sees Canada scrape out a win, rather than a 15-1 wallpapering (like Canada did to Denmark at the U-18's).
I agree with you on that. Blowouts can be really boring, whereas that game was very good to watch.

Believe me, Russia's defense IS bad!

So is Canada's ... :sarcasm:

Canada's D is easily the best in the tournament :)

Canada's D is easily the best in the tournament :)

not if they play the way they did today!

Yes,Canada was rusty at times. Brodeur looked good to me. Its difficult for him,when the team really isn't intense enough in front of him.
Rust or not...I expected Canada to give the Latvians way fewer chances.
Had it not been for the red-hot finishing touch of Rick Nash...we could have had a disaster on our hands.

Latvia - Kanada 4-6 (1-1,1-4,2-1)

2.55 0-1 Morrison (Redden, Marleau) pp
3.29 1-1 Semjonovs (Nizivijs)

27.49 1-2 Thornton (Gagne) pp
30.55 2-2 Ankipans
34.00 2-3 Nash pp
35.32 2-4 Marleau (Heatley) pp
36.50 2-5 Nash (Boyle)

46.16 3-5 Ignatjevs pp
49.00 4-5 Skrastins
54.17 4-6 Nash

Goalies
Masalskis LAT 13+15+12=40
Brodeur CAN 5+ 7+ 9=21

Penalties
LAT 4x2 min
CAN 7x2 min

not if they play the way they did today!

Even if they play the way they did today for the rest of the tournament, they're still the best D corps.

Believe me, Russia's defense IS bad!

So is Canada's ... :sarcasm:

I wonder why Sborna isn't playing Dynamo's goalie. I've seen him several times this season and he was excellent (Eremenko or Eremeev? :dunno: ). Sokolov had a bad year.

Even if they play the way they did today for the rest of the tournament, they're still the best D corps.

Please. Save the most blatant homerisms for some other forum. You saw how they performed.

Please. Save the most blatant homerisms for some other forum. You saw how they performed.

which was POOR.

I wonder why Sborna isn't playing Dynamo's goalie. I've seen him several times this season and he was excellent (Eremenko or Eremeev? :dunno: ). Sokolov had a bad year.

because Yeremeyev (the best goalie in the RSL) is from Kazakhstan, and Yeremenko is just bad ...

which was POOR.

Yep. They were quite far from what we saw last September.

Please. Save the most blatant homerisms for some other forum. You saw how they performed.

I know the played poor but even if they do that throughout their next games, they're still the best D corps (or on the same level) as others in the tournament.

Canada's D playing bad >>> Slovakia (only one good D-man and that's Chara)
Canada's D playing bad > USA
Canada's D playing bad >>> Finland
Canada's D playing bad = Sweden
Canada's D playing bad > Russia
Canada's D playing bad = Czech
Canada's D playing bad >>> Germany
Canada's D playing bad >>> Slovenia

Try to challenge that and come up with a reasonable argument while doing so.

because Yeremeyev (the best goalie in the RSL) is from Kazakhstan, and Yeremenko is just bad ...

Damn! That's one good reason to miss USSR. The second one is Antropov :sarcasm: ;)

Well Latvia sure had me going for a while, lol, but luckily Canada pulled off the win! :handclap: :handclap: :handclap:

Luck had nothing to do with it.

Oh and BTW to all the people in here freaking out about the OPENING game of the tournment. Canada ALWAYS plays poorly to start out these tourny's. They have a great team and the longer they play together the stronger they will get.

I know the played poor but even if they do that throughout their next games, they're still the best D corps (or on the same level) as others in the tournament.

Canada's D playing bad >>> Slovakia (only one good D-man and that's Chara)
Canada's D playing bad > USA
Canada's D playing bad >>> Finland
Canada's D playing bad = Sweden
Canada's D playing bad > Russia
Canada's D playing bad = Czech
Canada's D playing bad >>> Germany
Canada's D playing bad >>> Slovenia

Try to challenge that and come up with a reasonable argument while doing so.

There is no need to challenge this crap. How many games have you seen thus far? That's right, one! So stop making these blanket statements when we don't even know how the other D corps will play.

There is no need to challenge this crap. How many games have you seen thus far? That's right, one! So stop making these blanket statements when we don't even know how the other D corps will play.

I knew you couldn't challenge it. Oh well, I never expected anything different.

I will boldly "re-predict" a shut out against Slovenia in Canadas 2nd game. Its true we are notorious for shaky starts in the tourney...but our D will redeem todays generosity.

I knew you couldn't challenge it. Oh well, I never expected anything different.

Yeah right :biglaugh: Whatever makes you feel good about yourself I guess.

Canada's D is easily the best in the tournament :)

Depends on what category you're talking about.

Czechs got amazing offensive skills on their D, for example.
Pure defense though, Canada's probably the best.

I knew you couldn't challenge it. Oh well, I never expected anything different.

Bans and warnings should be used not only as a response for offensive posts but also as a response for stupidity and arrogance :shakehead

I know the played poor but even if they do that throughout their next games, they're still the best D corps (or on the same level) as others in the tournament.

Canada's D playing bad >>> Slovakia (only one good D-man and that's Chara)
Canada's D playing bad > USA
Canada's D playing bad >>> Finland
Canada's D playing bad = Sweden
Canada's D playing bad > Russia
Canada's D playing bad = Czech
Canada's D playing bad >>> Germany
Canada's D playing bad >>> Slovenia

Try to challenge that and come up with a reasonable argument while doing so.
Great comments after seeing only one team among all in this list :D :D Your logic is unbeatable.

Great comments after seeing only one team among all in this list :D :D Your logic is unbeatable.


his logic is so sound it hurts :sarcasm:

I know the played poor but even if they do that throughout their next games, they're still the best D corps (or on the same level) as others in the tournament.

Canada's D playing bad >>> Slovakia (only one good D-man and that's Chara)
Canada's D playing bad > USA
Canada's D playing bad >>> Finland
Canada's D playing bad = Sweden
Canada's D playing bad > Russia
Canada's D playing bad = Czech
Canada's D playing bad >>> Germany
Canada's D playing bad >>> Slovenia

Try to challenge that and come up with a reasonable argument while doing so.

MUAHAHAHAHA

That made my day! :biglaugh:

A decent first step. Canada's pp and pk were great, as was Thornton's line. Canada didn't play with any intensity five-on-five until Latvia made it 5-4. Say want you want about not taking teams lightly, but Canada clearly didn't come out with its A game against Latvia. The defence looked very spotty, but that will improve, especially when Habscheid shortens the bench later in the tournament.

Nash is awesome. I expect Slovenia to be in a world of hurt on Tuesday.

A good and exciting game overall. Canada took the points, as expected, but Latvia managed to show that it is not light years behind the top countries.

Canada's players would agree with you. Latvia worked hard...and they really didn't lay back and play too much trap..like so many "2nd tier" teams will try and do.
Canadas defence is going to get critisized...all because people don't see the super huge names on the list in Austria...but they are still miles better than 90% of the teams in the tounrey.

Anybody know where to find highlights of any of these games?

If you missed the game like i did this morning , it is now available to view online at media zone for those who subscribed.

I thought it was a very average performance by a superior team. Latvia's coach probably said what was true. Some of these guys have only been on skates a dozen times this year. Skate your ***** off and you will be competitive.

"The Canadian defense had trouble containing the speed of the Latvians." :biglaugh:

As for the Canadian that was pumping the fantastic Canadian defense. Give your head a shake, they were craptastic. They looked rusty and out of shape. In the real world Latvia gets 14 shots on goal in a 8-1 romp.

Well, nice to see the Red and White coloured glasses are out in full force this year. ;)

I know the played poor but even if they do that throughout their next games, they're still the best D corps (or on the same level) as others in the tournament.

Canada's D playing bad >>> Slovakia (only one good D-man and that's Chara)
Canada's D playing bad > USA
Canada's D playing bad >>> Finland
Canada's D playing bad = Sweden
Canada's D playing bad > Russia
Canada's D playing bad = Czech
Canada's D playing bad >>> Germany
Canada's D playing bad >>> Slovenia

Try to challenge that and come up with a reasonable argument while doing so.


Oh yeah? Well, I think Canada has the worst D.

Canada's D at best << Slovakia
Canada's D at best <<<<<< USA
Canada's D at best <<< Finland
Canada's D at best << Sweden
Canada's D at best < Russia
Canada's D at best < Czech
Canada's D at best << Germany
Canada's D at best = Slovenia (only after they're plastered though, otherwise <<< Slovenia)

Try to challenge that logic and come up with a reasonable argument while doing so.

Anybody who thinks "Well gee, as long as the other teams' defense look worse on paper than ours, we'll be fine" has another thing coming. If our defense plays the way it did today for the rest of the tournament, we won't just be going home without the gold, we'll be going home with a lot of laughter from the other countries.

With all respect to Latvia, they played a helluva game and gave Canada a great run for their money, but our defense really needs to wake up. The time for tune-ups and "getting into the flow" is over, and they need to be on their A-Game.

As for the people who say they don't see any Sakics or Iginlas on this team, Rick Nash sure seemed to come answer the bell. He stepped up big time with the hat-trick.

Onto the next game.

~Canucklehead~

I thought it was a very average performance by a superior team. Latvia's coach probably said what was true. Some of these guys have only been on skates a dozen times this year. Skate your ***** off and you will be competitive.

"The Canadian defense had trouble containing the speed of the Latvians." :biglaugh:

As for the Canadian that was pumping the fantastic Canadian defense. Give your head a shake, they were craptastic. They looked rusty and out of shape. In the real world Latvia gets 14 shots on goal in a 8-1 romp.

Well, nice to see the Red and White coloured glasses are out in full force this year. ;)
What real world are you living in? Where is this planet that Canada could have been beat by ANYONE 8-1...let alone Latvia.
I'm not going to say our defence looks like its going to be "fantastic"...but in the "real world" I'm from...they will be plenty capable.

Canada's players would agree with you. Latvia worked hard...and they really didn't lay back and play too much trap..like so many "2nd tier" teams will try and do.
Canadas defence is going to get critisized...all because people don't see the super huge names on the list in Austria...but they are still miles better than 90% of the teams in the tounrey.Uhh.. no, they're getting critisized because they're playing horribly.... rightfully so. It has nothing to do with the lack of big names.

Canada's defence wasn't top notch in this game but you guys are underestimating this Latvian team. I was surprised at their speed and skill set. I think this is a good team. A couple of posters called them a tier-two team. If they're a second tier team, they may just be one star player away from a tier one team. I was really impressed with their play.

It's nice to see hockey picking up in places other than the top 7 countries. I hope in a few years the championships will host 18-20 world class teams.

And I wish some of my fellow countrymen would stop with their homer remarks.

Being a Nash fan it's nice to see him score a hat trick, but I think this is going to be a very unpredictable tourney with all the layoffs some guys had. It will be very interesting.

...Again...I'n not going to put opur defence up on a pedestal...and say "this is what we wanted"...but "very capable" is a fair assesment.
This was DAY ONE!! Look at how we opened up against Austria last year...things worked out pretty good in the end didn't they?
Every tourney its the same thing "They're horrible...they allowed 4 goals against"
They're out of shape,they're going to lose...
and every year...we win.

Our defense will get better... Brodeur will get better... our team will get better.

These guys need more time. They needed time in previous tourney's to gel as a team as well. This time they've had more time together with a longer camp than usual, but most of these guys haven't played hockey for a year.

Everyone on the team knows they have to play better too. The offense was great - especially the top line (how much time before we hear Thornton to CBJ or Nash to Bos rumours on these boards??)... but that was against one of the weaker teams in the tourney...

The defense was good enough to win - against one of the weaker teams.

The whole team will have to improve though... you don't win gold medals in tourneys like this one with performances throughout like we saw this morning.

I totally believe that every player on the team must know that.

and what if everything will only get worse?

Then we will restructure our minor hockey system again :p:

If we "get worse"...Brodeur will bail us out and steal the tournament. Doomsday predictions are taken care of with the best goaltending in the universe.

If we "get worse"...Brodeur will bail us out and steal the tournament. Doomsday predictions are taken care of with the best goaltending in the universe.

well then Brodeur better raise his play.... cause if he doesn't get better than what he showed this morning, he's not bailing our team out when this team is playing against some better competition.

like the defense, Brodeur also has to get better... he didn't have close to a "best goaltending in the universe" performance today.

and what if everything will only get worse?

Well, we should be okay because no other powerhouse team played well either...

Russia, Slovakia, and Finland were all equally as bad if not worse than Canada..

Anyone who's excited about this game should calm down. In the same breath, anyone who's panicing after this game should calm down. Let's take this for what it is: a game that we didn't play particularly well in, against a lesser oppenent, but let's keep a couple things in mind:
1) This game really doesn't mean much. These first round robin games don't mean much. The convoluted, two round robin system removes any meaning from these contests.
2) At the Worlds, Canada tends to get better as the tournament progresses. I believe we've tied/barely beat lesser teams each of the last two years.

I still have concerns about Canada's endurance/rustiness. Those concerns would be the same if we'd won 10-1.

I would like to see Luongo start against the US.

It doesn't matter who starts against Slovenia.

I would like to see Luongo start against the US.

It doesn't matter who starts against Slovenia.

I agree that Luongo should get a game in this opening round, whether its Slovenia or the USA.

I think had Canada lost to the Czech Republic at the World Cup, Pat Quinn would probably have been criticized for not playing Luongo in one of the preliminary round games. Although he performed well, Luongo was shaky at times as he hadn't played a full game (including World Cup exhibition) since April. To avert this potential criticism, Habscheid should try and start Luongo, in order to keep him sharp in case Brodeur goes down again.

Brodeur is the #1 guy...but definarely Roberto needs to get a game in...I'd be suprised if he didn't start against Slovenia...and then back to Brodeur...all the way through until the little girls in skirts are handing out tulips and Golden medals.

What real world are you living in? Where is this planet that Canada could have been beat by ANYONE 8-1...let alone Latvia.
I'm not going to say our defence looks like its going to be "fantastic"...but in the "real world" I'm from...they will be plenty capable.

Canada Cup final 1981: Soviet Union 8, Canada 1

Oh yes: this very same planet.

Guys.. is there any online radio where we're able to listen to the games?

...Again...I'n not going to put opur defence up on a pedestal...and say "this is what we wanted"...but "very capable" is a fair assesment.
This was DAY ONE!! Look at how we opened up against Austria last year...things worked out pretty good in the end didn't they?
Every tourney its the same thing "They're horrible...they allowed 4 goals against"
They're out of shape,they're going to lose...
and every year...we win.

Lets see...Canada won the last two world championships and before that...hmm...not too many times. In fact exactly two times in the period 1970-2002. How does that compare with your statement?

Based on this and your comments in general, I must presume that you were born in 2002, and never saw any other teams take gold.

A stat that really surprised me from the CAN-LAT game was that in the faceoffs won category, nobody from either team had won more than 50% of their draws.
Very equally played in the faceoff circles.

Faceoff leaders:

CANADA:
Kris Draper, 18 FO's (9-9, 50.00%)
Brendan Morrison, 11 FO's (5-6, 45.45%)
Joe Thornton, 20 FO's (9-11, 45.00%)

LATVIJA:
Aleksandrs Semjonovs, 22 FO's (11-11, 50.00%)
Janis Sprukts, 17 FO's (8-9, 47.06%)
Herberts Vasiljevs, 5 FO's (2-3, 40.00%)

A stat that really surprised me from the CAN-LAT game was that in the faceoffs won category, nobody from either team had won more than 50% of their draws.
Very equally played in the faceoff circles.

Faceoff leaders:

CANADA:
Kris Draper, 18 FO's (9-9, 50.00%)
Brendan Morrison, 11 FO's (5-6, 45.45%)
Joe Thornton, 20 FO's (9-11, 45.00%)

LATVIJA:
Aleksandrs Semjonovs, 22 FO's (11-11, 50.00%)
Janis Sprukts, 17 FO's (8-9, 47.06%)
Herberts Vasiljevs, 5 FO's (2-3, 40.00%)


I saw that too. Um, how is that possible? If one player has below 50%, then someone else must be above.

I saw that too. Um, how is that possible? If one player has below 50%, then someone else must be above.
Because the same players don't take faceoffs against each other on every single shift.


Did Scott Walker play? If yes, how did he play?

Walker played...he looked "ok".

Well, Morrison didn't get the Hat Trick and 4 Assists, but at least he got a sweet PP goal..

yeah go Nash and Go BIG JOE


Nash is playing right now hes best Hockey, like he played in the playoff's for Davos !!!!

:jump: :jump: