2008 World Championships Thread

I got an idea to start this thread now while watching the Hawks/Wings game this afternoon and since there are rumors about Pazzy and what not, I figured this could be a pretty good catch-all for the World Championships.

Now, why I began thinking about this during the game earlier. Since we now know who is in the playoffs and who is not, what will the line ups for each team look like? The major thing I was thinking about was who plays Nash's center? I thought Toews may look pretty good next to Nasher. I assumed he'd get an invite because of the way he played this season. Also, does this injury keep Chimmer out of the worlds? Who else makes rosters from this Jackets team? Freddie No? Freddie Mo? Rusty? Hejda? Vyborny? Nikki? This could be a pretty good tournament in terms of the Jackets. Hopefully we don't have to worry about this next year though.

Players comfirmed invited

Canada
LeClaire
Chimera
Nash

Czech Republic
Jiri Novotny
Jan Hejda

It will be good to see Pascal in Hali again, that's for sure. Nasher as well, Canada played a handful of exhibition games here a couple of years ago and I saw him then.

I came up with a hypothetical lineup on my blog (shameless plug- cbjcannon.blogspot.com ) the only difference being Nashville was in 9th at the time, so I had Arnott and Ellis on the team, obviously that will be different now.

It'll probably be Nash - Toews - St. Louis on the top line IMO.

Any idea if the Worlds will be televised on a channel besides CenterIce?

Any idea if the Worlds will be televised on a channel besides CenterIce?

I remember watching the games online last year. I don't know if it was one of those "illigal" websites or not, but I know they were posting links in the GDT on the main WC board.

New Puckrakers says that Pazzy is definately invited and Zherdev is going to find out if his services are needed in the next few days. The Jackets could have a great showing at the Worlds.

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/04/pazzy_to_the_worlds_z_might_fo.shtml

Macster- is there anyway that Jakub makes the Czech team if his playoffs are over?

I hope Z gets to play for Russia.

I hope Z gets to play for Russia.

Me too. It seems like it's something he's been looking forward to and he could use the reward.

New Puckrakers says that Pazzy is definately invited and Zherdev is going to find out if his services are needed in the next few days. The Jackets could have a great showing at the Worlds.

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/04/pazzy_to_the_worlds_z_might_fo.shtml

Macster- is there anyway that Jakub makes the Czech team if his playoffs are over?

yea theres a thread about it a few threads down

Chimera was invited, it was confirmed on FSN Broadcast in the last Detriot game.

Chimera was invited, it was confirmed on FSN Broadcast in the last Detriot game.

My mom told me about that. I was at the game so I didn't hear it. Hopefully he gets better in time to play.

I'll keep a running tab of all of the players who have officially been invited for the CBJ. If everyone post things they've seen in this thread then I'll keep updating.

Zherdev was invited a few weeks ago. He's gonna be in the Russian team camp next week.

New Puckrakers says that Pazzy is definately invited and Zherdev is going to find out if his services are needed in the next few days. The Jackets could have a great showing at the Worlds.

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/04/pazzy_to_the_worlds_z_might_fo.shtml

Macster- is there anyway that Jakub makes the Czech team if his playoffs are over?

Yup, Broken to the board a day early by yours truly. I rarely get inside info, so it was fun to find out ahead of time.

Nash officially invited. The press release on Bluejackets.com

http://bluejackets.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=359733

And I am enjoying Slovak defensive...(defensive?). Because it is a word from sci-fiction books by Isaac Asimov for our players :D. We need Ken Hitchock!!!

If anyone is interested.

http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/home.html

Former Halifax Mooseheads goalie Pascal Leclaire is part of the first group of 15 players selected for next month’s IIHF world championship in Halifax and Quebec City.

Hockey Canada, along with Team Canada general manager Steve Yzerman, announced the selections on Tuesday. Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock was named to guide the team last week.

The team is deep in talent and experience with eight veterans of past world championships and five former Olympians.

The first wave of players is led by Columbus forward Rick Nash, the MVP of last year’s championship in Russia, and Phoenix Coyotes forward Shane Doan, the captain of the 2007 championship squad.

Leclaire (Columbus) and Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes have been named in goal.

"As far as coming back to Halifax, I’m really excited, really looking forward to it," Leclaire said via conference call. "I still have great connections in that city and still have a lot of friends. I had a great time and great memories playing there for three years."

Leclaire, 25, had a breakout season for the Blue Jackets with a 24-17-6 record, a 2.25 goal-against average and nine shutouts in 54 games. He played for Halifax from 1998-2001.

Ward may have the upper hand on the No. 1 job based on his 5-0 record and 2.20 goals-against average last year in Russia when he split time with Dwayne Roloson. However, Hitchcock has great respect for the job Leclaire performed in Columbus this season.

"I’m sure me and Cam will push each other," said Leclaire, who played on Canada’s world junior team in 2002. "We’ll try to make the best goaltending team as possible. As far as who’s going to play, it’s going to end up being a coaching decision."

Jay Bouwmeester (Florida Panthers), Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks) and Steve Staios (Edmonton Oilers) are on the blue-line. The forwards are Nash, Doan, Jason Chimera (Columbus), Jamal Mayers (St. Louis Blues), Derek Roy (Buffalo Sabres), Patrick Sharp (Chicago), Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning), Eric Staal (Carolina Hurricanes), Jonathan Toews (Chicago) and Ray Whitney (Carolina).

Chimera, Mayers, Staal and Toews were also part of the 2007 gold-medal roster.

Yzerman, along with assistant general managers Doug Armstrong and Luc Robitaille, will monitor the NHL playoffs over the next few weeks and look to make additions as players become available.

"Our intention will be to fill out the majority of the roster after the first round of the playoffs, but we’re very excited to be able to announce this initial group," Yzerman said.

Nash, with six goals and five assists in nine games last year, said he’s thrilled to have another chance to wear the Maple Leaf. This will be his sixth event with a Canadian team.

"It’s an honour to represent your country at any time, but especially when you’re playing in your own backyard," said Nash. "It’s going to be a fun time … but it’s also serious to keep that title."

He said there is more to this tournament than medals and national pride. The standings will provide the seeding for 2010 Olympics in Vancouver with Canada entering third behind Sweden and Finland. "This is a very important for Canada," he said.

Yzerman said he’s had no trouble attracting interest around the NHL.

"We’re very excited with the response we’ve gotten from players and the great excitement they’ve shown for this year’s tournament," said Yzerman. "I think Canadian players recognize the extraordinary opportunity and the excitement that the tournament will bring playing in Canada."

Nash said he’s not concerned that the tournament will have to compete for attention across Canada with the Stanley Cup playoffs. He thinks many Canadians are international hockey fans and will want to gauge Canada’s progress towards the Olympics.

"One of the main things is the cities that they picked," he said. "Obviously, I think they are cities that are capable of holding NHL franchises … so I think the buzz around the two cities is going to be huge."

Whitney also has world championship experience along with last year’s gold-medal winners. Bouwmeester, Doan, Nash, St. Louis and Staal have represented Canada in the Olympics.

Team Canada will have a training camp in Quebec City starting April 24 and will play exhibition games at Le Colisee against Finland on April 26 and Russia on April 28.

The Canadians begin their title defence at the Halifax Metro Centre beginning May 2 against Slovenia. The United States and Latvia are also in Canada’s pool.

http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/Sports/1048547.html

Just reading through the World Championships thread on the International Tournaments board and there were a few people saying that Nik Zherdev wasn't invited to the Russian camp. There was a link posted to a site that has some of the preliminary rosters for the individual teams and Nikki wasn't listed on there either. I want to know what gives. The man just had a break out year and on some nights, was the best player on the ice. He has said publically that he would really like to play for his country and he just can't get a call. I think that is unbelieveable. I wish some of the local media could get some news on this (Puckrakers, Dispatch, something!!).

Maybe he's still in the doghouse with the Russian league officials.

The only reason he would not be invited is because he left to come to Columbus when we drafted him.

Last I heard, he had been invited and was planning on going, but that must have not been official.

Kirill Starkov is going to play for Denmark if allowed by CBJ.

Jan Hejda and Jiří Novotný are certainly going to play for Czech. Rostislav Klesla and David Výborný...?

Kirill Starkov is going to play for Denmark if allowed by CBJ.

I don't see why they wouldn't allow him, unless he's needed in Syracuse.

I hope they have it on either center ice or the NHL network. I definitely want to see Nash on the big ice. If the NHL ever went to the bigger ice, Nash would easily be in the top 3 players in the world. If anyone recalls the video thats out there ( i have it somewhere, cant find it at the moment) during the lockout when Nash was with Davos and he beats 3 people with power off the boards with a pass backwards to himself through his legs. It was a pure power and skill move, he didnt score on the play, but it was impressive.

But once Nash was given the C, he was a different player. He will dominate on the bigger ice, his reach and power almost make him unstoppable. The NHL ice is crowded and he doesnt have nearly as much room. We've seen how dominating he can be on the NHL ice, he'll be even more exciting now on the big ice!

Maybe he's still in the doghouse with the Russian league officials.

I've read in several places over the last few months that the Russians aren't terribly pleased with him for leaving for the NHL. I'm pretty sure he was under contract to a Russian a la Evgeni Malkin. Their loss.

Jari Kurri, GM for Finland hasn't called for Norrena (and no-one else as well). So looks like he'll be out of the tournament. For me it's a pretty weird thing not even asking if he's willing to go because Kiprusoff, Toskala and Lehtonen have said they won't go.

But anyways Norrena said in an interview that he would probably have said no as well, because he wants to spend time with his family in Columbus.

Jeff Rimer said today on the Coach's Show that Jiri Novotny is going to play for the Czech Republic. That's the fourth Jacket *officially* invited.

I'm not sure if I love the new Team Canada jerseys yet:

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20080424/canada-top_44448.jpg

I could do without the stripes at the bottom, and on the sleeves. Piping like on Jackets jerseys would look way better.

It seems to go for a 1980's look, and doesn't quite pull it off...

Does anyone know the TV schedule for this yet? I looked ahead on the NHL network on my onscreen guide and they didnt' have anything through the 5th but they are usually wrong up until the same day. Center ice?

Team Canada played its first exhibition game today. There was an online feed, but I couldnt watch. My friend was giving me updates on MSN. Anyways, Canada won 3-2 vs. Finland. Pazzy started the second half, let in a goal on not sure how many shots, but it was not his fault it went off one of Canada's D. He stopped Jokinen on a penalty shot and made several good/key saves. Chimera scored Canada's second goal. He is playing on a line with Patrick Sharpe and Jamal Mayers. Nash has yet to arrive in Quebec, they said that he should be here by Monday but I read a few days ago in the Columbus Dispatch that his recovery from tonsil surgery is not going all that great and he could miss the tournament. Hopefully that is not the case.

Nash is in Quebec now and expected to practice monday, according to Puck-Rakers. They called him "questionable" for round one.

Honestly, given that Rick played over 10 games this season where he said he "couldn't breathe" because of the tonsils?

I think the only way Hitch keeps him off the ice for round one is if they lock him in his hotel room.

Nash is in Quebec now and expected to practice monday, according to Puck-Rakers. They called him "questionable" for round one.

Honestly, given that Rick played over 10 games this season where he said he "couldn't breathe" because of the tonsils?

I think the only way Hitch keeps him off the ice for round one is if they lock him in his hotel room.

Just read that on TSN.

the article also says thats Nash was thinking about skipping the tourney, but Hitch "strongly encouraged him to come"

QUEBEC - It doesn't take very much to make Rick Nash happy these days.

''It's just nice to be out of bed,'' he said.

The big winger is only two weeks removed from minor throat surgery that corrected a tonsillectomy he had a few years back. He's been unable to skate or lift weights while recovering from the procedure and hasn't been eating much other than soup or pasta.

Nash has now joined his Canadian teammates at training camp for the upcoming IIHF World Hockey Championship but didn't participate in an open practice with them at a local mall on Sunday afternoon.

Instead, he stayed back at Le Pepsi Colisee and got fitted for equipment. He expects to skate for the first time since the operation on Monday morning but will sit out an exhibition game later that night against Russia.

Canada doesn't open the tournament until May 2 and Nash expects to be back in game shape by then. However, he'll be monitoring his health closely and won't take any risks.

''It's an open internal sore so if it starts bleeding it's a pretty dangerous thing,'' he said. ''You've got to be careful.

''If I don't feel healthy I'm obviously not going to play. Seven months of being in good shape - I don't know if 10 days is going to affect too much, but we'll find out.''

Nash says he briefly considered skipping this world championship because of the throat surgery but was strongly encouraged to come by coach Ken Hitchcock. He was also keen to be part of this event because it's being played in Canada and felt good enough about his health to join the team.

''I'm here to win gold just like 25 other guys,'' said Nash. ''If I play 10 minutes a game and we win every game and get gold, I'll be happy.''

http://www.tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/story/?id=236066&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_canadian_hockey

Blue Jackets prospect Lennart Petrell is still in the finnish squad! Possible 4th line hitting in your face type of role or 13th forward :yo:

6.3, 211 lbs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPmuFfeyki8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI1waLH_LlI

Blue Jackets prospect Lennart Petrell is still in the finnish squad! Possible 4th line hitting in your face type of role or 13th forward :yo:

6.3, 211 lbs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPmuFfeyki8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI1waLH_LlI

Always been a fan of Petrell, I hope he comes over to try out a training camp.

A bottom 6 of...

Petrell
Boll
Sestito
Dorsett
Legein
Picard

...would have the glass shaking in no time. Sandpaper overload.

1-1 after 1 in the Canada-Russia exhibition game. Brent Burns scored 17 seconds in, and Mozyakin scored for Russia. Pazzy made a huge glove save with about a minute to go in the period.

There have been a couple of scrums, these teams are going to hate eachother when/if they meet for real in a couple of weeks.

Another awesome glove save by Pazzy. With him stopping a penalty shot two nights ago, and generally playing solid against the Finns, coupled with how great he is playing tonight, it's looking like he has the inside track on the starter's job.

I'm guessing that Ward and Leclaire will split the Slovenia/Latvia games, with the guy who emerges as the top guy getting the States, followed by the qualification and playoff rounds.

Damn, as I type this Russia scores. Nothing Pazzy could have done however.

If Nash isn't 100% I would rather him not even play one game in this tournament

If Nash isn't 100% I would rather him not even play one game in this tournament

Dude, it's tonsils. Non-career threatening injury.

If Nash isn't 100% I would rather him not even play one game in this tournament
I want him to play and to make some noise over there. Maybe it will help land us some good talent this summer when they think they could be playing with Nasher. He always plays well when he's in the All-Star game, Worlds, etc.

Mozyakin with 2 goals last night in Russia's 4-1 win. And, don't look now, but Ovechkin is on his way!

What ever happened with Zherdev and the Russian team. I know there were rumors he was going to be on it, but it apparently never materialized. He would have been a good pick for them. Were they still smarting from his leaving?

What ever happened with Zherdev and the Russian team. I know there were rumors he was going to be on it, but it apparently never materialized. He would have been a good pick for them. Were they still smarting from his leaving?
You, and anybody else, are better stay away from what's going on with that Russian team. Nobody could understand what those idiots in Russia are doing. They have no defencive centers, Brylin is willing to go and they cut him off, same with Chubarov and Nikolishin (I know, they play in Russia but they're still good in their own end)... The head coach of Russian team said that St.Louis recently played for the Russian team. Russian fans are scratching their heads why Afinogenov is on the roster and Zherdev's not. Just part of the Russian head coach's interview:
"Canada is a so-so team", - Bykov said. - "They invited that player who wasn't good enough for Khimik where Mozjakin plays".
"Who is that?" - associates were surprised. -
"St.Louis"- Bykov answered. "Here's your Canada".
"Sorry, but St.Louis is an NHL star, he plays for Tampa"
"Yeah?!!! So who did try to get a spot on the Khimik roster?!!!".
"That was Martin St.Pierre, the player from the AHL".

I think Z has become the poster boy for the Russian Federations anger at their players continuing to defect to the NHL.

Very sad for Z. :shakehead

Time heals wounds. Z will represent Russia at some point in international play. It took a while before Fedorov, Mogilny, and Bure represented Russia after they defected.

Hitch liked what he saw of Mozyakin.

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/


Hitchcock, who had a great view of Mozyakin from the bench on Monday, raved about his ability:

"He's a very good player. It's the first time I've seen him play. He was very effective. I don't know about the smallness, but his strength was there. And if that's the case, the size is irrelevant. If the player wants to come over and compete, it's irrelevant."

Game one on Friday against Slovenia, I can't wait! I've got excellent tickets.

Hitch liked what he saw of Mozyakin.

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/


Hitchcock, who had a great view of Mozyakin from the bench on Monday, raved about his ability:

"He's a very good player. It's the first time I've seen him play. He was very effective. I don't know about the smallness, but his strength was there. And if that's the case, the size is irrelevant. If the player wants to come over and compete, it's irrelevant."

As Archie Griffin says: "it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." (rubbing chin) Or was that Michael Vick??? :sarcasm:

As Archie Griffin says: "it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

I believe Archie was quoting Woody on that one. But, I could be wrong.

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20080428/ca_77445.jpg

POP QUIZ:

How many threads will have Hitch's quote about a Russian who will probably never come over the pond in them by 12:00 EST?

We are currently at 3

Re: Moyzakin and "size"- does the name "Vyborny" register?

Re: Moyzakin and "size"- does the name "Vyborny" register?

I think that name (Vyborny) translated to great when we were bad but less than stellar when we became better.

Kirill Starkov is going to play for Denmark if allowed by CBJ.

Kirill is not going to play for Denmark! Apparantly the team coach can not guarantee him a spot on the top lines, and thus he descided to fight for his spot on the Sycaruse.

Game one on Friday against Slovenia, I can't wait! I've got excellent tickets.

Hey Mac, just out of curiosity, how hard is it to get tickets to the games? (I'm assuming impossible.) There is a [veeeeerrrrrry] outside chance that I could actually make it up there in the next couple weeks, so I'm just wondering....

Hey Mac, just out of curiosity, how hard is it to get tickets to the games? (I'm assuming impossible.) There is a [veeeeerrrrrry] outside chance that I could actually make it up there in the next couple weeks, so I'm just wondering....

The tickets to the Slovenia and Latvia games this weekend weren't too bad, I've had them for a few weeks now.

I've "acquired" tickets to the US game, but it has been sold out for a long time. The tickets for the qualification and quarter finals will likely sell quickly, my recommendation is to try

www.ticketatlantic.com

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20080428/ca_77445.jpg

That is just .. :bow:

There was a rally in downtown Halifax this morning, I went down on my lunch break from work and saw some of the guys. I met Pazzy and shook his hand and welcomed him back to Hali. He gets the start on Sunday against Latvia, I'll be there as well.

Does anyone know if NHL network is going to be carrying any of the games? I remember seeing mention of it earlier, but when I scan through NHL network's schedule all I get is On the Fly and NHL Live. If they aren't covering the games at all, is there any other place that I could view them on the web possibly?

What ever happened with Zherdev and the Russian team. I know there were rumors he was going to be on it, but it apparently never materialized. He would have been a good pick for them. Were they still smarting from his leaving?
He was indeed a potential candidate. However, during a telephone conversation with the coach after the end of the season, it was decided that it would be better if Zherdev didn't participate. While Bykov (the coach) did mention something about Zherdev not being in the right state of mind for the World Championships right now, the specifics have not been revealed. There was a mini outcry amongst Russian fans at the time, but it has since become evident that the team currently assembled doesn't really have an objective need for Zherdev.

You, and anybody else, are better stay away from what's going on with that Russian team. Nobody could understand what those idiots in Russia are doing. They have no defencive centers, Brylin is willing to go and they cut him off, same with Chubarov and Nikolishin (I know, they play in Russia but they're still good in their own end)...
The very same mediocre Chubarov who suffered a longterm injury to end the season? The 35-year-old Nikolishin whose skating is at best pedestrian? C'mon mate, you can't be serious! Brylin could have been a possible addition, but given that an NHLer is generally invited with a guaranteed roster spot, its fairly reasonable to not automatically place someone on the team who may or may not be a better choice than the centers who have already gone through two weeks of training camp. Whom exactly would you have him replace at this point? Apart from that, Gorovikov can be be classified as a defensive center, and as I take it, Feds isn't too shabby defensively as well.

There was a mini outcry amongst Russian fans at the time, but it has since become evident that the team currently assembled doesn't really have an objective need for Zherdev.
.
Bykov said he doesn't watch NHL at all. Bykov doesn't see any difference between Martin St. Pierre and Martin St. Louis. Bykov invites Afinogenov, who's had terrible season, 38 years old Fedorov, and doesnt see any need for Zhedev, who'd been head and shoulders better player this season. And you believe he knows what the team has a need for? Good luck with Fedor Fedorov, Tereschenko and Sushinsky.
I didn't know that Chubarov's injury was so serious... But Nikolishin always was a competitor. He's 35, but Fedorov is 38 and nobody cares. Nikolishin's buddy Kovalev at 35 is the best player for Montreal this season. Gorovikov and Tereschenko over Brylin? Afinogenov and Fedorovs over Zherdev? Then there's no surprize that the last big win for Russia happened 15 years ago.

I'll be rooting for Finland--I'd like to see Selanne finally win a gold medal, he's a class guy.

I think, let's see, since I live in this country that I'll root for:

The good old U.S.A.!!

No host nation has ever won the tournament... I'm pulling for Canada to break that streak.

When the Jackets are making the playoffs year after year and their players aren't playing for Canada (or anybody else) I'll pull for the US

You gotta be pulling for our Good Ol' Boys!

Czechs beat Denmark

JAN HEJDA SCORED!!!!!:handclap::handclap:

http://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/132/IHM1320CZE_83_1_0.pdf

Czechs beat Denmark

JAN HEJDA SCORED!!!!!:handclap::handclap:

http://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/132/IHM1320CZE_83_1_0.pdf (http://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/132/IHM1320CZE_83_1_0.pdf)
Oh sure... now he scores!

Nash's line:

Nash - Getzlaf - Heatley.

Czechs beat Denmark

JAN HEJDA SCORED!!!!!:handclap::handclap:

http://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/132/IHM1320CZE_83_1_0.pdf (http://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/132/IHM1320CZE_83_1_0.pdf)

It's that post contract "Afterglow" that Chimera had for a while...

Howson why didn't you sign this guy with about 2 weeks to go in the regular season? ;)

Oh sure... now he scores!

We have our answer now for an offensive defenseman. :sarcasm:

We have our answer now for an offensive defenseman. :sarcasm:
Sweet! More money to spend on forwards!!! :yo:

Rick with some good board play dishes a nice pass to Heatley, who puts it in the net in the opening seconds of the 2nd period.

Canada up 2-0. Yay Nash.

Can someone help me. I would need to know how will Slovak boys play and I have not any opportunity to see all games. And, as I know our journalists, they will apologize our contingent bad successes from bad ice through coach`s cold, Ľubomír Višňovský`s corn, bad arbiters to "unhappy loss" :D.

Bykov said he doesn't watch NHL at all. Bykov doesn't see any difference between Martin St. Pierre and Martin St. Louis. Bykov invites Afinogenov, who's had terrible season, 38 years old Fedorov, and doesnt see any need for Zhedev, who'd been head and shoulders better player this season. And you believe he knows what the team has a need for? Good luck with Fedor Fedorov, Tereschenko and Sushinsky.
I didn't know that Chubarov's injury was so serious... But Nikolishin always was a competitor. He's 35, but Fedorov is 38 and nobody cares. Nikolishin's buddy Kovalev at 35 is the best player for Montreal this season. Gorovikov and Tereschenko over Brylin? Afinogenov and Fedorovs over Zherdev? Then there's no surprize that the last big win for Russia happened 15 years ago.

Sorry, but I think Sergej is importan part of Russian repre. Maybe more than Ovečkin or Sjomin. He is this factor who missed Russian repre in last years. You see alone. But true is I am very dissapointed Nikolaj does not play in WCH I very enjoyed him. And I do not understand why Brylin does not play. But Bykov is good couch and I believe Russia will be champion (after Slovakia but Slovaks have not practically any chance)!!!

Bykov said he doesn't watch NHL at all. Bykov doesn't see any difference between Martin St. Pierre and Martin St. Louis.
I'll put it this way - how many NHL coaches have the time to be personally in tune with the RSL rather than relying on their team's staff?

Bykov invites a 38 years old Fedorov, and doesnt see any need for Zhedev, who'd been head and shoulders better player this season.
Fedorov is a center while Zherdev is a winger. Team Russia has a deficiency of the former and an overabundance of the latter. It's quite simple.

Good luck with Fedor Fedorov, Tereschenko and Sushinsky.
Uhm, thank-you?

But Nikolishin always was a competitor. He's 35, but Fedorov is 38 and nobody cares. Nikolishin's buddy Kovalev at 35 is the best player for Montreal this season.
Kovalev is one of the best for Montreal while Nikolishin is one of the best player for Traktor Chelyabinsk - note the difference.

Gorovikov and Tereschenko over Brylin?
Yes, Tereschenko is a much better choice for an offensive line. Gorovikov has played the entire season with Sushinsky, and thus far has been a perfect fit between him and Mozyakin on the national team.

Afinogenov and Fedorovs over Zherdev?
The basis for Zherdev not being invited was the aforementioned telephone conversation. I am assuming you know what exactly was said? I sure don't! The fact of the matter is that Bykov has previously coached Zherdev and would imagine that it is within his prerogative to evaluate whether a player's psychological state will allow him to be useful.

Nash has two assists, 5 shots and 2 pim thru 2 periods.

Chimera has 3 shots thru 2.

Canada leads 5-1.

Leclaire is not playing in the game, Cam Ward is.

I'll put it this way - how many NHL coaches have the time to be personally in tune with the RSL rather than relying on their team's staff?

Are you serious? NHL coaches doesn't have 75% of their team playing in Russia. NHL coaches every day can follow the best players in the world and they just don't see a big difference between RSL, AHL or Sweden league. Your argument is just rediculous.


Fedorov is a center while Zherdev is a winger. Team Russia has a deficiency of the former and an overabundance of the latter. It's quite simple.

I don't mind Fedorov as a 3-4 line center, I can stay him even as a top-line pivot, but Zherdev is a top-6 winger on any team right now. Even with mediocre linemates on defencive oriented team he was able to put some decent numbers. Kovalchuk has been mediocre at any tournament he played for Russia, but coaches keep calling him up cause he's got a name in hockey. Why won't you give Z a try? Cuse of the one undiscoused phone conversation? He clearly said that he's wanted to play for Russia.
Uhm, thank-you?
You're welcome. I hope that Russia is gonna win something more than Eurotour.

Kovalev is one of the best for Montreal while Nikolishin is one of the best player for Traktor Chelyabinsk - note the difference.
And Gorovikov and Tereschenko are the leaders for wich teams? And they've never played agains NHL squad.



Yes, Tereschenko is a much better choice for an offensive line. Gorovikov has played the entire season with Sushinsky, and thus far has been a perfect fit between him and Mozyakin on the national team.

Are you seriously expect offencive input from those players in the games against Canada or US? When was the last time when Superleague players showed up in a big games at the big stage? I mean players, who's never been in the NHL?
The basis for Zherdev not being invited was the aforementioned telephone conversation. I am assuming you know what exactly was said? I sure don't! The fact of the matter is that Bykov has previously coached Zherdev and would imagine that it is within his prerogative to evaluate whether a player's psychological state will allow him to be useful.
Yes, Bykov coached Zherdev 3 years ago, but now he's another player and a grown person. Bykov thinks that 1 phone conversation is good enough to make a conclusion, but he's just plain wrong. I've been watching Z for 5 years now and I'm pretty sure he would've significantly improved the team of Russia.

The Nash line was unbelievable. It's Nash-Getzlaf-Heatley. I think they tallied for 3 goals and 5 assists or so. I think if Canada wins gold, one of hte 3 will be the MVP. I hope Nash repeats as MVP.

Heatley is already off to a head start after that first game.

The announcers were talking like Cam Ward was goalie number 1, though. Lets wait until Leclaire at least plays before deciding what Hitchcock is going to do, announcer dudes.

Heatley is already off to a head start after that first game.

The announcers were talking like Cam Ward was goalie number 1, though. Lets wait until Leclaire at least plays before deciding what Hitchcock is going to do, announcer dudes.

Hitch said on Wednesday's radio show that Pazzy is starting the next game versus Latvia. He was still undecided about the game after that (USA?). He was going to wait and see how they both did before making a decision.

Are you serious? NHL coaches doesn't have 75% of their team playing in Russia. NHL coaches every day can follow the best players in the world and they just don't see a big difference between RSL, AHL or Sweden league. Your argument is just rediculous.
I'm not quite sure what you're saying, care to rephrase? Perhaps I should clarify as well. My point was that a full-time coach of a competitive team such as CSKA would generally simply not have the time to follow other leagues in depth. Such tasks are usually delegated to the general manager, scouting staff, a range of various advisers, or whomever else the team employs.

I don't mind Fedorov as a 3-4 line center, I can stay him even as a top-line pivot, but Zherdev is a top-6 winger on any team right now. Even with mediocre linemates on defencive oriented team he was able to put some decent numbers. Kovalchuk has been mediocre at any tournament he played for Russia, but coaches keep calling him up cause he's got a name in hockey. Why won't you give Z a try? Cuse of the one undiscoused phone conversation? He clearly said that he's wanted to play for Russia.
Neither I nor you knowing what was said makes this a rather pointless discussion. Maybe Zherdev showed evidence of being psychologically tired after a long season? Perhaps he wanted guarantees of a significant role on the team that Bykov couldn't offer him? Who knows, the conversation will remain between Bykov and Zherdev... and we simply don't posses enough information to judge the decision.

And Gorovikov and Tereschenko are the leaders for wich teams? And they've never played agains NHL squad.
SKA St. Petersburg and Salavat Yulaev Ufa, respectively. Suffice to say, both teams are several deep notches above Traktor Chelyabinsk.

Are you seriously expect offencive input from those players in the games against Canada or US? When was the last time when Superleague players showed up in a big games at the big stage? I mean players, who's never been in the NHL?
Russia's best result at the World Championships since 1993 was the silver in 2002. Maxim Afinogenov was the lone NHLer on that team.

Yes, Bykov coached Zherdev 3 years ago, but now he's another player and a grown person. Bykov thinks that 1 phone conversation is good enough to make a conclusion, but he's just plain wrong. I've been watching Z for 5 years now and I'm pretty sure he would've significantly improved the team of Russia.
Russia has arguably the best forward group in the tournament as it is. There is no way Zherdev would have displaced either Semin or Morozov as the top two right wings, especially considering that both are part of preformed lines. Would Zherdev have been a better choice than Afinogenov on the third line? Quite possibly, but even there, it's looking like Radulov may very well take that spot and send Mad Max to the press box come next game. No matter how you spin it, Zherdev is no big loss for team Russia. The offense is perfectly fine, it's the defense that could use strengthening.

Are any of you subscribing to the WCSN live feeds of the world hockey games? I signed up yesterday and the player said I was under blackout restrictions. I complained to customer service and they replied and said it would be fixed in an hour or so - still not working. Anyone else using this or having trouble?

Thanks

Chris

Nash with 2 goals already today. 2 goals and 2 assists through 1+ games

Heatley with a goal and 2 assists though. 4 goals and 3 assists in 1+

Nash with 2 goals already today. 2 goals and 2 assists through 1+ games

Heatley with a goal and 2 assists though. 4 goals and 3 assists in 1+

So, all we have to do is get Burke to trade us Getzy and we're set.

Leclaire with the shutout.
Nash 2 goals.
Heatley with 8 points in two games... great for Canada, bad for Nasher's chance at MVP.

Heatley with 8 points in two games... great for Canada, bad for Nasher's chance at MVP.

That's what I meant

Novotný was (besides SH where he was quiet good) invisible man in Russia - Czech republic match. Hejda was very good.

Does anyone find themselves cheering for Canada despite being American.

I mean Nash, Chims, Pazzy, Hitch. Did I miss anyone?

And I hate Pat Kane so I don't want the US to win.

Does anyone find themselves cheering for Canada despite being American.

I mean Nash, Chims, Pazzy, Hitch. Did I miss anyone?

And I hate Pat Kane so I don't want the US to win.

I want the US to do well but I'm pulling for Canada to win it all.

Does anyone find themselves cheering for Canada despite being American.

I mean Nash, Chims, Pazzy, Hitch. Did I miss anyone?

And I hate Pat Kane so I don't want the US to win.

Why the Kane hate? Is it just a division rival thing or is there something I missed?

Does anyone find themselves cheering for Canada despite being American.

I mean Nash, Chims, Pazzy, Hitch. Did I miss anyone?

And I hate Pat Kane so I don't want the US to win.

I dont think I even need to really say who I am cheering for :D but I will

GO CANADA !!!! GO PASCAL !!!!

I'm always anti-canada ... but, yeah, canada losing seems a lot less appealing when Nash and Hitch are to *blame* if they don't win.

I don't get the Kane hate either, he revived the Blackhawks.

It'd be awesome if our #6 pick revived the Blue Jackets, or if anyone did.

Slovenia game was a lot of fun. Slovenian goalie was incredible, Howson- make him a Jacket.

Latvia game was simply amazing. Me and my buddies were partying with the Latvians before, during, and after the game. That, and Nasher had 2, Pazzy with the shutout, and Chimmer played solid.

States game tomorrow- should be awesome.

Nash-Getzlaf-Heatley: Effing unstoppable.

Does anyone find themselves cheering for Canada despite being American.

I mean Nash, Chims, Pazzy, Hitch. Did I miss anyone?

And I hate Pat Kane so I don't want the US to win.
I always root for Canada unless they're playing the Stars and Stripes.

Im definitely pulling for Canada gold with Nash winning the MVP and Leclare as the winning goalie, and not to mention Hitch as the coach. Good mojo

Does anyone find themselves cheering for Canada despite being American.

I mean Nash, Chims, Pazzy, Hitch. Did I miss anyone?

And I hate Pat Kane so I don't want the US to win.

Nope. I like seeing the Canadians lose so their press can gnash their teeth over why they lost when they always "deserve" to win.

Nope. I like seeing the Canadians lose so their press can gnash their teeth over why they lost when they always "deserve" to win.

We always deserve to win because we always have the best team. We go into every tournament expecting to win, anything less is failure. When you send the best team, you are supposed to win.

We always deserve to win because we always have the best team. We go into every tournament expecting to win, anything less is failure. When you send the best team, you are supposed to win.

Keep telling yourself that. ;)

Some day in the not too distant future the US will finally surpass you once and for all, and all you'll have left is poutine and cleaner air. :D

Keep telling yourself that. ;)

Some day in the not too distant future the US will finally surpass you once and for all, and all you'll have left is poutine and cleaner air. :D

Keep telling yourself that. ;)

You guys just don't have enough of your population playing hockey, it won't ever happen.

Clean Air? Yep.

Poutine? That's a quebec thing.

I'm not cheering for the Czechs just because they have Jan and Jiri. I'm not cheering for Canada just because of Rick, Jason, and Pascal either.

Team Canada will pay for starting Cam Ward over Pascal this Tuesday.

Keep telling yourself that. ;)

You guys just don't have enough of your population playing hockey, it won't ever happen.

Clean Air? Yep.

Poutine? That's a quebec thing.

We have 10 times the population of Canada. All we have to do is put forth 1/10th of the effort you do and we're there.

No, poutine, eh? Rappie pie, perhaps?

We have 10 times the population of Canada. All we have to do is put forth 1/10th of the effort you do and we're there.

No, poutine, eh? Rappie pie, perhaps?

So do it then?

Rappie pie's for suckas.

Good luck tomorrow night by the way, I'm sure Torts has put the fear of god into Tim Thomas by now.

Good luck tomorrow night by the way, I'm sure Torts has put the fear of god into Tim Thomas by now.

:biglaugh:

Nice one, dude.

not sure if you guys care. game might be available online at tsn.ca but not 100% sure.

This is going to be a long day at work...i'm going to the game right afterwards.

Go Canada!

dzuOSaN5CQU

Skraut - did you have to set that to play automatically? Some of us like to check the site at work.

Great game so far and 1st intermission who do they honor the 76 Canadian Team and there is our own BlueJackets color analyst Danny Gare.

OK so I giggled -

A potential winning goal was on Jason Chimera's stick late in the third period but his shot sailed over an empty net with Anderson down and out.

the blurb from NHL.com http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=362674&page=NewsPage&service=page

Lmao, some things never change.

So do it then?

I'd say we're 90% of the way there based on today's game. Its a good thing Canada has us to protect her based on the way your defense let up a 3 goal lead. :naughty:

OK so I giggled -



the blurb from NHL.com http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=362674&page=NewsPage&service=page

Watch the highlights on TSN, Chimmer's miss was absolutely atrocious.

Watch the highlights on TSN, Chimmer's miss was absolutely atrocious.
OMG. Once again, if Chimera has more than one second to think about it, he screws it up. I'm really proud of the effort by the young Americans.

Back from the game, simply awesome.

Chimmer's miss was because the puck was rolling on end. Give it up guys.

Nash played great, that line is absolutely sick. He also had a great defensive play with seconds to go in the game.

Back from the game, simply awesome.

Chimmer's miss was because the puck was rolling on end. Give it up guys.

Nash played great, that line is absolutely sick. He also had a great defensive play with seconds to go in the game.

It is rare that I get to disagree with you, but you gotta be kidding about Chimera?!? That was a wide open net! Just tap the damn puck and let it roll into the net.

http://hfboards.com/imagehosting/3119948211736181b7.png
Courtesy: TSN (http://watch.tsn.ca/international-hockey/clip51162#clip51162)

DARRMD....

may I assume that, since you saw the game, a certain business has fixed it's Canuck dish??

It is rare that I get to disagree with you, but you gotta be kidding about Chimera?!? That was a wide open net! Just tap the damn puck and let it roll into the net.

http://hfboards.com/imagehosting/3119948211736181b7.png
Courtesy: TSN (http://watch.tsn.ca/international-hockey/clip51162#clip51162)

You're right about the net being wide open, Lee, (obviously, look at the pic) but the puck was bouncing on end in front of the net. I can tell you from being a player myself, that Chimmer was trying to put the puck up over Anderson's pad, so his stick blade was angled upwards. Also, as I said, the puck was bouncing on end, combine these two factors together, and the puck's going up, up, up. Chimmer had no time to settle the puck, the only real way he might have buried that one is if he just taps it and hopes it goes just over Anderson's pads.

It's a tough one to bury, that's for sure.

You're right about the net being wide open, Lee, (obviously, look at the pic) but the puck was bouncing on end in front of the net. I can tell you from being a player myself, that Chimmer was trying to put the puck up over Anderson's pad, so his stick blade was angled upwards. Also, as I said, the puck was bouncing on end, combine these two factors together, and the puck's going up, up, up. Chimmer had no time to settle the puck, the only real way he might have buried that one is if he just taps it and hopes it goes just over Anderson's pads.

It's a tough one to bury, that's for sure.

To use a soccer coach's phrase, "use a feather, not a jackhammer."

It's one thing for you or I to miss the net in a situation like that (I've choked on far easier chances in my day) but gheez, you'd expect one of the top 660 players in the world - a guy making $2 million a year to play the game - to do better than that.

I can still hear the echos of people across Canada screaming "typical ****ing Blue Jackets!" ;)

So.. should whats it going to take to get Getzlaf and Heatly down here...

So.. should whats it going to take to get Getzlaf and Heatly down here...

An act of God + both first rounders would be a good starting point.

So.. should whats it going to take to get Getzlaf and Heatly down here...

Whatever it takes, we ain't got.

To use a soccer coach's phrase, "use a feather, not a jackhammer."

It's one thing for you or I to miss the net in a situation like that (I've choked on far easier chances in my day) but gheez, you'd expect one of the top 660 players in the world - a guy making $2 million a year to play the game - to do better than that.

I can still hear the echos of people across Canada screaming "typical ****ing Blue Jackets!" ;)

Well said on the technical front and the lack-of-CBJ-love front.

The first thing I thought was I wonder if Jason's hands would improve if he'd back off the accelerator just a bit. His speed is his game, so I don't know as it's possible or even reasonable, and I realize a puck on end is a tricky thing, I was just thinking more generally.

So.. should whats it going to take to get Getzlaf and Heatly down here...

A gun aimed squarely at their temples would probably work, but then Howson would be in jail for the off-season, which would make trades difficult on one phone call a day.

To use a soccer coach's phrase, "use a feather, not a jackhammer."

It's one thing for you or I to miss the net in a situation like that (I've choked on far easier chances in my day) but gheez, you'd expect one of the top 660 players in the world - a guy making $2 million a year to play the game - to do better than that.

I can still hear the echos of people across Canada screaming "typical ****ing Blue Jackets!" ;)

Gheez; I wonder what the excuse would have been if one of the three on the top line would have missed.

Gheez; I wonder what the excuse would have been if one of the three on the top line would have missed.

"Chimmer distracted me"

No I watched it online. I will be working on it this weekend.

We will do the trade. Slovakia give Kanada its coach + someone players (besides Andrej Sekera) and Canada give us Ken Hitchcock :D. I do not want so that we will go to B group :shakehead.

Back from the game, simply awesome.

Chimmer's miss was because the puck was rolling on end. Give it up guys.

Nash played great, that line is absolutely sick. He also had a great defensive play with seconds to go in the game.

Glad you're having such a great time Mac :)

I suppose Chimmer's roly-poly puck buffoonery is only truly funny to those of us who watch him pull that same move three or four times a game X 82.

Trust me, if you don't laugh ... you cry.

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iw3yyS-5caK7ccA0ARSz5M9zJwqg (http://mynhlnews.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/canadian-coaches-must-switch-gears/)

FANTASTIC read on the changes that Hitch has to make in his coaching style for the WC's


Unlike in the NHL, he can’t really bench an underperformer and call someone up from the minors. There’s a real tightrope to be walked when dealing with the slow starters at this event.

“The coaches handle us a lot different,” said first-line winger Rick Nash. “Guys are here kind of on their own time. I’m not saying that it’s not an honour to represent Canada but I think they know we’re here with our families. It’s supposed to be a fun tournament as well.

“In saying that, I think Hitch has been fair. He’s been on top of the guys, he’s letting us know when we’ve got to pick it up and when we’ve got to be better. And I think that’s a good thing.”

...

After watching his team struggle at times against the Americans, Hitchcock realized he needed to take his players through specific drills to reinforce what he’s been trying to teach using video. He leaves no stones unturned.

“Hitch does a real good job of that,” said assistant coach Pat Burns. “He gets everybody trying to understand how we got to play to win.

“He’s done a lot of work doing this, he has some experiences in these tournaments and he knows that if we play a certain way we’re going to be good. If we have one or two stray lambs that get away, we’ve got to bring them back into the herd and say, `Hey, this is how we got to do it.’ “

...

“You start off this tournament asking players to play and sometimes begging players to play,” said Hitchcock. “You get in a game like this, you’re not asking, you’re not begging, you’re demanding. You’re back coaching.

“These are our players and we’re going to coach them to another level.”

Nash is one of three Columbus Blue Jackets on the Canadian team and says he has seen the coach use a much tougher approach in the NHL than he’s displayed here so far.

However, the big winger knows that might change.

“I think he’s going to do whatever it takes to win,” said Nash. “If it’s being hard on us to get us going, that’s what it takes.”

Letting the players play? I believe that was a Gerard Gallant trait... Or was it Hoping the players play?? I can't remember... ;)

Sheesh Nash is a stud.... even when playing on a stacked team like he is now.

Canada currently dominating the play, but still only up 1-0 on Norway.

Ugh, 1-1. Bad give-away leads to a short-handed breakaway for Norway. Pazzy bit a little early.

Nash makes up for his earlier "stick shattering" breakaway miss to help Canada go up 2-1. Pretty goal from the best player on the ice today. :thumbu:

Are there highlights online anywhere after the games?

Are there highlights online anywhere after the games?

Its on tsn's homepage on the right side.

Nash's game winner was pretty sweet.

I'm not following this competition at all but the USA made a game of it only losing 5-4 to Canada. I can't wait for the Olympics with our new USA roster-time for the boys to take back the gold....:)

Patrick Kane and WNY will be there...

On NHL.com the article on USA/Germany game, the recap on the Canada win against Norway had SteveNash scoring the winning goal. Must have put his sneakers away and borrowed Manny's skates

On NHL.com the article on USA/Germany game, the recap on the Canada win against Norway had SteveNash scoring the winning goal. Must have put his sneakers away and borrowed Manny's skates
I'm pretty sure the TSN video recap showed a Canadian player that wasn't Nash but they put up the name Rick Nash. Sloppy.

I'm not following this competition at all but the USA made a game of it only losing 5-4 to Canada. I can't wait for the Olympics with our new USA roster-time for the boys to take back the gold....:)

Patrick Kane and WNY will be there...

who are people that are not at the WHC that would be on the usa roster for Vancouver?

Erik Johnson
JM Liles
Rick DiPietro
RJ Umberger


edit: should have done some more searching cause i found this link http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=447849

Jiri Novotny: Goooooooooool! Gol gol gol gol goooool!
Martin Gerber: NO CAN HAS!

What a beatdown we put on the Germans yesterday. 10-1. We play Finland tomorrow.

Staal with 4 goals.

Glad you're having such a great time Mac :)

I suppose Chimmer's roly-poly puck buffoonery is only truly funny to those of us who watch him pull that same move three or four times a game X 82.

Trust me, if you don't laugh ... you cry.

I am having a blast....the city is just buzzing and the games have been great. I've been out partying with Finns, Latvians some Germans, it's been amazing.

It's too bad they are leaving this week.

As for Chimmer, yeah he doesn't bury every chance he's given, that's for sure, but I had to stick up for him in this situation.

I am having a blast....the city is just buzzing and the games have been great. I've been out partying with Finns, Latvians some Germans, it's been amazing.

It's too bad they are leaving this week.

As for Chimmer, yeah he doesn't bury every chance he's given, that's for sure, but I had to stick up for him in this situation.

the Latvians are awesome!! :D

Leclaire gets the start tmw.

the Latvians are awesome!! :D

Leclaire gets the start tmw.

This will be the last day of the goalies alternating starts IMO. Whoever the coaches think is their guy will get the start in the QFs Wednesday. Not being a homer here, but if Pazzy has a good game against the Finns, it will be him. He has the better stats, and has just looked better in general.

We'll see!

Dude can steal games... I must confess I didn't like the pick when we drafted him.. I was in the Blackburn camp... but through his improved play and after actually meeting Pazzy he is hard not to like. Dood looks like a skate boarder in the off season.

If you want to listen to the Canadian team games...

www.fan590.com

Canada wins 6-3.

Nash with 3 assists.

Pazzy gives up 3 goals on 27 shots. He has given up 4 goals in his 3 games.

One thing I found interesting was Hannes Hyvonen played for Team Finland. Anyone else remember him? I didn't think he was good enough to make a national team. He must have turned it on after he left here.

Pretty good game tonight, Pazzy looked like he was sort of fighting the puck. The first goal was a bit of a mistake on his part, he went out to get a loose puck, but realized he wouldn't make it in time and started to skate back to the net, by the time a Finn got to it and shot it, Pazzy was in the net but not in position, and they scored.

Nasher was awesome, of course. That line is just DOMINANT.

Chimmer was offside about 6000 times but whatev.

One thing I found interesting was Hannes Hyvonen played for Team Finland. Anyone else remember him? I didn't think he was good enough to make a national team. He must have turned it on after he left here.
He has been a top forward in Finland this season (66 points in 54 games) and he has the ability to score from areas where you wouldn't think it's possible. A 100mph slapshot too. But I don't think he is contributing much to Team Finland now, because in his club team he's obviously 1st line offensive material, but in this tournament he's playing in 3rd or 4th line.

But I don't think he is contributing much to Team Finland now, because in his club team he's obviously 1st line offensive material, but in this tournament he's playing in 3rd or 4th line.

Representing Finland is quite an honor. Congrats to Hannes

Pretty good game tonight, Pazzy looked like he was sort of fighting the puck. The first goal was a bit of a mistake on his part, he went out to get a loose puck, but realized he wouldn't make it in time and started to skate back to the net, by the time a Finn got to it and shot it, Pazzy was in the net but not in position, and they scored.

Nasher was awesome, of course. That line is just DOMINANT.

Chimmer was offside about 6000 times but whatev.

same old chimmer huh...good to know

Slovakia is save!:bow: But our play was tragedy.:(

Peter Šťastný is... :thumbd:.

Watching today's game - Nash looks extremely impressive.........

more fuel for the legend that is Rick Nash in Canada... the next capt canada?

From the TSN highlights, Pazzy didn't look sharp. Hope that wasn't the case

Pazzy had an OK game, but not a great game. He got screened a lot and there were a ton of funny bounces. (Watch the goal that Chimera assisted on to see an example - pucks really didn't want to settle down.)

Nasher with another highlight reel goal.

God please get him a center to play with.

Isn't Hitch stifling Team Canada's offensive talent! :sarcasm:

Nash is not an elite-level talent...
:sarcasm: (just in case)


Feds with five goals this tourney. Jeesh.

Sorry, Mac, but if they play Ward I hope Canada gets smoked. I think they'll get beat by Russia either way, but it'll be closer with Leclaire in net.

Isn't Hitch stifling Team Canada's offensive talent! :sarcasm:

Oh yea...couldnt be all the 3rd and 4th liners the CBJ has. Has to be the coach.:sarcasm:

Oh yea...couldnt be all the 3rd and 4th liners the CBJ has. Has to be the coach.:sarcasm:

He seems to be the best player on the ice in every non CBJ venue I ever read about, yet I watch him play 82 games a year in Columbus and he is the best on the ice around 1/3 of the time. I'd say he does need some talent around him, hopefully Howson will provide that talent so we can see Nash star in every game next year-as expected.

Sorry, Mac, but if they play Ward I hope Canada gets smoked. I think they'll get beat by Russia either way, but it'll be closer with Leclaire in net.

It will certainly be a good game against the Russians, and Ward will be in net.

The tournament was so great for Halifax, and I had such a blast almost every night for the last few weeks. Partying almost every night with the Latvians, Finns and Germans, I went to every Canada game except the German round robin game. The last day in Hali, some friends and I got a luxury box for the Canada-Norway and USA-Finland quarterfinals. Completely awesome.

GO CANADA.

Pazzy had an OK game, but not a great game. He got screened a lot and there were a ton of funny bounces. (Watch the goal that Chimera assisted on to see an example - pucks really didn't want to settle down.)

BZ, you mean the assist that Chimmer KICKED? I saw that goal ... I'm thinking next season we make Chims play without a stick - should solve his little "hands" problem. :nod:

Those of you who want a link of where on the Internet to watch the championship game tomorrow easily and for free, PM me.

Mel, don't yell at me ;)

Again, if you need a link of where to watch it for free, PM me

1-0 Russia

1-1

Burns scores for Canada.

Kunitz scores 2-1 Canada

Kunitz scores 2-1 Canada

That was a laser blast.

Canada's starting to bring the pain. The hits are flying.

Canada going on the 5 on 3 as Nash starts to bleed.

Canada going on the 5 on 3 as Nash starts to bleed.

Yeah - Nasher's got blood on his jersey - lol

Tied game, 4-4, with less than 4 minutes left in the game

Nash just took a puck to the mouth. Looked bad.

Nash got hit in the face with the puck. Went to the dressing room but I think he'll be okay. It was just a deflection.

He's back on the bench.

Overtime

Where can I see an updated box score?

I know if you go to www.hockeycanada.ca they have a box score but I don't think they update it during the game

Nash is headed to the box in OT

PP for Russia

People are going to be mad at Nash now.

Game over. Good job Russia.

http://www.stanford.edu/class/slavgen194a/images/russia_eagle2.gif




Go Russia Go :yo:



KOVY ftmfw.

Feel bad for Nash but very sloppy play there.

Canada would have won if Leclaire were in net.

My man crush on Nash is temporarily over.

Cost Canada the gold medal with a pointless terrible delay of game penalty in overtime to put Canada down 4 on 3.

**** **** **** **** ***** *** ********

****ing waste.

Great, now we are going to get flooded by angry Canadians that say not only can Nash not pass or play defense, he takes stupid penalties when he's tired also.

http://www.hokej.sk/obrazky/37/37331.jpg

I am very happy Russia is winner :handclap:.

Great picture, I like the pissed off Canada jersey guy in the background.

But sad is that:
1. Hitch was couch.
2. Nasher`s penalty was diciding.

P.S. Interesting that the big majority of Slovaks and Czechs wish Russia well ;) (according to I red on the boards).

http://www.stanford.edu/class/slavgen194a/images/russia_eagle2.gif




Go Russia Go :yo:



KOVY ftmfw.

Russian hockey > Canadian hockey

Congratulations to the old man Fedorov ... given his past relationship with the Motherland, he's got to be thrilled and proud.

How did Hitchcock screw up THAT offense? Lordy.

I don't think that 4 goals on Nabokov was exactly stifling the offense.

Great, now we are going to get flooded by angry Canadians that say not only can Nash not pass or play defense, he takes stupid penalties when he's tired also.

I'm not so much worried about them as I am the fair-weather Jackets "fans" who will now sieze on this as more "proof" that Hitch is actually leading us astray and Nash isn't actually as good as we're hoping he'll become. :p:

that was tough to watch.

sure Nash took a dumb penalty, but dont blame the loss on him. Canada had a 2 goal lead in the third and sat back. The Russians came back, played hard..gotta give them credit. It was all Russia in the third.

Overall, Nash had a great tourney. Scored some great goals, and part of a line that was dominate. He was named to the all star team. Too bad he will be remembered as winning the MVP last year, and goat this year.

Sounds like someone watched the game film of Canada blowing a 3-goal lead against the USA. :sarcasm:

Nash had a bad day today.

High stick that drew blood (double minor for the Russian)
Took a puck to the face.
Then the over time puck over the glass.

People on the IIHF board were commenting on how the team was playing a "Hitch" type of game. I don't know about anyone else, but I sure didn't see Hitchcock style defense in this particular game. Canada's defense has been questionable for most of the tournament.

I don't think that 4 goals on Nabokov was exactly stifling the offense.


Nash Getzlaf Heatly
E. Staal, Doan, Spezza, Toews, St. Louis, Sharpe, Roy should score at least 8 a game against any team in the known universe.

Strangely, two of those four goals for Canada today came from Brent Burns ... a defenseman. Truly, that made me snicker.

Worst of all here was coach Hitchcock's assessment on the outcomeof the game:

"You get a game into overtime, it's flip a coin," said Canadian head coach Ken Hitchcock. "We all know that. We've all been in these games before."

Pardon? Come again?

Ugghhhhh this isn't the NHL, Ken ... your team blows a 2 goal lead in the 3rd you aren't going to a shootout (which you are horribly sucky at anyway) ... it's overtime, the boys have to continue to play hockey where the main objective is TO SCORE A LOUSY GOAL AND WIN THE DAMN GAME.

durrrrrrrrrrrrr I can't believe Hitchcock actually said that. Idiot.

Blowing the lead sucked. But I'm gonna repeat - the Canadians got 4 goals past a goalie who had played 120 minutes of shutout hockey since he got to the Worlds, and had pushed his team to a 4 game OT against Dallas before that. They pushed pretty hard to achieve that. The defense got a little shaky, and frankly, I don't think Ward looked that good a lot of the time.

Blaming him for running a looser defense than usual, I totally get. Yelling about the scoring seems really odd.

Blowing the lead sucked. But I'm gonna repeat - the Canadians got 4 goals past a goalie who had played 120 minutes of shutout hockey since he got to the Worlds, and had pushed his team to a 4 game OT against Dallas before that. They pushed pretty hard to achieve that. The defense got a little shaky, and frankly, I don't think Ward looked that good a lot of the time.

Blaming him for running a looser defense than usual, I totally get. Yelling about the scoring seems really odd.

I wasn't yelling about the scoring, BZ. I wasn't even yelling about losing ... until Hitchcock decided to voice publicly that no one should be surprised at the game's outcome because it was all " a flip of the coin." That's a pretty inaccurate, if not gutless, assessment of *blame* don't ya think?

Edit: And 4 goals past Nabokov doesn't mean squat if your team needs 5 markers to WIN. Pardon me for saying it :sarcasm: but "moral victories" are hollow and something only a losing team takes comfort in.

Nash Getzlaf Heatly
E. Staal, Doan, Spezza, Toews, St. Louis, Sharpe, Roy should score at least 8 a game against any team in the known universe.

Strangely, two of those four goals for Canada today came from Brent Burns ... a defenseman. Truly, that made me snicker.

Worst of all here was coach Hitchcock's assessment on the outcomeof the game:



Pardon? Come again?

Ugghhhhh this isn't the NHL, Ken ... your team blows a 2 goal lead in the 3rd you aren't going to a shootout (which you are horribly sucky at anyway) ... it's overtime, the boys have to continue to play hockey where the main objective is TO SCORE A LOUSY GOAL AND WIN THE DAMN GAME.

durrrrrrrrrrrrr I can't believe Hitchcock actually said that. Idiot.

It's posts like that which remind me of why I like you so much. :D

But sad is that:
1. Hitch was couch.
2. Nasher`s penalty was diciding.

P.S. Interesting that the big majority of Slovaks and Czechs wish Russia well ;) (according to I red on the boards).

I'm from the US and I rooted for Russia.

People on the IIHF board were commenting on how the team was playing a "Hitch" type of game. I don't know about anyone else, but I sure didn't see Hitchcock style defense in this particular game. Canada's defense has been questionable for most of the tournament.
Well, I really think this loss for Canada happened because of Hitch. Just think about it, Russia was dominating the play pretty much the 2nd and 3rd period, but Hitch didn't do anything to make changes or try to wake up his team. I was really puzzled why he just stood there doing nothing. After it was already too late, game tied, he took the time out. At that point it was pretty clear they were going to lose the game.

In the meantime Bykov changed his lines, played only three of them and used hot players when needed. Especially using the Kazan trio on PP and using all four forwards at the last PP was a brilliant move.

Anyways absolutely GREAT final! I'm glad Finland lost to Russia, because they really deserved the big win and have been strong all year in the IIHF tournaments. Almost brought a tear in my eye to watch how pumped Ovechkin was after the win. Jumped to the Russian crowds at one point, must have been simply amazing moment for the fans too.

It's Hitch's fault!

It's Nasher's fault!

It's the Blue Jackets fault!

:shakehead

Congrats to the Russians! They iced a great team, and played a great game to win it.

THEY deserve the credit for the win, so quit whining!





Besides Canada winning all the time is boring, unless you are a Canadian, I guess.

have been in net...

but watching Alex Ovechkin and his raw enthusiasm only makes me want him more on our team.

Draft Filatov... Mr. Howson.

have been in net...

but watching Alex Ovechkin and his raw enthusiasm only makes me want him more on our team.

Draft Filatov... Mr. Howson.

I think if Filatov is available, it's going to be tough for Howson to trade the #6. Not because he wouldn't find any suitors for the pick but because the package might not be good enough to convince him to trade the pick. If Schenn's available, I think Howson would be more inclined to trade the pick.

Commentary in Russian

1NmywCGifSg&feature=related

It's Hitch's fault!

THEY deserve the credit for the win, so quit whining!

Erm... So there was nothing wrong with Canada blowing a two goal lead, by DOING NOTHING to prevent it? I wouldn't have anything to say about this if they lost after making a big fight first, but they didn't. Guess I just forgot that I can't critizice here the Jackets involved (Altough I didn't say anything about Nash).

Honestly, the WC's weren't interesting to me at all... All it does is give more fire to see Nash as a great player and what he can with actual talent around him.

If Nash was American and if Hitch was American, I'd be more inclined to be interested.

I had no dog in the Russia-Canada game.

People on the IIHF board were commenting on how the team was playing a "Hitch" type of game. I don't know about anyone else, but I sure didn't see Hitchcock style defense in this particular game. Canada's defense has been questionable for most of the tournament.

Probably the players' fault for not "buying in." :sarcasm:

Probably the players' fault for not "buying in." :sarcasm:

Stupid Spezza.

Can we please re-sign Pazzy now???

http://life.ru/video/2370/

Video of the Russians celebrating, you see Fedorov at about 1:05 in, and alot of awesomeness from Ovechkin.

It's not a Rick Roll I promise. :nod:

The Canadian olympic team will be awesome. So will the Russians. That will be the matchup for the gold metal.

http://life.ru/video/2370/

Video of the Russians celebrating, you see Fedorov at about 1:05 in, and alot of awesomeness from Ovechkin.

It's not a Rick Roll I promise. :nod:

Good video :D

Is there any animosity that Leclaire did not play?

Is there any animosity that Leclaire did not play?

No, and particularly not with the game the Canadians played in front of Ward.

Why do you ask?

Ward was the right choice. He's proven himself before. Got the gold last year. Gotta go with him.

Is there any animosity that Leclaire did not play?

Not at all. Leclaire and Ward alternated every game all the way through the tournament. It seems as though the coaches scheduled the goalies to alternate so that Ward got the States in the round robin, the quarters, and the finals.

If one stumbled, of course things would change, however both goalies played well so the pattern wasn't changed.

I asked because Hitch put Ward over Leclaire in the game that mattered most.

I asked because Hitch put Ward over Leclaire in the game that mattered most.


Ward had more international experience and, as Hitchcock pointed out, LeClaire had never been in that pressure-packed a situation. Next time, the rotation, if there is one, may be different.