WJC Group A: Dec 26 GDT - Finland vs. Canada

http://www.3dflags.com/media/icon/classic/f/3dflagsdotcom_finna_2fawm.gif vs. http://www.3dflags.com/media/icon/classic/c/3dflagsdotcom_canad_2fawm.gif

Game start: 16:00
Group: A
Location: Coliseum

Online coverage (rosters, stats etc.) (http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_06/output/w20/hydra.iihf.com/IIHF_Core/jsp/content/web_output/index.jsp@compId=55)

5:2 Canada :teach:

Finally :handclap: :yo: :clap:

Canada wins 4-1

I am expecting to see some good hockey out there :propeller

6-3 Canada :eek:

What time zone is that 16.00? The IIHF page doesn't really work for me. :help:

Has anyone heard for sure wether Rask or Ramo is starting for Finland today?

6-3 Canada :eek:

What time zone is that 16.00? The IIHF page doesn't really work for me. :help:


its 7pm ET :madfire:

its 7pm ET :madfire:
Thanks! :yo:

I'm betting a 3-0 or 4-0 victory for Canada, shots somewhere around 82-11.

In finnish time, when does the game start?

In finnish time, when does the game start?

YLE 2 have it starting at 0240 finnish(0140 for me across the border).

http://www.yle.fi/ohjelmaopas/data/yustoday.htm

But I don't trust them for 5 cents when it comes to times for the WJC so if you here a new time please post it in this thread!

YLE 2 have it starting at 0240 finnish(0140 for me across the border).

http://www.yle.fi/ohjelmaopas/data/yustoday.htm

But I don't trust them for 5 cents when it comes to times for the WJC so if you here a new time please post it in this thread!


It's not live, I think, because they only reserved 1h 45min for it...

Vancouver is exactly 10 hours behind Finland, so it starts at 2am Finland time.

Has anyone heard for sure wether Rask or Ramo is starting for Finland today?

Yeah, anyone know?

I think Canada will win,tough to call a score without having seen the Finns play yet.

Yeah, anyone know?
I've heard they(the coaches) will be discussing this situation well into the wee hours.Many people (at least in N America) probably think it's Rask due to name rep but i hear it's a dead heat on who the Finnish coaches prefer going in.

3-2 to Finland. Lindgren two goals and Komarov one goal.

I wonder who will be starting in net for the Fins. Hopefully it will be Tuukka Rask. :)

I wonder who will be starting in net for the Fins. Hopefully it will be Tuukka Rask. :)

Actually, I was hoping for, and think it should be Ramo. ;)

Canada 4 Finland 1

6-1 Canada. The Finns will pee their pants when they see 18,000 people in the stands and the start will have to be delayed 20 minutes.

I wonder who will be starting in net for the Fins. Hopefully it will be Tuukka Rask. :)

For Canada's sake, I hope so too. I've never seen Ramo before, but I'm not scared at all of Rask.

Lindgren! Lindgren! Lindgren!

For Canada's sake, I hope so too. I've never seen Ramo before, but I'm not scared at all of Rask.

What makes you feel that? Rask has played well in SM-liiga this season. :dunno:

Finland 3 - Canada 2

Canada gets a wake up call early. Outshooting the Finns by 15 shots but lose 3-2.

Canada goals: Latendresse, Barker
Finland goals: Tukonen (2), Wirtanen 1

Shots something like 46 - 31...Rask or Ramo steal the show.

I wonder who will be starting in net for the Fins. Hopefully it will be Tuukka Rask. :)

This makes it a tougher decision ..

With Rask in net for the Fins .. 4-1 Canada

With Ramo in net for the Fins ... 7- 1 Canada

Lets hope the Fins make the right choice :)

This makes it a tougher decision ..

With Rask in net for the Fins .. 4-1 Canada

With Ramo in net for the Fins ... 7- 1 Canada

Lets hope the Fins make the right choice :)
Mess you going to the game tonight?

This makes it a tougher decision ..

With Rask in net for the Fins .. 4-1 Canada

With Ramo in net for the Fins ... 7- 1 Canada

Lets hope the Fins make the right choice :)

Just out of curiosity, what is your reasoning behnd Ramo being 3 goals worse then Rask if he plays?

Just out of curiosity, what is your reasoning behnd Ramo being 3 goals worse then Rask if he plays?
He's just pulling your leg.

I really do hope I get to see Rask in net though. I've never seen him play and putting him opposite of Pogge would be one hell of a (admittedly late) Christmas gift for Leafs fans.

4-2 Canada

Canada: Cogliano, Comeau (2), Downie
Finland: Tukonen, Korpikoski

Just out of curiosity, what is your reasoning behnd Ramo being 3 goals worse then Rask if he plays?

I'm gonna guess he's never heard of Ramo or looked at how well he's playing in Finland and only compared the draft position to predict the goal differential between the two goalies.

Judging by the exhibition games, I think Rask will likely get the job.

I'm gonna guess he's never heard of Ramo or looked at how well he's playing in Finland and only compared the draft position to predict the goal differential between the two goalies.

Thats the direction I was headed with that. ;)

Finland has always been my second favourite international team second to Canada, and I really like the way the country plays hockey. However, Canada should win this game by a goal or 2.

Is there any online radio feed? Or maybe even televised feed? :dunno:

I can't catch this on TV because I'm vacationing in the U.S. :cry:

cant wait for the game!

better go kill some time spending money at the mall, then get home for some haaackey!

go canada go.

boy oh boy this is what its all about! Go Canada GO!!!
gpt my prediction at 4-2 Canada

Is there any online radio feed? Or maybe even televised feed? :dunno:

I can't catch this on TV because I'm vacationing in the U.S. :cry:
You really have to give up this vacationing in the U.S thing at this time of year.It's not good for your health.

Pick another time to go there.

Pretty easy win today by Team Canada... 5-1 or worse

4-1 Canada

Hopefully it'll be Pogge vs. Rask!

If Canada can dominate physcially without being sent to the box too much, they will be able to take over the game by the middle of the second period, but the Finns should never be taken lightly. Some people are putting too much emphasis on the Russia & Czech victorys, but that was just exhibition. This could be a very tough game for Canada.

I'd much rather the Canadians start off against a tough opponent then have to play Norway or Switzerland because it will help them establish the type of tempo their game will need as the tournament progresses.

I can't wait to watch this game live today. Just 4 and a half hours to go!!!

If Canada can dominate physcially without being sent to the box too much, they will be able to take over the game by the middle of the second period, but the Finns should never be taken lightly. Some people are putting too much emphasis on the Russia & Czech victorys, but that was just exhibition. This could be a very tough game for Canada.

I'd much rather the Canadians start off against a tough opponent then have to play Norway or Switzerland because it will help them establish the type of tempo their game will need as the tournament progresses.

I can't wait to watch this game live today. Just 4 and a half hours to go!!!
i'm with you on that.With the type of game we'll need to play to be sucessfull i prefer taking on a good team in the first game so we can establish that tempo and fix things up that are a concern.Playing the weaker sisters sometimes gets you into bad habits that are not as easy or possible to correct on the fly when you do get tested against the stronger opponents.

cant wait for the game!

better go kill some time spending money at the mall, then get home for some haaackey!

go canada go.
Your crazy to goto Orchard park today, make sure your home by 4pm pst. I really like Toews in the first two exhibition games and I think he will be great in this tounament. I also think Blake Comeau will also put up the numbers also. Should be a great one in 3-1/2 hours!

If anyone wants clips of certain plays during any of Canada's games throughout the tourney, just message me and I'll do the uploading.

Thats the direction I was headed with that. ;)

Finland 2006 WJC preview


Goalie Controversy
Tuukka Rask (TOR) and Joonas Hallikainen struggled in the 2005 WJC, the first Finnish goalies to do so in ten years. Right after the tournament, Karri Rämö (TB) began his breakout and started the battle for the starter's spot that still goes on. Rämö had the perfect start to his SM-Liiga season but has been the only goalie to post disappointing stats with the national team. Conversely, Rask excelled against the lesser competition with the Lion Cubs, but his professional games with Ilves were turbulent. Things changed when Rämö was sidelined for a month with a knee injury and his performance returned to a less consistent normalcy upon his return. Rask in turn got his game going and has recently played the best professional hockey so far in his short career.

The competition was at even odds when the goalies began their camp with the team. Finland faced the best offensive club teams of the semi-pro league in mid-December: First Jukurit fought their way to a 6-6 tie against Rämö (34/40) but Salamat were defeated in front of Rask (27/29). This gave Rask the pole position in the race, the outcome of which can be decided in the pre-tournament games. Finland has only one good opportunity to offer: on the 21st they faced Latvia and as expected, Rämö (8/9) didn't get a chance to really prove his quality. The obvious plan seems to be that Rask gets to face Slovakia on the 23rd, and if he plays well, there is nothing Rämö can do to begin the tournament as the starter. Rämö is still likely to get to start a tough game in the tournament, though, and that could change things.

Rask is a butterfly goalie as fast as lightning and has superb game-breaking ability. However, his stamina is lacking and that has led to serious inconsistency. Last spring he had a fantastic playoff run with Ilves Jr A, so if he manages to prepare for the WJC properly, he can handle the entire tournament. Rämö is not completely different from Rask, a butterfly even slightly bigger than the younger netminder, but plays a more conventional style. He has also proven able to take large barrages of shots and rebound from the defense completely letting him down. Either of the two is good to have when the goalie has to win Finland the game.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=8167

Anyone know the lines for Canada? And where can I listen to the game?

Anyone know the lines for Canada? And where can I listen to the game?

www.team1040.ca

I'll be at the game.

www.team1040.ca

I'll be at the game.
Thanks.

2-1 Finland

I'll be at the game.

I'll see you there :)

Can't wait.

The clash of Canada and Finland has been a great holiday tradition in recent years. When was the last time the two teams didn't meet in round robin? 2000 or earlier? Even better, most of the time the game's been the opener.

Let there be hockey!

Finland home dark jersey = Best jerseys ever BAR none.

Here's to a good game!

I hope Rask starts.

Finland home dark jersey = Best jerseys ever BAR none.
I love those jerseys,they're just great.

Has Miikka Kiprusoff ever played for the Finns in the World Juniors?

Has Miikka Kiprusoff ever played for the Finns in the World Juniors?
Yes, has and I even think the games were in Canada (or USA) that time. It was in mid-90es, but I can't remember the accurate year.

The game starts in 10 minutes, any word on who will be in net for Finland?

Rask is starting for Finland.

Rask confirmed to be in net.

Thanks.

Anyone got sound problems on TSN ?

Anyone got sound problems on TSN ?
yep,hope they fix it soon.It's irritating.

Anyone got sound problems on TSN ?

Just when they were introducing the players. Other than that, no.

When I watch Leafs games on TSN, I've noticed that have frequent problems with the sound.

TSN went off for me along with every other channel I have on Rogers oh about an hour ago. Looks like Bell is going to have a new customer tomorrow.

Does anybody know of any sites on the web to listen to the game on? Nevermind I don't need one anymore. Also, does anybody know if Jonathan Toews started for Canada, and who are his linemates?

Does anybody know of any sites on the web to listen to the game on?

www.team1040.ca

Does anybody know of any sites on the web to listen to the game on? Nevermind I don't need one anymore. Also, does anybody know if Jonathan Toews started for Canada, and who are his linemates?


http://www.team1040.ca/

Boyd! 1-0 Canada :handclap:

YOU MEAN BEVERLY!

Atta boy Boyder.

Sounds like the Toews, Blunden, Pouliot line is really dominating the finns out there.

Pogge is the best goalie Canada has had at this tournament since Fleury in his first year. His team must be very confident in front of him, he's incredibly solid back there.

Comeau scoressss :clap: :clap:

2-0 Canada

Comeau scores, 2-0 Canada.

Whats the official site of the tournament?

IIHF.com

Is Rask always this beatable? I've seen him five times and he has struggled every single time. He just looks so easy to beat out there.

He just looks so easy to beat out there.

To be fair to him, both goals IMO weren't his fault. I know they knocked him for the 2nd one, but the Finns are playing scared hockey right now, and that has to suck for the goalie.

Then again you say you've seen him before, and I haven't, so perhaps he is :)

Is Rask always this beatable? I've seen him five times and he has struggled every single time. He just looks so easy to beat out there.
Thats how i have seen him as well.... Doesnt make him look like a top prospect thats forsure.

Great play by Cogliano on the Boyd goal. He attacked the box and drew two defenders to him. It opened up the passing lane down low and tic-tac-goal.

His speed makes him exceptionally dangerous.

Great finish by Boyd as well!!

Let's go boys!!!!!!

:yo: :yo: :yo:

could we possibly get that ref out of the way out there? he's stopping passes and clearing attempts like crazy every second shift.

Our D commuinication has to get a lot better.

Toews gets called for holding, doesn't sound like it was too much of a penalty.

Goal for Canada, 3-0, Toews or Bolland?

They're looking pretty good so far.

Bolland

Looks really bad game, maybe I should go to sleep (it is 3am here...)

Thats how i have seen him as well.... Doesnt make him look like a top prospect thats forsure.

Well, goalies are always a tough call. Ironically every report I've read on Rask mentions him having lightning lateral ability with his butterfly, and I've really not seen it so far.

Ah well, hopefully he can turn it around.

Rask sucks.

Should've started Ramo. He's better at this point anyway.

I don't find Rask THAT bad.

Am I the only one that isn't a fan of Luc Bourdon? I understand that he almost made the Canucks and he shows some flashes of great talent but he's a turnover just waiting to happen and he's made some incredibly idiotic plays out on the ice...

How are the defensman for Canada looking? Anyone standing out?

Seppänen has been absolutely awful. Easily the worst finnish player.

Other than that they have been OK and challenging Canada quite well. Canada has just had a few better scoring chances and also used them well. Numbers don't tell the truth, this game is much more even than the score right now. But these numbers will probably affect their attitude.

Anyone standing out?

I'd actually argue that almost everyone on the roster is playing a solid/gritty game. IMO no one has really stood out as amazing, but rather it has been a very cohesive well played team game.

How are the defensman for Canada looking? Anyone standing out?
Staal.and it isn't just Pierre Macquire talking to me either.He's smart and pretty smooth.Does'nt get flustered either.Calm kid.

Seppänen has been absolutely awful. Easily the worst finnish player.

Other than that they have been OK and challenging Canada quite well. Canada has just had a few better scoring chances and also used them well. Numbers don't tell the truth, this game is much more even than the score right now. But these numbers will probably affect their attitude.
It's getting un-even now though,just like some poster said about the 10 minute mark in the 2nd.You get the sense the canucks are on defensive and game movement cruise control right now.

Dustin Boyd puts another one in, 4-0 Canada.

He's starting to stand out too(Boyd) he's a little opportuinist him.

Finland cannot contain the Canadians physically. We're just blowing through their defense and around the net, despite not playing that great himself, Rask is being hung out to dry.

Am I the only one that isn't a fan of Luc Bourdon? I understand that he almost made the Canucks and he shows some flashes of great talent but he's a turnover just waiting to happen and he's made some incredibly idiotic plays out on the ice...


I don't see it. He's been really steady this game, always calm and makes the smart play. His recovery when he does give the puck away is incredible. He's covered all of Letang's awful giveaways so far too.

It's getting un-even now though,just like some poster said about the 10 minute mark in the 2nd.You get the sense the canucks are on defensive and game movement cruise control right now.

Yeah it is. Our feed is a bit delayed. I'm quite sure the 3-0 situation has affected their fighting spirit. Too bad, Finland has not played that bad. But it's not like I expected a win.

Rämö will probably start against USA.

Hows Pokulok looking?

Hows Pokulok looking?
I swear,it might be the beer.................but i don't think he's played a second yet.

Is there a site that is keeping an up-to-date scoreboard, if not, could someone make one?

(example: 1. Goal scorer (Assist 1, Assist 2))

I swear,it might be the beer.................but i don't think he's played a second yet.

It's not just you/the beer. I'm sober and was wondering the same thing :)

I like Parent a lot too.Seems to be a no-nonsense general(or corporal) out there.

It's not just you/the beer. I'm sober and was wondering the same thing :)
Thanks.I was'nt sure really,i was pretty sure but when suds are involved....................i've learned to assume nothing.

Is there a site that is keeping an up-to-date scoreboard, if not, could someone make one?

(example: 1. Goal scorer (Assist 1, Assist 2))
I would like to know a site too

Is there a site that is keeping an up-to-date scoreboard, if not, could someone make one?

It's finicky though. Seems to open more reliably in IE as opposed to Mozilla/Galeon etc.

http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_06/output/w20/hydra.iihf.com/IIHF_Core/jsp/content/web_output/Live.jsp@compId=55&gameId=494

Am I the only one that isn't a fan of Luc Bourdon? I understand that he almost made the Canucks and he shows some flashes of great talent but he's a turnover just waiting to happen and he's made some incredibly idiotic plays out on the ice...

Count me in on that list as well.

I just don't see it with him. Everytime I've seen him play, he seems like a turnover waiting to happen in the defensive zone. I just don't like his puck control in his own zone.

Very nervous first period from both teams. I think its showing that finnish players arent used to play in the small rink, they are running out of space constantly. Very unimpressive game by Finland so far. But not very impressed by Canada so far either, but im sure this game will give them confidence. I really like the oilers pick Cogliano and also Comeau and Boyd have been good. By the way those Canadian jerseys are horrible! :shakehead

What's up with the linesmen waving off so many icing calls??? Very strange. I suppose its the international officiating.....always confusing.

Guess what?? Pierre mentioned Dion again. I for one am shocked.

Count me in on that list as well.

I just don't see it with him. Everytime I've seen him play, he seems like a turnover waiting to happen in the defensive zone. I just don't like his puck control in his own zone.
His puck control definitely seems a little weak to me. He seems pretty effective at moving the puck up the ice but I'm not sold on him being a potential top pairing defenceman in the NHL just yet.

His puck control definitely seems a little weak to me. He seems pretty effective at moving the puck up the ice but I'm not sold on him being a potential top pairing defenceman in the NHL just yet.

Yeah he moves it out of the zone effectively, it's just moving it inside of his zone, that he seems to have trouble with. Just making the smart, or correct play.

Finns score!!

Youthful mental brain fart.....................take the guys out of the front of the net guys!!! The 4-0 lead does'nt seem to agree with you!!.It agrees with very few in this game.

Eh, I think he's been the most solid defenseman tonight. Letang has had about a billion giveaways in his own zone and Bourdon has covered him on all of them.

His puck control definitely seems a little weak to me. He seems pretty effective at moving the puck up the ice but I'm not sold on him being a potential top pairing defenceman in the NHL just yet.
I like him,he's a little adventourous i'll agree and will scare ya the odd time but overall you can see his physical skills are nice.He's imposing,even when he's beat................a bit of a presence somehow.Stands up well in all situations and has a heavy shot.He could be worked with.

Any one else think that other Finn shot sohuld have been a goal?

HAHAHAH anyone see that Chipchura goal? Number 5 for canada, Cogliano buckles LEINONEN's knees hahaha watch the play and watch leinonen.

Now theres a problem with rask,and if you listened to the early hate from le golie that's probably why he hates him and it's a good reason why.I'll get suckered into a goalies hand,legs and reflexes sometimes but what a good goaltender with all those other skills will have is rebound control.And that's what Rask appears to not have.It should be teachable though.If someone put's a priority on it.

Any one else think that other Finn shot sohuld have been a goal?

Not really. No player reacted on it, im sure someone would if it was a goal.

That was a nice d-play by then Finn d-man taking that 2 on 1 pass away out.Nice athleticism.

Don't know what we'll have to do with Latendresse to get him going.He looks too slow out there.

I waved his performance in the ex-games....................i can't ignore it now.

First and third periods were quite even, in the second Canada was better, especially in the last 10 minutes of 2nd. Numbers just describe how much better Canada has been in the finishing, but other than that, a promising game by Finland. Too bad they kinda lost their belief for a while in 3-0. They probably would not have been able to turn it around, but the numbers could be more even.

Nice dive on the Komarov penalty...something I still hate to see especially from Canadians who always take pride in their great physical play. You just cant have it two ways. I am used to it by the Czechs and sometimes russians.

Congrats to Canada, a deserved win!

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO :clap:

Good win for Canada. Pogge looks great in the net. Downie, Comeau and Boyd played excellent. Some people didn't want Downie on the team but I thought he was one of their best forwards.

Bourdon makes me nervous. He reminds of Jovo in a bad way. He turns the puck over way too much. As a Canucks fan I think he still needs time down in the Q next year. Staal was Canada's best defenceman.

Latendresse and Pouliot need to get going. Pouliot played pretty good but Latendresse played awful. I still say put him with Cogliano.

BTW I love watching this tournament, especially, when it's in Canada.

Stuck in Germany I don´t have access to the game and I can´t find a live-ticker on the net... What´s the score?

Stuck in Germany I don´t have access to the game and I can´t find a live-ticker on the net... What´s the score?
It's over 5-1 Canada

Good win for Canada. Pogge looks great in the net. Downie, Comeau and Boyd played excellent. Some people didn't want Downie on the team but I thought he was one of their best forwards.

Bourdon makes me nervous. He reminds of Jovo in a bad way. He turns the puck over way too much. As a Canucks fan I think he still needs time down in the Q next year. Staal was Canada's best defenceman.

Latendresse and Pouliot need to get going. Pouliot played pretty good but Latendresse played awful. I still say put him with Cogliano.

BTW I love watching this tournament, especially, when it's in Canada.
Pouliot was fine and took a lot of ********* calls if you ask me.I'm impressed with him.He can skate,he has good hands,Sutters got him fired up and he sees the ice competently.If we win......................he'll be a big part of it i garuntee.

Who was Canada's top defensive pair??

Pouliot was fine and took a lot of ********* calls if you ask me.I'm impressed with him.He can skate,he has good hands,Sutters got him fired up and he sees the ice competently.If we win......................he'll be a big part of it i garuntee.
I thought he played good but he needs to step up his offence game. He needs to generate more offence but I am not that worried about him. On the other hand, Latendresse really needs to get going.

Who was Canada's top defensive pair??
Staal and Parent

Who was Canada's top defensive pair??

Yes, Staal and Parent were both very good out there.

Thanks, great to hear....now i wish I could watch. :madfire:

Least i'll be able to watch one Canada game.

Staal and Parent
Yep,Parent you did'nt even hear about and with him that is definately a good thing(he's not bryan leetch circa 1995),means nary a thing happened to hurt us on any play...............he's smart and tough,i like him.Top d-pair no question.How much will we be have to ride them to win it all? I hope not so much because we need guys like Barker to assert themselves.He did'nt play bad just needs to be a bigger cog that's all.

Our boys really looked scared there. Especially Seppänen and Leinonen were shy and out of place all the time. Jokinen seemed really good but didn't seem to cope with the amount of ice time he logged.

Did we have any forwards there? Komarov looked decent, Joensuu sucked. Wirtanen was awesome at times. Did Mikko Lehtonen dress at all? What's his number?

Rask didn't impress - at all. Let's see what Rämö can do against the yanks.

Solid game by Canada but a lot to improve if you want to go all the way. Pogge was good. Cogliano was awesome.

Thanks, great to hear....now i wish I could watch. :madfire:

Least i'll be able to watch one Canada game.
The Canada - U.S game.........................and i can just about garuntee it....................will be about the most kick-*** game of hockey we'll get all year.I really believe it's gonna be that great.All the signs are there.

I unfortunately missed the game. Can someone give me a scouting report on how Cogliano looked? Thanks.

Our boys really looked scared there. Especially Seppänen and Leinonen were shy and out of place all the time. Jokinen seemed really good but didn't seem to cope with the amount of ice time he logged.

Did we have any forwards there? Komarov looked decent, Joensuu sucked. Wirtanen was awesome at times. Did Mikko Lehtonen dress at all? What's his number?

Rask didn't impress - at all. Let's see what Rämö can do against the yanks.

Solid game by Canada but a lot to improve if you want to go all the way. Pogge was good. Cogliano was awesome.
You'r re right.........we need to improve but good signs are there.We're under-rated i think....................lot's of talent but not most talented of the teams here.Still...............if we can get a good game call and improve(and i think Sutter will do it) we can win.....................i'm confident of it.

A good win, a good start to the tournament, but any excitement should be tempered with the knowledge that there is still a long ways to go. Still, a lot to like:
*Cogliano. The Finns had no match for him. It was like watching Mike Cammalleri, circa 2001-02 tournament, out there. An offensive dynamo, with speed and sense to burn.
*"Third" defensive pairing. If the Finns defenders lacked an answer for Cogliano, the forwards didn't have an answer for Parent and Staal. That's the type of defence we need. Big, strong and steady.
*Boyd. Showed a great nose for the net, and a quick release. Comparisons to Larmer are a little exaggerated, but he showed his production in the Dub wasn't a fluke.
*Aggressiveness. The call on Blunden was a croc, but it set the tone early. From the get-go, Canada was finishing their checks. The big hits are nice, and there were a lot, but as long as you finish your checks, I'm happy. A great physical effort.
*Pogge: Goaltending isn't a concern anymore. Didn't face a lot of quality chances, only a few saves stand out, but he was sharp when called upon. Patrick Roy couldn't have stopped the shot on that goal.

It wasn't a perfect game, as there were some hiccups - the penalty that led to the Finns goal and the failure to convert on the 5-on-3 in the third period - but not much to complain about. It would have been nice to see a little more urgency from our other defencemen, especially Barker, but hopefully that will come with the increased competition.

Expect to see Pogge and Dubnyk each get a start over the next two games. The game vs. the U.S. should decide first in the pool and the team that gets that all-important first-round bye.

One thing to note: two years ago, we went into the tournament with a younger team that few expected to be in the gold medal game. The first game was against the Finns. (Who hosted the tournament and wound up finishing third). Canada completely controlled all aspects of the game, held the Finns to about a dozen shots, and the only reason Canada didn't obliterate their opponents was the play of Finnish goalie Hannu Toivonen. Canada gained a lot of momentum from that game, and only a collapse in the third period kept them from the gold.

I unfortunately missed the game. Can someone give me a scouting report on how Cogliano looked? Thanks.
He was more dominant offensively in the ex-games but still had a real good game here.He's a good player.One thing i could say for improvement with him...................his stops on his cuts could be done better.He needs to step into the ice better and then when he whirls looking for guys he'll be better able to set them up because the passes he'll make are based on solid footing and they'll hit the tape more.That stuff is all leg work for the first 4 seconds.

On the other hand, Latendresse really needs to get going.

Hard to do so when you have become the team's 13th forward.

The first few shifts he had were far from great, but he didn't get the opportunity to get back into it. Can't blame Coach Sutter for that though. Every other forward was playing solid hockey. Latendresse will have to utilize the physical aspect more, just like Ryan O'Marra and Dan Bertram.

Finland played a streaky game... They were awful at times and showed flashes of competence (especially when they killed off that long 2 man power play).

Rask looked ok out there. He can handle the puck and made some brilliant acrobatic saves, but he gives out awful rebounds which must be controlled better to have any real success.

Canada is once again the team to beat at these championships.. They pounded Russia 8-1, and manhandled Finland 5-1.... Looks a bit like the team from last year.

Finland played a streaky game... They were awful at times and showed flashes of competence (especially when they killed off that long 2 man power play).

Rask looked ok out there. He can handle the puck and made some brilliant acrobatic saves, but he gives out awful rebounds which must be controlled better to have any real success.

Canada is once again the team to beat at these championships.. They pounded Russia 8-1, and manhandled Finland 5-1.... Looks a bit like the team from last year.
We have way more work to do here in all honesty.With all due respect to Finland,we are going to face way better fore-checks here soon and with a d-corps and strategy that is much harder to handle then what Finland showed tonight.I agree we have been under-rated coming into this tourney but we do not have the offensive zone skating other teams wiill have that are here.We have to shore up defensively on fast rushes and learn how to better take care of offemsive opportunities to win this year

Leafs prospects-

Not very pleased with Rask's game, he can make the occasional impressive save but he seemed off balance all night and extremely clumsy out there. And my god was his rebound control absolutely atrocious. A poor game all around, he just didn't seem comfortable at all. He's capable of more then he showed tonight... Ramo absolutely deserves the next start.

Pogge was quite solid, the lone goal wasn't his fault at all and while he didn't have much work he was always there when needed and din't appear to have any difficulty. His puck handling skills were excellent.

Aside from the penalties that game was all Canada, all the time. Even with the penalties, there was never any indication that Finland was ever going to come close. Honestly, it looked like Canada let up after going ahead 3-0.

Hard to do so when you have become the team's 13th forward.

The first few shifts he had were far from great, but he didn't get the opportunity to get back into it. Can't blame Coach Sutter for that though. Every other forward was playing solid hockey. Latendresse will have to utilize the physical aspect more, just like Ryan O'Marra and Dan Bertram.
He became Canada's 13th forward by playing poorly to begin with. The reason why he is on the team is to create offence and if he's not doing that he is pretty useless. I have said it a lot now and I would still put him with Cogliano.

A good game but by no means a dominating game by Canada in my mind. They played an outstanding second period but the first and third periods were sketchy at best. Pogge was solid in there as was Staal and Parent at the back. I have been somewhat disappointed with the play of Barker and Bourdon so far. Maybe I've been expecting too much from Barker and bought into the Bourdon hype around here but they have been less than outstanding in my opinion and will need to pick up their play for Canada to win gold.

Up front, I was impressed with Comeau, Cogliano, Downie, Boyd, and Blunden played exceptionally I thought. At the same time Toews, Pouliot and Latendresse in particular need to improve in this game. The special teams were good, not great from a Canadian standpoint.

I thought another area for concern was faceoffs or was that just me :dunno: Canada seemed to lose a ton of draws especially in comparison to other years. I can't wait for Canada USA on new years eve :) .

I'm just popping to ask how Islanders prospect, Ryan O'Marra looked?

:)

I'm just popping to ask how Islanders prospect, Ryan O'Marra looked?

:)
He grinds,oh baby he grinds,tough guy!!.Scoring touch is a different story but with a good coach..........................it's possible.

I'm just popping to ask how Islanders prospect, Ryan O'Marra looked?

:)

He didn't really stand out and that may not be such bad thing. He plays on the grind line with guys like Bertram, Pyatt, and Downie and the line was just ferocious on the forecheck all game long. Offensively though, I don't recall him having any great chances or anything like that.

Pretty easy win today by Team Canada... 5-1 or worse


Did I call it or what!!!!!!!

:handclap: :handclap: :bow: :bow:

A good game but by no means a dominating game by Canada in my mind. They played an outstanding second period but the first and third periods were sketchy at best. Pogge was solid in there as was Staal and Parent at the back. I have been somewhat disappointed with the play of Barker and Bourdon so far. Maybe I've been expecting too much from Barker and bought into the Bourdon hype around here but they have been less than outstanding in my opinion and will need to pick up their play for Canada to win gold.

Up front, I was impressed with Comeau, Cogliano, Downie, Boyd, and Blunden played exceptionally I thought. At the same time Toews, Pouliot and Latendresse in particular need to improve in this game. The special teams were good, not great from a Canadian standpoint.

I thought another area for concern was faceoffs or was that just me :dunno: Canada seemed to lose a ton of draws especially in comparison to other years. I can't wait for Canada USA on new years eve :) .
In my opinion playing fairly well still added up to domination of the game. At no time did I feel the Finns could threaten. many of their players were intimidated by Canada's size and speed. As you say there are things like draws , special teams play and puck management issues that will need to be ironed out. They have to be pleased to dominate without playing their best.

The good part of today's loss is that Ramo will get to start now :handclap:

How do you think the crowd was compared to Halifax and Winnipeg? I thought the crowd would have been much louder than it was.

Canada was nothing like what I expect. Not that impressive in terms of inviduals, but they play better as a team than many other Team Canadas I've seen.

Team Finland, well less said the better. That we lack scorers is nothing new, but I still wonder what happened to our dman production. We used turn out by the dozen these guys who were perhaps bit undersized and not that talented, like Lasse Kukkonen, but still fundamentally solid.

The good part of today's loss is that Ramo will get to start now :handclap:

What's up with Rask.. How many of the 5 goals were scored from a brutal rebound?
I saw at least 2..

This kid could control his rebounds and he would be impressive with his acrobatics.

Never did see Ramo play.. Let's hope he does better than Tuukka.

Personally, it was nice to see both players (and forwards!) of the game be Calgary Flames property (Seitsonen, Boyd).

Anyone else think this looks like a "Sutter win" ? Of coarse, HF probably doesn't like the idea of Team Canada being related to anything Flames like :sarcasm: but that looked alot like the Flames with more firepower.

And finally... it was nice to get a big win, but I'm not sure if the guns scoring today were the team's game breakers. I'm interested in seeing who (if any) are the team's game breakers, when we'll need them when Team Canada is down a goal with a minute left.

I got tickets last minute.

What an atmosphere!!

I will post more in a sec.

That was a nice win for Canada. If people still think the USA is the "heavy favourite" I think they need to take another look. The US would have to be one hell of a team to be heavily favoured over what I saw today. Outstanding coverage and defense of the rush; no one was beat 1 on 1, and hardly any mistakes in zonal coverage down low. Great forecheck, particularly on the pk. Lots of turnovers created and the Finns had difficulty breaking out all night. Pogge is better than I thought or remember him being, or at least he looked to be tonight.

Individually, I thought Staal had a great game and together with Parent looked very difficult to create anything whatsoever against. I thought Comeau was a demon on the forecheck and on the pk, and really utilised his skating and physical play well. Boyd gives it his all every shift, and it paid off for him tonight. I used to a little wary of Cogliano's size, and I still am to some extent, but he sure looked like it didn't matter tonight. It will be interesting to see if he will be able to shred the American defense the same way as he did the Finnish defense tonight. No one stood out as playing poorly tonight, although Latendresse didn't create much, and I didn't think Barker played the way he's capable of. Letang looked a little shaky, and Bourdon's breakout passes need to get better, and the powerplay although it clicked a couple times could have been better, but overall I really can't complain a whole lot about very much. Interesting that although they used all 13 forwards a fair amount (there was no 13th tonight, although I think Bertram and Pyatt split shifts on the 4th line even strength, but both those guys got lots of pk time) Pokoluk I don't believe hit the ice even a single time.

With that kind of tenacious forecheck, strong penalty killing and most importantly near perfect defensive coverage, I think this team is going to show that experience and age in this tournament are not as important as talent and work ethic, which this team certainly has at the highest level.

Here is what I noticed:

Pogge was very, very solid in nets. Very calm, and amazing positionally.

Russell is tiny, but manages to avoid hits. Very slick with the puck.

Staal/Parent/Bourdon are all big, fast, and mobile. They made smart plays, but nothing too fancy.

Didn't notice Letang really.

I still think Barker is overrated, but he was pretty good.

Comeau-Boyd had great chemistry.

O'Marra is very big and fast, and reminds me quite a bit of Trevor Linden (younger).

Cogliano is the best forward imo, so so creative. Didn't really get to showcase his worldclass speed.

Chipchura is going to be a solid NHL player. Very solid all over the ice.

Downie has sick playmaking skills, and is a great forechecker. Reminds me of Matt Cooke, with better hands..

Didn't really notice Latandresse.

Bertram is a pesky little guy, fast and fiesty.

Pouliot has a great wingspan and good moves. He is very creative and dangerous.

Blunden threw a SICK hit near the beginning, and was pretty good. Big, skilled centre.

Toews was also impressive, reminds me of Brind'Amour out there.. but more skilled up front.

I am probably forgetting a few guys, but all in all a great win, and this team is very gritty, very fast, and very intense.

Should be a fun few weeks here. What I love about Sutter teams is that they are vicious, but clean. The Fins got a bit angry, and took some undisciplined penalties at the end of the 3rd.

I observed the game and here's a thought. First of all, I was extremely impressed with Cogliano. He was Canada's main offensive catalyst, and the only one who could create scoring chances all by himself. Of course, the game was lopsized quite early on, so the abuse from finnish defensemen wasn't so stiff. But his slick skating and nifty puck possession bodes well for the upcoming games.

I dont know whats up with Lats. Maybe all he cares about is the Habs?

And why arent there highlights of the game on tsn?

How do you think the crowd was compared to Halifax and Winnipeg? I thought the crowd would have been much louder than it was.It is still early in the tournament.

I was at both Vancouver games today, and while I agree there was a bit lacking, also understand that in order to accomodate TSN, all Canadian games are at 4pm local time, when a lot of people are still at work...

Just watched the game and it was pretty much what I expected. Canada dominated and Finland couldn`t create much of a scoring changes.

Still I would say this was encouraging for Finns. It was first game in the tournament, Canada was playing in front of home crowd (not so loud though). I think we can improve our game and if me meet Canada another time in this tournament our boys will play better now when they now how Canada plays. I don`t expect Finland to win Canada, but give harder resistance.

Tukonen, Lindgren and Komarov were our best players even if none of them cound`t create much. Joensuu and Rask were disappointments.

I have a feeling that against USA we will play better, cause them aren`t as physical as Canada. We should be able to create some offense.

I like Parent a lot too.Seems to be a no-nonsense general(or corporal) out there.

Really? I thought he was playing on a different level, and I don't mean a higher one. Maybe I was just expecting more from a 1st round pick...

Really? I thought he was playing on a different level, and I don't mean a higher one. Maybe I was just expecting more from a 1st round pick...
Hmmm........he was steady and nothing got done on him all night.Don't see why you did'nt care for him. :dunno:

I swear,it might be the beer.................but i don't think he's played a second yet.

Pokuluk didnt play a single shift...i was kinda looking forward to watching him play

Overall, Canada did an awesome job..it was fun to watch

the best part...half of the team can come back next year :yo:

Pokuluk didnt play a single shift...i was kinda looking forward to watching him play

Overall, Canada did an awesome job..it was fun to watch

the best part...half of the team can come back next year :yo:
Well,it was a message from Sutter to him,it's not an easy meassage to get but for young guys it is sometimes the only way to get it......................he needs to step up his game,we can't afford him playing the way he did in exhibition.For a guy his size and with his good skating,he needs to be more physical and stop making bad decisions while getting beat left and right by opposing forwards.He's a better player then that.................he needs to get it in gear.If he needs to sit on bench to do that,that's where Sutter will have him.

Well,it was a message from Sutter to him,it's not an easy meassage to get but for young guys it is sometimes the only way to get it......................he needs to step up his game,we can't afford him playing the way he did in exhibition.For a guy his size and with his good skating,he needs to be more physical and stop making bad decisions while getting beat left and right by opposing forwards.He's a better player then that.................he needs to get it in gear.If he needs to sit on bench to do that,that's where Sutter will have him.
If he was that much of a disappointment during the exhibition games , then what is he doing on the team? Hard to believe he could not get a shift in late in the game but perhaps he'll get off the bench against the Swiss and Norweigans.

If he was that much of a disappointment during the exhibition games , then what is he doing on the team? Hard to believe he could not get a shift in late in the game but perhaps he'll get off the bench against the Swiss and Norweigans.
I agree.Up to this point one would have to wonder why another player does'nt have his spot.The coaching staff must have seen something they liked at camp,he just has'nt displayed it in the games he's played yet.Last night........he did'nt get to play at all.I suspect you'll see him get a chance to redeem himself in the next game though.All the best Sasha.

I was impressed the Parent at the Predators camp. He seems to have very good speed, especially for someone his size.

How did he look in this game? And how does he compare with Weber as a shut down guy (although they both use different ways to shut-down)?

I was impressed the Parent at the Predators camp. He seems to have very good speed, especially for someone his size.

How did he look in this game? And how does he compare with Weber as a shut down guy (although they both use different ways to shut-down)?
Parent played solid positional play and wasn't very noticeable because he didn't make many mistakes. On the other hand, last year Weber was very noticeable on the ice because of the big hits he threw.

I dont know whats up with Lats. Maybe all he cares about is the Habs?

And why arent there highlights of the game on tsn?

Lats apparently was used as the 13th forward... IMO he has to be used more in order to be a force. Also, I think he will be very beneficial to the Canadians later in the tournament. He is something else once he gets rolling...

Lats apparently was used as the 13th forward... IMO he has to be used more in order to be a force. Also, I think he will be very beneficial to the Canadians later in the tournament. He is something else once he gets rolling...
Latendresse was not the 13th. He was slotted on the second or third line playing on the left side of Boyd and Comeau. He took even strength shifts there most of the night, although Downie also took some shifts there later on in the game, and got a ton of pp time throughout the game. Canada didn't really have a 13th last night, everyone played. Even if his even strength ice time did decrease later on in the game, there was so plenty of special teams so it didn't make a huge difference. It will be interesting to see what lines Canada goes with now and whether Downie will take his spot on that line.

Here are some pictures I took from the games on Day 1

http://www.internationalhockeygang.org/forum/showthread.php?p=31343#post31343

I have a feeling that against USA we will play better, cause them aren`t as physical as Canada. We should be able to create some offense.

I hate to burst your bubble, but the US has some very physical players, and by many accounts were playing physical against Norway. So don't be surprised if the Finns get played tough and hard against the US.

In regards to Pokulok, Coach Sutter said something along these lines when asked about him in the post-game press conference.

"We have said defencemen and obviously six of them played."

I hate to burst your bubble, but the US has some very physical players, and by many accounts were playing physical against Norway. So don't be surprised if the Finns get played tough and hard against the US.

Sure I won`t be suprised if there is couple of physical guys in team USA. I myself was speaking generally about physical play. Yeah, I know USA doesn`t play soft, but USA`s style of play isn`t as physical as Canada`s. If it`s I am indeed suprised.