Russia 2, Canada 0 FINAL [Archive]

God Bless Canada

02-22-2006, 06:08 PM

Hats off to the Russians on winning this one. Russia deserved to win this game, Canada did not. I said yesterday that Canada needed to play their game for a full 60 minutes to win. They did not, and this is the end result. Don't like it, but it's reality. Accept it, move on and get back to work. If the recent events in the Philippines and Egypt have taught us anything, it really is just a game.

Lots of blame to go around. Did Gretzky pick the right team? No. But barring a complete overhaul of this team, they don't win gold. There wasn't that cohesiveness, that team concept, at all during this tournament. Subbing Staal for x or Spezza for y doesn't work. I think the three guys that this team could have really used are Morrow, Kariya and Shanahan. Even a guy like Yzerman for the taxi squad, his leadership would have been invaluable. Morrow and Shanahan would have really helped Canada establish a better forecheck. Kariya would have been a perfect fit for the second line LW with his international experience.

A lot of blame for the players. I'd say there were very few bright spots. Goaltenders were great. You can't blame them for this.

The defence really missed Jovanovski and Niedermayer. There wasn't anyone with past Olympic experience who could move the puck with speed and consistency. Bouwmeester will be at that level for 2010, but he's not there yet. Pronger was really hampered by the foot injury. This was the international swan song for Blake and Foote. Defence just couldn't move the puck effectively, and they were beat too many times.

Very few bright spots up front. Sakic, St. Louis, Smyth and Doan. That's about it among those who consistently brought it. Unless they show me something in the next four years, I would not bring back Thornton, Lecavalier, Richards, Heatley, Gagne or Nash, even though they will be in/entering the prime of their careers. This is Heatley's third straight disappointing tournament for Canada. Thornton was a non-factor after dominating the World Cup and the 2005 Worlds. Would have liked to have seen what would likely be Sakic's final appearance in a best-on-best end under more felicitous circumstances.

If you're going to blame Gretzky, blame him for not overhauling the coaches. Coaches, to me, deserve a lot of heat. If this team didn't have the talent, I can understand that. But this was the most offensively gifted collection of forwards Canada has sent to an international tournament since the 1991 Canada Cup, maybe the 1987 Canada Cup. But they couldn't mesh as a team, and I don't care how much talent you have, if you don't mesh as a team, you aren't going to win. They didn't have the right lines. They couldn't design a potent power play. This is going to be a case study for bad coaching for years to come. There will have to be four new coaches in Vancouver in 2010, and I think one of them has to be a Canadian coaching overseas. (Dave King, anybody?)

Even if we win today, barring a complete change in 48 hours, there was no way we were going to beat the Finns, not with the way they execute their system and their commitment to the team game. That team can beat you any number of ways.

There are dozens of things that teams need to do to succeed. In the end, Canada did not do nearly enough of them. Great goaltending is about the only thing they had in their favour. That is why they won't be in the Olympic semi-final this year for the first time in 18 years.

Rover*

02-22-2006, 06:10 PM

Now I know how sweden felt 4 years ago. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

TheDamned*

02-22-2006, 06:10 PM

Kovalev is a true Captain.

And he's playing for the Montreal Canadiens :D

swiftwin

02-22-2006, 06:10 PM

I know alot of people were saying that this year was a transition year for the USA, but I think you can say the same thing about Canada. This team was actually pretty different from the 2002 team.

roccol

02-22-2006, 06:11 PM

I would also like to pay homage to Pasha's absolutely oustanding defensive play in this tournament. I knew he had it in him :handclap:

Baron Von Shark

02-22-2006, 06:11 PM

You guys played good and definitely outplayed team Canada by a lot, this olympics proves, atleast for Canada, that experience doesn't mean as much as the GM's and coaches tout it to be.

Why, because Canada lost? That's bs--it was huge for Canada when they won gold in 02, but now that they got booted out in the QF, the Olympic "experience doesn't mean as much..."? The Olympics are huge...period.

BlackLabel

02-22-2006, 06:11 PM

Congrats Russia!

Damn, we will get crushed so badly. :cry:

Freudian

02-22-2006, 06:11 PM

Canada did a pretty good job defensively but ultimately had to sacrifice too much offense to win. But as always when there are two goalies playing great, the game could have ended either way.

swiftwin

02-22-2006, 06:11 PM

Now I know how sweden felt 4 years ago. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

No we dont...

We got beat by a good team.

Predatore

02-22-2006, 06:12 PM

Well, some mod decided to delete my thread congratulating the Russians but whatever, I'll post it again

It was merged with this one, which you would have noticed had you cared to quickly go through the previous posts :)

Yes Im Peter Ing

02-22-2006, 06:12 PM

Congrats to Russia. Any *****ing about quick whistles and poor calls is just sour grapes. They won and they deserved it.

Having said that, I am still proud to be part of the greatest Hockey nation. This game doesn't change that.

Frogurt

02-22-2006, 06:13 PM

I'm torn up here. This really hurts...

Congrats to the Russians, they deserved to win. But damn it. I can't believe it. Feel awful here. I need to drown my sorrows in something.

CSKA

02-22-2006, 06:14 PM

Now I know how sweden felt 4 years ago. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Come on we are not Belarus ;) But hey i know it hurts. I still remember that U-20 final game .......

Scotiabank

02-22-2006, 06:15 PM

Art Vandelay

02-22-2006, 06:15 PM

Now I know how sweden felt 4 years ago. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

No you dont, not even close.

Frogurt

02-22-2006, 06:16 PM

ARS

02-22-2006, 06:16 PM

It was merged with this one, which you would have noticed had you cared to quickly go through the previous posts :)

Oh crap, well sorry I blamed ya :)

PecaFan

02-22-2006, 06:16 PM

Folks, lose with some class, will ya?

We were a crappy team all tournament long, this team was stocked with a bunch of guys by reputation, many of which had good years several years ago, but not this year. The ones currently playing well, we left behind.

Russia was the better team by far. It wasn't the refs, we didn't get ripped off, it wasn't tainted.

Congrats to Russia. Totally deserving.

Caz

02-22-2006, 06:17 PM

Russia deserved to win but I thought the reactions to Canadas non-goal would be a lot bigger, the replay was shown here in Sweden and Lecavalier scored before the ref blew his whistle. The commentators here in Sweden said it was sure goal.

Again, Russia won fair and square but I just imagined the reactions to be bigger.

Here too. Eurosport showed the replay, and the puck was clearly behind Nabokov's bu*tt. I expectred an outcry from the CAN fans, but I didn't read any coments about it.

Anyways, entertaining game. Over to SVK-CZE now.

Dig Out Your Soul

02-22-2006, 06:17 PM

Congrats to Russia. Any *****ing about quick whistles and poor calls is just sour grapes. They won and they deserved it.

Why do people always say this? If the ref makes the right call, it's a tie game.

Chimp

02-22-2006, 06:18 PM

No we dont...

We got beat by a good team.
Exactly. If you multiply the empty, sore feeling in your stomach x5, you have the feeling Swedes felt after Belarus. Add the fact that we probably care more about our national team than you do (we have no NHL) by x2 more and you get perhaps even closer.

The game made Tommy Salo into a shadow of his former self because he was considered the scape goat (very unfair) and Sweden went into a 2 week nationwide depression.

It sucks to lose.

rec28

02-22-2006, 06:18 PM

Congrats, Russia! You deserved it!

:handclap:

Yes Im Peter Ing

02-22-2006, 06:20 PM

Why do people always say this? If the ref makes the right call, it's a tie game.

The ref was calling 'em down quick all game. It'd be one thing if the "non-goal" was the exception, but it wasn't. The ref was consistent and that's all you can ask for.

go kim johnsson 514

02-22-2006, 06:21 PM

Now I know how sweden felt 4 years ago. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Russia >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Belarus

You do not know how it feels to blow a 3-1 lead against a team that had no business being in the same building as you and the game winning goal go off the goalie mask on a shot from beyond the red line.

PecaFan

02-22-2006, 06:21 PM

Why, because Canada lost? That's bs--it was huge for Canada when they won gold in 02, but now that they got booted out in the QF, the Olympic "experience doesn't mean as much..."? The Olympics are huge...period.

Eh? He was exactly right. Canada took a bunch of guys who had Olympic experience but were playing poorly this year. And they continued to suck.

Better to take guys who were playing well, without experience.

PeterSidorkiewicz

02-22-2006, 06:21 PM

Great Game, I know now why I own an Ovechkin Team Russia jersey :)

Hopefully its now onto the gold.

Frogurt

02-22-2006, 06:21 PM

Telperiën

02-22-2006, 06:22 PM

Well, Russia earned that one. :clap:Great playing.

Nemchinov13

02-22-2006, 06:23 PM

Congratulations on your 18th birthday. I hope that today's win is the birthday gift you were looking for. Happy Birthday.

I'll be partying tonight. Why don't you come down to NY and we'll party, we'll celebrate your birthday and our great victory and then we'll go to my apartment and talk about hockey. Only hockey. Nothing but hockey. What else? :sarcasm:

My feelings: ROS-SI-YA!!! ROS-SI-YA!!! ROS-SI-YA!!!

If we are going to play like that - solid, dedicated defense with a transition game, we should not have problems. Even against the Finns (who are so scary).

ARS

02-22-2006, 06:24 PM

Why, because Canada lost? That's bs--it was huge for Canada when they won gold in 02, but now that they got booted out in the QF, the Olympic "experience doesn't mean as much..."? The Olympics are huge...period.

I'm not talking about "Olympic experience", I'm talking about international experience as a whole. There were only 8 players on this team from SLC, so Gretzky built this team from the world cup and world championships teams, regardless of whether the players were doing good or bad this season and I think McCabe was the only player on this team who didn't play in the world cup or championships spanning from 2002 to present. If he built it from the SLC team and the mentality he had from building the SLC team, then Kariya, Spezza, Staal, Phaneuf and even Crosby would be on it.

glue

02-22-2006, 06:25 PM

Congrats to the Russians...well deserved victory!

Canada...just pathetic..they played a bad tournament right from the start and never looked like they were even remotely close to a team that was favoured to win the gold..i don't care under what pressure they were...there's a big difference between playing like crap and losing vs playing well and losing...I can't even hold my head up high..what a crappy performance by the Canadians..of course there were exceptions like Doan, Sakic, and the most notably...Brodeur (even Luongo for that matter)...But the rest of this team..never showed passion, determination, hard work...took stupid penalties...especially at the most critical points..I seriously wanna see Pronger get boycotted after that tournament..and I will never say the one thing Canada has is heart..sorry folks..not after this tournament..

Scotiabank

02-22-2006, 06:25 PM

I would probably be upset at the non-goal if Canada deserved to win in the first place.

Art Vandelay

02-22-2006, 06:25 PM

and Sweden went into a 2 week nationwide depression.

2 weeks?? I'm on 4 years and counting... ;)

Dig Out Your Soul

02-22-2006, 06:25 PM

The ref was calling 'em down quick all game. It'd be one thing if the "non-goal" was the exception, but it wasn't. The ref was consistent and that's all you can ask for.

I actually thought he was a bit slow all game, compared to the European refs. He didn't seem to mind any whacking around the goalie for loose pucks. There was one where he was totally out of position and the puck was covered by Nabokov but he let play go on. The only quick whistle I remember is one where Iginla pushed the puck through Nabokov's pads and Heatley had a wide open net.

That's why I'm peeved just a little bit, I thought most of his whistles were slow. No biggie.

God Bless Canada

02-22-2006, 06:26 PM

These Olympics have proven to me how much "VETERAN EXPERIENCE" is overrated sometimes. Maybe if Canada had given some of their great youngsters a chance instead of making sure the VETERANS from last time were there, we might have had a chance. Oh well.

Congrats to the Russians for a great win.
And what about the veteran experience from 2002? You know, Lemieux, Yzerman, Shanahan, Fleury, MacInnis, Belfour and Nieuwendyk, guys who were invaluable because of their "veteran experience."

This team lost partly because the scorers between the age of 25-30 - Iginla, Thornton, Gagne, Richards, Lecavalier and Heatley - as well as Nash, who's a little younger, guys who have stepped up and led this team to victories in the past, didn't this time. The whole lot of them dried up offensively. Some people talk about them like they're 34. They're not.

But the biggest problem is the lack of a team concept. They never gelled. And barring a complete overhaul of coaches and players, that wasn't going to chage.

Scotiabank

02-22-2006, 06:28 PM

And what about the veteran experience from 2002? You know, Lemieux, Yzerman, Shanahan, Fleury, MacInnis, Belfour and Nieuwendyk, guys who were invaluable because of their "veteran experience."

No, they were valuable because they were ****ing awesome hockey players.

banana phone

02-22-2006, 06:29 PM

Man, seeing Bure again was ****ing wicked.

TK79

02-22-2006, 06:30 PM

Anyone think Malkin might be suspended for the semis for his kick on Lecavalier??

RC51

02-22-2006, 06:30 PM

It's Bertuzzi that took the penilty so it's all on
Bertuzzi

zx81

02-22-2006, 06:32 PM

HabsBaby18*

02-22-2006, 06:33 PM

What a complete disaster for Canada. Shut out three times. Amazing.

let's cry for millionaire now :cry: LOLL

relax, it's not that important

Scoogs

02-22-2006, 06:34 PM

Great game by Russia. They actually wanted it. They hustled, and didn't make stupid plays. And for the most part, didn't take stupid penalties.

Canada, on the other hand....

417

02-22-2006, 06:37 PM

I would like to thank the Team Canada defensive squad for making me appreciate the poor Habs D that looks stellar by comparison.

Team Canada 2006 = The worst canadian international team ever.

Hopefully the days of pros in the olympics are ending in 2010.
I prefer to see a team of amateurs with a good chemistry than a badly selected bunch of prima dona.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

I'm Canadian, but god Canadians cry like babies...

It's not about the selection of the team, it's not about the coach, it's about the team not showing up.period.

God himself could of been behind the bench and the result would been the same.

People complain about the selection of this team, when were picking from the deepest talent pool in the world, a team like Russia when their best defensman, Sergei Zubov declines for the 10x time, has to recall a no name called Sergei Zhukov, while Canada loses Niedermayer and has the choice to replace him with, Bouwmeester, Boyle, Phaneuf, Phillips, etc....

Get over it. The reason Team Canada lost is because they stunk all tournament and deserved the exact fate they received. Canadians are too used to having everything so easy in hockey, they think that they're team can just not show up and then make excuses other than that as to why they lost :shakehead

Anyways, on to my real reason for posting in this thread...

Sorry to ask this Team Russia fans, (Or Team Canada fans if they want to answer) but how did Andrei Markov play in this game? Didn't get to watch it, i'm at work :madfire:

Big Mama*

02-22-2006, 06:37 PM

The non-goal was on a quick whistle. What can you do?

Devonator

02-22-2006, 06:39 PM

All I can say is Woo hoo for Mother Russia!!

Canadian fans will be sad today but this is good for international hockey when different teams can win instead of Canada....kinda like when Brazil loses in International football.......it really gets boring seeing one country or team dominate!!

Russia for sure was the better team.......

I think with hindsight, Canada lost this tourney when their team was selected but that's just my opinion......

All I Ever Wanted

02-22-2006, 06:39 PM

The First Star

02-22-2006, 06:40 PM

I'm certain over the next 24 hours and then some every media outlet, blogger, and person you come across on the street (as well as their dog's) will have an assessment of Team Canada and the fact that they lost in the Quarter Finals, not to mention were shut out three times, in a tournament in which they were supposed to contend for gold and were a lock to bring home a medal.

I know that hindsight is 20/20, but for me I need not look any further than the fact that they were shut out three times. I can sum it all up in three words: Crosby, Spezza, and Staal! With these three young scoring machines in the lineup Canada would have had many more scoring chances and they would have opened up ice for the rest of the team that just wasn't there.

Now, I have to defend Gretzky and Co. for a moment as well. You can't really blame them for using the same formula that brought home gold in 2002 and won the World Cup in '04. What I will fault them for is not having the forward thinking to realize that other countries were bound to crack this system. Basically what I am saying is that although the approach is fine, it does need to be fine tuned as well!

As posted on The Puck Report (http://thepuckreport.blogspot.com)

417

02-22-2006, 06:44 PM

PecaFan

02-22-2006, 06:46 PM

I thought the thread was pretty good thus far :dunno:

They switched threads while I was writing that.

Nova88

02-22-2006, 06:46 PM

What time will they replay the game on CBC?

Den

02-22-2006, 06:47 PM

Russia deserved to win but I thought the reactions to Canadas non-goal would be a lot bigger, the replay was shown here in Sweden and Lecavalier scored before the ref blew his whistle. The commentators here in Sweden said it was sure goal.

Again, Russia won fair and square but I just imagined the reactions to be bigger.

They replayed it several times on CBC and said it was after. It looked like a tiny little second after

Rage Against

02-22-2006, 06:48 PM

It's Bertuzzi that took the penilty so it's all on
Bertuzzi

LOL. I'm not sure if this is a joke or not but this sad excuse of a "team" cannot be blamed on Bertuzzi or McCabe, despite what all Bertuzzi and McCabe bashers want to believe. The team sucked. How many chances on the PP did we F up?

Congrats to Team Russia. Well deserved win. And wow, was I impressed with Ovechkin tonight.

The Mars Volchenkov

02-22-2006, 06:49 PM

Both Markov's, Volchenkov, Tyutin, what an underrated defensive core the Russians have. Give these guys some credit.

Frogurt

02-22-2006, 06:50 PM

They switched threads while I was writing that.

Ah :)

Makes more sense now...

Boston Killer

02-22-2006, 06:50 PM

Great game! I thought the Canadians would play better, they always seemed a stride behind. Too bad my 2 favorite teams had to cancel each other out in the QF...Russia-Canada final would have been awesome!

BTW, does anyone know where I can find the Olympic stats (i.e. who is the leading scorer and so on).

Kluivert4Ever

02-22-2006, 06:54 PM

They replayed it several times on CBC and said it was after. It looked like a tiny little second after

I see, well to me it looked like he scored before the whistle, but lets end this discussion right here and not take anything away from the Russian team.
Well done!

Nova88

02-22-2006, 06:54 PM

What time will they replay the game on CBC?
Anyone know what time... i missed the game but I would like to watch it.

NBHABSFAN

02-22-2006, 07:00 PM

What time will they replay the game on CBC?
Anyone know what time... i missed the game but I would like to watch it.

Usually they are on at 12AM

nik jr

02-22-2006, 07:05 PM

I see, well to me it looked like he scored before the whistle, but lets end this discussion right here and not take anything away from the Russian team.
Well done!
it's the ref's intention to blow the whistle that matters. it takes a second or 2 to get the whistle and blow it.

Dig Out Your Soul

02-22-2006, 07:06 PM

I see, well to me it looked like he scored before the whistle, but lets end this discussion right here and not take anything away from the Russian team.
Well done!

I thought the least they could've done was gone upstairs. It's like they just swept the potential goal under the rug. I mean yeah, it was probably after the whistle that it went in, but in such an important game, shouldn't they make sure?

aylib

02-22-2006, 07:08 PM

Now I know how sweden felt 4 years ago. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:
*** are you refering to? This David and Goliath comparison goes out the window anytime you have Canada and Russia square off. :amazed: :confused:

Dig Out Your Soul

02-22-2006, 07:08 PM

it's the ref's intention to blow the whistle that matters. it takes a second or 2 to get the whistle and blow it.

:biglaugh:

No, if the goal was reviewed, I'm pretty sure it's the sound of the whistle that matters. I know there's this theory that "it takes time to get the whistle up to the mouth and blow" but it's the sound that stops the play. And usually, when the puck is down low and there's a scramble, the ref has the whistle right near his mouth to be ready for situations like that. It was a quick whistle.

The First Star

02-22-2006, 07:10 PM

Oh Please! :shakehead Those three guys wouldn't of made a damn difference, Canada would of still lost in the QF's then the excuse would be that we were too young.

It's not as though Gretzky chose Rico Fata, Jason Ward and Taylor Pyatt ahead of Crosby, Spezza and Staal...

I'll say it again, Canada has the deepest pool of talent in the world x 4, the composition of the roster may have played a role in the disapointing result, but it's FAR from the determining factor, in fact, I think it's not a factor at all

So, are you trying to say that those three players wouldn't have opened up the ice more for the rest of the team? Have you watched them play this year? Did you watch any of Canada's games? If you did, you must have slept through the times where they couldn't muster up scoring chances...which was nearly every time they had the puck!

Yes, Canada has the deepest pool of talent in the world, but that doesn't excuse the fact that they left off at least three of their top players this year. This still doesn't make up for the fact that Canada's defensement were horrible for nearly the whole tournament. I'm not trying to make excuses for the guys that were there, because there were a lot of talented players on the team, but even with Neidermayer and Jovanovski missing from the D would have made a huge difference.

Chainshot

02-22-2006, 07:11 PM

Hmmm...

- can't score
- can't hit
- can't play 60 mins
- defensive breakdowns galore
- can take the dumb penalties
- terrible special teams
- banking on Brodeur FTW

It was like watching the Devils out there wearing a different jersey. This team never got it going and it's pretty disappointing.

Note: Some thought goaltending would be the weakest link on Team Canada... :biglaugh: :shakehead

Brodeur :bow:

If you sub "Belfour" for Brodeur, it sounds a lot like the other team Pat Quinn coachs.

Nemchinov13

02-22-2006, 07:13 PM

I'm very proud of Team Russia. I'm proud for the veterans who never refused Russia's call: Alexei Kovalev, Alexei Yashin, Darius Kasparaitis, Sergei Gonchar, the Markovs, Kharitonov and Sushinsky. I'm very proud for Vitali Vishnevski, Anton Volchenkov and Fedor Tyutin. It is their first tournament of such magnitude and all three of them are 25 and younger. I'm very proud of Ovechkin and Malkin. 20 and 19 years old respectively. These kids can play in 3 more Olympics. Special thanks to Evgeni Nabokov. Born and raised in Ust' Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, he always wanted to play for Team Russia. If it wasn't for him, I woldn't be writing these words. I'm very proud of and thankful to the Coach Vladimir Krikunov and General Manager Pavel Bure for assembling such passionate and hungry, if not the most skilled team. To the players of Team Russia - thank you for accepting Motherland's call to defend its Olympic honor - all of you (even the mindless sprinter Afinogenov) has given all. All of you have played with enthusiasm, sacrifice and dedication, even if not always smartly. Now, I will be disappointed if you will not win gold, but I will not be mad as long as you would continue to play the way you played today against Canada. To Samsonov, Zubov, Fedorov, others who refused the honor - **** you and eat ****, ****ing losers, ****ing cancers.

To Canadian fans - your team has given it all and non of your players refused to play for your country. All of them have given their best effort. What more can you want? Be thankful that nobody refused the honor to defend Canada's Red and White.

JoeLH

02-22-2006, 07:13 PM

It was the first russian team since the fall of the sovjet empire that REALLY wanted to win ... and ... it won the game, and earned that victory! Alexander Ovechkin is definately the best offensive player in the world actually and i hope russia wins gold.
Team Canada perhaps chose the false players for the bigger ice surface. Imagine a team with Crosby, Staal, Spezza, Phaneuf instead of Bertuzzi, Draper, Doan or Foote/Bouwmeester ........

The First Star

02-22-2006, 07:13 PM

Usually they are on at 12AM
They'll probably show the entire game later on in the night, but they usually give a quick skim of the key moments sometime around 6pm or 7pm.

Hedberg

02-22-2006, 07:14 PM

Canada just never found a way to break the trap. We all saw this coming :cry:

Riddarn

02-22-2006, 07:14 PM

That was a totally awesome game to watch. Well deserved Russian win, who I felt were the superior team, both when it comes to individual skills but also coaching wise (which is kinda rare for Russians..). Ovechkin is the new king of hockey as far as I'm concerned and Malkin is not far behind. :bow:

zarathustra1900

02-22-2006, 07:15 PM

Did Canada even have a system?

Bravo! They didn't, they just didn't.

I'm a big czech fan, the Italians actually put both games on to my surprise...what a gift.

They would get the puck, and seem to not know what to do with it. Shots on goal by the russians was roughly twice the Canadians.

Russians played a bettter game. Controlled the puck very well. Dominated the third.

They deserved this win.

I havent read all the pages of posts, but ref call regarding the possible Candian goal was not a goal..

It was becoming insane and just far too intense...everyone was CRASHING the goaltender, and using any protruding part to kick, push, tackle or poke whomever to get it in ...and they were all doing this while in the crease..it was insane!! I had never witnessed this before!!

It was called before, he had it..and should have been called earlier imho.

What I DO want to mention is how I liked teh teamwork of the Russians..crisp SMART passing, and how they were THERE always having at least one player with their goaltender...smart effort..made their goal impenetrable.

Now, having watched all these teams, I think THE game of these events is Czech vs. Russia...

I must say, I hadn't seen them play after the first game (live), but htey looked liked they hadn't missed a beat in this one...the rivalry notwithstanding.

They palyed very much like Russia tonight.

Will be the game to see.

Pronger is a dope...and Canada didn't seem to have it at all today, and were completely controleld in the 3rd.

best regards

zarathustra1900

02-22-2006, 07:17 PM

LOL. I'm not sure if this is a joke or not but this sad excuse of a "team" cannot be blamed on Bertuzzi or McCabe, despite what all Bertuzzi and McCabe bashers want to believe. The team sucked. How many chances on the PP did we F up?

Congrats to Team Russia. Well deserved win. And wow, was I impressed with Ovechkin tonight.

Well said...finally the voice of reason...

Yeah, Ovechkin was a MACHINE ...very impressed.

Nemchinov13

02-22-2006, 07:17 PM

LMAO, it was! That and a Russian jersey. Which I know I'm not getting. Hmmm....only hockey, huh? :sarcasm: ;)
Yes. Only hockey. Imagine - you and me, candles, champane, silk black bedsheets and hockey... Hmmm...

Which Russian jersey?

Baron Von Shark

02-22-2006, 07:17 PM

Special thanks to Evgeni Nabokov. Born and raised in Ust' Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, he always wanted to play for Team Russia. If it wasn't for him, I woldn't be writing these words.
Actually, I believe Nabokov and his family moved back to Moscow by the time he was 10 years old.

417

02-22-2006, 07:19 PM

So, are you trying to say that those three players wouldn't have opened up the ice more for the rest of the team? Have you watched them play this year? Did you watch any of Canada's games? If you did, you must have slept through the times where they couldn't muster up scoring chances...which was nearly every time they had the puck!

Yes, Canada has the deepest pool of talent in the world, but that doesn't excuse the fact that they left off at least three of their top players this year. This still doesn't make up for the fact that Canada's defensement were horrible for nearly the whole tournament. I'm not trying to make excuses for the guys that were there, because there were a lot of talented players on the team, but even with Neidermayer and Jovanovski missing from the D would have made a huge difference.

Whether or not that's the case...Team Canada had a world class lineup, on paper, arguably the best out of all the teams...saying if x was there instead of y is a fun excercise, but it's useless because we never know if it would of made a difference, it's easy to look back now and say that because of the result.

Let's talk about reality, and the reality was Team Canada stunk from the moment they took the ice against Italy, we had a world class lineup, changing one world class player for another is a lateral argument and one that's made for whiny Canadian fans who think they're team (my team cause i'm Canadian) deserved a better fate despite not even bothering to show up for most of the games.

Canada didn't deserve to win a damn thing, even a bronze or silver medal if you ask me. Russia or Finland on the other hand, have done what they've set out to do...congrats to them...

Canadian fans, analyst, etc. need to stop focusing on all these bull**** reasons as to why Team Canada lost, and they need to...

... Give credit where credit is due, Team Russia and all the other teams that played Canada brought it, and played hard.

End of story. On to 2010.

Ola

02-22-2006, 07:20 PM

it's the ref's intention to blow the whistle that matters. it takes a second or 2 to get the whistle and blow it.

Was just gooing to post that. You are 1-0 against the combined experts on Swe television. I wonder what they would have said if the ref dropped the whistle or something...

I would probably be upset at the non-goal if Canada deserved to win in the first place.

Very big of you.

BTW I think it was a tremendously exciting game and both nations deserves props!

:clap: :clap:

Tricolore#20

02-22-2006, 07:20 PM

I thought the least they could've done was gone upstairs. It's like they just swept the potential goal under the rug. I mean yeah, it was probably after the whistle that it went in, but in such an important game, shouldn't they make sure?

You could take this quote out of context, and find it on the boards on January 5 2006. Russia was on the other end however.

taunting canadian

02-22-2006, 07:20 PM

LMAO, it was! That and a Russian jersey. Which I know I'm not getting. Hmmm....only hockey, huh? :sarcasm: ;)

Get a room, you two! :biglaugh:

Den

02-22-2006, 07:22 PM

Ovechkin in his Russian interview: "This is our revenge for WJC"

tml_4ever

02-22-2006, 07:25 PM

CANADA = FAILURES

:cry: :cry: :cry:

JoeLH

02-22-2006, 07:25 PM

remember which team won gold in the computer simulation ... well ... it was russia i think ...

Dig Out Your Soul

02-22-2006, 07:26 PM

You could take this quote out of context, and find it on the boards on January 5 2006. Russia was on the other end however.

You could, except nobody saw that puck in the net, not even the ref. That game was a blowout and that one goal ended up not factoring in.

The ref DID see Canada's puck in the net - how could you not? It would've mattered because it makes it a tie game with a couple minutes left. Follow the chain of events - Canada doesn't pull the goalie, Pronger doesn't take the penalty and Russia doesn't get the insurance marker on the PP.

You can't live in the "what ifs", I know, but it's also the truth. I don't believe in sweeping controversy under the rug to spare a few feelings.

mytor4*

02-22-2006, 07:27 PM

congrats to russia. they deserved the win today. now as long as sweden don't win i'll be happy.

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 07:27 PM

Ovechkin in his Russian interview: "This is our revenge for WJC"

He was joking, right?

:biglaugh:

Bloggins

02-22-2006, 07:27 PM

Congratulations to team Russia. :handclap: No excuses here :)

Den

02-22-2006, 07:30 PM

You could, except nobody saw that puck in the net, not even the ref. That game was a blowout and that one goal ended up not factoring in.

The ref DID see Canada's puck in the net - how could you not? It would've mattered because it makes it a tie game with a couple minutes left. Follow the chain of events - Canada doesn't pull the goalie, Pronger doesn't take the penalty and Russia doesn't get the insurance marker on the PP.

You can't live in the "what ifs", I know, but it's also the truth. I don't believe in sweeping controversy under the rug to spare a few feelings.

But wasn't it Joe's job to go after the ref and ask for a review? Didn't TSN keep on making this point in the WJC? In anycase it would have been most likely disallowed since it was after the whistle.

backcheck

02-22-2006, 07:30 PM

I have never been so pissed off and embarassed of Canadian Hockey and what it stands for in my life.

That whole tournament ( not just one game ) was terrible and they never had the balls or fortitude to wake up and turn things around.

Just a total emabarassment gentlemen - hope you and your families enjoy your free vacation compliments of Canadian Hockey ( and spare me the " I am giving up my break **** " )

Dig Out Your Soul

02-22-2006, 07:30 PM

He was joking, right?

:biglaugh:

I kind of hope so. One thing obviously has nothing to do with the other.

Broad st phantom

02-22-2006, 07:30 PM

I am verry happy with the outcome of this match, because of spite.
I expected Canada to do better actually. Congrats to Russia
Its safe to say Canada will be back in four more years.

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 07:30 PM

since I wasn't here during the game (because my hands were shaking too much and I couldn't type anything let alone click on my mouse), I have to say that this was a great game, both teams played extremely well defensively, the goalies owned all.

I'd still give Russia the edge overall because they played better puck possession, although it rarely led to scoring chances.

JoeLH

02-22-2006, 07:31 PM

there was never a "real" goal for canada ... you can forget that, it's ridiculous! - the NHL saw A LOT more questionable decisions that caused Stanley Cup wins and losses than that tonight. Russia was better, that's all ...

Dogbert

02-22-2006, 07:31 PM

Again, the Three Goats of the Game:

1) Chris Pronger. Several boneheaded penalties, let almost every Russian forward waltz past him like he was a pylon, made a superb pass that led to a goal (unfortunately, the other team scored that goal).

2) Todd Bertuzzi. What was this guy DOING out there? Every time the camera was on him, he was getting muscled off the puck, flubbing passes, and turning the puck over; worse, he took possibly the dumbest penalty of this tournament in the third, allowing Russia to score on the powerplay.

3) Pat Quinn. I'll never be able to understand the logic Quinn used when he played some of those clods in the third period. The Thornton line was useless, Foote and Pronger were anemic, Gagne was being beaten to every loose puck... yet all of them were on the ice consistently, while guys like Smyth, Draper, Doan (all three of these guys had their hearts on their sleeves), McCabe (who had his best game of the tourney) and Regehr (who had what might've been the best game that any TC blueliner had during these Games) all were introduced to the bench. So much for playing who deserves it.

Dig Out Your Soul

02-22-2006, 07:32 PM

But wasn't it Joe's job to go after the ref and ask for a review? Didn't TSN keep on making this point in the WJC? In anycase it would have been most likely disallowed since it was after the whistle.

I don't know how much sway the players have, or even the captain, with forcing reviews. I think there just has to be doubt in the mind of the official. If he thinks he's right, he's probably not going upstairs. You're right, I think it was definitely after the whistle. My beef is that the whistle was quick, and in such a tight game, you'd think the ref would at least have the intelligence to make sure, whether he was right or wrong.

Den

02-22-2006, 07:33 PM

3) Pat Quinn. I'll never be able to understand the logic Quinn used when he played some of those clods in the third period. The Thornton line was useless, Foote and Pronger were anemic, Gagne was being beaten to every loose puck... yet all of them were on the ice consistently, while guys like Smyth, Draper, Doan (all three of these guys had their hearts on their sleeves), McCabe (who had his best game of the tourney) and Regehr (who had what might've been the best game that any TC blueliner had during these Games) all were introduced to the bench. So much for playing who deserves it.

I wish Canada had a field day with PQ over his bench penalty

Bloggins

02-22-2006, 07:34 PM

since I wasn't here during the game (because my hands were shaking too much and I couldn't type anything let alone click on my mouse), I have to say that this was a great game, both teams played extremely well defensively, the goalies owned all.

I'd still give Russia the advantage overall because they played better puck possession, although it rarely led to scoring chances.

A fair assessment.
Russia played as a team, Canada did not seem to ever get it together. That was the real difference in this game.

Rover*

02-22-2006, 07:34 PM

Losing to pavel bure just adds insult to injury. :cry: The worst part about the loss was that it wasn't even that surprising. We haven't looked good all tournament and to get shutout in 3 out of 4 games is just pathetic. Experience doesn't mean jack. Our experienced vets are having poor nhl seasons, while our top young guns were left off the team cause they're too young. You have to go with the guys having great years....you just have too...

Bloggins

02-22-2006, 07:35 PM

I don't know how much sway the players have, or even the captain, with forcing reviews. I think there just has to be doubt in the mind of the official. If he thinks he's right, he's probably not going upstairs. You're right, I think it was definitely after the whistle. My beef is that the whistle was quick, and in such a tight game, you'd think the ref would at least have the intelligence to make sure, whether he was right or wrong.

Best to just let it go man. It's a done deal :)

glue

02-22-2006, 07:35 PM

To Canadian fans - your team has given it all and non of your players refused to play for your country. All of them have given their best effort. What more can you want? Be thankful that nobody refused the honor to defend Canada's Red and White.

Best effort?? have you seen these guys play in the NHL?
They clearly dind't give it a 100% in terms of passion and determination...and if they refused to play because they knew that was the case...I would much rather not want them playing...

That is my only problem..they didn't give it their all..no heart..who can i be proud of that?

Den

02-22-2006, 07:40 PM

My beef is that the whistle was quick, and in such a tight game, you'd think the ref would at least have the intelligence to make sure, whether he was right or wrong.

I agree

Dig Out Your Soul

02-22-2006, 07:41 PM

Best to just let it go man. It's a done deal :)

I already said, I don't sweep controversy under the rug like some people want to do.

Canada lost, I'm cool with it, I'm not about to commit suicide like some people, but there ARE things to be talked about.

octopi

02-22-2006, 07:44 PM

Russia deserved to win but I thought the reactions to Canadas non-goal would be a lot bigger, the replay was shown here in Sweden and Lecavalier scored before the ref blew his whistle. The commentators here in Sweden said it was sure goal.

Again, Russia won fair and square but I just imagined the reactions to be bigger.

Actually they've replayed this about a million times on CBC, and no one thinks that was in before the whistle.

Thankfully, Kovalev beat Broduer for that second goal(as opposed to empty net) or there'd be raging discussions on the non goal

artilector

02-22-2006, 07:44 PM

Before I read and post anything else,
Uu-r-r-r-aaaaa! Pobeda!!!
Pozdravljaju vseh rosijan s takoj potrjasajushhej pobedoj! Kakie molodcy, jeta nasha komanda!
To all fans of Team Russia, I am so happy for everyone, what a great day!
To fans of Team Canada, your team deserves thanks for a great match, this rivalry is to be continued...

nik jr

02-22-2006, 07:44 PM

i feared that canada could crush russia w/ hard forechecking. they did for the 1st minute or 2, but then they started to play the dump and retreat system! :biglaugh:
i guess they feared the russian counterattack.

the D was better. kept canada mostly to outside. good physical defense. :handclap:

nabokov was great!! 3 shutouts. :bow:

kovalchuk was bad again. he just skated in and shot. as if hockey isn't a team game. even worse than afinogenov. at least drive to net. :shakehead

it was good to see that no one feared the canadian Dmen. they just attacked them! very smart play. ovechkin usually played too individually, but he attacked the canadian Dmen and drew penalties. kharitonov and sushinsky were good on attack also, right to net. kovalchuk just shot, w/ no result. :shakehead

kozlov was great at holding the puck and on PK. datsyuk was strong again, and good on draws.

both teams took stupid penalties. that's canada's style i guess. :biglaugh: thornton took a dive on that late penalty.

russian PP was bad again. needs more movement.

russia looks like a good bet for gold! :jump:

octopi

02-22-2006, 07:45 PM

Now I know how sweden felt 4 years ago. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

At least Canada lost to a team of the same calibre.

Bloggins

02-22-2006, 07:47 PM

I already said, I don't sweep controversy under the rug like some people want to do.

Canada lost, I'm cool with it, I'm not about to commit suicide like some people, but there ARE things to be talked about.

Allright, carry on then. Nothing will change however. I'm looking forward myself.

Verbal Kint*

02-22-2006, 07:49 PM

Did Canada even have a system?
Welcome to the mystical world of Pat Quinn.

octopi

02-22-2006, 07:49 PM

Ovechkin in his Russian interview: "This is our revenge for WJC"

And then some.

I thought Canada would take advantage of the Russians youth and what I figured were less solid defensive play. Well, I've pretty much called this whole tournament wrong.... :innocent:

Slick Nick

02-22-2006, 07:51 PM

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 07:51 PM

ARS

02-22-2006, 07:52 PM

So, I sent an email to Bob Nicholson to choose the best and hottest players available leading into the tournament as opposed to the most "internationally experienced"

Dig Out Your Soul

02-22-2006, 07:52 PM

Allright, carry on then. Nothing will change however. I'm looking forward myself.

I'm looking forward myself too, I can't wait for the NHL to be back.

However, this IS the discussion thread for the game Russia vs. Canada.

JoeLH

02-22-2006, 07:53 PM

definatley!! Kozlov was quite as good as ovechkin on that line ... incredibly good, Lamoriello should think about that ...

Dig Out Your Soul

02-22-2006, 07:54 PM

I forgot one thing : Kozlov was amazingly good today. Actually I was against selecting him to the Olympics, but oh boy, did he prove me wrong today. He was even great on the PK!!!

And in a week he'll be back in NJ playing 5 minutes on the 4th line :shakehead

I too, was very surprised at the game Kozlov played. That pass to AO was awesome, especially the patience to wait for the Canadian defender to make his move first.

Verbal Kint*

02-22-2006, 07:56 PM

I retire everything I said about Kozlov :eek: He played an outstanding game today. What about Ovechkin and Malkin!!! :yo:

Congrats to the Canadian fans; very few blamed the ref for the outcome. I know that if it would have been the opposite and Russia would have lost, lots of people would be going nuts around here... Classy.
We're too busy blaming Gretzky. And Quinn. But mostly Gretzky.

Bloggins

02-22-2006, 07:56 PM

I retire everything I said about Kozlov :eek: He played an outstanding game today. What about Ovechkin and Malkin!!! :yo:

Congrats to the Canadian fans; very few blamed the ref for the outcome. I know that if it would have been the opposite and Russia would have lost, lots of people would be going nuts around here... Classy.

Whatcha gonna do? Refs screw up, bounces don't go your way etc etc. All part of the game. The majority of the Team Russia fans have taken the win with class as well :clap:

Bloggins

02-22-2006, 07:57 PM

We're too busy blaming Gretzky. And Quinn. But mostly Gretzky.

Shouldn't we be giving them kudos for the Canadian victory? ;) :biglaugh:

Icekube

02-22-2006, 08:00 PM

Canadians' defense was great in this game, IMO. A little better than Russians' maybe, and better play along the boards - but you can't score from the boads. PK was great on both sides. What was amazing is how much composure the Russian team had, only once Canadians had them running around in the second half of the first period. The rest of the game excellent puck possession game by Russians. In retrospect the game against USA was a great practice, both NA teams have similar style.

Go Russia! Keep both eyes on the GOLD! :D

SharksFan1920

02-22-2006, 08:03 PM

Beautiful game all around...

great job nabby!

Sabes

02-22-2006, 08:03 PM

I still can't believe Richards didn't shoot at the open net and decided to pass it to a covered man out front.

oil slick

02-22-2006, 08:08 PM

I thought the Russian forwards were about what I expected... dynamic and dangerouse. I thought the Russian defense was more solid and composed than I expected.

Canadian defense was decent... certainly decent enough to win. Clearly there were issues with our forwards and power play.

Bloggins

02-22-2006, 08:11 PM

Hey, where'd our denial thread go? :p:

Avery4Byng

02-22-2006, 08:12 PM

Just got home from work. I dont want to even see the hilights but COngrats to Russia, from what I hear they played their game and thats all that matters. I love their young talent and the fast that they use their talent.

Bloggins

02-22-2006, 08:12 PM

You can talk to gobolt17 about that. Friggen' party crasher. ;)

Fine! I'm going to the Leafs Forum, nobody does denial better than them eh ;)

Den

02-22-2006, 08:13 PM

It's interesting but two OG in a row we dispatch the defending champs

big_steve

02-22-2006, 08:14 PM

You can talk to gobolt7 about that. Friggen' party crasher. ;)
Damn right. Now we have to face ****ing reality.

Bloggins

02-22-2006, 08:15 PM

Damn right. Now we have to face ****ing reality.

I refuse to go there. Haven't been in years and this sure isn't the time to start.

Vladiator

02-22-2006, 08:18 PM

Why did Malkin get misconduct?

The Mars Volchenkov

02-22-2006, 08:19 PM

Why did Malkin get misconduct?
He "Havlat'd" Lecavalier.

octopi

02-22-2006, 08:20 PM

Why did Malkin get misconduct?

He crosschecked the Canadian player near the head/neck area from behind. CBC said a punch was involved, but did n't see it.

Definatly didn't see a kick in the replay, which some are saying. Will have to watch again and see if I pick it up..

Malkin sees to fly off the handle easily. He'll have to get a hold on his temper be more careful, or he'll have a Bertuzzi or McSorley incident in the future.

Albi

02-22-2006, 08:20 PM

In my opinion it's pretty simple: the best team won tonite. Period.
The Russians are faster, more talented, and play as a team. Saying that the Canadians didn't give their 100% is just an excuse. Russia won because is the better team.

I can't wait to watch them again, they're a joy to watch.

And Ovechkin is an alien, that kid is not human.

Albi

02-22-2006, 08:21 PM

He crosschecked the Canadian player near the head/neck area from behind. CBC said a punch was involved, but did n't see it.I thought he kicked Lecavalier with his skate when they were tangling on the ice...

octopi

02-22-2006, 08:23 PM

I thought he kicked Lecavalier with his skate when they were tangling on the ice...

Perhaps both, i know he got his stick up pretty high.

Kronblom

02-22-2006, 08:26 PM

I retire everything I said about Kozlov :eek: He played an outstanding game today. What about Ovechkin and Malkin!!! :yo:

Congrats to the Canadian fans; very few blamed the ref for the outcome. I know that if it would have been the opposite and Russia would have lost, lots of people would be going nuts around here... Classy.
Thank God that it wasn´t a european referee. :sarcasm:

Rusty Shackleford

02-22-2006, 08:26 PM

:( Wow, we choked, 7th place feels like hell.

octopi

02-22-2006, 08:28 PM

:( Wow, we choked, 7th place feels like hell.

7th place? How do they determine that? Performance head to head?

Avery4Byng

02-22-2006, 08:29 PM

I thought he kicked Lecavalier with his skate when they were tangling on the ice...
Kicking a guy only garners a misconduct? sweet.

phillypensfan

02-22-2006, 08:39 PM

Malkin's skate never made contact with Lecavalier. The only thing that got him thrown out was because the ref saw his skate come up in the air,therefore he got the match penalty. Lecavalier did also punch him and got 2 for roughing during that scrum.

A_Mack17

02-22-2006, 08:42 PM

Sorry I dont get to see the hockey till tonight, how did Brodeur play? and how many saves did he end up making?

All I Ever Wanted

02-22-2006, 08:48 PM

Yes. Only hockey. Imagine - you and me, candles, champane, silk black bedsheets and hockey... Hmmm...

Which Russian jersey?

Volchenkov's! (Sorry, got dragged off for dinner)

LMAO, and hockey. :p:

Flyguy_1ca

02-22-2006, 08:49 PM

I still can't believe Richards didn't shoot at the open net and decided to pass it to a covered man out front.

Me too...i was stunned...Nabo was down and out and Richards passed it right into the scrum! He had a wide open net...I still don't understand it.

lennie

02-22-2006, 08:49 PM

Sorry I dont get to see the hockey till tonight, how did Brodeur play? and how many saves did he end up making?

Brodeur was brutal. Let in a couple of softies. Bertuzzi was a monster all night and single handidly almost won us the game!!

Flyguy_1ca

02-22-2006, 08:52 PM

Brodeur was brutal. Let in a couple of softies. Bertuzzi was a monster all night and single handidly almost won us the game!!

:biglaugh: :biglaugh:

Albi

02-22-2006, 08:54 PM

Russia 1st goal was scored on the PP...and the genius in the bix was Big Todd, who took a useless penalty for checking a russian without the puck.

cws

02-22-2006, 09:02 PM

That was a pretty complete game by the Russians. All of them.

Just hoped that more people would have given greater credit to some of the others that played well today, instead of the majority praising one player that shall not be named (don't have to since everyone else will). Kozlov, Nabokov, Kovalev, Sushinsky, most or all of the defense; outstanding. And every player buying into the team concept and doing (surprisingly) well at it.

Nobody really deserves to be singled out in this game. Great effort by all!

StealingSociety

02-22-2006, 09:15 PM

I want an unbiased opinion from non-Rangers fans, how has Tyutin played?

Den

02-22-2006, 09:15 PM

What a pic: :clap: :clap:

http://www.iihf.com/news/OG06/pictures/3qf4.jpg

Den

02-22-2006, 09:16 PM

I want an unbiased opinion from non-Rangers fans, how has Tyutin played?

Quite solid

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 09:18 PM

QYC

02-22-2006, 09:32 PM

Brodeur was brutal. Let in a couple of softies. Bertuzzi was a monster all night and single handidly almost won us the game!!
:loony::loony::loony:

phillypensfan

02-22-2006, 09:32 PM

Guys, guys!!!

Scooooop :

Gonchar finished the game with a not negative +/-!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek: Who would've thought??? It happens like once every 100 years, and it happened today!!!

Now I know why Russia won :sarcasm:

PS. I love Gonchar, he's awesome! :bow:

Since you like using that avatar,there's a picture with some of the Russian players holding those after the game.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f252/tazz82/r947631505.jpg

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 09:39 PM

thanks ;)

it's Cheburashka, a cartoon character, very popular in Russia, especially in the 1970's and 1980's. But people still love him today!!! :D

Den

02-22-2006, 09:41 PM

thanks ;)

it's Cheburashka, a cartoon character, very popular in Russia, especially in the 1970's and 1980's. But people still love him today!!! :D

I was singing the "Teper' ya Cheburahska" to my 4-month old daughter today during the game so that she would let me watch :yo:

Kain

02-22-2006, 09:42 PM

I was actually cheering for Canada tonight because I didn't want Finland against Russia. Either way, Canada had some problems playing as a team tonight and throughout the whole tournament. I really thought Canada would pull through somehow tonight but it just didn't happen. Friday, Finland will have a pretty tough time against these Russians who know how to score goals and play as a team....

Schenn02

02-22-2006, 09:44 PM

Brodeur was brutal. Let in a couple of softies. Bertuzzi was a monster all night and single handidly almost won us the game!!

And you're the guy who called himself neither a Bertuzzi fan or apologist? :eek:

Unless youre missing this from your post --> :sarcasm: , I think you're crazy!!

Brodeur was amazing!

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 09:45 PM

I was singing the "Teper' ya Cheburahska" to my 4-month old daughter today during the game so that she would let me watch :yo:

:biglaugh:

I love Cheburashka!!! I wish somebody sung that song to me!!! :cry:

Den, can you record the song and send it to me? :sarcasm: :biglaugh:

The True Blue Crew

02-22-2006, 09:46 PM

great win
i could not believe it, this team actually fought hard and showed up.
Bure is the man.

Ovechkin is sick, Afinogenov too was storming into the canadian zone a few times with flashy moves, Kozlov :bow:, Kovalev is a true captain.

I agree with what most of people said here, and i take my hat off to you for such class and respect, all in all it was a magnificent game, too bad canadians didn't show up. though the desire was there, st.louis, thornton were playing with their hearts and most definitely marty :bow:

that sh 2-on-1 by iginla shoulda been a pass... and possibly a goal, but great win.
finns - suomi haven't lost so we'll see how that goes =)

kudos to all
and congrats to team Russia!

Den

02-22-2006, 09:48 PM

:biglaugh:

I love Cheburashka!!! I wish somebody sung that song to me!!! :cry:

Den, can you record the song and send it to me? :sarcasm: :biglaugh:

Uhh?? Me singing? No way. There should be an mp3 somewhere around. I'll drum it up.

The True Blue Crew

02-22-2006, 09:48 PM

you guys know that Japanese go crazy over Cheburashka ?
they bought the rights to the program and all the cartoons and he is a big celebrity there as Pokemons were here in N. America.

IcemanTBI

02-22-2006, 09:50 PM

The reason Canada lost is because they somply didn't show up. Simple as that. Like others have said, no heart, nor determination. I do agree that Spezza, Staal, Phaneuf and maybe even Crosby should have been on this team. But, this team should have been competitive, and they simply were not.

I had a bad feeling, right from the get go. This team should have crushed Italy in the opening game. And they didn't. They should have crushed Germany, they didn't. They should have beaten Switzerland, but props goes to Gerber in that one. By the time they played the finns, this team should have gelled some what, but they didn't. They beat the Czechs because they got a couple weak goals in the first.

Not the worst national team ever assembled , but for sure the worst perfoming one.

The True Blue Crew

02-22-2006, 09:52 PM

i am amazed how professional the officiating had been for the qf.
in the game against the americans, russians were constantly booked, often for very vague reasons...

staal yes, phaneuf yes, crosby who ? no

Den

02-22-2006, 09:56 PM

you guys know that Japanese go crazy over Cheburashka ?
they bought the rights to the program and all the cartoons and he is a big celebrity there as Pokemons were here in N. America.

Yeah I heard that. I know that the cartoon is also dubbed in Swedish

Vulture

02-22-2006, 09:57 PM

Friday, Finland will have a pretty tough time against these Russians who know how to score goals and play as a team....

I was really relieved when Russia won, it's much better to take on them than Canada. Russia we can take on the quarter finals, to Canada we will lose. Luclily we had Russia and most likely a good game in friday.

John Agar

02-22-2006, 09:58 PM

I was very impressed with the Russians resolve and unity as a team in this game. Welcome back to the top 3 of World hockey!

Canada, sadly, never adapted or geled.

Let's see, where to begin?

1) Wrong mix of players. Defensemen 1st: they really missed Neidemeyer & Jovonoski as their movement with the puck was sorely missing from this team. The defense whether on powerplay or even-strength was too slow to transition through out the tournament. Also, players like Foote and Blake while competent, showed no contribution in initiating play out of their own end or contributing in the opposition's end - they had trouble moving from side to side and the constant challenges of pivoting with the extra ice surface. Pronger overall was selfish, 1st for not bowing out like Neidermeyer did with his injury, then with his poor penalties time after time. The defense would have been better served with more mobile, offensively dynamic players such as Dan Boyle, Andrew Ference, Dion Phaneuf or even Brad Stuart. Pair each of these guys with mobile, but defensively responsible players such as Redden, Regehr & Bouwmeester and you would have had a more capable group for this Olympics.
Forwards: You have to select those that are performing up to an elite level - not old favorites or buddies. Bertuzzi, Draper, St. Louis & Lecavialer have not really performed well or consistently in their own league this year - how can you expect them to just elevate their game just like that. Iginla sat out last year and has lost a step - he was always just behind a bit on the play. Too many play makers, not enough pure goal scorers/game breakers - again, why have Bertuzzi, Lecavalier, St. Louis, Ignila when they all don't show up in the top 40 in scoring. Where are the present performers? Staal, Tanguay, Crosby, Marleau, Spezza, Kariya and even Jarrett Stoll (his face off & forechecking could have been used as well) are all missing. Some would argue experience would win the day; look at the Russians, their best players were their young players: Ovechkin, Kovolchuck, Sushinsky, Malkin, Tyutin etc. Russian management had the guts to go with those performing - Canada didn't and paid the price with only 3 goals in the final 4 games; ugh!
Goaltending was fine in my opinion for Canada.

2) Coaching/Adjustments/Strategy was just plain bad. This team did not evolve tactically, nor strategically - individually the effort went up, but I saw no coaching evolvement/impact. How can you explain cycling the puck endlessly on the international surface behind the goal line game after game? It takes you three huge strides once pivoted to get to the goal line from the boards in Europe- how can a dynamic play evolve? In North America this is crucial, over there, a great way to break a sweat. The European teams did not waste their time with a cycle game a la North America on offense. The Euros fished the puck out from the boards, committing only one man, working post to post with high slot & d'man cycle moving their feet for position (heck Italy understood this better than Canada as evidence by their game with the Swiss). The coaches didn't have the guts to shake things up; Pronger, Nash were undisciplined & selfish, others horribly under performing - bring in the alternates.

Players that played well overall and deserved to be there: Brodeur, Luongo, Redden, Doan (defensive/special teams great), Gagne, Heatly, Richards, Smyth and Sakic (truely a Captain, excellent).

I'm looking forward to the World Cup because I am sure youth will be served for Canada.

The True Blue Crew

02-22-2006, 09:59 PM

Yeah I heard that. I know that the cartoon is also dubbed in Swedish

swedish ? what gives :dunno:
but he's cute though, i can see how any kids can like him a lot.
a secretary at my work has his photos and the song as well :)

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 10:01 PM

you guys know that Japanese go crazy over Cheburashka ?
they bought the rights to the program and all the cartoons and he is a big celebrity there as Pokemons were here in N. America.

yeah it's funny because when I was looking for my new avatar I've seen tons of pictures and many of them on Japanese websites. And there are entire websites selling Cheburashka toys!!! :eek: Who would have thought? I mean I love Japan, I speak a little Japanese, my best friend's girlfriend is Japanese, and I didn't know it!!!!!!!!!!!! :cry:

:sarcasm:

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 10:03 PM

I wonder where I can buy one of those white Cheburashkas online? Didn't find any on eBay :cry: :help:

Tb0ne

02-22-2006, 10:04 PM

Congrats to Russia!
They played a very good game.

The True Blue Crew

02-22-2006, 10:06 PM

yeah it's funny because when I was looking for my new avatar I've seen tons of pictures and many of them on Japanese websites. And there are entire websites selling Cheburashka toys!!! :eek: Who would have thought? I mean I love Japan, I speak a little Japanese, my best friend's girlfriend is Japanese, and I didn't know it!!!!!!!!!!!! :cry:

:sarcasm:

the japanese got the commercial edge you know :)
why don't you order whatever you want to buy off those japanese web sites ?

Kap-the-Head

02-22-2006, 10:07 PM

Good job, Russia!
You defended the nation as you must, right at the holiday! :handclap:
Canadiens, you guys show a lot of CLASS after a loss. :clap:

Slitty

02-22-2006, 10:08 PM

Why, because Canada lost? That's bs--it was huge for Canada when they won gold in 02, but now that they got booted out in the QF, the Olympic "experience doesn't mean as much..."? The Olympics are huge...period.

I think he means the GMs and coaches of Canada overvalued "experience" when selecting their team. For example not taking Spezza, Staal, ect but taking Draper and Doan...

Siberian

02-22-2006, 10:08 PM

I wonder where I can buy one of those white Cheburashkas online? Didn't find any on eBay :cry: :help:

I think you'll see a lot of them available after the Olympics. Now they are sold only in Bosco stores for about 1100 rubles, pretty steep.

Slitty

02-22-2006, 10:09 PM

I can't find much info on Krikunov on the net. From what I gather, he went from Belarus head coach, to assistant coach at the World's, to Dynamo head coach (championship) right? Anyone have any other information on him? Where's he from, did he have a big career as a player himself?

It's also good to hear for Bure. I've always been a fan of his...the guy was just exciting to watch, so I'm glad his transition is going well so far.

Was a defenceman for the USSR, played in the 1976 Canada. Coached for something like 25 years, and started out with his former club team in Riga, Latvia... I forget what its called.

The Dopefish

02-22-2006, 10:11 PM

This question may already have been answered, but since Malkin was given a match penalty (see official box score), does that mean he's out for the next game?

bottleCAPS

02-22-2006, 10:11 PM

I meant to get to this earlier but just wanted to post my appreciation of Team CAN's efforts today. Boys played hard from whistle to whistle and it was unfortunate that some of the bounces didn't go their way. Hats off to Russia on a superb game! Hope you guys take it the rest of the way. :handclap:

AO! :bow:

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 10:11 PM

I think you'll see a lot of them available after the Olympics. Now they are sold only in Bosco stores for about 1100 rubles, pretty steep.

I'd pay a $1000 to have one!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

:sarcasm:

Those on the Japanese websites aren't like this one!!! I want the white Torino 2006 Cheburashka!!! :cry:

The True Blue Crew

02-22-2006, 10:12 PM

I agree, Spezza (though his points basically tell the story of Heatley's offense), but Staal should've been there.

Doan is a bit of a goon though, but plays with heart and that's respected.
Kariya should've been there as well.

Oilerfan120582

02-22-2006, 10:12 PM

Congrats Russia. You were the better team and deserved to win. The early whistle non-goal is a complete non-issue to me. It was a bit of a bad break for Canada, but I can't blame to ref for blowing the whistle and I wouldn't consider the play controversial at all.

I thought the Canadians worked very hard individually, but still did not play as a team. For a change, the Russians were more organized, determined, and disciplined (mostly).

I think the blame falls on the players for not performing, and on the coaching staff for not getting them to play as a team. This team had more than enough talent to go all the way, or at least score a few goals, so I don't think it was Gretzky's fault. I thought guys like Doan, Smyth, and St. Louis (whom many would have replaced with Crosby, Spezza, and Staal) were among Canada's only good forwards.

Slitty

02-22-2006, 10:12 PM

Here too. Eurosport showed the replay, and the puck was clearly behind Nabokov's bu*tt. I expectred an outcry from the CAN fans, but I didn't read any coments about it.

Anyways, entertaining game. Over to SVK-CZE now.

Well I guess something was different in Europe. The Canadian announcers of CBC did not have a problem with that goal being waived off. It was quite evident in the actual play and the replay that the whistle went while Nabokov had the puck and then it got poked in 1-2 seconds after the fact.

The True Blue Crew

02-22-2006, 10:12 PM

I'd pay a $1000 to have one!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

:sarcasm:

Those on the Japanese websites aren't like this one!!! I want the white Torino 2006 Cheburashka!!! :cry:

oh... that one would probably cost a dear penny ;)

Slitty

02-22-2006, 10:19 PM

Slitty

02-22-2006, 10:21 PM

Canada just never found a way to break the trap. We all saw this coming :cry:

I thought Russia played uptempo offensive hockey and forechecked and it was Finland and Sweden that trapped... :amazed: :confused:

The True Blue Crew

02-22-2006, 10:23 PM

lol
what trap ? the teams were flying back and forth :dunno:

on the other note, Sokolov is a good goaltender too, no NHL exposure, but is he solid.

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 10:28 PM

I don't think there either team played a trap

it's just that they were very responsible defensively, and for the most part of the game the defensemen (both teams) were sitting deep into their own zone.

it was meant to be a one goal game from the start, and they both knew that the 1st goal would be deadly.

#37

02-22-2006, 10:28 PM

This board will be a better place for the next four years because of this loss. Good to see someone else get a shot at the gold... the way it should be.

:handclap:

Hats off to all the teams and countries.

Slitty

02-22-2006, 10:32 PM

thanks ;)

it's Cheburashka, a cartoon character, very popular in Russia, especially in the 1970's and 1980's. But people still love him today!!! :D

I liked "Krokadil Gena" way better!!! :sarcasm:

And I was going to say something about a blue boxcar.... but yeah, you know.

Dig Out Your Soul

02-22-2006, 10:38 PM

Good to see someone else get a shot at the gold... the way it should be.

Another misinformed post. Why is Canada losing "the way it should be"? They've won ONE gold medal in 50+ years.

octopi

02-22-2006, 10:40 PM

Since you like using that avatar,there's a picture with some of the Russian players holding those after the game.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f252/tazz82/r947631505.jpg

Brought teddy to the game? I told you this team was young :D

Icekube

02-22-2006, 10:43 PM

"Cheburashka" is a new FSB project. It is actually a voodoo doll that allows you to control the other team. But you have to know how to use it. ;)

lennie

02-22-2006, 10:43 PM

And you're the guy who called himself neither a Bertuzzi fan or apologist? :eek:

Unless youre missing this from your post --> :sarcasm: , I think you're crazy!!

Brodeur was amazing!

Yes indeed I was missing sarcasm. FYI I was kidding ;)

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 10:44 PM

I liked "Krokadil Gena" way better!!! :sarcasm:

And I was going to say something about a blue boxcar.... but yeah, you know.

as a matter of fact, Crocodile Gena was my favorite character too! :D :bow:

http://movies.nnov.ru/Covers/Krokodil%20Gena%20i%20ego%20drus'ya.jpg

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 10:46 PM

"Cheburashka" is a new FSB project. It is actually a voodoo doll that allows you to control the other team. But you have to know how to use it. ;)

:biglaugh:

Brought teddy to the game? I told you this team was young :D

:biglaugh:

The True Blue Crew

02-22-2006, 10:49 PM

how can we not mention good old Shapoklyak ? :D

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 10:53 PM

how can we not mention good old Shapoklyak ? :D

http://www.goosya.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_20232/image068.jpg :D

Vinceee

02-22-2006, 10:54 PM

Congratulation guys... Vancouver 2010, Gold is our

kira

02-22-2006, 11:23 PM

This was probably the best game I've watched. It was exciting to the very end. I'm so proud of Pasha...he's really done quite a good job. It was surprising to see him on the PK as much as he was, and maybe this is a foreshadowing of what he might do when he comes back to us to play. If he's got a broken finger (and there goes piano playing for a while :sarcasm: ), he sure didn't let it affect him at all. Fantastic job by Team Russia.

Team Canada never did seem to be that coherent a group, which I found to also be true of Team USA. There just didn't seem to be a harmony in there, and it hurt them.

Now let's hope Russia beats the living snot out of Finland on Friday! Go get 'em guys! Spasiba for the great effort!

Nemchinov13

02-22-2006, 11:33 PM

Nabokov moved from Kazahstan to his native Russia at about the time he was 3 months old, no?
Didn't he play for Team Kazakhstan prior Salt Lake City?

The True Blue Crew

02-22-2006, 11:34 PM

I could not believe it when I saw Pasha playing such a physical game!
Since when he became a pwr fwd ? :)
man, he's skilled and what a team player. though he mishandled two passes on the same shift in the offensive zone :)

Nemchinov13

02-22-2006, 11:37 PM

What a pic: :clap: :clap:

http://www.iihf.com/news/OG06/pictures/3qf4.jpg
:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

"I love you, Joe."
"I love you too, Alex"
"I want you so much, Joe. You look so hot, Joe. I need you."
"Shut up, Alex. Don't talk. Just kiss me, Alex. God, I love you..."

So on and so forth...

BigE

02-22-2006, 11:46 PM

Live to play another day.

Congrats Russia.

joe_shannon_1983*

02-22-2006, 11:50 PM

Here is what Bob McKenzie had to say about Team Canada:

http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/bob_mckenzie.asp?id=155836

[quote]McKenzie: A Colossal Failure

Bob McKenzie

2/22/2006

What's that Hockey Canada saying? "Relax, it's just a game."

I don't think so.

Not this time. This result is an epic disaster. It is a colossal failure.

Any time a group of athletes like this have a maple leaf on their sweater and they go into an Olympic tournament and get knocked out in the quarter finals, get shut out on three occassions, and had 37 minutes of power plays during which they failed to score in those three shutout losses, that is an epic disaster.

People are going to be pointing fingers left, right and centre. It's the Canadian way and that's fine.

People will say Eric Staal should have been there and Todd Bertuzzi shouldn't have been there.

Or, if Alexander Ovechkin was there for Russia, then maybe Sidney Crosby should have been there for Team Canada.

That's all fair game. It's what we do as Canadians.
----------------------

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 11:55 PM

Didn't he play for Team Kazakhstan prior Salt Lake City?

once when he was 19.

shawn_kemp*

02-22-2006, 11:56 PM

first time he wrote something objective! :clap:

Skroob*

02-22-2006, 11:57 PM

There is only one reason why none of the North American teams will medal...

no Rangers on their rosters. :sarcasm:

Bloggins

02-22-2006, 11:59 PM

I gotta agree with it. I can't find fault with his arguments :dunno:

Verbal Kint*

02-22-2006, 11:59 PM

Here is what Bob McKenzie had to say about Team Canada:

http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/bob_mckenzie.asp?id=155836

What are your thoughts or feelings about this?
That you should probably shorten the quote to coincide with HF rules.

Den

02-23-2006, 12:00 AM

Relax ppl, just admit that the rest of the world is as good and nirvana will desend on you :jump:

Devilsfanatic

02-23-2006, 12:00 AM

That you should probably shorten the quote to coincide with HF rules.

BURN!

Nemchinov13

02-23-2006, 12:03 AM

Here is what Bob McKenzie had to say about Team Canada:

http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/bob_mckenzie.asp?id=155836

What are your thoughts or feelings about this?
I think that he forgot to mention that Team Canada was outcoached and worse yet, it lacked leadership. Not one Canadian player during the entire tournament stepped up and carried the play of the team. You look at other teams, they all have a leader or a group of leaders that will do that. Slovaks have Chara and Gaborik-Demitra-Hossa line, Finns have the Koivu line, Russians have Kovalev, Datsyuk, Yashin, Ovechkin, Kaspar to take charge. Canada did not have such a player. Your best players during the QF was Brodeur and Doan.

SwisshockeyAcademy

02-23-2006, 12:03 AM

Here is what Bob McKenzie had to say about Team Canada:

http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/bob_mckenzie.asp?id=155836

What are your thoughts or feelings about this?
I agree with most but I did think Heatley created some glorious PP chances that the rest of the players could not finish. He had a real look about him in this game but Iginla and Sakic did not have it. Russia played great, performances that you just do not see in the NHL out of Kozlov and Kaspy, dancing buzzsaw like Kharitonov, Malkin the manchild, Ovechkin and Kovalchuk putting our D on their heels. Nabby making big saves. Better team won today.

thebodyczech

02-23-2006, 12:10 AM

I agree with him. I'm also starting to love Pavel Bure's method of Natural Selection more and more. ;)

Baron Von Shark

02-23-2006, 12:13 AM

first time he wrote something objective! :clap:
I'd say that Mckenzie is probably the most objective and sensible out of all the North American hockey journalists. I'm with him all the way on this one.

desmond

02-23-2006, 12:15 AM

Transition game was Canada's biggest problem, Niedermeyer was sorely missed. For a country that has produced players like Orr, Potvin, Robinson, Coffey, Borque and Stevens current defense is a sad sack group. Marty Brodeur's greatness made up for a lot of deficencies but at the end it was not enough.

Force

02-23-2006, 12:16 AM

Vikke

02-23-2006, 12:21 AM

Stephane Julien :biglaugh:

Phanuthier*

02-23-2006, 12:23 AM

Stephane Julien :biglaugh:
He was definatly the difference maker

Force

02-23-2006, 12:24 AM

Best Canadian Defender in the game today. And he's not even on my favorite team so i am not even biased. The guy is an ace, and i would bett the ingridents of my fridge that gretzky never heard his name. :madfire:

sarge88

02-23-2006, 12:25 AM

I tell you who was missing on Team Canada:

Stephane Julien, Kölner Haie (DEL)
Andy McDonald, Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
Patrice Bergeon, Boston Bruins (NHL)

All of them have great playmaking abilites, speed while their control keeps up, play disciplined and smart and none of them has a ego. Thats my take on who should have played.

Who definitely hould not have played is the Tudd Bertussi dude, even the completely clueless german comentator told a 15 minute story about how this monster almost killed a guy with a "crosscheck" (i told you the comentator has no clue). You do not select people for a national squad when their vita isn't appropiate.

I've seen every game that Bergeron has played and he's not yet good enough to play on Team Canada, even if you are only suggesting him because he's "well rounded" or "without ego". His skating isn't good enough and despite a nice run lately, he is prone to relatively long stretches of unproductive play.

In 2010 he may be a first line player for Canada, but he wouldn't have made a difference today.

IMO, Team Canada floated through the preliminary round and expected to "turn it on" in the medal round. Unfortunately everyone expected the guy next to him to get things started and it never happened.

There are roster questions with every team, but if the Olympics started over tomorrow, I still wouldn't count them out.

The Big Rig

02-23-2006, 12:32 AM

I find it unfair for McKenzie to call out Heatley and label him as one of the core 7 scoring forwards who were expected to lead the team. I would argue that Lecavalier and St. Louis, who Quinn built a line around were more a part of the scoring core than Heatley ever was. Quinn even remarked that the forward lines were built upon 2-man units, those being Sakic-Iginla, Lecavalier-St. Louis, Thornton-Nash and Bertuzzi-Richards. To me, that, along with Gagne who obviously had a scoring line spot reserved for him, spells out the scoring core right there. It's clear the team was built on those forwards and the remaining forwards were shuffled in to fill the remaining holes. Doan, Heatley, Draper and Smyth were the extras and since there were no checking or energy lines, they were complementary players. If Heatley were part of the core 7 don't you think he might have played on one of the top lines ala Gagne? Perhaps on the top line with Iginla and Sakic where Draper (of all people) started? Perhaps once Quinn did adjust the line combinations he could have put Heatley, a pure shooter, with a set-up man like Thornton if he were part of the core? Especially after Nash was benched? Wouldn't it make sense since Thornton has had so much success with pure shooters (Murray, Cheechoo) and Heatley such success with a set-up man (Spezza)? The fact of the matter is that Heatley didn't have success in this tournament because he wasn't put in a position where he could be successful. It's obvious the coaching staff didn't feel Heatley was part of the scoring core and that's why he couldn't carry the team. Nash was put in a position to be successful and let the team down. Lecavalier and St. Louis were put in a position to be successful, they let the team down. The same can't be said for Heatley.

Vaive-Alive

02-23-2006, 12:38 AM

Force

02-23-2006, 12:45 AM

I am surprised more comments haven't been forthcoming on Canada's defense - or lack there of...

IMO - Blake and Pronger were the major disappointments on defense - I'd argue Pronger was the biggest disappointment. None the less, they both are not getting their fair share of blame in this. They both looked lost, and were outskated the entire tournament. Ironically, it was the play of Doan, Smyth and Draper that caught my eye this tournament - and they received quite a handful of flack for being selected before things got started. Sak-attack played well - but he was the only one on the first line that showed heart and determination. Besides Sakic, only Doan, Smyth, Richards and Draper impressed me - and not for being offensive juggernauts obviously, but for playing with their hearts on their sleeves - that is the Canadian way.
This team didn't have the sense of "team". And don't get me started on Bertuzzi - he should have never been selected to this squad.
I am pretty devestated with the loss - four years is a long time to wait for another shot at Olympic Gold.
What can a fan say...What a disappointment. Very sad.

Look at it this way, this spices things up. The next olympics are in Vancouver, and you bet priorities changed a little as of today. All of Canada will want to get things straight in 2010! If Gretzky is smart thre will be a World Cup in 2008 to prepare the squad he has in Mind for 2010, and there is still a upcoming World Championship for Canada to show what they are made of.

I can tell you this loss will make a possible gold in Vancouver twice as great, because it will be much more appreciated. ;)

MXD

02-23-2006, 12:49 AM

Oilerfan120582

02-23-2006, 12:53 AM

Relax ppl, just admit that the rest of the world is as good and nirvana will desend on you :jump:

Never! :)

Seriously though, in terms of the sheer number of star players developed by each country, Canada is by far the best. However, if you just take the top 20 players from each country, the elite 7 are all very close. Canada still has a bit more depth on paper, but that is not such a big advantage in a one game elimination tournament.

Force

02-23-2006, 01:10 AM

Either NHL scouts are completely clueless or the guy has some loophooles in his game, because there's no way, with stats like these in juniors, that this guys doesn't get drafted...

I'll go for the second option.

http://www.haimspiel.de/index.php?page=haie_spezial/2005-12-27_julien_eng

"Well, I’ve never been drafted. I was a small defense man. Ten years ago only big size defense men got drafted. I didn’t see the purpose for me to stay in America and try it, if I didn’t have a chance. So I came rightaway to France, and then I tried to go back to America. But a few years later, I thought I should have tried it at home, you know, maybe in the American Hockey League or something. I might have had a very good chance then. But I guess I had more frustration at that time when I was 21. I knew I would never get drafted, and you see some teammates, who are not better than you and get drafted just because they’re bigger. Not even more physical, just bigger. So, there was some frustration and I just decided to leave. If I could go back in time and be 21 again, I would stay in America for three or four years and try my chances to make it into the NHL. But it’s all past now. And me and my family enjoyed all the years we spent in Europe. The only regret is that I didn’t try more to play in the NHL."