Hackett 02-23-2006, 02:52 PM Gold: Russia - Their strength coming into the tourney was their incredible offensive skill. Well, combine that with unbeliveable goaltending and you have the re-emergance of the big red machine. Congrats to Russia beating Canada BTW, what a dazzling display of hockey that was by the Russians.
Silver: Czech Republic - This team seems to turn it on like a light switch. When this team is on its game, which they are right now, they are capable of matching up well against anyone. But can Hnlicka outduel Nabokov? This is where I give the edge to the Russians
Bronze: Finland - Its always a treat to see the forever rivals Sweden and Finland hook up and that's what I think is gonna end up happening. Nitymakki has looked shaky at times but he gets the job done without letting too much damage get done. Lundqvist has been up and down. I think the prevailing factor in this game will be the the tenacious checking of the fins and their incredible execution of their gameplan. Jokinen is heating up and that will provide some secondary scoring for the Lehtinen-Koivu-Selanne line which has arguably been the best line in the tournament.
shawn_kemp* 02-23-2006, 03:09 PM no predictions! I'm scared to death
rad_sci_guy 02-23-2006, 03:31 PM Gold
Sweden, they've got the Belarus monkey off there back and in my opinion the most talented team
Silver
Russia, although they outplayed Canada it wasn't by much and their powerplay is non existent
Bronze
Finland, better goaltending than the Czechs at the moment
Conando 02-23-2006, 03:33 PM Gold: Russia - Their strength coming into the tourney was their incredible offensive skill. Well, combine that with unbeliveable goaltending and you have the re-emergance of the big red machine. Congrats to Russia beating Canada BTW, what a dazzling display of hockey that was by the Russians.
Silver: Czech Republic - This team seems to turn it on like a light switch. When this team is on its game, which they are right now, they are capable of matching up well against anyone. But can Hnlicka outduel Nabokov? This is where I give the edge to the Russians
Bronze: Finland - Its always a treat to see the forever rivals Sweden and Finland hook up and that's what I think is gonna end up happening. Nitymakki has looked shaky at times but he gets the job done without letting too much damage get done. Lundqvist has been up and down. I think the prevailing factor in this game will be the the tenacious checking of the fins and their incredible execution of their gameplan. Jokinen is heating up and that will provide some secondary scoring for the Lehtinen-Koivu-Selanne line which has arguably been the best line in the tournament.
Each Pred would get a medal ... I like the way you think!
Robertsson 4-ever 02-23-2006, 03:33 PM If Sweden and Finland makes it to the final it would be a huge game with a lot of rivalry! I predict gold for Sweden, optimistic as always.
Aki Berg 02-23-2006, 03:36 PM Gold: Finland/Aki
Silver: Sweden
Bronze: Russia
Czech Your Math 02-23-2006, 03:51 PM These should be some tight games. You don't want to get down more than a goal at any time, especially against Russia or Czechs, who know how to hold a big lead in these big games.
Finland-Russia:
--------------
Finland better play a lot better than they did against USA. Losing Malkin will hurt Russia, as they have many sharpshooters, but not so many playmakers.
Finland- Must play smarter, tighter, more defensive hockey.
Russia- Must continue to play smart, team-oriented, defense-first hockey.
Obviously, both teams must avoid stupid penalties.
Sweden-Czechs:
----------------
Sweden has lots of offensive talent and more solid goaltending than in years past, but they haven't been tested much this tournament (flunked vs. Russia).
Czechs were seemingly in a daze the first couple games, but are practiced at playing the smart, defensive hockey necessary to advance in medal round.
Sweden- Has enough firepower to play smart hockey and not just hope Lundqvist saves the day.
Czechs- Must find a way to shut down Sweden's lines and still get offensive chances from their 2nd/3rd lines.
If the Czechs have any edge, I think it is in experience playing their style of hockey and succeeding with it in big games.
Gold: Czechs
Silver: Russia
Bronze: Sweden
MartinFr 02-23-2006, 04:17 PM Gold: Russia - I doubt anyone can beat this team right now, Nabokov is just amazing, and well..AO, Kovalchuk, Datsyk etc... no need for further comments :P
Silver: Sweden - I think they will beat the Czechs but it's gonna be really tight, but against Russia we're simply not good enough.
Bronze: Finland - Have been playing great, but against Russia tomorrow it will be to tough :/
Zaddik 02-23-2006, 04:18 PM Gold: Russia
Silver: Sweden
Bronze: Finland
shut up. gold: sweden ;)
MartinFr 02-23-2006, 04:20 PM shut up. gold: sweden ;)
I wouldn't mind :D
MissCanuck 02-23-2006, 05:02 PM Gold: Finland :D
Silver: Czech Republic
Bronze: Russia
Oilerfan120582 02-23-2006, 05:10 PM Maybe more what I hope happens more than what I think will happen, but anyway...
Gold: Sweden (probably the last hurrah for the current generation of superstars)
Silver: Finland
Bronze: Czech
Gold
Sweden, they've got the Belarus monkey off there back and in my opinion the most talented team
Silver
Russia, although they outplayed Canada it wasn't by much and their powerplay is non existent
Bronze
Finland, better goaltending than the Czechs at the moment
2 out of 9 is reasonable. Not great, but not existent does not describe it
Choice 02-23-2006, 05:37 PM If anyone can beat Russia at this point I gotta believe it's the Czechs. With Jagr and the rest of the offensive firepower that they have, Czech is the one team that can beat Russia at their own game.
Sweden is the darkhorse if Henrik catches fire but I don't think their defense is up to the job.
G-Czech
S-Russia
B- Sweden
big_steve 02-23-2006, 06:16 PM Gold- Sweden
Silver- Finland
Bronze- Russia
If this happens (and I hope it do), you just know the final will be something for all Swedes and Finns to remember.
All I Ever Wanted 02-23-2006, 06:16 PM Gold: Russia
Silver: Sweden
Bronze: Czech
Frogurt 02-23-2006, 06:18 PM Time for my kiss of death:
Finland over Russia in a shootout
Sweden over Czech Republic
Finland over Sweden for gold
Russia over the Czechs for bronze
Leo Naphta 02-23-2006, 06:20 PM Only Russia can stop Russia from winning this one. As for the other medals. It's a toss-up.
Jobaas 02-23-2006, 06:22 PM Gold- Sweden
Silver- Finland
Bronze- Russia
If this happens (and I hope it do), you just know the final will be something for all Swedes and Finns to remember.
well i would have nightmares before the game. There is nothing worse then losing to fin and there is nothing better then winning. But the anxiety is to much to handle
Miracle80 02-23-2006, 06:26 PM Gold Finns
Silver Swedes
Bronze Russia
Total homer pick but I think Frank is the man and he will come up huge.
BlackLabel 02-23-2006, 06:41 PM Gold- Sweden
Silver- Finland
Bronze- Russia
If this happens (and I hope it do), you just know the final will be something for all Swedes and Finns to remember.
I'd rather take bronze than losing to Sweden in the final.
Sherlock 02-23-2006, 06:44 PM I won't jinx it by making a prediction, but my money (literally) has been on the Czechs since the tournament started. Viva la Czech Republic!
Drudkh 02-23-2006, 06:45 PM I'm just hoping for the Sweden-Finland final. I have no clue who wins in the semifinals.
aylib 02-23-2006, 06:46 PM Russia- GOLD :bow: That's all I care about.
Czechs with the silver and then one of the Scandinavians with the bronze.
Krikunov's interview in Russian.
Q: Are you surprised that there just Euro teams in the semi's?
A: No, this OG is happening in Europe, right? (Smile)
http://www.sovsport.ru/gazeta/default.asp?id=215225
mytor4* 02-23-2006, 06:52 PM Gold: Russia
Silver: Czech Republic
Bronze: Finland
sweden :nopity:
nik jr 02-23-2006, 06:56 PM g: russia
s: czech
b: swedes or finns. :innocent: what a game.
Waseda 02-23-2006, 07:38 PM This is what I want to happen...
Gold- Sweden
Silver - Finland
Bronze - Doesn't matter, both teams are great
This is what I think will happen..
Gold - Russia
Silver - Sweden
Bronze - A toss-up
As the predictions in this thread has indicated. There aren't any big margins between these teams so it could be any two teams in the final. The only thing that would be a shocker to me is if Russia ends up without a medal.
octopi 02-23-2006, 07:47 PM What I hope for.....
Gold: Russia
Silver: Sweden
Bronze: Finland
4th: Czech
What I think is going to happen......
Gold Finland
Silver Czech
Bronze Russia
4th Sweden
Schenn02 02-23-2006, 07:58 PM My heart and head tell me Finland for goal but I want Sweden to win.
Either way
1. Sweden/Finland
2. Finland/Sweden
3. Czech Republic
FiNsKa 02-23-2006, 08:19 PM Gold: Russia - Their strength coming into the tourney was their incredible offensive skill. Well, combine that with unbeliveable goaltending and you have the re-emergance of the big red machine. Congrats to Russia beating Canada BTW, what a dazzling display of hockey that was by the Russians.
Silver: Czech Republic - This team seems to turn it on like a light switch. When this team is on its game, which they are right now, they are capable of matching up well against anyone. But can Hnlicka outduel Nabokov? This is where I give the edge to the Russians
Bronze: Finland - Its always a treat to see the forever rivals Sweden and Finland hook up and that's what I think is gonna end up happening. Nitymakki has looked shaky at times but he gets the job done without letting too much damage get done. Lundqvist has been up and down. I think the prevailing factor in this game will be the the tenacious checking of the fins and their incredible execution of their gameplan. Jokinen is heating up and that will provide some secondary scoring for the Lehtinen-Koivu-Selanne line which has arguably been the best line in the tournament.
In what sense??? Did you see his stats?
:dunno:
FiNsKa 02-23-2006, 08:22 PM There is no point for posters of Russia, Finland, Sweden, or Czech Republic to post in this thread. Let's face it, we are all homers and will pick our own teams.
All 4 teams are good enough to win gold. It will be the luck of the draw as to who gets it.
BlackLabel 02-23-2006, 08:59 PM In what sense??? Did you see his stats?
:dunno:
I guess he meant Nitty's bad rebound control, which indeed makes him look a bit shaky at times. But anyways, Nitty's been solid, with bad rebound control or not.
FiNsKa 02-23-2006, 10:35 PM I guess he meant Nitty's bad rebound control, which indeed makes him look a bit shaky at times. But anyways, Nitty's been solid, with bad rebound control or not.
Give him some more time, he is still learning. But even the best goalies sometimes have bad rebounds. This guy has been standing on his head and is IMO very confident and relaxed between the pipes. At least one of the US goals was deflected off a player, and I believe the 3rd one was off a finnish player. How can he be faulted for those?
Nielson81 02-23-2006, 10:41 PM Some people gotta give the Finns respect.
G - Finns
S - Sweden
B - Russia
Swede - Finn Gold Medal final would be crazy.
BlackLabel 02-23-2006, 10:46 PM Give him some more time, he is still learning. But even the best goalies sometimes have bad rebounds. This guy has been standing on his head and is IMO very confident and relaxed between the pipes. At least one of the US goals was deflected off a player, and I believe the 3rd one was off a finnish player. How can he be faulted for those?
I agree, I think people are overreacting about his bad rebounds and he has been one of the reasons we've managed to go this far in this tournament. His calmness and acrobatic style reminds me so much of Kipper and you can see that they've been taught by the same goalie coach back in Finland. I have a full confidence with him in net.
blamebettman 02-23-2006, 10:47 PM Gold - Sovetski Soyuz ;)
Silver - ABBA
Bronze - Tikkanese speakers
thebodyczech 02-23-2006, 10:50 PM The Czechs gave a sixty minute effort against the Slovaks. And, even if that's because of a traditional rivalry, it would appear that the team has finally woken. I would count on a strong performance against Sweden (4-3), followed by an equally narrow victory over the Finns (3-2) in the Finals.
I expect the systematic Finns to shut down much of the seemingly omnipotent Russian offense tomorrow by a score of 4-2. For bronze, I expect the Russians to defeat the Swedes again, though this time by a much closer margin in a 4-3 victory.
FiNsKa 02-23-2006, 10:58 PM Gold - Sovetski Soyuz ;)
Silver - ABBA
Bronze - Tikkanese speakers
I never did fully understand what language he was speaking.. :D
The only thing I caught from his interviews was "puck in the net".
blamebettman 02-23-2006, 11:04 PM I never did fully understand what language he was speaking.. :D
The only thing I caught from his interviews was "puck in the net".
sample of tikkanese
me put menninkäinen into netto-aikamoinen scorealleviivata!
i've never seen somebody butcher and mangle two languages like that. Man do I miss him.
Nemchinov13 02-23-2006, 11:45 PM sample of tikkanese
me put menninkäinen into netto-aikamoinen scorealleviivata!
i've never seen somebody butcher and mangle two languages like that. Man do I miss him.
:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Wow. Memories. One of my favorite all-time Rangers. And the guy was such a trash-talker!
Bonzi 02-24-2006, 12:31 AM Gold - Russia
Silver - Czechia
Bronze - Sweden
Smile and a handshake - Finland
Big Mama* 02-24-2006, 12:34 AM The Team that posts shutouts will win. Or the team that has their defenceman jump into the rush to open up the offence will win.
Hackett 02-24-2006, 12:59 PM In what sense??? Did you see his stats?
:dunno:
Obviously, his stats are great.
I haven't liked his rebound control lately. He just looks a little shaky recently and they just barely got by the US.
If you went on to read my quote, I said that antero has looked a little shaky BUT the damage has been controlled so far.
You have to look a little deeper than just stats. Roman Cechmanek was an incredible goaltender for the flyers if you go solely by the numbers.
Nihilism 02-24-2006, 01:06 PM Finland
Sweden
Russia
edd1e 02-24-2006, 01:19 PM Swede - Finn Gold Medal final would be crazy.
You got that right..
Golden Slumbers 02-24-2006, 01:31 PM Gold - Sweden
Silver - Russia
Bronze - Finland
Czech.
Leo Naphta 02-24-2006, 06:18 PM Only Russia can stop Russia from winning this one. As for the other medals. It's a toss-up.
Looks like I've been wrong about every prediction I've made so far.
Anyway, now I predict that Finland will win the gold. ;)
Miracle80 02-24-2006, 06:19 PM Looks like I've been wrong about every prediction I've made so far.
Anyway, now I predict that Finland will win the gold. ;)
I'm right on target so far.
Anyway, now I predict that Finland will win the gold. ;)
It's about time you get one right :D
Waseda 02-24-2006, 07:06 PM Dang, I thought it would be Sweden - Russia in the final and Russia gets the gold. After todays game against Czech, I say Sweden gets the gold!.
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