So who wins the big game??.....Canada vs. USA Dec. 27th.....

They may be the pre-tournament favs and this game is probably the most anticipated for North Americans, so who wins and will it live up to the hype?

Of course team Canada. USA always looks good on paper but always fail to deliver. I Hope i dont hurt some feelings in here.

Czechs over the US.

Of course team Canada. USA always looks good on paper but always fail to deliver. I Hope i dont hurt some feelings in here.

No hurt feelings, although you're not entirely accurate. Getting back to the question in this thread-I'll buck the likely trend and say the U.S. pulls out a close one: 4-3. I think the teams are actually pretty favorably matched, so it should be a great game.

Czechs over the US.


Lack of reading comprehension once again rears it's ugly head hear at Hockey's Future.........:sarcasm:

I'm going with USA. Hopefully if Canada does win it's not like last year with an empty netter and another where the player tripped over the ref.

Of course team Canada. USA always looks good on paper but always fail to deliver. I Hope i dont hurt some feelings in here.

Always? Most of the time USA does fail to deliver, but remember the last team to win the WJC's before Canada won back-to-back championships was USA. Short memory...

The Americans have to make the gold medal game first before we can make any Canada vs US predictions ;)

The Americans have to make the gold medal game first before we can make any Canada vs US predictions ;)


read thew question again :dunce:


canada.

read thew question again :dunce:


canada.

Ahhh yes my poor brain has suffered so much since my university exams just finished yesterday that i didn't clue into the fact they play each other in the round robin :help:

I'm sure it will be a great game and will probably decide who take first place in Group A. Since i am biased i am going to say Canada

Obviously I expect Canada to win, but we'll see. Both teams do look pretty darn good.

Ahhh yes my poor brain has suffered so much since my university exams just finished yesterday that i didn't clue into the fact they play each other in the round robin :help:

H'm sure it will be a great game and will probably decide who take first place in Group A. Since i am biased i am going to say Canada

Should be a great game. It might even be a preview of the finals, tha t is if both teams gel and play as team.

Historically the US doesn't play a good team game. However, ensuring that Bobby Ryan isn't on the team is a good step.

Carman will take a stupid late penalty to propel Canada to the GW PP goal.

You folks up north will enjoy watching Okposo...

Canada - can't see why they wouldn't win. They've only gotten better since last year.

There are no winners in a game like this..........

Of course team Canada. USA always looks good on paper but always fail to deliver. I Hope i dont hurt some feelings in here.

No offense taken here, that's for sure.

I've personally become seriously disenchanted with USA Hockey recently, and this year's team brought me to the point that I seriously hope we get repeatedly demolished if it results in some changes in USA Hockey.

But, then again, I'm about as far from a patriotic hockey fan as you'll find.

Canada takes the game 4-2. Canada takes an early 3-0 lead, gets lazy, and the US gets back in it with goals from Kane and Okposo until Canada wakes back up and clamps down.

I have a bit of a funny feeling about this years Canadian team. 2 years ago they were absolutely loaded with talent and eager to avenge the previous loss. Last year they were underdogs with supposedly less talented than the favourite americans. Both those instances made the teams hungry and resulted in gold. Sutters style sure didn't hurt either.

This year? They're the favourites and 2 time champs. Maybe some of these guys won't be as hungry? Perhaps they're a little overconfident.

Hopefully I'm just paranoid - but what I do see is a talented US team that has a lot to prove and the Canadians should be wary of them.

Of course team Canada. USA always looks good on paper but always fail to deliver. I Hope i dont hurt some feelings in here.

No hurt feelings here either. A bit exagerated though. Last couple of year's team really disappointed, but that was it as far as my memory serves me. It'll be a great+tough match up but I think Canada will win it.

I think this is the game where goaltending bites the US team hard. 5-4 Canada. I haven't been too impressed with Frazee so far this year for whatever reason, and my money would be on him getting the start.

23-2 Canada

US wins, Okposo will prove to be too much for the Canadian D to contain.

Well as an Isles fan, that would be nice to see anyway.

US wins 5 - 3 is my guess, should be a great game regardless.

Canada - can't see why they wouldn't win. They've only gotten better since last year.

Try because Downie is a complete imbecile and will sabotage the team with a stupid penalty at the worst time.

I think this is the game where goaltending bites the US team hard. 5-4 Canada. I haven't been too impressed with Frazee so far this year for whatever reason, and my money would be on him getting the start.

It will be interesting to see who takes the reins as the number one goalie: Frazee or Zatkoff. I wouldn't be surprised if Zatkoff gets the nod.

I never make predictions, hoping for a great game though.

Try because Downie is a complete imbecile and will sabotage the team with a stupid penalty at the worst time.


Sounds probable...

It will be interesting to see who takes the reins as the number one goalie: Frazee or Zatkoff. I wouldn't be surprised if Zatkoff gets the nod.

I hope you're right. He's more inexperienced internationally but I've been more impressed with the few times I've seen Zatkoff compared to the few I've seen Frazee this year. Mind you neither one is exactly Al Montoya, but I think Zatkoff gives us the better shot.

Canada wins. Being from the US, I am used to the US losing games when they are supposed to do OK.

i'm hoping for a great, balanced tourney that will help me identify future picks in my hockey pools.

we witnessed how well big ice suited north american hockey in the olympics, so coach craig has his work cut out for him...

canada 5-3

U.s will regret not taking the best players available and will get beaten badly here.

for arguement sake wednesday game is not really that big a game, the gold medal game should be considered the big game.

U.s will regret not taking the best players available and will get beaten badly here.

Who exactly are the "best players" you're referring to? If you think a guy like Bobby Ryan is THAT much of a differance maker in this kind of tournament you're mistaken.

On paper, these two teams are extremely evenly matched with perhaps a slight edge to Canada. That being said, the games are not played on paper... I'll say 4-3 Canada in OT

Jack Johnson, Trevor Lewis, and Jeff Zatkoff all score goals for team USA to win it. All three are awarded the shutout.

Naturally I want Canada to win but more importantly I'd like to be entertained with a great game .

looking forward to seeing the isles draft piks okposo and o'marra in action

7-6 Canada win.

Canada has the offense to put a lot in, but Price will give up a lot of goals to keep it a close, high scoring game.

Jack Johnson, Trevor Lewis, and Jeff Zatkoff all score goals for team USA to win it. All three are awarded the shutout.

Wow....I didn't picture Zatkoff as a sniper.


I pick Canada 5-3......just to jinx them.:)

7-6 Canada win.

Canada has the offense to put a lot in, but Price will give up a lot of goals to keep it a close, high scoring game.

Too bad Montoya isn't in net for the USA. Two can play this game. ;)

I say the us, they've got a strong offence...(well like almost everyone) and the goalie situation of Canada worries me so I say the US. I think, Usa is the darkhorse team this year but I may be wrong we'll see. :)

3-2 Canada. Nailbiter until the end, until Toews puts Canada ahead in the dying minutes.

USA loses this one 5-3,but wins the next one that really counts,the gold medal game 5-4.

USA..USA..USA..USA..USA..USA













Canada wins:dunce:

Czechs over the US.


plus canada beats the us easily

4-1 USA

I just hope tomorrow's game is competitive after watching the Germany-U.S. game.

I just hope tomorrow's game is competitive after watching the Germany-U.S. game.

Why wouldn't it be? US walked all over Germany but failed to cash in their chances. Canada didn't really do much offensively VS the Swedes.

It's really going to be US offense VS Canada's defense, IMO. Whoever comes out supreme there should win the game.

I have to say Canada.

Too bad Montoya isn't in net for the USA. Two can play this game. ;)

Too bad Montoya beat you guys for the gold medal.

Canada is clearly the better team. Better in goal, almost as good or as good on defense, and better up front.

Germany will win against both teams!:sarcasm:

Canada is clearly the better team. Better in goal, almost as good or as good on defense, and better up front.

Perhaps. I wasn't too thrilled with Canada's offense today. Timely, but not all that creative or overly dangerous. Price was very good and the defense did a nice job of keeping things to the outside. On the flipside for the U.S., I thought Zatkoff was also very good, the offense generated a ton of chances, and the defense was a bit soft. Should make for a great game tomorrow.

Has it been confirmed that Zatkoff is starting tomorrow, RR?

I say Canada...but a very close game.

I think that we played a very lackluster game today. There were a few lapses in defense that showed that it is not invincible as it seems. Moreover, there were stretches where we seemed very lazy and inept in our own zone. The US team is desperate, able to put the puck in the net, and if Price is off his game, we could be in for a long game.

At any rate, I look forward to a more exciting game tomorrow.

Both teams looked equally bad today.

I hope Canada wins though :)

Canada is clearly the better team. Better in goal, almost as good or as good on defense, and better up front.

Yes.


3-1 Canada. (but if Canada play like they do against SWE, we'll get our *** kicked)


Carey Price will we awesome again :yo:

After tomorrow it will 14 straight wins for Canada.... USA is finished after the OT loss to the Germans today

7-6 Canada win.

Canada has the offense to put a lot in, but Price will give up a lot of goals to keep it a close, high scoring game.

Interesting. I think the US will win a close, low-scoring game, but mainly because I don't see Canada as a very creative or powerful offensive team.

Perhaps. I wasn't too thrilled with Canada's offense today. Timely, but not all that creative or overly dangerous. Price was very good and the defense did a nice job of keeping things to the outside. On the flipside for the U.S., I thought Zatkoff was also very good, the offense generated a ton of chances, and the defense was a bit soft. Should make for a great game tomorrow.
I just like Canadas depth top to bottom better. IMO USA's offensive attack is really top heavy. Mueller/Okposo/Kane are all really good offensive guys, I just don't see much depth behind them that can put the puck in the net. Canada has goalies with better pedigrees and their defense is close to ours.

Basically USA's blueline needs to control the game.

Canada should win, but you never know. I'm looking forward to seeing some of these American prospects for the first time.

Anyway, I wasn't suggesting that the US is (or will play tomorrow like) an offensive juggeranut -- they have the talent to be one, but that's another story, and we'll just have to see how it unfolds over the tournament.

IMO Sweden outplayed Canada today. They outhit them, especially in the open ice, and they won their share of puck battles. The difference was that all of their shots were from the perimeter. (Canada's two PP goals were on a long screen shot from the point and a jam play in front of the net.) Price was solid, but he hardly saw any screens, deflections or rebounds. That was Sweden's only weakness today. The US, I think, will do a much better job at crashing the net, and I think that will ultimately be the difference.

Has it been confirmed that Zatkoff is starting tomorrow, RR?

Good question. I would assume Frazee gets the start, with Zatkoff back at it against Slovakia, but perhaps Zatkoff gets the nod right aways since he wasn't tested all that much?

Canada's run into hot goaltenders, too. I'm not upset with the way the USA played today, and I couldn't say that after any game in the last two tournaments.

Good question. I would assume Frazee gets the start, with Zatkoff back at it against Slovakia, but perhaps Zatkoff gets the nod right aways since he wasn't tested all that much?

I think Zatkoff has earned another start, personally. I'd rather see Frazee go against Slovakia.

Interesting. I think the US will win a close, low-scoring game, but mainly because I don't see Canada as a very creative or powerful offensive team.

Well after todays game I also change my prediction to a low scoring game ;)

Try because Downie is a complete imbecile and will sabotage the team with a stupid penalty at the worst time.


As I remember it, Downie was a huge reason why Canada ended up winning gold in '06.

And it was Jack Johnson, not Downie, who managed to do something incomprehensibly selfish and stupid last year, so I can't imagine why you figure the Canuck's temper would be an x-factor but the Yank's wouldn't.

the thread should be 'So who wins the big game??...Canada vs. Germany' :sarcasm:

the thread should be 'So who wins the big game??...Canada vs. Germany' :sarcasm:

I think the Germany/US game has solidified Germany's entry into the top 2 hockey nations: Canada VS Germany should be the battle to end all battles!

Big Battle? With today's lost, and considering Sweden has a very nice team, Team USA nearly secured a spot in the Relegation Round...

Big Battle? With today's lost, and considering Sweden has a very nice team, Team USA nearly secured a spot in the Relegation Round...

Yes, the US might as well not even come to play. All hail Canada.

Yes, the US might as well not even come to play. All hail Canada.

Don't you know? Sweden held Canada to only 2 goals, which means that they should easily shut out the US. And they also put up 31 shots...guaranteeing that against a lesser(read, the united states) team, they can plan on 70 shots and 10+ goals. :shakehead

I'll take Canada to win tommorow. It's a tough read at this point but i'll err on the side of what looks to me like a better Canadian defense and goaltending.

I have concerns,Canada did'nt look very creative offensively but their top 6 d-men look great as expected.The U.S defense did'nt look like it is at Canada's level and i felt today after watching both games once again like last year that Parent-Staal(while not having the hype of the Johnsons)just may be better defensively at this point in their careers,especially paired together)

but the U.S looked more creative offensively though i wonder just how much of that is a product of playing Germany.

I'll wager Canada wins by 1-2 goals at this point.

It will be a great game as usual.

Carman will take a stupid late penalty to propel Canada to the GW PP goal.

You folks up north will enjoy watching Okposo...

I already have enjoyed watching him.
And Pierre loves him!!!

The question hasn't been asked yet. Can the USA even score on Canada?

I think someone needs to do that before they can talk about beating them.

The question hasn't been asked yet. Can the USA even score on Canada?

I think someone needs to do that before they can talk about beating them.

Will Canada be able to score against the US? The US has MUCH better defense than Sweden and Canada could only muster out two goals to US's 1 today against a vastly overachieving Germany.

Should be a tight, even game. I pick Canada winning 3-2.

Will Canada be able to score against the US? The US has MUCH better defense than Sweden and Canada could only muster out two goals to US's 1 today against a vastly overachieving Germany.


I agree. I'm worried about Canada's offence. Mind you, I've been worried in the past after several other game 1's. Still, they did little to inspire confidence today. I predict Canada will be much stronger offensively tomorrow, and that the US will be a little bit worse - in my opinion they were quite good today - they did everything but score.

I also think it will be a tight one.

Will Canada be able to score against the US? The US has MUCH better defense than Sweden and Canada could only muster out two goals to US's 1 today against a vastly overachieving Germany.

Should be a tight, even game. I pick Canada winning 3-2.

What is the USA's shutout streak at now? 0:00:00? That's pretty good.

Should be a dandy but canada usually wins these games.

Canada 4-2

Our offense isn't that good, but our defense is just too awesome, plus if Price can play like today for all the tournament, we won't allow many goals. We just need to continue to produce one the PP and we will be fine.

For tomorrow, 3-0 Canada, the shutout streak continues! :yo: :yo: :yo:

Canada was very lucky to pull out a win today as they were sorely outplayed by Sweden while the U.S. simply could not get the bounces to go their way but really controlled the play against Germany (11 PP opportunities will do that).

The U.S. is hungry right now and will play with a sense of desperation.

4-1 for the U.S.

Price in my opinion is a hot and cold goalie, if he plays like he could U.S will be beated 2-1. If not it could be blown out of proportion.

Canada was very lucky to pull out a win today as they were sorely outplayed by Sweden while the U.S. simply could not get the bounces to go their way but really controlled the play against Germany (11 PP opportunities will do that).

The U.S. is hungry right now and will play with a sense of desperation.

4-1 for the U.S.

Nice to see some optimism, and I sincerely hope it's the way you predict it.

I'm going with 4-1 Canada. If we play anything like we did today it could be much worse. Worst run team ever. They have sapped me of almost all of my pride in American entries to this tournament.

I'm going with 4-1 Canada. If we play anything like we did today it could be much worse. Worst run team ever. They have sapped me of almost all of my pride in American entries to this tournament.

like we did, today? we played very well today, we had some bad luck in the form of posts and a hot goaltender that stopped everything else.

In terms of what happened today, with the USA losing but playing well, and Canada winning despite playing poorly, We are going to see what these teams are made of. The USA could suffer a breakdown and get chased out of the rink, or get back to basics and chase Canada out of the rink. Canada could become complacent and allow the US the majority of the chances and allow them to take the game to Canada, or Canada will come out with something to prove.

the fallout of what happened today probably favours the USA in that they may have the extra motivation needed to prove that they can score. but then again, its a Canada - USA game at a major tournament, motivation should be plently for both sides.

I wouldnt be surprised to see this game settled in a shootout if the USA comes out flying and Canada's D is up to Par. IF Canada's D and O get going, im gonna say it might be a Canadian blow out but that's only if both the O and D get going, of course its just as likely that if the USA D and O get going it could be a USA blowout and that is what makes this tournament so fun.

in the end

Too close to call

Cant' wait for this one.

In terms of what happened today, with the USA losing but playing well, and Canada winning despite playing poorly, We are going to see what these teams are made of. The USA could suffer a breakdown and get chased out of the rink, or get back to basics and chase Canada out of the rink. Canada could become complacent and allow the US the majority of the chances and allow them to take the game to Canada, or Canada will come out with something to prove.

the fallout of what happened today probably favours the USA in that they may have the extra motivation needed to prove that they can score. but then again, its a Canada - USA game at a major tournament, motivation should be plently for both sides.

I wouldnt be surprised to see this game settled in a shootout if the USA comes out flying and Canada's D is up to Par. IF Canada's D and O get going, im gonna say it might be a Canadian blow out but that's only if both the O and D get going, of course its just as likely that if the USA D and O get going it could be a USA blowout and that is what makes this tournament so fun.

in the end

Too close to call

Cant' wait for this one.

I agree with everything you said but I don't think that our offence has a chance of really going. We don't have a strong offensive unit to be honest. This team lives and dies with defense/goaltending. You can chip 2-3 goals per game, but we have the potential to shutout every team. So, IMO, it will be a close one.

I do expect both teams to be up for this, they are natural rivals, so I expect Canada to play better and for USA to bring the same effort. for USA, Jack Johnson needs to play alot better as this team needs their blueline to control the game as much as possible, and for Kyle Okposo, Pat Kane, and Peter Mueller to score some goals.

from the looks of it, the finishing of both teams is pretty poor. I wasn't encouraged by Canada's offensive game today, very few chances IMO, they were really opportunistic. Then again, Sweden played really well.

Didn't see the American game, but it really sounds like they controlled the flow of the game, but couldn't finish.

My opinion for tomorrow: it will be a defensive battle with both offences floundering (won't help that both defenses are pretty awesome). I'll say Canada will again be the more opportunistic team.

Canada 2, USA 1

We'll find out in about 12 and half hours now won't we.
It will be close until the third then Canada will blow everything wide open with four unanswered goals. Booooyah!

Canada was very lucky to pull out a win today as they were sorely outplayed by Sweden while the U.S. simply could not get the bounces to go their way but really controlled the play against Germany (11 PP opportunities will do that).

The U.S. is hungry right now and will play with a sense of desperation.

4-1 for the U.S.

did you watch the game? canada was not THAT outplayed...there were stretches of laziness but the game never seemed out of hand after the first goal 15 mins in

from the looks of it, the finishing of both teams is pretty poor. I wasn't encouraged by Canada's offensive game today, very few chances IMO, they were really opportunistic. Then again, Sweden played really well.

Didn't see the American game, but it really sounds like they controlled the flow of the game, but couldn't finish.

My opinion for tomorrow: it will be a defensive battle with both offences floundering (won't help that both defenses are pretty awesome). I'll say Canada will again be the more opportunistic team.

Canada 2, USA 1

oh yeah and it's germany we're talking about here...the swedes are picked to medal somewhere NOT the germans...

did you watch the game? canada was not THAT outplayed...there were stretches of laziness but the game never seemed out of hand after the first goal 15 mins in

We were not that outplayed, we closed the game, it was defensive hockey all along. The coaches know we don't have firepower so they close the game, wait for the opportunities and win. That's pretty boring, but that works. The only thing that scares me is that the guys didn't seem interested today. They closed the game, but they were not pushing or being physical, they were waiting for the Swedes to attack, no forecheck. Definitively not an impressive outing.

i don't see where people thought Canada was outplayed yesterday badly,i thought Sweden was outplayed slightly and Canada had a clear edge in the first 2 periods before Sweden getting dangerous and controlling play in the 3rd.The first 2 periods Canada was in control and Sweden could'nt muster much of anything.It was a good start for Canada,they beat a good team on their home ice and on the big ice in their first game. Backstrom was stopped and was'nt a factor.

Good start,warts and all.We must have watched different games.I also question posters who are so sure the U.S defense is better then what Sweden has and questioning if Canada will have a hard time scoring against a "better" U.S defense because it did'nt look that way from first viewing to me.The whole Swedish team not just defense looks on par with what Canada and the U.S have here and Canada put 2 goals on them while not allowing any,i'm confident with a little elbow grease Canada should be able to score against the U.S. Even if you think the U.S defense is better the Swedens it can be turned around by saying if you can only score 1 goal against Germany's defense how are you going to do against Canada's?

Everyone please spare the bravado.

This should be a great game.Let's wait until it ends to make any pronouncments on just who was boss out there,yesterdays games won't tell us that.

Canada were not really sharp vs Sweden, and Sweden this year has their best junior team in awhile and are a great shot to medal. U.S underachieves each year at the World juniors, they are usually poorly coached and managed at the event, and team chemistry and cohesion is usually awful. I did not see their opening game but it does not bode well for them, and I expect more of the same. Canada wins 4-1 I predict.

If Canada plays at the same level it did yesterday against Sweden, we'll get smoked today vs. the US.
They desperately need that win - can we match their intensity?

I was pretty disappointed with the effort yesterday for Canada. No offensive creativity, no flow, it seemed tough just to string two passes together.
Did it seem to anyone else like the puck seemed to consistently jump over the Canadian players sticks (off a pass)? That's normally the result of bad ice, but the same thing didn't happen to the Swedes, so I guess that's not the case.

Two things:
1) I know we went 2-7 on the power play, but god it looked awful. We'll have to improve.
2) Let's put in Kendall McCardle. I don't like him sitting as the last forward, and I was waiting for Hartsburg to maybe throw him in after Gagner's 3rd minor, but it never happened. While much of the team appeared to be sleepwalking, I think Kendall would have added some extra jump.
3) Let's get physical. I know it's tougher on the big ice, but the Swedes sure looked more physical out there than us. It's a hallmark of Canadian hockey, and (except for our D) it hardly looked like our forwards were throwing their weight around.

I'm looking forward to this game, but think the Americans will win 4-2. I'd really just like to see a better effort from the Canucks...

So if Canada plays the way they did to beat a very good Swedish team 3-0 they will get whipped by chronic World junior underachievers the U.S coming off a loss to Germany? LOL!

So if Canada plays the way they did to beat a very good Swedish team 3-0 they will get whipped by chronic World junior underachievers the U.S coming off a loss to Germany? LOL!

Actually, it was 2-0.

Secondly, the Americans ALWAYS play us extremely tough regardless of what softies they lose to in this tournament.
And the fact that they lost to Germany is exactly why I think they'll be so hungry today.

I stand by my comments. They Canadians played poorly yesterday, and can't afford such a performance against a skilled, strong, hungry team such as the Americans.

Well a friend who saw the U.S game told me he thought the German goalie stole the game so maybe they arent that lacking as I thought. Yeah you are right it was 2-0, not sure why I was thinking 3-0 for a moment. I still thought it spoke to Canada's strength that not looking sharp they win 2-0 vs a tough team many are picking to medal. Before the touranment alot of people were picking Sweden as a stronger medal pick then the U.S. Still like you said the U.S plays better against Canada and they know this is a huge game so they will get up for it, I hope and fully expect Canada to as well though.

Well a friend who saw the U.S game told me he thought the German goalie stole the game so maybe they arent that lacking as I thought. Yeah you are right it was 2-0, not sure why I was thinking 3-0 for a moment. I still thought it spoke to Canada's strength that not looking sharp they win 2-0 vs a tough team many are picking to medal. Before the touranment alot of people were picking Sweden as a stronger medal pick then the U.S. Still like you said the U.S plays better against Canada and they know this is a huge game so they will get up for it, I hope and fully expect Canada to as well though.

I can't even remember the last time a game between Canada and the US at the World Juniors was decided by more than 1 goal. Even in years the Americans are out of medal contention, they play us very close.
Maybe when I said "smoked", that was too strong a word. The point I'm trying to get across is the Canadians played quite poorly yesterday.
The Americans weren't great, but as your friend said, the German goalie did steal the game. I watched it on TSN, and thought the Americans underplayed but were obviously vastly superior, but got stoned by a great goaltending performance.

I'm not sure why the Canadians lacked jump - I can only hope we've got some more today. If you can't get up for Canada-US, there's something wrong... :yo:

I can't even remember the last time a game between Canada and the US at the World Juniors was decided by more than 1 goal. Even in years the Americans are out of medal contention, they play us very close.
Maybe when I said "smoked", that was too strong a word. The point I'm trying to get across is the Canadians played quite poorly yesterday.
The Americans weren't great, but as your friend said, the German goalie did steal the game. I watched it on TSN, and thought the Americans underplayed but were obviously vastly superior, but got stoned by a great goaltending performance.

I'm not sure why the Canadians lacked jump - I can only hope we've got some more today. If you can't get up for Canada-US, there's something wrong... :yo:

Actually that is a good point come to think of it, about past U.S-Canada games at the event. I cant recall the last time Canada won by more then 1 goal either. Also alot of those years the U.S overperform relative to how they performed the rest of the tournament. After being robbed of a win by a hot goaltender, knowing they need this win, they should come out hard so it wont be easy.

I am really looking for a stronger Canadian performance today then yesterday though. Alot of things about their performance yesterday were frusterating even though they got the win comfortably anyway.

Canads will win it. USA = no goalie

Canads will win it. USA = no goalie

why? because you don't know anything about jeff zatkoff? your lack of knowledge about the ncaa shouldn't lead you to make uninformed statements. he was pretty spectacular yesterday. he wasn't tested much, but when he was, he made several huge saves...which is even harder when you're not seeing much action

Canads will win it. USA = no goalie
You're half right...

Canada will win it. USA = no chemistry

Can any American fans fill me in on the lack of chemistry shown by US teams over the years? I really don't get it. The Americans have been putting out very talented teams over the past few years, but haven't done so well in the past couple of tournaments.

Can any American fans fill me in on the lack of chemistry shown by US teams over the years? I really don't get it. The Americans have been putting out very talented teams over the past few years, but haven't done so well in the past couple of tournaments.

There's been some disruptive players included, and some bad blood between teammates going back. I don't know of any this year, but I didn't think the chemistry was bad yesterday. I know that last year the locker room was divided half and half on the sides of two particular players who hated each other.

Can any American fans fill me in on the lack of chemistry shown by US teams over the years? I really don't get it. The Americans have been putting out very talented teams over the past few years, but haven't done so well in the past couple of tournaments.
It's not the players or the coaches fault, it's just a side effect of the system that they don't get to play together much before the tournament. Canada has the tryout camp, so all the players have just recently played together (plus they have a larger talent base). USA has a tryout camp, but that was back in the summer. I'm not sure about the European teams, but I'm assuming that because they have smaller talent pools, many of them have already played together extensively in international tournaments.

IMHO, I think the USA would do better reuniting all the U18 players together regardless of their post USNDPT success. Yes it would be massively unfair to the Okposos of the world, but I honestly think they'd perform better. They'd still need a few more scrimages than they get now though. The only position where you could really put in the "hot hand" is goaltender, and I think they have the best choice in Zatkoff.

This is just my prediction. 5-2 Canada.
Goals by:
Kane
J.Johnson

Toews
Toews
Letang
Marchand
Little

There's been some disruptive players included, and some bad blood between teammates going back. I don't know of any this year, but I didn't think the chemistry was bad yesterday. I know that last year the locker room was divided half and half on the sides of two particular players who hated each other.

Pierre Maguire was discussing this topic this morning on Ottawa radio. He feels that some of the personality problems that the American team has had, is partly due to the difference in sports culture between Canada and the U.S.

With the exception of football, Maguire was saying that most sports culture in the U.S. is much more individualistic. Even in team environments, it's often about teh play of the individual, rather than the team. As such, when you have a tournament like this one, where you need a collection of very good players to come together, and accept lesser roles than they're used to, there's more potential for ego to get in the way.

In contrast, in Canada, where all sports culture stems from hockey, there's more of an emphasis placed on putting the team ahead at all costs. The example he used was with Crosby, who, when he joined Rimouski at 16, he was given the responsibility on the team to carry the skate sharpener on and off the bus all season. It was a small thing, but, it was done to reinforce to him that he wasn't any different than any other member, with no special treatment. Everyone has a job, and everyone has to do it.

I don't really know enough about how athletes are developed on either side of the border, I'm just relaying what was said. But, to me it does make sense. Not that all American players are one way, and that Canadians are another, but, if the level of ego is a little higher on one team, than the other, it's much more difficult to manage.

If there were lockerroom issues last game, it'll be interesting to see what happens this afternoon. Even if they lose, but, you see guys gelling more, and playing a more cohesive game, then there is a sign that they can come together, and play as a team. If the American's don't get to the playoffs, they'll need to take a long, hard look at their development system, to see what they're doing wrong.

let's do this thing.
amazing to think at least 2-3 million people will be watching this game in canada -
midweek between 10 am- 1 pm

Marc Staal > Jack Johnson

"The human eraser" Pierre McGuire

discostu, I also do notice more of an indivualistic style of play from the Americans. Canada has very talented goalscorers playing on the 3rd and 4th lines who are willing to do anything to play, even if that means becoming "grinders" or "energy players" for this tournament.