GDT: Sweden vs. Czech Republic (CEZ Arena, Pardubice , Dec. 31st , 8 AM ET)

Group A (ČEZ Arena, Pardubice):

14:00 - Sweden - Czech Republic

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:wc1tYLF2rA-w1M:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Flag_of_Sweden.svg/800px-Flag_of_Sweden.svg.png

VS

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:k4x_r00eyvxqwM:http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/time-zone/europe/european-union/czech-republic/images/czech-flag.jpg

CZECH REPUBLIC'S ROSTER (http://tsn.ca/World_jrs/feature/?fid=4444)

SWEDEN'S ROSTER (http://tsn.ca/World_jrs/feature/?fid=4465)

TIME (ET): 8 AM

Good Luck to both Teams!!!!!!! (Go Czech!!!)


If Czech's win in regulation, Canada gets #1 Spot (Assuming Canada wins against Denmark)
If Sweden wins in Regulation, Sweden gets #1 Spot
If Czech's win by 6 goals, Czech gets #1 Spot

Players to watch:
Jakub Voracek
Michael Frolik
Viktor Hedman
Patrik Berglund
Mikael Backlund

Note: Can a Mod please stick this thread?

Go Czechs!!

Players to watch should include Figren, he´s been amazing so far. He kinda reminds me of Ovechkin:teach:... yeah, blasphemy, I know.

Sweden used up all their focus and energy against the canadians, this game they´ll underachieve.

Czech Rep 4

Sweden 2

Czech Republic 3
Sweden 2

The Swedes are very good, however, I feel that the Czechs will beat them pretty good.
Cze- 5
Swe- 2
:D

4-1 Czechs.

Canada took it to the Czech, and the Swedes took it to Canada.

Sweden 4
Czech Republic 2

How long is Kveton out for? He hasn't played since the opening game.

Is Enroth starting?

Probably.

I like the Swedes in this one. If they play like they did against Canada I think they will come out on top. Michal Neuvirth (assuming he is starting) is going to have his hands full. He is definitely a capable goalie though.

Go Czech's!!! Please win by five or less! :D I haven't been able to watch much of the WJC's because of work but I will be watching this one.

Go Czech's!!! Please win by five or less! :D I haven't been able to watch much of the WJC's because of work but I will be watching this one.

Where are you watching it? They are not showing this on TSN are they?

5-3 Sweden.

Voracek is the best player I've seen at the tourney though.

I'm hoping for a Czech win, but I think the Swedes are gonna pull this one out.

Same as Spawn.

Hoping Czech's, thinking Swedes.

I think that Sweden will get more scoring opportunities in this one, and it's all about taking the chances IMO. If they can do that, they will win:

4-2 in Sweden's favour.

time for sweden to play pajaarvi...

of course it wont happen.

Where are you watching it? They are not showing this on TSN are they?

****, I didn't even bother to check if it was on TSN, I just assumed it would be on. More sleep for me I guess.... :(

What? Tonight?
Thank god I'm having an onlinepoker night. :D

5-1 to Czech Republic.

What? Tonight?
Thank god I'm having an onlinepoker night. :D

tonight?

this game is at 2pm. very nice time to watch hockey.

I'm getting two WJC games and a NHL doubleheader today on TV. 12 periods of hockey. that's insane, but i like it. :D

How long is Kveton out for? He hasn't played since the opening game.

Kveton is definitely out of the tournament .... something with shoulder - he must go for surgery

Kveton is definitely out of the tournament .... something with shoulder - he must go for surgery

it's very bad, he's got a very good season in HC Trinec and he played very well in the first match of tournament

Players to watch:[/B]
Jakub Voracek
Michael Frolik
Viktor Hedman
Patrik Berglund
Mikael Backlund

Hey, dont forget Lagerström..

I think i will be a pretty close game scorewise. Sweden will probably have more shots and be a little more dominant. 3-2 Sweden.

time for sweden to play pajaarvi...

of course it wont happen.

They should´ve played him more against the Danes..


He won´t get much icetime today, unless it turns out to be a blowout.

They should´ve played him more against the Danes..


He won´t get much icetime today, unless it turns out to be a blowout.

seriously, he played like 3 shifts against denmark and scored. Then he played 0 shifts against canada, he wont play again either :(

Mario Kempe has been useless, should play pajaarvi instead.

They should´ve played him more against the Danes..


He won´t get much icetime today, unless it turns out to be a blowout.

the question is why they chose him to be with the team. either he is ready to play at this level and then he should play or he isn't, but then he should have stayed home.

i think he is ready and they should use him to give others a rest from time to time. he did look good against denmark.

the question is why they chose him to be with the team. either he is ready to play at this level and then he should play or he isn't, but then he should have stayed home.

i think he is ready and they should use him to give others a rest from time to time. he did look good against denmark.

he is more ready than some other swedes on the team. when Pajaarvi stepped onto the ice you saw something special right away.

he is more ready than some other swedes on the team. when Pajaarvi stepped onto the ice you saw something special right away.

yes, but the question is not if he's special but more if he's able to play a 2way game.

but i didn't see anything from kempe or hagelin so far. neither offensive nor defensive. so i'd throw him in.

yes, but the question is not if he's special but more if he's able to play a 2way game.

but i didn't see anything from kempe or hagelin so far. neither offensive nor defensive. so i'd throw him in.

exactly

23-1 Sweden!!!

23-1 Sweden!!!

:shakehead:biglaugh:

Team Sweden can never stay humble to the task after a win like they had on Saturday. The Czechs will win this comfortably.

Team Sweden can never stay humble to the task after a win like they had on Saturday. The Czechs will win this comfortably.

this is not örebro! :biglaugh:

but somehow i have the same feeling. against canada the swedish D was playing simple, trying to avoid every single mistake. somehow i expect the same old mistakes today. and i wouldn't be surprised if they rack up some stupid penalties too.

Möller 1-0!! Sweet pass too!

I hate Wikegård with my entire soul.

I hate Wikegård with my entire soul.

I dislike him..a bit. Sweden is playing good though, will this be the game were Berglund proves that he's worthy of VIKs spot as the 1st line center ahead of Backlund ;)

I hate Wikegård with my entire soul.

why? he is honest and fair.

wow that was a weak call

Kempe is totally useless. I cant believe marts doesnt use Pajaarvi instead :shakehead

why? he is honest and fair.

He is the swedish Pierre. He can never just analys the game, he screams and whine about every little play that goes against Sweden.

Kempe is totally useless. I cant believe marts doesnt use Pajaarvi instead :shakehead

Let's not make a whipping boy of Kempe.;) He's a very good player, not a checking line player though.


Bulanov.:shakehead Very weak call.

He is the swedish Pierre. He can never just analys the game, he screams and whine about every little play that goes against Sweden.

He was never that much of an analyst even as a coach. His qualities as a coach is a bit Keenan-Sutter like. He's gonna yell at his players until they perform and if they have hockey smarts and some talent they're gonna win some matches. as a commentator he's kind of funny but seems to want every swedish team play as north american as possible even if it won't help the team.

I like the PK from Andersson, smart player.

And he just happens to be one of the most knowledgable hockey commentators we've ever had. Sometimes when the game gets close, he has a tendency to become a hockey coach in the studio though ("stand up, stand up, cover right now!" ;))

Very weak call for the Czech PP that they scored on. Then again, guess they will get alot of homer calls from the ref in their own arena.

Yup, looked like a kicking motion on the replay. At least they never let that through in NHL.

1-1 Bartek

heh whatever you say my fellow Swedes :)
nice game so far though.

nice soccer goal

Wow? That was definitely a goal..

Goal denied.:amazed:

Good videoreferee :)

Wow? That was definitely a goal..
I've seen numerous NHL games where that kind of move with the skate always washes out the goal. They consider it a kicking motion.

I've seen numerous NHL games where that kind of move with the skate always washes out the goal. They consider it a kicking motion.

Well, that's weird. I've seen quite a few goals allowed where the player turns his skate slightly to redirect it into the net. But I dunno.. Shouldn't have been a penalty previously anyways. ;)

All teams at this tournament have big problems with P.Berglund when he enters their zone.

I hate Wikegård with my entire soul.

Wikegård is pretty good in SVT's Hockeykväll, but as a commentator he is a bit too homerish, just like an intense hockeyfan at a bar, screaming and yelling and in his opinion everything always seems to go against Sweden.

video refs made good decision, nice game to watch.

Well, that's weird. I've seen quite a few goals allowed where the player turns his skate slightly to redirect it into the net. But I dunno.. Shouldn't have been a penalty previously anyways. ;)
It's been as that if you move the skate forward even a little, they wash it out. Looks like the skate has to be stationary for them to allow it. The washed out goal between Philadelphia and New Jersey comes to mind (if I remember it right).

Wikegård is pretty good in SVT's Hockeykväll, but as a commentator he is a bit too homerish, just like an intense hockeyfan at a bar, screaming and yelling and in his opinion everything always seems to go against Sweden.

wikegård unline Pierre criticize his own players.

live text updates at http://www.onlajny.cz/detail.php?id=8396&hra=hokej

As I said, Sweden have trouble staying humble. They beat Canada and get an easy quick goal against the Czechs and suddenly they think that they are the Soviets, or something. Mårts better give them hell in this break.

anyone have a link to a streaming broadcast of the game?

wikegård unline Pierre criticize his own players.

more than critizing the swedish players Wikegård always gives load of critizism to the swedish coach because he has never gotten over the fact that he never got to lead the swedish national team.

Sweden wins 4-2

After watching it more I can see how it was a kick.

more than critizing the swedish players Wikegård always gives load of critizism to the swedish coach because he has never gotten over the fact that he never got to lead the swedish national team.
I think you read a little bit too much into it. I think it's great you have a commentator knowledgable enough so that he can discuss constructive things that the team can do to change the momentum, game picture, etc. He can always explain what went wrong (or right) in a play from up view because of his tactical knowledge. Things that real hockey fans can appreciate, while Härenstam can be there for all casual fans that don't know that much about hockey.

The ref has a really low standard for taking penalties.

2-0! Berglund!

bit of a messy goal there, Sweden comfortable.

3-0! Larsson? Sweet redirection.

Bang, bang, 3-0! Really nice redirection on the third, the second was an ugly scramble goal. We'll take it. ;)

3-0!

looking good for semis

Fantastic! 3-0 :handclap:

aaaand another

no closing down from the Czechs up high, too easy for Sweden

Semis here we come :)

Figren with another goal! :)

This ref is awful. I just had to say it again.

This ref is awful. I just had to say it again.

+10000

Let the refs who called Can-Swe take all the matches.

:biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh:

Let the refs who called Can-Swe take all the matches.
The problem is, they were pretty bad too. Not as awful as this one though.

There hasn't been one single call in this game that hasn't been awfully weak, except for maybe one. Maybe. Jesus Christ, he's doing his best to make this game more interesting. Where the hell did he find that interference?! On a 5 on 4?

diving czechs have you heard that one before?:shakehead

:shakeheadBulanov.

RSL refering.:shakehead

:biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh: again

:biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh: :biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh: :biglaugh:

He's drunk or what? Bulanov, stop with Hennesy.:sarcasm:

I think you read a little bit too much into it. I think it's great you have a commentator knowledgable enough so that he can discuss constructive things that the team can do to change the momentum, game picture, etc. He can always explain what went wrong (or right) in a play from up view because of his tactical knowledge. Things that real hockey fans can appreciate, while Härenstam can be there for all casual fans that don't know that much about hockey

I think you're right about this and Wikegård sure has some knowledge but he's very narrow minded when it comes to different kinds of hockey. He's got a huge crush on north american hockey style and seem to think that Sweden should play that type even when we don't have the players or hockey tradition to do so (and also seem to be winning a fair amount of our games..)

I really like Anderssons game, he makes Figren better.

I like humans but that ref needs to be shot.
He is a demon.

Chechs are auditioning for a ballet, the dying swan? :) Nevermind we are up by 3 but the refs are sticking it to us right now.

Terrible reffing.:shakehead

this is too much, I might not watch anymore

Bulanov is the best RSL referee!:teach::sarcasm:

Bulanov and Danny Kurmann are 2 of the 5 worst ref's ever, so I'm not surprised by the officiating thus far.

Berglund is amazing.

this is too much, I might not watch anymore
No, watch. It's great to have a ref set a new standard for "terrible reffing", and I mean terrible. Next time, when you want to say a ref is terrible, you remember Ulanov in Czech Republic - Sweden, you change your mind and say "bad reffing" instead. ;)

So many penalties (and a long 5 on 3) and Enroth didnt have to make any difficult saves at all. Great pk Sweden!

Lagerstrom is impressive.

Let's be positive, at least, Sweden has good PK practise before the semis.

So many penalties (and a long 5 on 3) and Enroth didnt have to make any difficult saves at all. Great pk Sweden!

Lagerstrom is impressive.
I think you might add "awful PP Czech Republic". On a 5 on 3, if the other team do their thing properly, they shouldn't stand a chance. Not a single dangerous quality scoring chance from all that PP time. Sure, credit is due for hard PK work, but still...

That looked like it hurt. Was a good shift though.

Hedman is really fast. For his size that's amazing.

That ****ing ref need to be jailed or put in an asalyum

I might be out of the loop but why isn't Neuwirth playing?

Wow, perhaps the first real penalty in the game (unless that hooking call earlier really was a high stick). Nothing ugly about that kneeing though, he went straight into the Czech player for the check, didn't try to put his leg out or anything.

I think you might add "awful PP Czech Republic". On a 5 on 3, if the other team do their thing properly, they shouldn't stand a chance. Not a single dangerous quality scoring chance from all that PP time. Sure, credit is due for hard PK work, but still...

Agreed.. their PP was abysmal. Sweden is not playing well at all and are up 3-0 vs. the hosts in an important game. Me like. :handclap:

what is it now, 12 minutes straight penalties for sweden?

Still looking very sloppy. At least the PK has been decent, probably more because of Czech inefficiency though.

20 minutes from a semifinal. Enroth and the PK has been great other than that not much to see in this game. Berglund is great though and Figren has some nice moves.

Still looking very sloppy. At least the PK has been decent, probably more because of Czech inefficiency though.

decent? sweden has killed 6 straight penalties against them

Perhaps the most onesided reffing I´ve seen all year long.

Whats up with the czechs diving and the refs buying it every single time?

And then a swede can be hooked, held and interfiered at the same time, with no penalty.


ffs..


Czechs are notorious for their divingskills, just as canadians are known for being cocky (when it comes to hockey). Swedes are known for.....what?

Perhaps the most onesided reffing I´ve seen all year long.

Whats up with the czechs diving and the refs buying it every single time?

And then a swede can be hooked, held and interfiered at the same time, with no penalty.


ffs..

if czechs make 1-3 at the start of third they can still win

what is it now, 12 minutes straight penalties for sweden?

Are you serious? That's pretty sad.

Are you serious? That's pretty sad.

I am serious.

whats the score right now?

whats the score right now?

3-0 Sweden. Third period just about to start.

Perhaps the most onesided reffing I´ve seen all year long.

Whats up with the czechs diving and the refs buying it every single time?

And then a swede can be hooked, held and interfiered at the same time, with no penalty.


ffs..


Czechs are notorious for their divingskills, just as canadians are known for being cocky (when it comes to hockey). Swedes are known for.....what?
Two of the penalties were so obvious divings that I laughed. And yes, then they held Figren with a holding call (a real holding I might add, not the crap the ref finds from nothing) and lets it go.

**** Canada wont get first unless chezch do a sweden comback

1-3


ffs



1-4 Figren/Ovechkin.


It´s all good

3-1. :( On the PP.

Czechs are notorious for their divingskills, just as canadians are known for being cocky (when it comes to hockey). Swedes are known for.....what?

Choking when it matters? :)

4-1 Figren!!

4-1 Sweden.

4-1! Figren, my man! What a shot! You got to laugh at Wikegård's commentating as well. "That's the way to do it, shoot to score, not to warm up the goalie. 'Smask!' it should say!"

What a shot Figren!

"Figren shots to score, not to warm-up the goalie" :O

lol so 3-1 now?

Choking when it matters? :)
No, that's the Finns. ;)

And as it looks right now, it's Canada - Russia in the QF.

Figren and Berglund have been the best players in the Swedish team, for sure.

**** Canada wont get first unless chezch do a sweden comback

I think you can forget about canada getting first

8th straight penalty for sweden. This is the worst I ever seen

This is beyond silly.

Amazing how they fall..

Hehe nice dive :)

I would be ashamed if that where my countrymen

Another diving from the Czechs, the third diving this game and the ref buys it. 5 on 3.

And Wikegård makes my day again: "It's incredible how good the Czechs are at falling pretty. I mean really, it must be a part of their hockey education: puck handling, skating, shooting, diving..."

***, stand on your f-ing feet!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wow, these Swedish penalties...

I just hope that's last ame for Bulanov here.:biglaugh:

This is worse than soccer...:shakehead

Hedman.:clap:

Did I accidentally tune in U20 Floorball on Skates World Championships?

Figren and Berglund have been the best players in the Swedish team, for sure.

HM to Victor Hedman.

He is out there a lot vs. Froleks line.

Its good to see sweden come and actually play an exciting styly of hockey instead of trying to trap teams to death

Czech outdoor practice.
cU0Eho3kkjs

The Canadians might be cocky and sometimes play dirty, but at least they don't dive.

4-2. Really nice shot, X-bar in.

Hedman is amazing (obviously ;)) and Enroth has been really solid.

Some really obvious dives here. Still, nice to see Sweden playing this good in this tournament - it's good for their future... It may been a little odd for me rooting for Sweden as I'm Finnish, but I just have enjoyed Sweden's play always over Finland.

Czech outdoor practice.
cU0Eho3kkjs

Hahaha!:biglaugh: That's awesome!

Backlund is the worst skater I´ve ever seen.


2-4

And of course that happens. :(

it's amazing how sweden havent got a powerplay in 35 minutes

4-2 Sweden

where are you guys watching this

where are you guys watching this
svt24, Swedish television. Think there is an internet stream as well.

where are you guys watching this

Swedish TV

Kovar robbed Andersson.

do you know the stream.

they need to play pajaarvi, swedish forwards are tired

Sent a priv msg.

3 min left, this should at least be a draw now, but with the highest probability a win.

Correction: The QF will be between Russia and Czech Republic. At least they won't have the trouble of having this ref in their game. Ulanov must be the worst ref in the entire tournament.

Game is finished. Sweden is in semifinals.

4-2

only quarterfinal for canada

Sent a priv msg.

3 min left, this should at least be a draw now, but with the highest probability a win.

Correction: The QF will be between Russia and Czech Republic. At least they won't have the trouble of having this ref in their game. Ulanov must be the worst ref in the entire tournament.

He's Bulanov.

Patrik Berglund is the best player of the game.:)

Canada will still win there coach gave them s**t

18 penalty minutes for Sweden while only 4 penalty minutes for czechs! Most loopsided ever?

Sweden played a sloppy game, thankfully the Czechs were even worse.

Horrible reffing and it's absolutely disgusting to see the Czech players dive all over like they always do. And unfortunately, these refs bought it every time.

Horrible reffing and it's absolutely disgusting to see the Czech players dive all over like they always do. And unfortunately, these refs bought it every time.

It is disgusting but when they keep getting rewarded for dives by the refs, is it any wonder they don't do it again?

Big kudos to this Swedish team. I never expected them to win four straight games.
IMO Berglund and Hedman were the top defensemen again, P. Berglund best forward along with Robin Figren (who was quite good defensively today) and Joakim Andersson.

Sweden played a sloppy game, thankfully the Czechs were even worse.

Horrible reffing and it's absolutely disgusting to see the Czech players dive all over like they always do. And unfortunately, these refs bought it every time.

I thought before this tournament the Czechs might be the team to beat this year. Now I dont even see them surviving the quarterfinals.

I thought before this tournament the Czechs might be the team to beat this year. Now I dont even see them surviving the quarterfinals.

well, facing Russia in the quarter final will not be easy, for sure.

He's Bulanov.
Is it ok if I just call him Brutalov? Easier to remember.

Great end to 2007.

Thomas Larsson is the unsung hero for this team. Love his game.

Congrats on a great tournament so far guys. Win two more :handclap:

Is it ok if I just call him Brutalov? Easier to remember.

Wikegård gave him the great name "Bullen". :handclap:

Wikegård gave him the great name "Bullen". :handclap:
:biglaugh: How can you not like that guy? I also think it was quite hilarious during some international tournament when he started humming to the music during a game. Chris Härenstam called him out.

Härenstam: "Every time they play rock music in the arena I can't comment with you. You just go silent and start drumming with your pen."
Wikegård: "ACDC, Metallica... world class."

Did Frolik do anything at all today???!!!

Thomas Larsson is the unsung hero for this team. Love his game.


Same here. Over all I think we have great role players this year and Mårts knows how to use them, unlike Bendelin last year who had horrible line combos.

I think Mårts did well to make sure Eklund got some ice time so that he's not rusty if he's needed in the Semis. I wish we could have gotten a few more PP's so Pääjärvi could have gotten a few shifts too, but no such luck..

Did Frolik do anything at all today???!!!
I've wanted to post this during the entire game.
http://www.allosupermarche.be/files/frolic.jpg

Canada: one diving out of ~6?
(even though that probably should have been both a roughing call and a dive instead of just a roughing)

Czech: two non-diving out of ~10? (stick-to-face, refs called it hooking?! Kneeing, czech player avoided open-ice hit)
:help:

Game against Canada was great due to Canada being such superior and skilled players (e.g. good game overall) while this game was more or less only interesting thanks to the refs :biglaugh:

(yes, swedish players dive too, but hey, czechs...)

P. Berglund, Figren, Lagerström, Andersson, eh, I could keep going! :handclap:

Did Frolik do anything at all today???!!!

He had some moments when he tried to fire up his team by serving out some hits but overall he was pretty bad. A player with his offensive caliber should really perform better on home ice and with 7-8 (I stopped counting them in the 3rd..) PPs.

P Berglund looked really good, almost Sundin like.

well, facing Russia in the quarter final will not be easy, for sure.

So if the Czech's have Russia then Canada will get Finland, am I right? Just trying to figure out what the elimination round will look like.

:biglaugh: How can you not like that guy? I also think it was quite hilarious during some international tournament when he started humming to the music during a game. Chris Härenstam called him out.

Härenstam: "Every time they play rock music in the arena I can't comment with you. You just go silent and start drumming with your pen."
Wikegård: "ACDC, Metallica... world class."

Or that he "warmed up" between periods by watching Bob Probert fights on youtube :yo:

Alright, our PK was very good
But how about that PP.. 2 for 2.

Safe to say that special teams were huge today.
Even strength I think both teams looked tired.

Or that he "warmed up" between periods by watching Bob Probert fights on youtube :yo:

This guy sounds hilarious :biglaugh:

Congrats to the Swedes! Their program was in the dumper no less than 4 years ago, a shoo-in for the relegation round most years and have not produced much top-end talent. Now they're 4-0 and have a great shot at silver or gold. It's been 12 years since they even got a medal. The changes they've made to their program certainly deserve high accolades.

Can someone who watched the game please tell me how Figren looked. I know he scored the game winner but just curious about his abilities. Thanx all!

greatest thing were the german commentators here. they mentioned the good refs the whole game and even argued the whole time that the it was a regular goal. :biglaugh:

Can someone who watched the game please tell me how Figren looked. I know he scored the game winner but just curious about his abilities. Thanx all!

ehm...great? always creating chances, plays with a lot of energy and was also a major part of swedish penalty killing.

Can someone who watched the game please tell me how Figren looked. I know he scored the game winner but just curious about his abilities. Thanx all!

Game winner was scored by Larsson. Figren was very good. He skated hard and scored a very good goal. He was involved in some roughing aswell.:)

I was really disappointed to hear the result, I thought the Czech's would come out with more hustle :shakehead

Can someone who watched the game please tell me how Figren looked. I know he scored the game winner but just curious about his abilities. Thanx all!

Larsson scored the GWG. Figren scored the 4th goal. Anyway, they both play in same line, the best swedish line today, in my opinion. Great shot by Figren, in the upper right corner of the net.

I was really disappointed to hear the result, I thought the Czech's would come out with more hustle :shakehead

take out voracek and frolik and there's not much left. czech team looks weak compared to recent years.
today voracek was good the first 10min and then he disappeared. frolik was totally missing in action.

take out voracek and frolik and there's not much left. czech team looks weak compared to recent years.
today voracek was good the first 10min and then he disappeared. frolik was totally missing in action.

Yeah, I know, I just thought they might play above themselves, anyways congrats Sweden.

Figren has been one of the big surprises in this tournament. Since we don't watch a lot of WHL hockey in Sweden, it's hard to know how he's been doing. But from what he's shown, his development in Calgary and Edmonton has been very steady. He definitely seems more North American in his style these days: going hard to the net, hustling for the puck and getting involved physically.

This guy sounds hilarious :biglaugh:
He is. He's the one who gave Derian Hatcher the name: "The gliding outhouse" He named Patrik Ekwall (an extravagant Swedish reporter who cares a great deal about his looks) "powder face".

Other quotes from him:
"The will to prepare to win is more important than the will to win."
"Work, work and more work. That's the recipe for being successful in hockey."
When Lidström scored the game winning goal in the gold medal game in Turin: "Smackebonk!"
"The Czechs' moral seemed to be sitting on a bus on it's way home to Prague."
"Weird, he usually has wrists as soft as a Hästens bed."
"Now it's too much nail polish!", or "He's a typical nail polished player."
"Holmström checks in on his office again." (going in front of the net)
Eat puck, live in the face of your opponent, drop the handbag.

Those of you who know Swedish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNYD7iUl9R8&feature=related Alot of great clips where he explains his expressions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQaGnL1iWS8&feature=related

I like humans but that ref needs to be shot.
He is a demon.

That is a glorious post :biglaugh:

take out voracek and frolik and there's not much left. czech team looks weak compared to recent years.
today voracek was good the first 10min and then he disappeared. frolik was totally missing in action.

Czech lost Tlusty, Ruzicka, Repik and Kveton. That's some huge losses.

Czech lost Tlusty, Ruzicka, Repik and Kveton. That's some huge losses.

yeah i know. but that's WJC. always new situations every year. the next years sweden should have a better defense while the offense might be a bit weaker.

yeah i know. but that's WJC. always new situations every year. the next years sweden should have a better defense while the offense might be a bit weaker.

I hope offense will be OK. 4 returning players(Backlund, Svensson Paajarvi, Andersson and Moller) plus Hjalmarsson, Ullstrom, Tedenby, Petersson, Despotovic, Erkgards, Bejmo, C.Gustafsson, A.Gustafsson, Bjorklund, M.Johansson, Lander, Wallen, Quist etc.

Or that he "warmed up" between periods by watching Bob Probert fights on youtube :yo:

Yeah, that was so funny. I love Niklas Wikegård, he's awesome.

Other quotes from him:Can't leave out, "It's like [the opponents] have helium-filled skates."

"Holmström checks in on his office again." (going in front of the net)He's not the inventor of that one, though.

Or when he compared Derian Hatcher with a gliding outhouse. :)

I hope offense will be OK. 4 returning players(Backlund, Svensson Paajarvi, Andersson and Moller) plus Hjalmarsson, Ullstrom, Tedenby, Petersson, Despotovic, Erkgards, Bejmo, C.Gustafsson, A.Gustafsson, Bjorklund, M.Johansson, Lander, Wallen, Quist etc.

I was a little surprised that Hjalmarsson didn't make this year's team. Is it merely a question of too much talent up front this year? How has he played this season? I believe he's playing in the Allsvenskan???

How was O. Moller

the checzh always been diving, anyway since i was a kid. it sucks that the refs falling for the diving. eight straight calls against the swedes. The diving chezchs today was hilarious though. i know for a fact that they are practicing it. the refs really suck on juniors. but i am used to just watch NHL ans SEL games where the refs are pros so what to expect here, not the same anyways. should i cry or laugh about it? cheers and happy new year everybody. especially the st..id referees at juniors.:D

:)

I Wish Malmö kept those jerseys in your avatar instead of the "Redhawks" one... MIF downfall started with them

I was a little surprised that Hjalmarsson didn't make this year's team. Is it merely a question of too much talent up front this year? How has he played this season? I believe he's playing in the Allsvenskan???

He has played with Frölunda's J20 team, now he is currently playing with Borås in Allsvenskan since Eller and Andersson are playing the WJHC. 1 game 1 assist so far.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Hjalmarsson had a big game this weekend. He's still with Boras despite Eller being back from the WJC's. Hopefully he'll stay up for the rest of the year.