PGT: Canada/USA. Civil and on topic.

Ha, I've heard better excuses than that!

The fact is, they weren't as good as everyone thought they were! Team USA hadn't seen a team like Canada yet and they weren't up to it! This was Canada's most dominating win and it came when they needed to step up there game! No one believed me when I said both Finland and Sweden were fortunate with a couple of their goals and that's really it. Obviously now the pool with Canada and Sweden was far better than Team USA's!

Good luck Canada in the final!!!

I hope Canada underrate sweden again.

Yeah, this needed a thread.

Canada's forwards played their best game by a mile today. Hopefully they can come up with an effort like that against Sweden. The US were close to scoring on that first shift, they looked ready to play to me!!!

Good luck to the USA in the bronze medal game. Your team was a lot better than the final score indicates.:handclap:

Yeah, this needed a thread.

dont worry, the cocky canadians will be handed another loss tomorrow.

dont worry, the c0cky canadians will be handed another loss tomorrow.
Have fun in the Bronze medal game. :)

Have fun in the Bronze medal game. :)

what? I am swedish

Had nothing to do with USA not being ready to play because they came out flying.
the first period was AWESOME for a hockey fan.

The difference in this game was the US never faced adversity in the tournament. Canada did.
the US didnt know how to react after Canada went up 2-0.

what? I am swedish

But not being cocky at all, though, right?

Team Usa has a better team. I was very nervous before this game. But that was the most excited i have been for a game since the last ducks playoffs game. Canada just did everything right. Thank you Canada. Do not underrate sweden again!:yo:

The Americans were ready, they just didn't get the breaks and bounces, thats how same games go. I think they outplayed Canada quite a bit, just couldn't find the handle and Canada burried their chances when they got them.

Good luck to the USA in the bronze medal game. Your team was a lot better than the final score indicates.:handclap:

Werd.

what? I am swedish
Oh in that case, enjoy Silver.

Was this necessary? USA played well today but turnovers cost them and Canada capitalized. Good game to watch, closest 4-1 game I've seen in a while.

Biggest difference was goaltending. Wasn't so lopsided that one could say the U.S. would have won had they gotten better play from their goalie, but Mason made all the saves he had to and then some. If the Americans get that kind of goaltending it could be a totally different result. Props to the Canadian defense though, keeping a lot of those shots to the outside.

I think they were ready. They were unlucky to not score in that first shift. They controlled the play, and Mason looked off. But Mason settled down in a hurry, and the Americans rarely had sustained pressure like that until late in the game, and rarely put shifts together when they had pressure.

What it came down to was that they weren't ready for the pressure. Canada's checking line was terrific. Gillies fit that line like a glove. And no surprise here. Gillies is big, fast, and has a really good mind for the defensive side of the game. Sutter gave Van Riemsdyk that bump in the first period, and I don't think JVR was the same player after that. Van Riemsdyk scored late in the third, but that was after the game was virtually out of reach.

I thought USA obviously came out ready to play. They owned that first shift, and pressed early. But hockey isn't really best decided in a one-game winner-takes-all showdown. A couple hops here, a couple breakdowns there, Canada wins in a fairly convincing fashion. But nevertheless, those were the two best teams in the tournament right there IMHO. The Americans played a better game losing 4-1 than I've seen any other team play this tournament while winning. I could see a 7-game series between the teams going the distance, and yes, there might be a couple of 3-goal victories by one side or the other in that series.

I don't get why people claim that Canada underrated the Swedes. They just had a godawful third period against them, and not really a great game in general. They weren't great in any of the round robin games, though. I don't get why that's surprising to anyone, though, as Canada generally gets better as the tournament goes on.

Had nothing to do with USA not being ready to play because they came out flying.
the first period was AWESOME for a hockey fan.

The difference in this game was the US never faced adversity in the tournament. Canada did.
the US didnt know how to react after Canada went up 2-0.

Pretty much it.

Oh in that case, enjoy Silver.

Hedman, Berglund, Backlund, Figren and Pajaarvi will make sure we get the gold :D

Lovely win, might we all have a spot of tea?

I thought USA obviously came out ready to play. They owned that first shift, and pressed early. But hockey isn't really best decided in a one-game winner-takes-all showdown. A couple hops here, a couple breakdowns there, Canada wins in a fairly convincing fashion. But nevertheless, those were the two best teams in the tournament right there IMHO. The Americans played a better game losing 4-1 than I've seen any other team play this tournament while winning. I could see a 7-game series between the teams going the distance, and yes, there might be a couple of 3-goal victories by one side or the other in that series.

kind of off topic, but i'd love to see them do a Canada-USA Super Series.

Hedman, Berglund, Backlund, Figren and Pajaarvi will make sure we get the gold :D

yet its the canadians who are being cocky.

Ok, here's the deal.


The thread will stay on topic. Stay civil, on-topic, and respectful.

If you get an infraction, you will be removed from the thread.

kind of off topic, but i'd love to see them do a Canada-USA Super Series.

Agreed. That would be awesome, and probably would get very mean very fast.

Great game by Canada. The better team won.

I hope Canada underrate sweden again.

believe me; Canada will be ready for Sweden. their 3rd period choke job was the best thing that could have happened to them.

kind of off topic, but i'd love to see them do a Canada-USA Super Series.

It would be amazing, but I would die from stress.

yet its the canadians who are being cocky.

Mason is really good. Best goaltender in the tournament. But Sweden is something else this year. On our way to the final we have defeated all big nations except for the US. This team is very special.

P.S. - cocky shows up, no need to use a '0' to try and circumvent the filter.

Agreed. That would be awesome, and probably would get very mean very fast.

mean is good
:sarcasm:

hey how did pacioretty play?

P.S. - cocky shows up, no need to use a '0' to try and circumvent the filter.

Apparently you don't speak 1337.

Seriously, thanks for the civil thread.

Really happy with Canada's execution in this game, they really took control of the game starting from the end of the first.

Also, I'm glad Mason had a great game, I was for Mason starting the game even before Hartsburg named him the starter and I'm really glad he showed that he was up to the task.

Now for Sweden, I was hoping they beat the Russians just so we can have a chance to take our revenge on them :yo:

I think this win is because Canada did everything right. Not becasue their better and not because the US played bad. This just did everything right.

We really under utilized our d-man offensive abilities.
Mason was very good.
Our passing and recieving was off today.
Their D did an excellent job at taking us wide.
THose are the major reasons we lost IMHO!

Biggest difference was goaltending. Wasn't so lopsided that one could say the U.S. would have won had they gotten better play from their goalie, but Mason made all the saves he had to and then some. If the Americans get that kind of goaltending it could be a totally different result. Props to the Canadian defense though, keeping a lot of those shots to the outside.

I agree, had Smith played solid it would of been a 2-1 game. Had he played as well as Mason it would of likely been 1-1 and who knows then. But that's why they play the games, you never know how things are going to turn out.

I think this win is because Canada did everything right. Not becasue their better and not because the US played bad. This just did everything right.

yep, but the US made mistakes too. Lets hope we get the same kind of luck against Sweden.

yet its the canadians who are being cocky.

Hey, with the Swedes' domination of this tourney recently their fans have earned a right to be cocky (What, has it been 10, 11 years without a medal? :)). Great game by the boys today, the confidence from this game should allow them to beat the Swedes. :yo:

im pretty thankful these games arent on TV in the USA, so im not forced to watch the USA get embarassed in the semis on a yearly basis

Everything happens for a reason.

I believe in that.

kind of off topic, but i'd love to see them do a Canada-USA Super Series.

That would be fantastic. Almost every year you could have one of these in the summer and it would be close. Canadians obviously have a deeper pool to choose from, but the US have the advantage of the U17, U18 program, so they'd have familiarity. Would be amazing.

Mason is really good. Best goaltender in the tournament. But Sweden is something else this year. On our way to the final we have defeated all big nations except for the US. This team is very special.

thats good, and Im happy for your team.
Just dont think your gonna walk into this game and leave with the gold because you beat the big teams already.

the game is played on the ice.
Canada is a much better team then they were a week ago against sweden. You know that phrase "you learn from defeat".

I think this win is because Canada did everything right. Not becasue their better and not because the US played bad. This just did everything right.

Doing everything right = being the better team.

I didn't get to see the game but is it possible that Canada was playing some possum through out this tourney? Remember how the mighty Soviet Hockey teams use to look rather lacklustre in tourneys against us in the 70's and early 80's and then turn it on when it counted!

Canada's Hockey team does seem to rise to the occasion most of the time at the most important time.....

Anyways, good to see my Flyer prospects doing so well...JVR and Girioux....

i think the americans took it to us during the first half of the game. that opening 30 secs was scary. the americans could have easily gone up 1-0 and that would have been a totally different story. we were a bit fortunate there, but lucked out and got stronger as the game wore on. i thought we dominated the third. the canadian forecheck just got better and better and we applied more pressure at 4-0 than the rest of the game.

it'll be a good one on saturday, but i think it's again canada's gold to lose. if we put in a consistantly strong effort for 60 mins the swedes don't stand a chance.

Sweden WILL LOSE. I would bet anyone $100.

Agreed. That would be awesome, and probably would get very mean very fast.

Agreed, it would have to be a situation that allowed fighting. Perhaps play it under CHL rules, as I would assume all of the Americans (evne the ones in the NCAA with no fighting) would have played in leagues at younger ages where it was allowed. Otherwise, might lead to some serious stick infractions.

thats good, and Im happy for your team.
Just dont think your gonna walk into this game and leave with the gold because you beat the big teams already.

the game is played on the ice.
Canada is a much better team then they were a week ago against sweden. You know that phrase "you learn from defeat".

Oh I believe that Canada will provide a great challenge, but Sweden still seems stronger imo. On all our games we played, we have been down all but once and always comeback.

Sweden WILL LOSE. I would bet anyone $100.

:sarcasm:

Doing everything right = being the better team.

Doing everything right = playing a better game and deserving to win, not necessarily being the better team which is what he's saying

Oh I believe that Canada will provide a great challenge, but Sweden still seems stronger imo. On all our games we played, we have been down all but once and always comeback.

and you were down against?
oh thats right, Canada, 3-0.
then Canada had a meltdown and lost focus. Dont think that will happen again, because Canada will play 60 minutes tommorow, and not 40 like last Saturday.

Great win for Canada. Entering the game, I thought if we played our game, we'd win. And I thought we'd need to play our absolutely best game to win. I thought this was clearly Canada's best effort of the tournament, but I think we can still get better tomorrow against Sweden.

I had my concerns about Mason entering this game, and how Hartsburg has handled the goalie situation. Those doubts were erased on both fronts. Mason looked lost on that first shift of the game, but after that, he was lights out. To a certain extent, that opening shift might have been the best thing that could have happened.

After that first shift, I thought the Americans had very little sustained pressure. They got their shots, but in terms of sustained pressure, shift after shift, I saw very little of it, at five-on-five, from the Americans, until the last six or seven minutes.

I thought Canada's third goal was offside. But it was very close. And instead of reacting in a positive fashion, the U.S. had a terrible next shift, giving up another goal.

Luke Schenn is officially the new recipient (victim?) of Pierre's man crush. If Luke's back next year, Pierre will really gush all over him. But Schenn has been terrific, especially for such a young defenceman.

Mason deserved player of the game. But any member of the Canadian checking line could have been named Canada's player of the game. Gillies is the perfect third member, with his speed and defensive smarts. That's the kind of effort I was waiting for from our checking line. Van Riemsdyk wasn't as much of a factor after that hit by Sutter midway through the first period.

A game like this, between two pretty close teams (at least on paper) often comes down to breaks and mistakes. We got the breaks: Miller's stick getting caught on the second goal, the missed off-side on the third (although it was extremely close. Making those calls, at that speed, is why I'd never want to be a linesman). And the U.S. made the mistakes: two too many men penalties (one that led to the second Canadian goal), and the U.S. was lucky not to have a third too many men penalty in the third period. And the U.S. defenceman made a very bad turnover on the fourth goal.

Great win. Very emotional win. I think that day off after the quarter-final helped. A lot. Now we'll have less than 24 hours to re-focus and get ready for the Swedes. That's the trade-off for a day off after the quarter-final.

:sarcasm:

I wasn't being sarcastic.

I wasn't being sarcastic.

yes, you were.

... only 100 dollars? :sarcasm:

yes, you were.

... only 100 dollars? :sarcasm:

You suggest more?

Luke Schenn is officially the new recipient (victim?) of Pierre's man crush. If Luke's back next year, Pierre will really gush all over him. But Schenn has been terrific, especially for such a young defenceman.

HAHA, so true. Dion Phaneuf, Sidney Crosby then Luke Schenn. Drew Doughty is another potential candidate.

and you were down against?
oh thats right, Canada, 3-0.
then Canada had a meltdown and lost focus. Dont think that will happen again, because Canada will play 60 minutes tommorow, and not 40 like last Saturday.

you mean 2-0

and you were down against?
oh thats right, Canada, 3-0.
then Canada had a meltdown and lost focus. Dont think that will happen again, because Canada will play 60 minutes tommorow, and not 40 like last Saturday.

3-0?????? Do you mean 2-0?

Despite Sweden's ability so far to come back in games, I really believe the first goal will be HUGE tomorrow, much like it was today. If the US had scored on that first shift, I truly believe the US would be going on to the gold medal game. As for Sweden, if they are to give up the first goal, their comeback ability/luck will run out at some point. However, if they score first, Canada won't get to be so agressive with the body, like they were once they had the lead aginast the US. We'll see.

I was quite skeptical of today and Hartsburg's decision's and am happy to say I was wrong. Good game, not a heart stopper like last year but entertaining. Good luck to the Americans against the Russians.

and you were down against?
oh thats right, Canada, 3-0.
then Canada had a meltdown and lost focus. Dont think that will happen again, because Canada will play 60 minutes tommorow, and not 40 like last Saturday.

Oh, you mean the one goal lead after two periods? How terrifying... And as pointed out it was a two goal lead.

:handclap:

Way to go Canada.

We get spoiled with another gold medal game. :D

you mean 2-0

3-0?????? Do you mean 2-0?

yes, my bad

this year. On our way to the final we have defeated all big nations except for the US. This team is very special.


Agreed, absolutely. If this Swedish team loses tomorrow it will be the biggest choke in Swedish hockey history.

Canada was down 3-2 against Sweden

Agreed, absolutely. If this Swedish team loses tomorrow it will be the biggest choke in Swedish hockey history.

We wont lose. The gold is ours. Our team is simply amazing. :handclap:

HAHA, so true. Dion Phaneuf, Sidney Crosby then Luke Schenn. Drew Doughty is another potential candidate.

Last year it was poor Marc Staal "the human eraser"
Seriously McGuire needs to hire someone to make him up some new quotes. His sayings get tiring and his mancrushes get a little creepy.
"2 minutes for being strong"
"Human eraser"
" (Insert NHL team) got a steal picking (insert players name) in the (insret number) round"

Agreed, absolutely. If this Swedish team loses tomorrow it will be the biggest choke in Swedish hockey history.

Incorrect. Belarus. 2002. That was an upset and a choke. That team was good, and should have at least medalled. They smoked the Canadian team in the opener (5-1 I believe), and should have been in that Semi.

Agreed, absolutely. If this Swedish team loses tomorrow it will be the biggest choke in Swedish hockey history.

you sure?




http://papamagnus.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/salotabbe.jpg

:sarcasm:

Man, that first shift by the US was nerve wracking. If they'd scored on that, it'd be a whole different game. But, other than that shift, I thought Canada played a great game. The US had some bad luck (Smith getting interfered with on the second goal, the missed offside call on the third goal) but those things happen. Personally, I hope they win the bronze (because Blum is on the team... gotta support the Giants :) ). And if Canada plays hard for a solid 60 minutes (or more, should it go to OT) I think they have a great chance of a 4 peat.

Luke Schenn is officially the new recipient (victim?) of Pierre's man crush. If Luke's back next year, Pierre will really gush all over him. But Schenn has been terrific, especially for such a young defenceman.

HE'S THE HUMAN ERASER!

I didn't get to see the game but is it possible that Canada was playing some possum through out this tourney? Remember how the mighty Soviet Hockey teams use to look rather lacklustre in tourneys against us in the 70's and early 80's and then turn it on when it counted!

Canada's Hockey team does seem to rise to the occasion most of the time at the most important time.....

Anyways, good to see my Flyer prospects doing so well...JVR and Girioux....

Canada wsn't playing possum. They know they are the team that everyone else wants to beat and they have been under a massive amount of pressure and scrutiny (as Canadian teams always are).

Losing to Sweden was a good thing. It spoiled a big win streak but it also brought some realistic perspective to this team and means we don't have to carry any extra baggage around any further.

Today...Canada found out they DO,in fact have an oppurtunistic side and they reminded USA why Canada is ALWAYS the hardest team to score against...no matter how many players you have leading the tourney in scoring you haven't done diddly until you've scored against Canada.

Hedman, Berglund, Backlund, Figren and Pajaarviwill make sure we get the gold :D

If I recall correctly he didn't play a single shift against Canada in the round robin but now he's going to make sure you get the gold in the final game? I'm pretty sure I heard a Swedish fan complain about him not getting any ice time. Could be wrong.

If I recall correctly he didn't play a single shift against Canada in the round robin but now he's going to make sure you get the gold in the final game? I'm pretty sure I heard a Swedish fan complain about him not getting any ice time. Could be wrong.

he has 1+1 despite playing like 10 shifts. He is amazing!

Its nice seeing Canada win against USA. Makes my day. Hope USA at least gets brozne though.

a Canada/US super series would be awesome!!!but it better be held after working hours or Canada's economy will go into the tank!

he has 1+1 despite playing like 10 shifts. He is amazing!

By that math, he has a 20% chance of getting a point on his one shift tomorrow.

you sure?




http://papamagnus.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/salotabbe.jpg

:sarcasm:

That picture is so... weird. Not only is he ducking and holding his head, but his feet are off the ice as well. It's probably one of the strangest hockey pictures ever. I love it.

We wont lose. The gold is ours. Our team is simply amazing. :handclap:

You do have a great team, we'll see you tomorrow man, may the best team win! :yo:

you sure?




http://papamagnus.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/salotabbe.jpg

:sarcasm:

LOL. I remember that moment so clearly. I'm sure he still wakes up at night in a sweat remembering that and screaming "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

By that math, he has a 20% chance of getting a point on his one shift tomorrow.

he is only 16 years old...but he will be better than Peter Forsberg. Bill Meltzer (nhl.com write) just said he will be a superstar.

he is only 16 years old...but he will be better than Peter Forsberg. Bill Meltzer (nhl.com write) just said he will be a superstar.

Predicting that a 16 year old will be better than Peter Forsberg is pretty crazy. I'm not a huge Forsberg fan, but he was a fantastic hockey player. Alexandre Daigle was supposed to be a legend at 16, 17, 18 and 19, even into his 20's. You never can predict. Bold statements like that are crazy.

Also, how good he WILL be has nothing to do with tomorrow.

he is only 16 years old...but he will be better than Peter Forsberg. Bill Meltzer (nhl.com write) just said he will be a superstar.

So it must be true!:sarcasm:
Seriously save the we will beat you stuff for that game thread.
This ones about the USA Canada game.

good for canada, I've been saying all tournament long that they have been vastly superior to the US and they proved it again today in convincing fashion. I wish them good luck in the finals, it should be a hell of a game.

he has 1+1 despite playing like 10 shifts. He is amazing!

We wont lose. The gold is ours. Our team is simply amazing. :handclap:

Oh I believe that Canada will provide a great challenge, but Sweden still seems stronger imo. On all our games we played, we have been down all but once and always comeback.

dont worry, the cocky canadians will be handed another loss tomorrow.

Hedman, Berglund, Backlund, Figren and Pajaarvi will make sure we get the gold :D


I'm still trying to figure out if this guy is serious.:help:


EDIT: Almost missed this gem.

he is only 16 years old...but he will be better than Peter Forsberg. Bill Meltzer (nhl.com write) just said he will be a superstar.

Gratz Canada!

They looked exceptionally strong out there today.

Slightly off topic, but how many tournament eligible players does Sweden have currently in the NHL?

a Canada/US super series would be awesome!!!but it better be held after working hours or Canada's economy will go into the tank!

I totally agree.. that super series would be sick.
The ratings would be phenominal.

Predicting that a 16 year old will be better than Peter Forsberg is pretty crazy. I'm not a huge Forsberg fan, but he was a fantastic hockey player. Alexandre Daigle was supposed to be a legend at 16, 17, 18 and 19, even into his 20's. You never can predict. Bold statements like that are crazy.

Also, how good he WILL be has nothing to do with tomorrow.

alexandre daigle wasnt swedish. Wasnt he a lazy russian? Pajvaarvi is one of the best prospects I ever seen.

Watching the game against Finland I knew Canada would come out and play well against the U.S. and when that team is playing well it is too stacked for the Yanks to handle.

Good luck against the Svedes.

wanted to post this in one of the GDT's but certain ppl got it shut down. i'm really surprised this wasn't a tighter game, guess CAN really got reved up for this game. i thought JVR was going to dominate CAN all over the ice today, guess i was thankfully wrong.

hats off to USA fans, at least you guys know how to stay classy around here after a win or a loss... hope you guys win the bronze!

alexandre daigle wasnt swedish. Wasnt he a lazy russian? Pajvaarvi is one of the best prospects I ever seen.


Kind of discredit yourself when you call Daigle a lazy Russian, as Daigle was from Quebec. And yes, he was a lazy drifter, but at 16 he wasn't, and nothing says that Parjvaari won't turn into one either.

There's a reason there is so many 1st round busts, even from Sweden.

alexandre daigle wasnt swedish. Wasnt he a lazy russian? Kane is American :sarcasm:

Good game overall, I'll definitely be cheering for the Americans for the bronze medal game.

alexandre daigle wasnt swedish. Wasnt he a lazy russian? Pajvaarvi is one of the best prospects I ever seen.

that would be yashin you're thinking of. Daigle is a canadian/

Daigle was a head case, not so much lazy but he didn't even want to be a hockey player.

The only difference this game was that it was team USA shooting themselves in the foot instead of the ****ing Canadians. Marchand finally decided he wasn't going to suck balls, the defense stepped up in a big way, Sutter learned how to win a faceoff, and Mason didn't let in any ball busters. On the other side of the rink, Strait forgot how to pass, and team USA handed the Canadians two PP opportunities by icing too many men, a mistake any AHL coach can avoid. Congratulations, but god damn did this game sting.

you sure?




http://papamagnus.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/salotabbe.jpg

:sarcasm:

UGH!!! Bad memory for a Swede!
If Sweden lose towmorrow it should be choke?????? No! Sweden hasn´t be in a final since over 10 years!!!!! Sweden has already done it better than expecting! Canada is the team which has the pressure on them!

Daigle was a head case, not so much lazy but he didn't even want to be a hockey player.

Yep, took his money and ran to Hollywood. That's what I"m saying though, NO ONE, not even paid experts can predict what 16-20 year old players will turn into. So there's no reason that an admitted Swedish fan should be able to predict that a 16 year old (albeit an incredibly skilled one) will be better than one of the best players of the past 25 years.

The only difference this game was that it was team USA shooting themselves in the foot instead of the ****ing Canadians. Marchand finally decided he wasn't going to suck balls, the defense stepped up in a big way, Sutter learned how to win a faceoff, and Mason didn't let in any ball busters. On the other side of the rink, Strait forgot how to pass, and team USA handed the Canadians two PP opportunities by icing too many men, a mistake any AHL coach can avoid. Congratulations, but god damn did this game sting.


It's funny how you put it but you just about nailed it.

No friggin way. Bill Meltzer said that. Why don't we just induct him into the Hall Of Fame right now.

Bill Meltzer is the best hockey writer in the world

I'm still trying to figure out if this guy is serious.:help:


EDIT: Almost missed this gem.

Why not??? I think he´s serious! Sweden is a great team and the will go for the GOLD!

You being drunk explains the hyperbole on the Parjaavi. Maybe he will be great, maybe he won't, but I don't think it'll make a huge difference in the game tomorrow.

I think the States had the best line and their second line was decent, but in general Canada was much better. Their 3rd and 4th lines have dangerous guys like Stamkos and Simmonds (even the Legion - Sutter line) who can create and step up. I think you could see just how thin the US were up front in that 3rd period.

Canada's defense also played better than that of the States by a wide margin today.

he has 1+1 despite playing like 10 shifts. He is amazing!

Who'd he have those points against? Denmark? Swedes are talking about Canadians being cocky but I haven't seen any statements as over the top as yours coming from any of us.

I think the States had the best line and their second line was decent, but in general Canada was much better. Their 3rd and 4th lines have dangerous guys like Stamkos and Simmonds (even the Legion - Sutter line) who can create and step up. I think you could see just how thin the US were up front in that 3rd perion.

I don't think they lacked depth, but their 3rd and 4th lines weren't great today. Their checking line of Sweatt-Geoffreon-Carmen probably is as good or better than the Sutter-Legein-Gilles line, but played a bad game. Their best plyaer was actually given to a 4th liner.

Who'd he have those points against? Denmark? Swedes are talking about Canadians being cocky but I haven't seen any statements as over the top as yours coming from any of us.

GWG assist vs russia...

I don't think they lacked depth, but their 3rd and 4th lines weren't great today. Their checking line of Sweatt-Geoffreon-Carmen probably is as good or better than the Sutter-Legein-Gilles line, but played a bad game. Their best plyaer was actually given to a 4th liner.

I would have thought that was their second line, they were decent. The other two were not.

I don't think they lacked depth, but their 3rd and 4th lines weren't great today. Their checking line of Sweatt-Geoffreon-Carmen probably is as good or better than the Sutter-Legein-Gilles line, but played a bad game. Their best plyaer was actually given to a 4th liner.
I like the players on that U.S. third line, but I don't think they're as good as the Sutter line. I thought Sutter and Legein played far and away their best game today, and I don't think it's a coincidence that it came with Gillies on the line. If that line plays to their potential, it might be our best checking line since that great Dawes-Richards-Stewart line from 2003-04.

I would have thought that was their second line, they were decent. The other two were not.

Their top line of JVR-Wilson-Schroeder was good, their 2nd line of Okposo-Ruegsegger-Rhakshani was good too I thought. They didn't score, but I thought both lines played well.

I can't see Canada losing. Looks like 4 in a row. Sweden will need to be much better than they were against Canada originally, that is Sweden needs to play all 3 periods like they played the 3rd against Canada.

Their top line of JVR-Wilson-Schroeder was good, their 2nd line of Okposo-Ruegsegger-Rhakshani was good too I thought. They didn't score, but I thought both lines played well.

They didn't do much, 2 or 3 prolonged cycles but they didn't get the puck to threatening areas.

The Americans were very poorly coached from the bench today and it cost them big time. I hope they do better tomorrow against Russia in the other game.

As for Canada v. Sweden, my heart says Canada will win, but common sense tells me it won't be so simple. It's definitely going to go the full 60 minutes.:)

Canada had a complete team effort from the goalie out today. If they play like that, no junior team in the world can touch them IMO. I thought team defence and their play in their own zone today was exceptional. And major props to Mason for proving myself and most others around here wrong.:handclap: The extra day off between quarter-final and semi-final was also highly underrated and I think that contributes more to the rust factor (USA) than the fatigue factor (Canada) than it has in recent years.

I said it before that the only real bad part of the US team was the goaltending and I was pretty much proven right.

Not taking Unice was an absolutely massive mistake and likely cost them a chance for a gold medal. I've never been overly impressed with Smith and this game, to me, could've been won with a different goaltender. Oh well!

Congrats to Canada on a great game and good luck in the gold.

Congrats to canada! You guys are a clearly superior team, even when you had your weakest team in years.

I offer all my apologies to Brad Marchand for bashing him so intensely after the lost against Sweden. The kid rebonded in the last two games and he was just awesome today. Way to go Brad!

Yep, took his money and ran to Hollywood. That's what I"m saying though, NO ONE, not even paid experts can predict what 16-20 year old players will turn into. So there's no reason that an admitted Swedish fan should be able to predict that a 16 year old (albeit an incredibly skilled one) will be better than one of the best players of the past 25 years.

I can!

If you pay me. 100% money back if I'm wrong.

(minus a small handling fee of course)

I said it before that the only real bad part of the US team was the goaltending and I was pretty much proven right.

Not taking Unice was an absolutely massive mistake and likely cost them a chance for a gold medal. I've never been overly impressed with Smith and this game, to me, could've been won with a different goaltender. Oh well!

I don't know about that; if the only goal you score is when the game is already out of reach I don't think you can blame the loss on the goaltender.

I've never been overly impressed with Smith and this game, to me, could've been won with a different goaltender. Oh well!

You might be able to get away with that kind of speculation in an 8-5 game, but the Americans only scored one goal, so that doesn't fly.

Smith didn't play great, but you can't put all the blame on him. Despite taking the flak from the commentators, he had no chance on that second goal after his own defenceman ripped him off his balance. The first and fourth goals were not unstoppable, but certainly tough for anyone.

The Americans didn't generate many decent scoring opportunities, not nearly as many as the Canadians did. The two big lines were neutralized and the US didn't have an answer to Canada's offensive depth.

Was this necessary? USA played well today but turnovers cost them and Canada capitalized. Good game to watch, closest 4-1 game I've seen in a while.

Given it should have been a 3-1 game:).. That 3rd Canadian goal while pretty should have never happened given how far offsides they were:)... But they played beter then teh US period. To many silly Penalties for teh US to. 2 damn to many men penalties. You can;t win games vs a Team like Canada doing that kind of BS..

Sweden will have to play better than they did against the Russians. I thought Sweden would beat the Russians by at least a couple goals, and instead needed a third period comeback to beat a Russian team that is probably the weakest they've sent to the tournament in years.

Sweden will have to be better than they were against Canada. They needed a goal with seven seconds remaining to beat a Canadian team in a round robin that played far from their best game.

Canada was certainly uninspring in the round robin, but they've improved in each of the last three games. They were better against Finland than against Denmark, and they were markedly better against the U.S. than against the Finns. Canada has improved in each of their last three games.

If Canada plays their game, they'll win, unless Sweden's goalie has the game of his life. (Always the concern with a best-of-one). If Canada doesn't play their game, then they'll be in deep trouble against a really good Swedish team.

Did Okposo and JVR play today or were they just invisible??? :sarcasm:

I can't see Canada losing. Looks like 4 in a row. Sweden will need to be much better than they were against Canada originally, that is Sweden needs to play all 3 periods like they played the 3rd against Canada.

Well, we will see how WRONG you will have-AGAIN!

Best Swedish team in a while vs worst Canadian team in a while... gonna be worth watching.

^^ You do realize canada lost to sweden in a close game, sometimes that the redemption and it's consequences can motivate a team!

Mason impressed me, I mean the way he composed himself against a good US team, makes me believe he can carry this team.

Well, we will see how WRONG you will have-AGAIN!

I may have been wrong about the result in the Swe/rus game but you were saying how Russia had no chance and how they suck which obviously was not the case. Russia showed up just like I said they would and Sweden won a very close game in overtime that could have gone either way. Nobody said Sweden is a bad team, but if you watched canada play today you would know this team has found its stride and will not settle for gold. Like I said, Sweden already beat Canada once so obviously they know it is possible, but Canada is here to play and it will take a full 60 minute effort to beat them. If Sweden lays an egg to start the game and go down 2-0 again they will lose, no doubt about it, no questions asked. Personally, since I wanted the Americans to win, I am just hoping for a good hockey game between some very skilled junior players.

You might be able to get away with that kind of speculation in an 8-5 game, but the Americans only scored one goal, so that doesn't fly.

Smith didn't play great, but you can't put all the blame on him. Despite taking the flak from the commentators, he had no chance on that second goal after his own defenceman ripped him off his balance. The first and fourth goals were not unstoppable, but certainly tough for anyone.

The Americans didn't generate many decent scoring opportunities, not nearly as many as the Canadians did. The two big lines were neutralized and the US didn't have an answer to Canada's offensive depth.

exactly, at the end of the day Smith wasn't the main problem for the USA in this game. mental lapses in taking bad penalties and a lack of generating offense was their overall demise.

Sweden will have to play better than they did against the Russians. I thought Sweden would beat the Russians by at least a couple goals, and instead needed a third period comeback to beat a Russian team that is probably the weakest they've sent to the tournament in years.

Sweden will have to be better than they were against Canada. They needed a goal with seven seconds remaining to beat a Canadian team in a round robin that played far from their best game.

Canada was certainly uninspring in the round robin, but they've improved in each of the last three games. They were better against Finland than against Denmark, and they were markedly better against the U.S. than against the Finns. Canada has improved in each of their last three games.

If Canada plays their game, they'll win, unless Sweden's goalie has the game of his life. (Always the concern with a best-of-one). If Canada doesn't play their game, then they'll be in deep trouble against a really good Swedish team.

If Canada had played their game in the 3rd period in that round robin game, Sweden wouldn't have come close to winning so I think we can beat them pretty easily if we play like we did today. They are a great team, but Canada's defensive system is that special.

Canada was certainly uninspring in the round robin, but they've improved in each of the last three games. They were better against Finland than against Denmark, and they were markedly better against the U.S. than against the Finns. Canada has improved in each of their last three games.

If Canada plays their game, they'll win, unless Sweden's goalie has the game of his life. (Always the concern with a best-of-one). If Canada doesn't play their game, then they'll be in deep trouble against a really good Swedish team.

Any team can say though.

You might be able to get away with that kind of speculation in an 8-5 game, but the Americans only scored one goal, so that doesn't fly.

Smith didn't play great, but you can't put all the blame on him. Despite taking the flak from the commentators, he had no chance on that second goal after his own defenceman ripped him off his balance. The first and fourth goals were not unstoppable, but certainly tough for anyone.

The Americans didn't generate many decent scoring opportunities, not nearly as many as the Canadians did. The two big lines were neutralized and the US didn't have an answer to Canada's offensive depth.

Considering that, IMO, after the 1st goal by Canada the US team just completely vanished, I almost think it was because they simply lost faith in their goalie and tried to play a tighter game. I thought the US played very well in the 1st period.

Mason straight up outplayed Smith. 4 goals on 20 something shots? Give me a break. Smith was horrible -- no ifs ands or buts about it. If there is a different goalie, the US at least has a better chance then they had tonight.

The only weak spot on this team outside of a defensive player or two was goaltending. Other than that, the team was built very well and is the first team in a while that I didn't totally kill after their selection was made.

I mean, to take Joe Palmer ahead of Unice is just... mindblowing. Smith looked shaky this game and I think his mates felt a lot of that from him as well.

Congrats to Canada on a great game and good luck in the gold.

Too bad we aren't always so gracious.

There is no reason for USA not to win tomorrow, but poor coaching and taking stupid penalties for too many men on the ice will not help. The Russians are a very skilled and fast team, but I'm not sure how they will play after being denied a trip to the gold medal game. Good luck USA.

Any team can say though.

Not true, only the better team can say that. Any game must have a better team, and a team that is not as good. Assuming both "play their game" then the better team will win.

For example. If Denmark played "their game" against Canada or the US or Sweden or whomever, they would not win, assuming their opponent played even average hockey.

I said it before that the only real bad part of the US team was the goaltending and I was pretty much proven right.

Not taking Unice was an absolutely massive mistake and likely cost them a chance for a gold medal. I've never been overly impressed with Smith and this game, to me, could've been won with a different goaltender. Oh well!

None of the goals looked to me like bad goal tending. The first one was a power move by Matthias where he took it right across the crease in heavy traffic basically out muscling Jonathon Blum. The second was a beautiful feed on the PP from Kyle Turris to Karl Alzner who wired it (and it kind of looked like one of Smiths team mates bumped his stick on the play). The third and fourth goals blame on giveaways in the defensive zone.

I think some of the coaching decisions were questionable - such as not calling a timeout when they were down 3-0, taking a badly timed too many men on the ice penalty, and not pulling the goalie in the last 2 minutes with a PP. But I doubt these would have made the difference.

It just looked to me like the US team was pressing in the third period to come from behind and gave up too many opportunities as a result. Play the same teams again and the outcome could just as easily go the other way.

[QUOTE=Buffalo87;11889481]I'm still trying to figure out if this guy is serious.:help:
QUOTE]

Me too, but it seems like it.

IMO, even though Sweden ice their best TEAM (not necesseraly the best players individually) for ages, anything but a Canadian victory would be a huge upset. I would be delighted, impressed and very much surprised if they do beat Team Canada again. However I don't think they will.

Team Canada are massive favourites despite last weeks loss IMO. And rightfully so:

Registered Canadian hockeyplayers: 575k. Swedish: 67k

If Team Canada lose again they're doomed to live the rest of their lifes in shame.. ;)


Edit: Great game between CAN and USA! As always!

just reading through this thread I can't help but think that SOME PEOPLE will eat their words tomorrow. :biglaugh:

I honestly don't know which party it is going to be, but I sure will drop by tomorrow to see what happen ;)

btw I'm glad the game is tomorrow.

I can't wait to watch this game when I get home, sounds like it was a great effort put forth by both teams. Really happy to see Canada make it through, but this game sounds like it was anotheir classic Canada/USA matchup with both teams going at each other hard.

Best Swedish team in a while vs worst Canadian team in a while... gonna be worth watching.


^

This sums it up perfectly.

Considering that, IMO, after the 1st goal by Canada the US team just completely vanished, I almost think it was because they simply lost faith in their goalie and tried to play a tighter game. I thought the US played very well in the 1st period.

Mason straight up outplayed Smith. 4 goals on 20 something shots? Give me a break. Smith was horrible -- no ifs ands or buts about it. If there is a different goalie, the US at least has a better chance then they had tonight.

The only weak spot on this team outside of a defensive player or two was goaltending. Other than that, the team was built very well and is the first team in a while that I didn't totally kill after their selection was made.

I mean, to take Joe Palmer ahead of Unice is just... mindblowing. Smith looked shaky this game and I think his mates felt a lot of that from him as well.

If the US was so mentally weak that they gave up on Smith after allowing one tough goal in 30 minutes, their problems run far deeper than the goaltender.

The US was not as good as Canada today, in any area. Blaming it all on the goalie and calling it 'proof' that you were right all along is a cop-out.

It's funny really. I almost expected a loss in this game. That American squad was solid. First two goals weren't Smith's fault. (Man coverage on the first and his own guy bumping him on the second to get his stick caught.)

It just seems that when it comes to hockey, Canada has a level far greater than any one player on the team. ( I wonder why we can't apply it to any other type of sport..:D)

Not true, only the better team can say that. Any game must have a better team, and a team that is not as good. Assuming both "play their game" then the better team will win.

For example. If Denmark played "their game" against Canada or the US or Sweden or whomever, they would not win, assuming their opponent played even average hockey.

Right, but I'm not talking about lower teams......only the contenders.

Canada was awsome today, but the USA obviously didn't bring their "A" game either (suspect goaltending, poor coaching decisions). Based on some of their past performances USA could have said the same thing: we'll, if we played to our capabilities.......

And who's to assume Sweden was at the top of their game against Canada in the first meeting? They could just as easily say: wow, we beat Canada with a so-so effort.....think if we played OUR game.

Who'll win tomorrow? I don't know. But it's not as cut and dry as saying the cliche if we play our game.

It's funny really. I almost expected a loss in this game. That American squad was solid. First two goals weren't Smith's fault. (Man coverage on the first and his own guy bumping him on the second to get his stick caught.)

It just seems that when it comes to hockey, Canada has a level far greater than any one player on the team. ( I wonder why we can't apply it to any other type of sport..:D)

cus canada doesn't have the best talent (overwhelmingly) in any other sport internationally.

[QUOTE=Buffalo87;11889481]I'm still trying to figure out if this guy is serious.:help:
QUOTE]

Me too, but it seems like it.

IMO, even though Sweden ice their best TEAM (not necesseraly the best players individually) for ages, anything but a Canadian victory would be a huge upset. I would be delighted, impressed and very much surprised if they do beat Team Canada again. However I don't think they will.

Team Canada are massive favourites despite last weeks loss IMO. And rightfully so:

Registered Canadian hockeyplayers: 575k. Swedish: 67k

If Team Canada lose again they're doomed to live the rest of their lifes in shame.. ;)


Edit: Great game between CAN and USA! As always!

Fully agree

I may have been wrong about the result in the Swe/rus game but you were saying how Russia had no chance and how they suck which obviously was not the case. Russia showed up just like I said they would and Sweden won a very close game in overtime that could have gone either way. Nobody said Sweden is a bad team, but if you watched canada play today you would know this team has found its stride and will not settle for gold. Like I said, Sweden already beat Canada once so obviously they know it is possible, but Canada is here to play and it will take a full 60 minute effort to beat them. If Sweden lays an egg to start the game and go down 2-0 again they will lose, no doubt about it, no questions asked. Personally, since I wanted the Americans to win, I am just hoping for a good hockey game between some very skilled junior players.

I NEVER said that Russia had no chance! I always said that it would be a CLOSE game! But the Canadian game against the Fins wasn´t so impressive! Now it look like to be as with Russia! They did a amazing game against the Czech Republic and ooops Sweden has NO chance! And now the Canadians did a great game and oops some people says that Sweden has NO chance! But yes underate Sweden, it only hurts the Canadian team. They have all the pressure on them and Sweden has NOTHING to lose! So underating is only positive for the Swedes and negative for the Canadians! And you say we will lose if we go down with 2-0??? Well you should to learn that Sweden NEVER give up before the game is finished. The Swedish team is DAMN hard to beat! Think about that!

It just seems that when it comes to hockey, Canada has a level far greater than any one player on the team. ( I wonder why we can't apply it to any other type of sport..:D)


You forgot we dominate in curling and ringette.:sarcasm:

This game was proof again of how the American development system must change. For years they have been developing great players at all positions (especially recently) except in net. It is the biggest dividing factor between the Canadian hockey program (and even, to some extent Sweden, Finland, Russia and the Czech Republic's) that they develop talent at all positions including in goal.

I NEVER said that Russia had no chance! I always said that it would be a CLOSE game! But the Canadian game against the Fins wasn´t so impressive! Now it look like to be as with Russia! They did a amazing game against the Czech Republic and ooops Sweden has NO chance! And now the Canadians did a great game and oops some people says that Sweden has NO chance! But yes underate Sweden, it only hurts the Canadian team. They have all the pressure on them and Sweden has NOTHING to lose! So underating is only positive for the Swedes and negative for the Canadians! And you say we will lose if we go down with 2-0??? Well you should to learn that Sweden NEVER give up before the game is finished. The Swedish team is DAMN hard to beat! Think about that!

Yes. The posts on HFBoards have a major impact on the outcome of the game.

You forgot we dominate in curling and ringette.:sarcasm:

Dominate in curling???? Not for women!

I NEVER said that Russia had no chance! I always said that it would be a CLOSE game! But the Canadian game against the Fins wasn´t so impressive! Now it look like to be as with Russia! They did a amazing game against the Czech Republic and ooops Sweden has NO chance! And now the Canadians did a great game and oops some people says that Sweden has NO chance! But yes underate Sweden, it only hurts the Canadian team. They have all the pressure on them and Sweden has NOTHING to lose! So underating is only positive for the Swedes and negative for the Canadians! And you say we will lose if we go down with 2-0??? Well you should to learn that Sweden NEVER give up before the game is finished. The Swedish team is DAMN hard to beat! Think about that!

You used 10 exclamation marks in one paragraph. Clearly, you are excited, but that's absurd.

You forgot we dominate in curling and ringette.:sarcasm:

At the 2006 Winter Olympics, Canada, a country of around 32 million people managed 24 medals. Our friends the United States of America, a country of around 300 million people managed 25 medals. That's a grand total of 1 more medal for a country around 10 times as large and our mens hockey team flopped and didn't even win a medal. Yes, Canada's only good sports are hockey and curling and we're no where near our American counterparts at any other sports. :sarcasm:

Dominate in curling???? Not for women!

For the record, since the World Curling Championship has begun being held for women in 1979, Canada has 14 golds and Sweden 7. No one else has more than 2. So, maybe not domination, but we certainly win the most. Not really the place to debate that, but just wanted to let you know, that you don't need to get so worked up over a guy's passing joke.

At the 2006 Winter Olympics, Canada, a country of around 32 million people managed 24 medals. Our friends the United States of America, a country of around 300 million people managed 25 medals. That's a grand total of 1 more medal for a country around 10 times as large and our mens hockey team flopped and didn't even win a medal. Yes, Canada's only good sports are hockey and curling and we're no where near our American counterparts at any other sports. :sarcasm:

what happened in 2002?????

I NEVER said that Russia had no chance! I always said that it would be a CLOSE game! But the Canadian game against the Fins wasn´t so impressive! Now it look like to be as with Russia! They did a amazing game against the Czech Republic and ooops Sweden has NO chance! And now the Canadians did a great game and oops some people says that Sweden has NO chance! But yes underate Sweden, it only hurts the Canadian team. They have all the pressure on them and Sweden has NOTHING to lose! So underating is only positive for the Swedes and negative for the Canadians! And you say we will lose if we go down with 2-0??? Well you should to learn that Sweden NEVER give up before the game is finished. The Swedish team is DAMN hard to beat! Think about that!
Other than you, who's making these claims?

Got an inferiority complex or something?

what happened in 2002?????
Not 2001, that's for sure.

Curling is a sport?

What's next, bowling?:sarcasm:

Right, but I'm not talking about lower teams......only the contenders.

Canada was awsome today, but the USA obviously didn't bring their "A" game either (suspect goaltending, poor coaching decisions). Based on some of their past performances USA could have said the same thing: we'll, if we played to our capabilities.......

And who's to assume Sweden was at the top of their game against Canada in the first meeting? They could just as easily say: wow, we beat Canada with a so-so effort.....think if we played OUR game.

Who'll win tomorrow? I don't know. But it's not as cut and dry as saying the cliche if we play our game.

I think that it really is as cut and dry as that cliche, though, in some ways. Part of being a team that is "playing our game" is making sure that you're playing your A game so well that the other team is unable to get their game going because you're setting the tempo and dictating the way the game will go.

Not 2001, that's for sure.

were the olympics in 2001?

were the olympics in 2001?

Woosh. Right over the head.

were the olympics in 2001?

Woosh. Right over the head.

:biglaugh: Glad someone gets it.

I NEVER said that Russia had no chance! I always said that it would be a CLOSE game! But the Canadian game against the Fins wasn´t so impressive! Now it look like to be as with Russia! They did a amazing game against the Czech Republic and ooops Sweden has NO chance! And now the Canadians did a great game and oops some people says that Sweden has NO chance! But yes underate Sweden, it only hurts the Canadian team. They have all the pressure on them and Sweden has NOTHING to lose! So underating is only positive for the Swedes and negative for the Canadians! And you say we will lose if we go down with 2-0??? Well you should to learn that Sweden NEVER give up before the game is finished. The Swedish team is DAMN hard to beat! Think about that!Sweden has nothing to lose? How bout the gold. I dont care if Canada was favoured. This was a year where Sweden had a great chance to break the cold streak in medals. They did that. But I doubt they will settle for silver. They want Gold. At the same time. Canada has been in this type of game MANY times before. Including the last three years. Where they have won every time. Each team has something to lose. It will be close.

No disrespect to Sweden but I really think the best two teams played in todays game with Canada vs. USA.

No disrespect to Sweden but I really think the best two teams played in todays game with Canada vs. USA.

Well, I was not impressive of USA today. I think they was bad. I think the European semi was better than the North American semi!
Towmorrow Sweden will give Canada a hard battle!

Well, I was not impressive of USA today. I think they was bad. I think the European semi was better than the North American semi!
Towmorrow Sweden will give Canada a hard battle!

You obviously didn't watch the first period and a half of Canada vs USA if you think that. It was the best hockey I've seen all tournament.

Well, I was not impressive of USA today. I think they was bad. I think the European semi was better than the North American semi!
Towmorrow Sweden will give Canada a hard battle!

Canada 4
Sweden 3


As the best two teams in the tournament have a great game.

Well, I was not impressive of USA today. I think they was bad. I think the European semi was better than the North American semi!

I don't know of many people would agree with that statement. The hockey played in the second game was the best I've seen all tournament.

Sweden is a good team this year, but Canada will win this game if they play like they did today. It's Sweden's job to make sure Canada can't play the kind of game they did today. We'll see, it's a good matchup. I don't think Sweden can beat Canada twice, but it's possible.

Good game. Sweden will need to play strong if they want to win over Canada.

Missed all of this today but it sounds like it turned into a pissing match somehow, how i don't know.

It was all cut and dry, Canada dominated and was better in every dimension of the game, they actually could have won by quite a few more goals. no contest today at all.

I suspected and said i had my doubts about whether this U.S team and it's goaltending had been tested yet ( and by tested i meant Canada caliber tested)

looks like it had'nt been and they will play the game they deserve to be in. It's tough but that's sports. As long as Canada isn't put out they are to be respected, you would think fans in the know would have got that by now but some never get the message. Fans were writing them off and getting their licks in, (even the usual and embarassing woosie canuck ones) They'll be quite mute today though and it looks good on them, just desserts!!!


Sweden will be a tough opponent this next game, lots of respect for this team(not ALL their fans but their team). Very skilled, well coached and they look to have tons of heart.


It's going to be a doozy.

Curling is a sport?

What's next, bowling?:sarcasm:

Curlings a great sport!!!

You need to learn the rules and then watch it.

It sure is a lot of fun seeing all the Canadian fans at the game. It seems that no matter where team Canada plays, it is a home game with a sea of red and white. :thumbu:

Congrats to Canada just hope we could beat those russians tommorow:yo:.

In my opinion, the best player today, and for the whole tournament for Canada, was Brad Marchand.

:biglaugh: Glad someone gets it.

I'm not familiar w/ canadian success in their past. At least tell me what is so funny. B/c apparently it's a knee slapper.

a little OT but team Ontario just shut out the US national under 17 team for the under17 world championship.OUCH!!

I'm not familiar w/ canadian success in their past. At least tell me what is so funny. B/c apparently it's a knee slapper.

2001 didn't happen in 2002, it's a simple concept man.

2001 didn't happen in 2002, it's a simple concept man.

I thought he was trying to refer to a canadian accomplishment in 2001...:cry: You are so smart Caged Wisdom. You're like a miniature buddha.

I thought he was trying to refer to a canadian accomplishment in 2001...:cry: You are so smart Caged Wisdom. You're like a miniature buddha.

No need for hostility. Although.....I do love anchorman references :)

Fellow Canadians, when Americans are calling you cocky, you know it's time to cool it.

Congrats to a great tourney by the US team.

US fans, I hope you take the time to watch the gold medal game - if only to see what the hot Czech girls wear during the award ceremony. I'm thinking black bikinis.

Congrats to Canada just hope we could beat those russians tommorow:yo:.
As do I, if anything the Americans deserve bronze, they have one of the brightest futures in the NHL. USA really deserves a lot of recognition for their hockey developement

Canada is an underdog and I love it!!!!

At the 2006 Winter Olympics, Canada, a country of around 32 million people managed 24 medals. Our friends the United States of America, a country of around 300 million people managed 25 medals. That's a grand total of 1 more medal for a country around 10 times as large and our mens hockey team flopped and didn't even win a medal. Yes, Canada's only good sports are hockey and curling and we're no where near our American counterparts at any other sports. :sarcasm:

dude you must have a phd in statistics or something that analysis was amazing.

Congrats to Canada, win it for NA.

im pretty thankful these games arent on TV in the USA, so im not forced to watch the USA get embarassed in the semis on a yearly basis

You shouldn't be embarassed at all. Last years game was pretty much a coin toss and as was said early in this thread the Americans I feel showed they were the second best team in the tournament today. Imagine that team with Johnson and Kane on it as well (I can say the same with Canada). You don't need to look any further than recent drafts to see how well the States are developing promising hockey players. I know it's cliche but I think what separates Canadians from the rest of the world is our "heart". Just like the opening of the TSN broadcast said, its not our speed or strength that makes us different from the rest, it's what's inside. I loved it. Can't wait for tomorrow. Good luck fellas.

I thought he was trying to refer to a canadian accomplishment in 2001...:cry: You are so smart Caged Wisdom. You're like a miniature buddha.
Explaining the joke ruined it :(

just watched the game, here are my thoughts. I wouldnt be embaressed if i was team USA, they didnt play any tough games yet and it clearly showed. before the tourny started canada was the favorites and they showed why, great defensive team. I think luke schenn played a fantastic game. I thought the US D had way too many bad breakout pass turnovers. I thought the US power play was weak, didnt set up much. They werent physical enough, i thought before the game that they were going to be able to punish them and intimidate them because they are older and more expiereceed but that didnt happen. Okposo isnt ready for the NHL. Good game canada. USA will get the bronze, i hope.

I also think Wilson and Schorder have very bright futures, there was a 5-3 and schorder was the only foward out there for USA, that says something of a 17 year olds D-game.

Bill Meltzer is the best hockey writer in the world

:biglaugh: Does that mean hes also the best at projecting talent? Because if he was the best at that I think he'd have a little more important job than writing hockey stories for nhl.com.

:biglaugh: Does that mean hes also the best at projecting talent? Because if he was the best at that I think he'd have a little more important job than writing hockey stories for nhl.com.

Just to let you know....I don't think that poster will be responding to you

im pretty thankful these games arent on TV in the USA, so im not forced to watch the USA get embarassed in the semis on a yearly basis


Hey, don't say that. Last year was a great game and the team didn't "embarass" itself today. A little breakdown in the third was what put the game out of reach, but the U.S. players shouldn't be ashamed. Yeah, it's tough to lose but the U.S. produces some great hockey players. If they were on TV, you'd get to watch them. As many Canadians learned after we went from 1998 to 2005 without a gold medal at this tournament, international hockey has become more difficult to dominate. The Super Series was an exception to this because of poor talent in the 1989 and 1988 birth years in Russia. The U.S. is right up there. Just need to tweak your player selection process a bit.

just think of the possibility of team usa whole 1st line back next year, very possiable and gives up something to look foward to.

After the "super series" with Russia this past summer there were rumours that Hockey Canada would try and set up a series with the US this summer. Hopefully it comes to fruition.

Fellow Canadians, when Americans are calling you cocky, you know it's time to cool it.

Congrats to a great tourney by the US team.

US fans, I hope you take the time to watch the gold medal game - if only to see what the hot Czech girls wear during the award ceremony. I'm thinking black bikinis.

of course, it goes without saying.

:naughty:

just think of the possibility of team usa whole 1st line back next year, very possiable and gives up something to look foward to.

You think Okposo will be back?

JVR, Wilson, Schorder was the 1st line i thought.

In my opinion, the best player today, and for the whole tournament for Canada, was Brad Marchand.

I wouldnt disagree with tonight, but before now he's been absolutely awful. Like "should have been 13th forward bad" He was awesome today though.

cus canada doesn't have the best talent (overwhelmingly) in any other sport internationally.

HELLO MY FRIEND - EVER HEARD OF SPEED SKATING, LONG & SHORT TRACK:rant:

Canada always gets it done. Congrats and good luck versus Sweden. The USA is good, but always finish second to the Canucks.

I wouldnt disagree with tonight, but before now he's been absolutely awful. Like "should have been 13th forward bad" He was awesome today though.

Agreed. Really I'm not sure who Canada's best player in the tournament has been to this point. It's an extremely tough call. Matthias and Schenn don't get a lot of recognition but I think they've been pretty much as good as any Canadian in this tournament. Tavares has been solid as well as Doughty...

I think the States had the best line and their second line was decent, but in general Canada was much better. Their 3rd and 4th lines have dangerous guys like Stamkos and Simmonds (even the Legion - Sutter line) who can create and step up. I think you could see just how thin the US were up front in that 3rd period.

Canada's defense also played better than that of the States by a wide margin today.

pretty much what i was thinking as I was watching the game, The US has the best top line of any team in the tournament, and I knew that Canada would try to take that away(they pretty much did). I thought all along that the US would have to get some secondary scoring to win the game, and of course they didnt. Canada played a strong game and deserved to win.
I am not sure what the mindset is going to be for the US team now against the Russians. They have to pretty damn dissapointed because this was their shot and they didnt get it done.

Ha, I've heard better excuses than that!

The fact is, they weren't as good as everyone thought they were! Team USA hadn't seen a team like Canada yet and they weren't up to it! This was Canada's most dominating win and it came when they needed to step up there game! No one believed me when I said both Finland and Sweden were fortunate with a couple of their goals and that's really it. Obviously now the pool with Canada and Sweden was far better than Team USA's!

Good luck Canada in the final!!!

It's a good thing Canada won. I can't imagine the mass suicide that would have occured had an entire country been deprived their sole source of national pride. 'Nuff said.

It's a good thing Canada won. I can't imagine the mass suicide that would have occured had an entire country been deprived their sole source of national pride. 'Nuff said.

*cough* Curling and Speed skating *cough* :p:

It's a good thing Canada won. I can't imagine the mass suicide that would have occured had an entire country been deprived their sole source of national pride. 'Nuff said.

A Canadians source of national pride is in no way connected strictly to hockey, or even sport for that matter. Canada is one of the greatest nations on earth for so many other, more important, reasons.

Well, there are sure some ********* in both the United States and Canada, based on this thread. :shakehead However, as a sign of goodwill, I'd like to say that I was rooting for the Americans hardcore, but Canada was definitely the better team. It was nice to see Flyers' top prospect JVR get a goal, but other than that, it was a nightmare. Luke Schenn was absolute beast for the Canadians. I will be rooting you guys in the Gold Medal game against Sweden.

P.S. We really could have used Kane, Johnson, and McDonagh out there. Yeesh.

A Canadians source of national pride is in no way connected strictly to hockey, or even sport for that matter. Canada is one of the greatest nations on earth for so many other, more important, reasons.

I love my country as much as anybody, and it is a great place to live, but Hockey is almost all Canadians MAJOR source of pride and boasting. It just is.

Well, there are sure some ********* in both the United States and Canada, based on this thread. :shakehead However, as a sign of goodwill, I'd like to say that I was rooting for the Americans hardcore, but Canada was definitely the better team. It was nice to see Flyers' top prospect JVR get a goal, but other than that, it was a nightmare. Luke Schenn was absolute beast for the Canadians. I will be rooting you guys in the Gold Medal game against Sweden.

.S. We really could have used Kane, Johnson, and McDonagh out there. Yeesh.P

Don't forget Mueller.

I love my country as much as anybody, and it is a great place to live, but Hockey is almost all Canadians MAJOR source of pride and boasting. It just is.

You need to learn more about your own country. HF boards is not a good place to do that.

You need to learn more about your own country. HF boards is not a good place to do that.

I know a pretty fair amount about our great nation. At least, we all better hope so, as I do teach it, as a S.S. teacher.

Then you off all people should understand it is "a" source of Canadian pride, and a rather large one, but it is by no means almost ALL Canadians Major source of pride.

There are only about 15 or 20 decent countries in the world, and the United States and Canada are two of them. This crap is tiresome.

The only difference between Americans and Canadians is Americans spell funny and pronounce the last letter of the alphabet kind of weird.:biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh:

The only difference between Americans and Canadians is Americans spell funny and pronounce the last letter of the alphabet kind of weird.:biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh:

"Canada could have been the best of all worlds: French culture, British government, and American ingenuity. Instead, they got American culture, French government, and British ingenuity." ;)

Knock off the insults, please. Get back to the topic at hand.

What people fail to realize is that the two countries really are not that different.

What people fail to realize is that the two countries really are not that different.

Not really. Two wealthy North American countries that were formerly colonized by the British and the French. Pretty similar histories.

Not really. Two wealthy North American countries that were formerly colonized by the British and the French. Pretty similar histories.

Why are you arguing? He just said they were similar.

Not really. Two wealthy North American countries that were formerly colonized by the British and the French. Pretty similar histories.

there is pretty much no difference between the american NE and midwest and canada i'd say, the southern USA can be a bit different, especially outwest with more spanish influences, but yah

Why are you arguing? He just said they were similar.

Not an argument. I meant "Not really different, in essentials." I have only been to Montreal, however, so I can't comment too much. I enjoy a lot of Canadian cultural things, however. Schwartz's smoked meat, Sloan, Joni Mitchell, weed, Kids in the Hall, big breakfasts, hockey. Some things, not so much. Poutine, taxes, lack of guns, bitter cold even during the day in October, Molson, constant mentions of the War of 1812 (when Canada was not even a country). Overall, a nice place with nice people. I prefer the States, but hey, that is why I am here and they are there. It's silly to concentrate on the differences instead of the similarities.

Not an argument. I meant "Not really different, in essentials." I have only been to Montreal, however, so I can't comment too much. I enjoy a lot of Canadian cultural things, however. Schwartz's smoked meat, Sloan, Joni Mitchell, weed, Kids in the Hall, big breakfasts, hockey. Some things, not so much. Poutine, taxes, lack of guns, bitter cold even during the day in October, Molson, constant mentions of the War of 1812 (when Canada was not even a country). Overall, a nice place with nice people. I prefer the States, but hey, that is why I am here and they are there. It's silly to concentrate on the differences instead of the similarities.

I think the most important thing for you to try and grasp is: We do NOT want to be like USA.

I think the most important thing for you to try and grasp is: We do NOT want to be like USA.

You say that, but we as Canadians still eat up American culture like crazy, and beg for more and more.

You say that, but we as Canadians still eat up American culture like crazy, and beg for more and more.

speak for yourself bud.

Silly swedes, thought they could actually beat Canada...at ice hockey, of all things! :sarcasm:

Canada doesn't lose, period. Grats to our boys for their 4th straight gold. :handclap::handclap::handclap:

Silly swedes, thought they could actually beat Canada...at ice hockey, of all things! :sarcasm:

Canada doesn't lose, period. Grats to our boys for their 4th straight gold. :handclap::handclap::handclap:

Silly Canadians, thought they could actually beat Sweden easily with 5-0...at ice hockey, of all things!:sarcasm:

Canada lose do lose in robin round, period. Sweden, grats to be the only unbeaten team in the regular time! :handclap::handclap::handclap::handclap:

Sweden=the best team in the tournament.

Silly Canadians, thought they could actually beat Sweden easily with 5-0...at ice hockey, of all things!:sarcasm:

Canada lose do lose in robin round, period. Sweden, grats to be the only unbeaten team in the regular time! :handclap::handclap::handclap::handclap:

Sweden=the best team in the tournament.
In the end all it matters is who wins the Gold.

Finland were the best team in the Olympics and they lost only one game but the one they lost was the one that mattered.

I think the most important thing for you to try and grasp is: We do NOT want to be like USA.

Why? If people in general are more alike than different, and Canadians and Americans are more closely related than most, why the urge to point out differences?

step outside the USA and take a long UNBIASED look at her. she's a mess. i have a good perspective on it . i lived my first 35 years there.the people of that country better start taking it back from their politicians/corporations , or they are doomed to mediocrity.or worse.there is more to life than chasing the almighty buck.

step outside the USA and take a long UNBIASED look at her. she's a mess. i have a good perspective on it . i lived my first 35 years there.the people of that country better start taking it back from their politicians/corporations , or they are doomed to mediocrity.or worse.there is more to life than chasing the almighty buck.

What on earth does this have to do with hockey?

Not really. Two wealthy North American countries that were formerly colonized by the British and the French. Pretty similar histories.

Canada is actually a 2nd world nation. Or so my geography proffessor claims. She claims it's because we are not a peripheral/core country without being dependant on the USA.


Other than hockey, I fail to see what is so great about Canada. I don't mean to be a dick, I just honostly fail to see why my fellow Canadians think this nation is so relevant.



Ack! I slipped off topic didn't I?

Canada is actually a 2nd world nation. Or so my geography proffessor claims. She claims it's because we are not a peripheral/core country without being dependant on the USA.


Other than hockey, I fail to see what is so great about Canada. I don't mean to be a dick, I just honostly fail to see why my fellow Canadians think this nation is so relevant.



Ack! I slipped off topic didn't I?


I think it's what you DON'T have, really. Believe it or not, Americans don't base how good our country is by how many other countries we can kick the **** out of.

And everyone hates the ones that do anyway.

I mean... uh.... Congratulations, Canada!

Meh, our hockey teams better then yours

Meh, our hockey teams better then yours

What, like the Edmonton Oilers?

Well another gold medal. :win: Seems even when other countries have more talented teams ours always rises to the occasion.

Congrats on another win! :handclap:

Canada is actually a 2nd world nation. Or so my geography proffessor claims. She claims it's because we are not a peripheral/core country without being dependant on the USA.

Your high school (I hope) teacher doesn't know what she's talking about. Otherwise, I hope you're going to community college and that the professor in question is a sessional instructor.

The old "second world" title was attached to communist and formerly communist countries under the Soviet Union's sphere of influence. It has nothing to do with "core/periphery" relationships in general.

Your high school (I hope) teacher doesn't know what she's talking about. Otherwise, I hope you're going to community college and that the professor in question is a sessional instructor.

You're good. :)

The old "second world" title was attached to communist and formerly communist countries under the Soviet Union's sphere of influence. It has nothing to do with "core/periphery" relationships in general.

I know! Thats what I said comming into the course.

step outside the USA and take a long UNBIASED look at her. she's a mess. i have a good perspective on it . i lived my first 35 years there.the people of that country better start taking it back from their politicians/corporations , or they are doomed to mediocrity.or worse.there is more to life than chasing the almighty buck.

I have. It's a pretty awesome country. Canada is, too. Americans and Canadians are lucky to have been born (or to have immigrated into) countries that are, by world standards, extremely rich, stable, and literate. And there is nothing wrong with wanting to make a buck. That's why I don't get anti-immigration fears. Keep out terrorists, sure, but anyone who wants to come and work and better their standing is welcomed by me. I have traveled extensively in Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. We have it GREAT here. Could it be better? Yes (Canada, too). It could way way worse.

You're good. :)



I know! Thats what I said comming into the course.

That whole thing is totally outmoded. Canada is a mature, developed nation-state.

I thought about weighing in on some of the comments in this thread.

Suffice to say many posters should stick to discussing hockey.