PRE-GDT: Canada vs. Sweden | 7:30 PM ET

In this thread and in the upcoming GDT, there will be a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to personal attacks, trolling/baiting and offensive posts. Anyone who won't play by the rules will get banned from the thread(s).

----------------------------

The final is set, who do you think is going to win?

Lineups for each team:

7 Angelo Esposito - 19 John Tavares (A) - 25 Chris DiDomenico
11 Zach Boychuk (A) - 18 Cody Hodgson (A) - 14 Jordan Eberle
15 Stefan Della Rovere - 28 Patrice Cormier - 29 Evander Kane
24 Jamie Benn - 12 Brett Sonne - 22 Tyler Ennis

4 Thomas Hickey (C) - 2 Colten Teubert
5 P.K. Subban - 17 Cody Goloubef
32 Keith Aulie - 3 Tyler Myers
10 Alex Pietrangelo - 8 Ryan Ellis

30 Dustin Tokarski
31 Chet Pickard

23 Nicklas Lasu - 22 Mikael Backlund - 9 Oscar Möller (C)
21 Magnus Svensson Pääjärvi - 18 Joakim Andersson (A) - 29 Simon Hjalmarsson
10 Mattias Tedenby - 24 David Ullström - 20 André Petersson
28 Carl Gustafsson - 17 Anton Persson - 11 Marcus Johansson
26 Jacob Josefson

3 Sebastian Erixon - 5 Erik Karlsson
4 Victor Hedman (A) - 7 David Rundblad
8 Viktor Ekbom - 6 Nichlas Torp
16 Tim Erixon

25 Jacob Markström
30 Mark Owuya

Officials:
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/9.gifVladimir Bulanov
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/10.gifDanny Kurmann
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/4.gifMilan Novák
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/2.gifJussi Terho

canada

Well their is an another thread http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=587745

Well their is an another thread http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=587745

That's including all the major contenders, we're down to just the final now.

That's including all the major contenders, we're down to just the final now.

Well.....ok....

I say Canada

EDIT: the yellow text hurts my eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm Canadian and it hurts me to say it but I honestly think SWEDEN WILL WIN.

Come Monday night, you will see the words "SWEDE REVENGE" on the TSN website. Poetic justice.

But I'm still praying for a comeback miracle...:handclap:

P.S. The Canadian team played with no energy or urgency until the overtime. They look so tired out there, it must be quite an emotional roller coaster especially because it's such a big deal in Canada and there's a lot of pressure, which works for AND against us.

P.S.S. I also thought Eposito was going to score the OT goal and be the hero. That SH goal was pretty clutch.

I think it will definitely be Canada. They will ride the wave of emotion from the finish of todays game and take it. I think Sweden probably has the best team but Canada has the passion and heart to get it done.

I'm surprised people have so much faith in Canada.

I'm Canadian and I still don't. Unless one of our guys can deliver another heroic clutch performance, I can't see it happening. Our goaltender and defence SUCK!!!!

Canada will defeat Sweden.

I voted with my heart. Sweden 4-3.

Wow am amazed Systemfel voted for Canada. Maybe one of those pesstimstic fan types. :laugh:

Well.....ok....

I say Canada

EDIT: the yellow text hurts my eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Systemfel changed it.

Systemfel changed it.

Noooo, I liked the yellow color. Now Sweden's national colors is gone.:shakehead

Anyway, both teams have a great shoot for the gold. I hope for a great game.:)

Canada

In this thread and in the upcoming GDT, there will be a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to personal attacks, trolling/baiting and offensive posts. Anyone who won't play by the rules will get banned from the thread(s).

Canada is going to have to pick up their play, they won't be able to come storming back against Sweden.

Go Canada

Raise that flag boys

5-2 Canada

Even though I am Canadian and I picked Canada I am surprised how far ahead they are in voting after all. It will be interesting to see if Quinn does take a gamble and goes with Pickard as well.

Lets GO Canada!!!

I think Canada will win, but they'll have to have a better defensive effort.

Should be another amazing game. Two great countries. As of right now, I say it,s even except for the goaltending department, I give the advantage to Markstrom.

I wasn't really impressed by Sweden against Slovakia, but meanwhile Canada weren't very impressive against Russia either... Could be a good game, but I think Sweden will win as our goalkeeper looks so much better than Canada's, who was far from great against Russia.

Go Canada Go

Canada's defense just can't play like they did against Russia if they want to win the gold. It's hard to predict, I'm obviously going to cheer for Canada but it will be close.

I doubt Lasu will play... Can Mårts get a replacement over before the game?

If Canada shows up and plays like they can, I think the crowd and the emotion carries them to a win. If Canada isn't on top of their game, and Sweden shows up like they are capable of doing, then Sweden wins. If Canada plays like they did for much of the Russia game, it could get ugly.

why isnt hedman on the top pairing?

I doubt Lasu will play... Can Mårts get a replacement over before the game?

No. Once the tournament has started there are no replacements. How badly is he hurt?

This boards is dominated by NA:s and especially Canadians. That's why Canada has a big lead in the poll.

Canada

This boards is dominated by NA:s and especially Canadians. That's why Canada has a big lead in the poll.

Or maybe people actually think Canada is going to come out on top? There's no other team that plays with the passion Canada plays with. They really never give up until the game is over. You see the game tonight?

This is the GDT? Cool..

Well i'm glad that we won, And I think the Canada will with the gold so....

6-4 Canada

Or maybe people actually think Canada is going to come out on top? There's no other team that plays with the passion Canada plays with. They really never give up until the game is over. You see the game tonight?

I said it in another thread, if Canada doesn't have the good fortune of a Russian teenager forgetting to skate 15 feet up the ice, we're all talking about how this team lacked the passion that was present in years' past. Granted, once given the opportunity, Canada came through in the clutch, but it goes to show that the line between passionate heart and choking is razor thin in a tournament of this format.

Or maybe people actually think Canada is going to come out on top? There's no other team that plays with the passion Canada plays with. They really never give up until the game is over. You see the game tonight?

Sweden never give up too. Remember last year. We was down against Canada twice. Won one and hardly lost the gold medal game. In our victory we scored in last seconds. Today, Sweden came back against Slovakia too.

Sorry, but the only reason to Canada leading big is a lot f Canadians in this board.

I dont understand why Myers doesnt get more ice time he was the only D-man who played good on team Canada(minus the giveaway that led to one of the russian goals). I also think Quinn is an absolute retard as subbann and hickey where way to offensive and were defensive liability's all game and Quinn played them the most of all the D-men. He also overplayed the Number one PP unit as it wasnt producing at all but they kept getting lots of mins. If the Canadian Defense and/or Quinn dont wake up monday is going to be tough.

Sweden never give up too. Remember last year. We was down against Canada twice. Won one and hardly lost the gold medal game. In our victory we scored in last seconds. Today, Sweden came back against Slovakia too.

Sorry, but the only reason to Canada leading big is a lot f Canadians in this board.

I understand that, and believe me; Canadians are well aware how good Sweden is and know that we are going to have bring our "A" game for a full 60 minutes to beat the Swedes. Should be one hell of a match, its anyone's game.

Sweden will take it 3-2.

Defense is too weak for the speedy Swedish forwards.

Prove me wrong boys!

lol @ the only reason canadas ahead in the poll is because of the majority of NA's and canadians on this board lulz

I said it in another thread, if Canada doesn't have the good fortune of a Russian teenager forgetting to skate 15 feet up the ice, we're all talking about how this team lacked the passion that was present in years' past. Granted, once given the opportunity, Canada came through in the clutch, but it goes to show that the line between passionate heart and choking is razor thin in a tournament of this format.

I couldn't agree more with you but you could definitely see the passion after every goal the Canadians scored including the one with 5.4 seconds left. But they surely didn't play the same game they played against the Americans a few nights ago.

I was just thinking about some of the posts that us Canadian posters would have to respond to by the Americans, Russians etc...

Canada will have to step it up big time.

They must play better in all facets of the game.

I think JT will have a big game but Canada will come up short with Markstrom proving to be difference.Obviously Im hoping for a Canada win but I just dont see it

The poll isnt even close right now..... How can you bet against the four time defending champs..... Let me tell you ya cant.....

The drive for FIVE is ALIVE....

Canada wins another GOLD Medal Monday night.....HO HUM

why isnt hedman on the top pairing?

Because Karlsson has out played him this tournament.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to gold we go!

This drive for 5 is reminiscent of the 90's when we accomplished it, backstopped by Marc Denis! Hopefully Tokarski is equal to the task.

Canada with a pretty nice advantage up front.
Sweden with a pretty nice advantage in goal.

Canada can score goals in bunches but those goals are a lot harder to come by against a goalie like Markstrom. I'd honestly go Pickard if I was Quinn for the gold medal game. You can't allow softies like the ones Tokarski's given up against Sweden because they won't give up the 5-6 goals Canada's been putting up routinely.

I think the Americans and Russians gave us a run for our money with their speed.
Taking this into consideration, if we start as slowly as we did against those two, the game might be out of reach early. The Swedes are as fast, if not faster than the aforementioned team, so we need our defense to step up big time. Tokarski needs to be more consistent. I have confidence in our offence, on paper it's pretty even. Markstrom will be our toughest test yet (in net).

6-3 Canada

Canada in another close game.

5-3 with an empty netter.

the difference tonight from the rest of canadas games was the pp. wasnt nearly as good as any other game. if they were scoring on the pp chances in the second this game was over. i think itll come down to the same thing in the sweden game...the pp needs to affective or itll be another nailbiter or a heartbreaker.

GO CANADA!

I'll say 4-2 Canada.

I am pumped up already.

Can a Swedish fan enlighten me on what their coaching staff is doing with the lines and PP? On the PP they would go stretches without Karlsson, and then at various points Petersson and Paarjavi were playing the points with Karlsson. They seem to have split Hedman and Karlsson up, when in the early parts of the tournament that duo was playing quite well on the first PP unit. It seemed to me during the Slovakia game that they were still fiddling around with things that you would expect to be fairly settled.

Canada end of story. But seriously Sweden has a solid team and better tender. If he plays like a brick wall Canada takes home the silver. Canada's d must be tight and not sloppy like in the Russian game.

Predictions for this game??? and player of the GAME.

5-3 Canada if Pickard is in net
1000-0 Sweden if Tokarski is in net

Actually I'm going to call it now. Dustin Tokarski comes up huge for Canada in a 3-1 victory. He's a big game goalie and I think he'll pull one out on Monday, a la Steve Mason.

I'm hoping for Backlund to have a huge game, but I'm also hoping that the Swedes are decimated...

Tokarski will have his best game of the tournament. Bet on it.

Tokarski usually comes huge in the big games, but you think theirs a chance pickard gets the start, after that horrible performance ><

Canada wins 1-0
Takarski scores

15-0 Canada

Backlund vs. Canada :)

And yes, I totally did not read the first post.

4-2 Canada...

MSP and Hedman for the Swedes...

Tavares and Hodgson come up big for the good guys...

I'm really looking forward to this game. I think it will be an awesome one, and a close one.

Hats off to Sweden for such a great crop of young players this year. This game is going to rock! Go Canada!

My players of the game would be Johnny T for Canada and Paajarvi-Party for the Swedes.

go sweden

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Flag_of_Sweden.svg/800px-Flag_of_Sweden.svg.png

Conan FTW!!! :laugh:

http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/3/1/3/f_swedensucksm_f29fc2b.jpg

5-1 Canada.

This flag will be raised to the rafters once Canada takes the gold

http://www.geocities.com/david_meggeson/HockeyCanada_Logo.gif

This flag will be raised to the rafters once Canada takes the gold

http://www.geocities.com/david_meggeson/HockeyCanada_Logo.gif

Thats not Canada's flag pauser... :yo: yes one for me this time! :laugh:

Pauser 2 - LSA - 1

Thats not Canada's flag pauser... :yo: yes one for me this time! :laugh:

Pauser 2 - LSA - 1

Oh...well it should be!

With both teams being pretty hot right now, I think it will come down to the goaltending. So, Sweden.

Buuuutttt, if Canada does win, it will be because Tokarski plays out of his mind and puts on a legendary performance we'll never forget.

6-1 canada. should be relatively easy now that the swedes dont expect them to show up.

every game canada has played so far is against a tougher team than sweden. should be an easy victory for canada.

every game canada has played so far is against a tougher team than sweden. should be an easy victory for canada.

Easy victory? No way. I'm going with 5-4 Canada in OT, Tavares with the winner :)

That will be a great game! Good luck to Sweden.

May the best team win! :handclap:

every game canada has played so far is against a tougher team than sweden. should be an easy victory for canada.Kazakhstan was tougher then Sweden? I'd say Sweden is the toughest team Canada is going to face

Canada will get frustrated with Sweden's puckmoving game and lose their
patience and position; and ultimately the game. I see Sweden winning by 6-3 or something similar. On the other hand, Team Canada always seems to find ways to win games even when inferiour, which by it's own merit is a great feat.

Who will be the ref for this game? It's usually a US ref who calls Canadian games for some odd reason...

This is great, i really wanted to see Cormier and Tedenby in the final.

Canada will win. I have a bad feeling Sweden will fold. Im cheering for them to win, obviously, but Canada will take this. Im going all-in with my vCash on this one.

As much as I want Sweden to win, I don't see it happening. Canada will win in Ottawa.

I just hope Markström and Tedenby will have a good game and maybe they can prove me wrong.

if canada can play like they did in the pre tournament game against the swedes i like their chances. whats the over-under on the pre game threads for the gold medal game here? lol

its Canadian fans vs the world.

Going to be there. Easily a top 5 game in my life (SCF x 2, Game 7 ECF, 1996 World Cup, now this).

This boards is dominated by NA:s and especially Canadians. That's why Canada has a big lead in the poll.

Get on you re political platform and start the campaign, it's just a poll relax Come monday let the players work it out. Most people realize that sweden is a threat and are not to be taken lightly.

Hedman Vs Tavares:handclap:


Sweden will win 2-1

6-4, Sweden.

POG for Sweden: Oscar Moller
POG for Canada: Cody Hodgson

4-2 Canada

Backlund scores both SWE goals.
Tavares, Hodgson, Subban and Kane score for CAN

4-2 Canada...

MSP and Hedman for the Swedes...

Tavares and Hodgson come up big for the good guys...


Tavares and Hodgson aren't playing for team Sweden.


Who's reffing this game?

Without a doubt, Sweden.
4-1 and Markström will be huge.

I hope Sweden wins this one. Go Sweden go! :)

When is this game anyway? I thought it was going to be played this sunday?
its Canadian fans vs the world.
Fanbase wide, yeah. But with Canadian home ice and refs, no.

Who's reffing this game?

4 Canadians.

I hope we win, I really do. But Canada always play their best in the biggest games and with the sloppy play against Slovakia I'm not sure we can handle them.

When is this game anyway? I thought it was going to be played this sunday?

It's Monday, January 5th, 7:30 pm local time. Night from Monday to Tuesday, 01:30 am your time. ;)

IMO the logic and expected final. Can't wait.

I bet many canadian fans are eating their words by now.

"Sweden arent tested yet"

If mother Russia wasnt a test.. I dont know what is;)

Game will be close hopefully as close and tight as the semifinal but with a better outcome ;)

canada havnt impressed me at all. this should be a pretty easy win for the swedes.

This is swedens time to shine. The last and only time sweden won gold in the WJC was 1981!

/Cheers

4 Canadians.

Can't be, but I'm afraid they will be North american, at which point we are already batteling 7 guys every shift.

The two canadian refs in the game against Slovakia were horrible.

Can't be, but I'm afraid they will be North american, at which point we are already batteling 7 guys every shift.

The two canadian refs in the game against Slovakia were horrible.
Let's start blaming refs before the game starts, that way if you lose than you can already have your excuse.

just try and keep it classy..

When is this game anyway? I thought it was going to be played this sunday?

Fanbase wide, yeah. But with Canadian home ice and refs, no.

I hope that's a joke.:help:

This year I feel the Swedes take it, and handily. Canada has a weak defense, and no Goalie - he's not even playing an average game that would give his (our) team a chance. Goal-tending is the most important position (Duh) and this year Sweden has that trump card. Many of Canada's wins in the past were due to superior goal-tending so thats all fair!!

Also, I do wish there were not so many 12 year old - or pre-pubescent-acting- posters in these threads, a bit of "trash talking" and flaming can be fun but it sure does get ridiculous at times.

Seriously I'm afraid I'll get evicted after this game, which sports bar is open for junior hockey to 5 am in the morning? :laugh:

I think it will definitely be Canada. They will ride the wave of emotion from the finish of todays game and take it. I think Sweden probably has the best team but Canada has the passion and heart to get it done.

im getting tired of hearing that canadians are the only ones having passion and heart when it comes to hockey

Oops, double post.

Too many "homer" votes. We Canadians all hope and wish for a Canada win, but as serious (? except all the pre-pubescent flamers in these threads) Hockey fans we should vote with our heads, not heart.

Canada has a poor defense this year, (I love Subban being a Canadien's fan, but if he's your best DEFENCEMAN you're in trouble!!) and below average goal-tending.

Canada usually wins largely in part because of superior goal-tending which is what this year should put Sweden over the top. Canada somehow has hit a goal-tending drought this year. (Or bad selection?)

Hopefully a good game.

Gonna be an easy win for Sweden. Canada haven't impressed at all and won by pure luck over Russia. Both their goaltending and defence are weak and as usual their team are overhyped. Let's face it, Team Sweden are better in every aspect, we have better goaltending, defence and our offensive are way faster and smarter. 5-1 Sweden.

Gonna be an easy win for Sweden. Canada haven't impressed at all and won by pure luck over Russia. Both their goaltending and defence are weak and as usual their team are overhyped. Let's face it, Team Sweden are better in every aspect, we have better goaltending, defence and our offensive are way faster and smarter. 5-1 Sweden.

Way to jinx it buddy :P

and now you will be beaten to death in this thread.. Let us say the team is as you say - overhyped as usual - they still won it 4 times in a row..

It will be a close game I predict 3-2 for Canada, Tavares with 2 goals and to finally prove that he is the best player not playing in the NHL!

Gonna be an easy win for Sweden. Canada haven't impressed at all and won by pure luck over Russia. Both their goaltending and defence are weak and as usual their team are overhyped. Let's face it, Team Sweden are better in every aspect, we have better goaltending, defence and our offensive are way faster and smarter. 5-1 Sweden.

Pure luck? I do not share that view.

Canada capitalized on the russians mistake. The russians should have played smarter, but they didn't. That game was a tremendous moral booster for the Canada side.
Canada deserves to be in the final, and whoever team that wins it, based on a preview perspective (there is left to see how the referees will behave) is a deserving winner. This will be a hard fought game, anyone thinking otherwise is living in a dream, IMO.

Impossible game to predict. I just hope the winner is the team that plays the best hockey, and that we for once won't have to talk about referees and questionable calls afterwards. A clean hard-hitting game with lots of entertainment!

I just hope the winner is the team that plays the best hockey, and that we for once won't have to talk about referees and questionable calls afterwards.

RU Serious?

Never going to happen even if the refs where infallible angels from heaven.

Fans of which ever side that loses will blame everything from refs to the local weather and insidious comment on Oprah ;)

It's the nature of hockey fans, it's not going change any day soon.

It will be a close game I predict 3-2 for Canada, Tavares with 2 goals and to finally prove that he is the best player not playing in the NHL!

There are atleast 30 players outside of the NHL better than him.

There are atleast 30 players outside of the NHL better than him.

Got crack?

There´s money to be made here. Bookies have Canada as favorites, but I can´t see anything else but Sweden as the better team and gold medal favorites.

Gonna be an easy win for Sweden. Canada haven't impressed at all and won by pure luck over Russia. Both their goaltending and defence are weak and as usual their team are overhyped. Let's face it, Team Sweden are better in every aspect, we have better goaltending, defence and our offensive are way faster and smarter. 5-1 Sweden.

Well, let us hope that Canadian players are being told this, too. Because nothing gets us up for a game like some constructive criticism from the opposition! :nod:

Perhaps a Swedish player will oblige us today with some awesome quotes along the lines of your theory. :naughty:

Sweden has the edge going into the game, I think. If the Canadian team that played against Russia shows up, we're toast. If they get their act together, I think we'll give Sweden a hell of a game, and just maybe achieve 5 in a row - TWICE! :)

There´s money to be made here. Bookies have Canada as favorites, but I can´t see anything else but Sweden as the better team and gold medal favorites.

Canada will always be the favourite in WJC, especially when it's played in Canada.


And with canadian refs:sarcasm:

4 - 3 Canada...Tavares with two (he will make up for a lacklustre semi-final performance), Eberle and Hodgson with one apiece.

Really could go either way. Two sloppy games now from Canada and they will need to be better if they want the gold. I'll say 4-3 OT win for Canada. Benn is the hero.

Way to jinx it buddy :P

and now you will be beaten to death in this thread.. Let us say the team is as you say - overhyped as usual - they still won it 4 times in a row..

Something that bothers me is that some Swedish fans always are so shy, timid and afraid of conflicts. Why? The north americans are always proud and believing in their own team even when they have a tough task in head of them. Their fans say things that are not always correct about the situation but they do it because they love their team and nation. Do you really think Team Sweden gonna win anything if their fanbase don’t believe in them and don’t have the guts to speak their mind even if it provoke the opponent?

Well, let us hope that Canadian players are being told this, too. Because nothing gets us up for a game like some constructive criticism from the opposition! :nod:

Perhaps a Swedish player will oblige us today with some awesome quotes along the lines of your theory. :naughty:

Sweden has the edge going into the game, I think. If the Canadian team that played against Russia shows up, we're toast. If they get their act together, I think we'll give Sweden a hell of a game, and just maybe achieve 5 in a row - TWICE! :)

Or frustration when you find out that I’m right :sarcasm:

Do you really think Team Sweden gonna win anything if their fanbase don’t believe in them and don’t have the guts to speak their mind even if it provoke the opponent?

I hazard to guess what any of us on a random internet forum says will have absolutely zero affect on the game or what team wins whatsoever. :laugh:

If Tokarski and the Defence play like they have been I don't have much faith in Canada beating the Swedes with the speed and talent they have up front. Nevertheless, I just hope they pull it together and we get to see a good hockey game on Monday. Cheers :cheers:

My heart says Canada but I think Sweden wins.

Sweden-4 Canada-3

I hazard to guess what any of us on a random internet forum says will have absolutely zero affect on the game or what team wins whatsoever. :laugh:

I meant the fanbase in general and not just the fanbase on Internet. Sorry if I wasn't clear enough ;)

I meant the fanbase in general and not just the fanbase on Internet. Sorry if I wasn't clear enough ;)

OK I got you. ;)

Canada is too weak 5on5, they beat Russia due their boneheaded penalties.
Sweden is (with Finland) the least penalized team in WJC and won't give Canada the chances they are gonna need to beat Markstrom.

Sweden 4-1

Looking at things objectively:

Canada showed heart against Russia, but realistically, they were out-played by a decent margin pre-overtime.

IF they don't bring a much better effort, Sweeden could run away with this.

Should be a good game though.

This is probably one of the worst canadian teams I have seen in a while.

Shaky goaltending
Average Defence at best, they look like swiss cheese back there
Not a lot of even strength offence

They have been lucky to make it this far,
McCollum let them back in the game against the US
Not an impressive turn out from Russia.

It seems like every time I look up at the screen Canada is on a powerplay though, and that is their strength in the tournament. I still think Canada wins, but they only win if the other team lets them, they havent truly come out and dominated play since Germany.

ps REAL tired of Pierre McGuires voice, Russians hit a post in a shootout and then shoot right at Tokarski and all of a sudden Pierre goes into this rant of how good of a goalie he is. Please. He is a good goalie but has played like garbage thus far. Its embarrassing listening to his rants about Canadian hockey, trying to make something that just isnt there with this Canadian team, Hes basically become the equivalent to John Madden of the NFL, but worse, to the point where my friends and family are starting to mute the game, and pick up a radio broadcast of it while the game is on

Tokarski usually comes huge in the big games, but you think theirs a chance pickard gets the start, after that horrible performance ><

Actually I'm going to call it now. Dustin Tokarski comes up huge for Canada in a 3-1 victory. He's a big game goalie and I think he'll pull one out on Monday, a la Steve Mason.

I know he won the Memorial Cup but he hasn't proven to be much of a big game goalie in this tournament so far. There's way more pressure playing in a WJC game like the last two than in a Memorial Cup final. It's not even close. Tokarski's played like complete **** these past two games. I'm not convinced he can get it done against Sweden but I'm hoping I'm wrong.

I am more confident on Swedens chances now than I was before the tournament started, I think if the Swedes play at thier best they have a good shot at the gold.

We need a solid game from Markström, as Canada will get thier chances to score.

I fully expect a close game that isn't desided until maybe OT.

If Tokarski sucks Sweden wins, if not Canada will.

Canada is too weak 5on5, they beat Russia due their boneheaded penalties.

That makes no sense. Canada had 1 PP goal and so did Russia. When it was 5-on-5 it was very even and Canada spent more time in their zone. The Canadian problem was that Tokarski let every shot in and our defense was shaky. In no way was russia dominating 5 on 5 though..

Seeing how well Sweden has played (and how many good players they have, and how superior their defense corps is), and how poor Canada's defense is, the Swedes are the clear favourites.

That being said, it's a one game final, not a best of 7, so Canada can definitely win.

The key is to jump out early, play with a lot of energy, and get a 2 goal lead.

im getting tired of hearing that canadians are the only ones having passion and heart when it comes to hockey
That's not what he said.

Seeing how well Sweden has played (and how many good players they have, and how superior their defense corps is), and how poor Canada's defense is, the Swedes are the clear favourites.

That being said, it's a one game final, not a best of 7, so Canada can definitely win.

The key is to jump out early, play with a lot of energy, and get a 2 goal lead.

Canada did beat sweden in the exhibition game 4-2 and dominated the game. I forget the shots but I believe it was a 2x margin.

That being said, Sweden has been improving every game which is bad news for Canada and it seems that Canada's defense has been getting worse. The question of Canadas defense and goaltending really worries me. Where is Schenn and Doughty when you need them :( Usually these are the two areas Canada is best at and this year its our weakest.

I will agree with you that I think Sweden should be favoured. Goaltending is the most important part and Markstrom has been strong not super.

My prediction going in was USA/Canada/Sweden. So obviously im way wrong. Should be a good final.

Got crack?

Well, there's at least Jagr for one.

As much as Bilros annoys me, let's not get ahead of ourselves either...he's going to go 1st overall which is already good enough.

canada havnt impressed me at all. this should be a pretty easy win for the swedes.

After coming back from being down 3-0 at what many thought were tournament favourites and tieing a game with 5.4 seconds left isn't impressive.. I will fix your post.


USA havnt impressed me at all. this should be a pretty easy win for the czechs.

Should be an excellent game, two fairly evenly matched teams... I think if Canada's D steps up Canada will take this one... 5-4

Here are the officials:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/9.gif Vladimir Bulanov
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/10.gif Danny Kurmann
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/4.gif Milan Novák
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/2.gif Jussi Terho

Looks like a nice mix.

Here are the officials:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/9.gif Vladimir Bulanov
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/10.gif Danny Kurmann
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/4.gif Milan Novák
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/2.gif Jussi Terho

Looks like a nice mix.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

Again Bulanov.:shakehead

WTF?

Here are the officials:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/9.gif Vladimir Bulanov
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/10.gif Danny Kurmann
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/4.gif Milan Novák
http://www.eliteprospects.com/layout/flags/2.gif Jussi Terho

Looks like a nice mix.

Yes! A Russian referee!

Yes! A crappy referee!

Fixed for you.

I'm surprised people have so much faith in Canada.

I'm Canadian and I still don't. Unless one of our guys can deliver another heroic clutch performance, I can't see it happening. Our goaltender and defence SUCK!!!!
I voted Canada because I'm Canadian and our team does have a chance to win; it's not like we're Kazakhstan or something like that. Having said that, I'm have big doubts about our chance of winning this one, Sweden looks deadly and superior.

Fixed for you.
Well who do you want to referee then? Either way, Swedes will always say that we bribed the referees.

You'd need to have an officiating crew entirely composed of Swedes to please some of the Swedish posters.

Sweden will win, it's the better team. But it will be close.

Canada didn't look great against Russia, and Sweden didn't look great against Slovakia either. So it's really hard right now to pick a clear cut favourite for this game. I'll obviously be rooting for Canada but also will be hoping for a very close tight game from both teams.

Looking at things objectively:

Canada showed heart against Russia, but realistically, they were out-played by a decent margin pre-overtime.

IF they don't bring a much better effort, Sweeden could run away with this.

Should be a good game though.

Same with sweden if they play much like they did yesterday.Well it could be a long night for sweden.BOth teams needs to step it up big time.

Either way, Swedes will always say that we bribed the referees.

Nah not always.

Only when we lose ;)

Got crack?

I bet there is atleast 100 better players at this point.

He is still a junior and would get dominated by many. That being said I think he will soon be better than most of the players outside the NHL.

It's gonna be up to Tokarski to shut the door because now he won't have a goalie at the other end to let the Canadians back in the game when he gives up cheap goals like McCollum and Zhelobnyuk.

Anybody else superstitous like me? Eberle ties the game with 5 seconds left in the Semi's to keep the Drive for 5 alive! :amazed:

Im already nervous by the thought of Tavares having the puck in the offensive zone. :cry:

Sweden wins 6-3.....Canada's defense and goaltending sucks.

Im already nervous by the thought of Tavares having the puck in the offensive zone. :cry:

I'm nervous by the thought of Pajaarvi and Backlund having the puck and dangle through the Canadian defense......Sweden will rip apart the defense and goaltending.

Markstrom >>>>>>>>>>>> Tokarski

Hoping for a Canada win, but Sweden is too good.

Looking at things objectively:

Canada showed heart against Russia, but realistically, they were out-played by a decent margin pre-overtime.

IF they don't bring a much better effort, Sweeden could run away with this.

Should be a good game though.

Don't think so, dude. It's going to be close. REally close. Canada has a good team and are truly fanatic. They'll don ANYTHING to win and on home ice it's going to be imensely more difficult for Sweden.

Swede posters this year remind me alot of Russian posters in the last couple of tourneys.

Canada will win if they bring their "A" game (including Tokarski). Sweden will not win if they do not bring their "A" game. All the chips will probably fall somewhere in the middle.

I call it Canada 5-3 with an empty netter.

I voted Canada because I'm Canadian and our team does have a chance to win; it's not like we're Kazakhstan or something like that. Having said that, I'm have big doubts about our chance of winning this one, Sweden looks deadly and superior.


Well who do you want to referee then? Either way, Swedes will always say that we bribed the referees.

You'd need to have an officiating crew entirely composed of Swedes to please some of the Swedish posters.

It has nothing to do with my "canadians bribed the refery" fobia. I prefer not to speak about bad judging before the game.

But it's not the first time we will have a pleasure of having Bulanov as refery. And believe me he is horrible.

Should be a great game.

Swede posters this year remind me alot of Russian posters in the last couple of tourneys.

Canada will win if they bring their "A" game (including Tokarski). Sweden will not win if they do not bring their "A" game. All the chips will probably fall somewhere in the middle.

I call it Canada 5-3 with an empty netter.

In what way?

Sweden will take it 3-2.

Defense is too weak for the speedy Swedish forwards.

Prove me wrong boys!

Canada will win 4 - 2.

The defenders will be caught out of position several times by the Canadian offense. The offense won't be allowed to play their game, they'll get frustrated and lose their focus.

Prove me wrong!

But it's not the first time we will have a pleasure of having Bulanov as refery. And believe me he is horrible.

Seems the IIHF finds the most incompetent stiffs they can for these tournaments. Seems every game is full head-scratching calls and non-calls.

Sweden will take it 3-2.

Defense is too weak for the speedy Swedish forwards.

Prove me wrong boys!

If i was with the girl in your aviater i wouldnt really care who won. But since thats just a dream......... Go Canada Go.

It will be a hard fought battle and we will have to be waaaaaaaaaaay better then we were yesterday.

PS Whos the girl :naughty:

Go Canada and Dido !!

Swede posters this year remind me alot of Russian posters in the last couple of tourneys.

Canada will win if they bring their "A" game (including Tokarski). Sweden will not win if they do not bring their "A" game. All the chips will probably fall somewhere in the middle.

I call it Canada 5-3 with an empty netter.

I don't think so. If Sweden play its "A" game they will win. Sweden's goaltending and defence are way better than Canada's. I think overall Sweden has the best team this year.

I expect a close game. I will not predict since I think this game can end in either way.

Go Canada and Dido !!

Dido can sit out. Him and Della.

I'm worrid about Markstrom, normally, our piss poor goaltending has been equal, or better than the opposition's, not this game. Tokarski needs to play better... A LOT better.

I'm ready for all the comments by Swedish and US fans......as to how much we suck because I think we're going to lose....big time.

sweden wins 5-2

I don't think so. If Sweden play its "A" game they will win. Sweden's goaltending and defence are way better than Canada's. I think overall Sweden has the best team this year.

I expect a close game. I will not predict since I think this game can end in either way.

And we were getting flamed for suggesting we were the underdogs, i agree Sweden has the better team this yr.

Hope Hodgson gets a goal in this game.

Don't think so, dude. It's going to be close. REally close. Canada has a good team and are truly fanatic. They'll don ANYTHING to win and on home ice it's going to be imensely more difficult for Sweden.

With fans like the girl in your aviater, i would kill the Canadians. Maybe she can give the pre game pep talk. :naughty:

Anybody else superstitous like me? Eberle ties the game with 5 seconds left in the Semi's to keep the Drive for 5 alive! :amazed:

His goal tied it up at 5-5.

His number is 14 which is 1+4=5.....

:help: :laugh:

His goal tied it up at 5-5.

His number is 14 which is 1+4=5.....

:help: :laugh:

So with 5 minutes and 5 seconds left he'll score the GWG (5-4) in the fivehole?

So with 5 minutes and 5 seconds left he'll score the GWG (5-4) in the fivehole?

I was just thinking that!

Tokarski needs to play a lot better.. he can't keep letting in those goals 15 seconds after we score.

I was just thinking that!

Tokarski needs to play a lot better.. he can't keep letting in those goals 15 seconds after we score.

Canada was really outplayed by Russia at times and they were increadibly fast in their breakaways. Tokarski dind't get much help from the Dmen and doens't deserve to be trashed like this. You can't just expect greatnes from someone.

If Canada doesn't score 4, they don't win. Tokarski has been that bad early on in the games so far, I just don't see that changing.

That said, I think Canada, and in particular Tavares, exposes Markstrom. He lets up odd rebounds that a guy like Tavares will be able to get to.

I'm going out there and saying 7-4 final, including at least one empty netter.

It always amazes me that Pat Quinn, an old rock-solid defenceman, seems to always have these teams that pay little attention to defense.

He loves run 'n gun.

Speaking of Quinn, how long until he's hired by Pittsburgh?

The whoel Swedish team is explosive. Hickey-Teubert need to play the BEST they can for Canada to have any hope for a win...also Tokarski too. That Pajaarvi and Backlund lines are very scary......And I'll also say that Pajaarvi will draw atleast 2 penalties....his speed from the outside will be too much for Canadian defenseman....[or it'll be a goal]

Canada was really outplayed by Russia at times and they were increadibly fast in their breakaways. Tokarski dind't get much help from the Dmen and doens't deserve to be trashed like this. You can't just expect greatnes from someone.

I disagree. Canada played much more in Russian time and a lot of time was spent in the neutral/offensive zone for Canada. It was just the stupid giveaways that led to most of the goals.......[3 out of 5]

Sweden's only chance is a Russian referee!

6-3 Canada wins!

If we only had that 2005 WJC team for one more game :P

I'm ready for all the comments by Swedish and US fans......as to how much we suck because I think we're going to lose....big time.

You're a joke, if you think we're going to lose 8-1 you need to get your head checked.

You're a joke, if you think we're going to lose 8-1 you need to get your head checked.

We'll see. Team Sweden is certainly better than Canada.....in my mind. If we had the NHl'ers, it would've been completely different.

We'll see. Team Sweden is certainly better than Canada.....in my mind. If we had the NHl'ers, it would've been completely different.

Will is more important than skill in gold medal games my friend.

We'll see. Team Sweden is certainly better than Canada.....in my mind. If we had the NHl'ers, it would've been completely different.

Which NHL'ers are eligible (not on the team)?

Which NHL'ers are eligible (not on the team)?

He's talking about Doughty, Schenn, Gagner, Turris, & co.

But you can't worry about who could be here.

Which NHL'ers are eligible (not on the team)?

Drew Doughty, Luke Schenn, Brandon Sutter, Colton Gillies, Josh Bailey, Sam Gagner, Steven Stamkos and Kyle Turris are the only ones I can name off the top of my head, and all of them but Bailey would be veterens. Factor in those players...;)

Which NHL'ers are eligible (not on the team)?

Sam Gagner
Drew Doughty
Kyle Turris
Steven Stamkos
Colton Gillies
Brandon Sutter
Josh Bailey
Luke Schenn

I predict that..



...Canadas goalie will stand on his head, while Markstrom will be every bit as human as he was against the slovaks.

...I will be furious at the refs once again screwing us over.

...Hedman will get in a fight. Would be epic if he squared off with Tavares:amazed::D

...Wikegard will scream bloody murder when the canadians play fugly and the refs let them get away with it over and over again.

...Canada will take an early 3-0 lead, and then cruise through to the last 2 mins where Sweden gets one (moller), and then there's the never ending supply of empty netters in the end.

Final score..

4-1

Which NHL'ers are eligible (not on the team)?

Drew Doughty - Plays 20+ minutes
Luke Schenn - Plays 20+ minutes against Crosby and Ovechkin

Josh Bailey - Well, a good second line forward for team Canada
Kyle Turris - 3rd overall pick...Canada's leading poitn scorer last year
Sam Gagner - Almost 50 points in his year in the NHL
Steven Stamkos - 1st overall pick
Brandon Sutter - Kills 5 on 3 penalties in the NHL
Colton Gillies - Another energy player

Sutter-Gillies would have been an amazing third line....[with Kane]

Well, if Canada lose tomorrow, i guess it will be the primary excuse, the "missing" players. Then again, we can lay several other myths to rest by then.

I do not think Moeller was entirely healthy in the SF game versus Slovakia. He took a few hits where it seemed like he was distracted and disinterested by something.

Still, after I saw that...he took a big run at a Slovakian player...so I don't know how much he COULD have been hurting?

Shooters are beating Tokarski off the wing with some pretty good shots...but I still trust him to do the job.

I think Sweden is the better team this time around but Canada can win it because were going to play with HUGE energy and emotion and while that can sometimes COST us...it can also push us over the top at times.

Which NHL'ers are eligible (not on the team)?

Our line-up would be like this:

Josh Bailey - Kyle Turris - Tyler Ennis
Steven Stamkos - Sam Gagner - John Tavares [WOW!!!!!]
Colton Gillies - Brandon Sutter - Jamie Benn
Jordan Eberle - Cody Hodgson - Zach Boychuk [4th line]


Luke Schenn - Drew Doughty [Top shutdown pair]
Tomas Hickey - Colten Teubert
Tyler Myers - PK Subban
Alex Pietrangelo - Ryan Ellis

Tokarski
Pickard

Golatending is the weakest spot.

Well, if Canada lose tomorrow, i guess it will be the primary excuse, the "missing" players. Then again, we can lay several other myths to rest by then.

Well, Team Sweden is, obviously, not going against the best U-20 players Canada has to offer.....No denying to that, right?

Is Sweden missing anyone....?

Well, if Canada lose tomorrow, i guess it will be the primary excuse, the "missing" players. Then again, we can lay several other myths to rest by then.

In all honesty, though, don't you think it's a legitimate excuse? How would Sweden look with eight of their best players unavailable?

Our line-up would be like this:

Josh Bailey - Kyle Turris - Tyler Ennis
Steven Stamkos - Sam Gagner - John Tavares [WOW!!!!!]
Colton Gillies - Brandon Sutter - Jamie Benn
Jordan Eberle - Cody Hodgson - Zach Boychuk

Luke Schenn - Drew Doughty [Top shutdown pair]
Tomas Hickey - Colten Teubert
Tyler Myers - PK Subban
Alex Pietrangelo - Ryan Ellis

Tokarski
Pickard

Golatending is the weakest spot.

No Aulie? nobody has any love for Aulie this tournament, but he has been nothing but stellar, played better than Hickey and Pietrangelo in my mind, he looks really good on the PK also.

Drew Doughty - Plays 20+ minutes
Luke Schenn - Plays 20+ minutes against Crosby and Ovechkin

Josh Bailey - Well, a good second line forward for team Canada
Kyle Turris - 3rd overall pick...Canada's leading poitn scorer last year
Sam Gagner - Almost 50 points in his year in the NHL
Steven Stamkos - 1st overall pick
Brandon Sutter - Kills 5 on 3 penalties in the NHL
Colton Gillies - Another energy player

Sutter-Gillies would have been an amazing third line....[with Kane]

With them on, this could probably have been the best game we'd ever see.

In all honesty, though, don't you think it's a legitimate excuse? How would Sweden look with eight of their best players unavailable?

Relegated?

I do not think Moeller was entirely healthy in the SF game versus Slovakia. He took a few hits where it seemed like he was distracted and disinterested by something.

Still, after I saw that...he took a big run at a Slovakian player...so I don't know how much he COULD have been hurting?
I was thinking about that aswell.. I wonder how bad the injury was on Lasu? Any word?

Well, Team Sweden is, obviously, not going against the best U-20 players Canada has to offer.....No denying to that, right?

Is Sweden missing anyone....?

With that logic every single WC and olympic tournament should be erased from the history books. There will always be players out for various reasons.

Well, Team Sweden is, obviously, not going against the best U-20 players Canada has to offer.....No denying to that, right?

Is Sweden missing anyone....?
I have no idea.. Anyone feel obligated??

Relegated?

That's a bit harsh.:shakehead

Way off Topic here, but I didn't want to start a new thread for a simple question...... what make of helmets do the Swedes wear?

Well, Team Sweden is, obviously, not going against the best U-20 players Canada has to offer.....No denying to that, right?

Is Sweden missing anyone....?

We had many good players who easily could have made the team, but Mårts decided to go with this one and so far it has looked fine.

Lander, Gustafsson, Klingberg, Motin, Ekman-Larsson are probably the biggest contenders along with many character guys.

This isn't as good a defensive team as Canada usually has and goaltending is still a big question mark. That said Canada has more offensive power then usual too however "run and gun " isn't the best way to win in one game shots.
I don't think Canada will bring it's B game two in and row and don't think it's PP will misfire two in a row.

In all honesty, though, don't you think it's a legitimate excuse? How would Sweden look with eight of their best players unavailable?

Fair enough. Then again, i expect that canadians in the future accept the same excuse by other fans aswell. And we can also stop talking about Canada being so superior, that they could ice several teams and still win the gold.
What really is annoying to me is the turnaround use of this argument, do you understand that?

Way off Topic here, but I didn't want to start a new thread for a simple question...... what make of helmets do the Swedes wear?

Reebok

Well, if Canada lose tomorrow, i guess it will be the primary excuse, the "missing" players.

No thanks. Canada's depth has always been our strength and the number of graduated players is always something this team has to deal with and always has. This year's team doesn't get a bye because of it just like no team before them did. In Crosby's MVP season he could have been playing in the WJC. Canada still won that year

They will win or lose this game based on work ethic tomorrow. If they cycle well, avoid lazy penalties and put the wood to the Hedmans, Mollers and Backlunds of the world they will win this game.

If not, they'll be looking for revenge next Christmas.

Now the WHJC's feel kinda cheap. If we're not up against the best Canada has to offer and these guys, still in the NHL, is so much better, this tournament is as pointless as the WHC.

I think it's going to be a close game, but to me Sweden has looked far more solid in the tournament so I'm going with them.

Reebok

I see their helmets say "reebok"....but what model are they? I have looked around and can't find them

Looks like (http://hockeysverige.se/news_show_hoppfullt_om_lasu_i_en_final.html?id=496 1882) Lasu is in for Sweden. It was just a charley horse. We'll need his physical presence versus Canada.

Looks like (http://hockeysverige.se/news_show_hoppfullt_om_lasu_i_en_final.html?id=496 1882) Lasu is in for Sweden. It was just a charley horse. We'll need his physical presence versus Canada.

That's great news! :handclap:

What i do like is that we can also be in the same situation next year when the 90 and 91 squad have matured abit more and the team for next year will be way better then this year .

Anyway i hope for a close game 4-4 going in to the 3rd and MSP score the game winner 5-4 when a min left.

What i do like is that we can also be in the same situation next year when the 90 and 91 squad have matured abit more and the team for next year will be way better then this year .

Anyway i hope for a close game 4-4 going in to the 3rd and MSP score the game winner 5-4 when a min left.

I couldn't handle that. My heart would explode. :shakehead

We had many good players who easily could have made the team, but Mårts decided to go with this one and so far it has looked fine.

Lander, Gustafsson, Klingberg, Motin, Ekman-Larsson are probably the biggest contenders along with many character guys.

Ekman-Larsson wasnt among the three named d-man reserves to this championship, so he wasnt close to making it to the roster.

I have tickets and I can't wait......On paper this game looks even. But you have to have that feeling in your heart that Canada will pull out a victory. I expect a big game from PK Subban, and Dustin Tokarski will play the game of his life.

I see their helmets say "reebok"....but what model are they? I have looked around and can't find them

They kind of look like the old school Jofa's.

Ekman-Larsson wasnt among the three named d-man reserves to this championship, so he wasnt close to making it to the roster.

really? :O that is sick. I thought he was next up..

Who were these 3 given reserves?

Tokarski named the starter for Canada tomorrow.

Tokarski named the starter for Canada tomorrow.

Said he knows he needs to be way better. Let's hope he can make that happen.

3.18 gaa and an .870sv% going into the gold medal game. Some of the worst goaltending statistics we've had in years.

Now the WHJC's feel kinda cheap. If we're not up against the best Canada has to offer and these guys, still in the NHL, is so much better, this tournament is as pointless as the WHC.

Finally a European who understands that about the WHC.

Looks like (http://hockeysverige.se/news_show_hoppfullt_om_lasu_i_en_final.html?id=496 1882) Lasu is in for Sweden. It was just a charley horse. We'll need his physical presence versus Canada.

Well, he still can miss the final. They can't tell if he will play tomorrow. But they are hopeful.

Ekman-Larsson wasnt among the three named d-man reserves to this championship, so he wasnt close to making it to the roster.

He was probably very close, but with Hedman, Karlsson, Rundblad, and T. Erixon on the roster the probably wanted more balance with more defensive guys like Motin, Bozic, and Eriksson are.

really? :O that is sick. I thought he was next up..

Who were these 3 given reserves?

Thats not sick. OEL does not deserve a spot in the roster. These d-men were on the roster that was presented on the IIHF site 20th of december, as reserves.
Alexander Eriksson, Brampton Battallion
Dennis Bozic, Linköping
Johan Motin, Färjestad

I could also mention, that the poster that suggested other forwards who could have joined the squad(previously in this thread) pointed out Gustafsson, Lander & Klingberg as good options for this tournament. None of these three were among the three forward reserves either. The three named forward reserves are Henrik Eriksson, Jakob Silfverberg & Gustav Nyquist.

As a Canadian, I'm praying Quinn takes a gamble and puts Pickard in there. Tokarski is overrated and brutal when he's not playing in a defensive-minded system like Spokane. He is calm (no personality!), which is great, but it is OBVIOUS he is NOT comfortable in a pressure situation. The Memorial Cup was different because Unice was even worse and the atmosphere was NOTHING like at Scotiabank place. Just because he has a great resume doesn't mean he's going to be good in this gold medal game. He has bad rebound control, gets beaten high a lot and bad fundamentals in general. I'm hoping Quinn isn't blind enought to realize this. There's no way Pickard is worse!!!!

Quinn also needs to teach them how to play defense. Too many flashy plays and the defence does not know how to hold them at the blueline either, they seem intimidated and skate backwards.

And as McGuire pointed out, playing the puck (and usually missing) and not playing the body. The defence looks so intimidated and clueless out there and there's no shut-down pairing.

P.S. I bet Quinn is wondering if he should have cut Jake Allen. I know he had a brutual training camp but he was excellent at the U-18's, although he had no pressure on him so that's also a different story.

Looks like (http://hockeysverige.se/news_show_hoppfullt_om_lasu_i_en_final.html?id=496 1882) Lasu is in for Sweden. It was just a charley horse. We'll need his physical presence versus Canada.

A Charlie horse is still a pretty painful injury to play through. If hes playing with a charlie horse he isn't going to be 100%.

Cool cool.. No NA referees, great.

Cool cool.. No NA referees, great.

Maybe they'll cheat in favour of Canada to prove how unbiased they are.

See, I've got one all ready for you guys just in case.

It seems like its only a few Canadian posters that have no faith whatsoever in our defense and goaltending. Apparently they both suck?

Thomas Hickey - Drafted #4 overall in '07.
Alex Pietrangelo - Drafted #4 overall in '08.
Tyler Myers - Drafted #12 overall in '08.
Colten Teubert - Drafted #13 overall in '08.
P.K Subban - Drafted #43 overall in '07.
Keith Aulie - Drafted #116 overall in '07.
Cody Goloubef - Drafted #37 overall in '08.
Ryan Ellis - Potential top 10 pick in '09.

How is this a bad crop of defenseman? We all realize that this group hasn't played anywere near their potential and should be a more dominating group but this sure isn't a bad group of defenseman. Not to mention they have a goalie that was picked #18 overall that is the back-up.

Really hoping we prove all the doubters wrong tomorrow.

Unfortunately, I had to pick Sweden as there's something telling me that Quinn will be making the ultimate mistake in sending Tokarski back in and that will be the difference maker in the game. With Chet, I'd say Canada wins.

Maybe they'll cheat in favour of Canada to prove how unbiased they are.

See, I've got one all ready for you guys just in case.

Well last night was pathetic..

Sweden - Slovakia game that is. 2 Canadian referees, cmon..

Go Canada!

It seems like its only a few Canadian posters that have no faith whatsoever in our defense and goaltending. Apparently they both suck?

Thomas Hickey - Drafted #4 overall in '07.
Alex Pietrangelo - Drafted #4 overall in '08.
Tyler Myers - Drafted #12 overall in '08.
Colten Teubert - Drafted #13 overall in '08.
P.K Subban - Drafted #43 overall in '07.
Keith Aulie - Drafted #116 overall in '07.
Cody Goloubef - Drafted #37 overall in '08.
Ryan Ellis - Potential top 10 pick in '09.

How is this a bad crop of defenseman? We all realize that this group hasn't played anywere near their potential and should be a more dominating group but this sure isn't a bad group of defenseman. Not to mention they have a goalie that was picked #18 overall that is the back-up.

Really hoping we prove all the doubters wrong tomorrow.
Draft ranking then mean nothing now in terms of play.......... Remember 98 canada finished 7th or 8th their were some highly ranked players on that team. fact is the d has been shaky at times, and Canada is ranked 4th in this tourney in save percentage. Their are valid opinions that the d and goal needs to be ship shape if we want to continue this streak. But hey Canada for gold anyways I hope.

I wouldn't say you're cheating you're just abusing your power in the world of hockey from time to time.

Take the Sweden-Slovakia game yesterday. Two Canadians refeering it, whats up with that? I bet there are alot of unbiased refs out there, with that said no Russians or Canadians should have been allowed to ref the Sweden-Slovakia game. Samewise with the Canada-Russia game, no Swedes or Slovakians refs.

The Slovaks could do whatever they wanted in their own zone while Oscar Möller gets a penalty for a high-stick that wasn't even his. Which you cleary could see on the jumbotron where Oscar also pointed trying to explain himself.

I wouldn't like to go as far as saying the Slovaks would have been totally out-played by the Swedes if there wasn't for the Canadians referees. But it would not have ended up 5-3...

Sometimes refs just plain suck. Regardless of what country.

In the Leafs-Sens game last night, Mitchell knocked the net off, but the ref claimed that Gerber did and Ottawa got a delay of game penalty.

However, I do not infer that to mean that the Toronto-centric refs are out to get Ottawa, only that they are human and make mistakes.

Backlund's PP goal was pretty huge. So that referee decision you must have agreed with.

Besides, the referee logic often goes too far:

You can't have a US ref because:

(a) They have it in for Canada after the Canada-USA result.

OR

(b) They have it in for Sweden because North-Americans MUST stick together.

I've seen both sides of this argument employed by European fans before. You can invent an excuse for any nationality of referee at any time.

That's why it's pointless.

Lets call a ref in from Pluto next year, its not even a planet anymore, so I don't see any problems...

Lets call a ref in from Pluto next year, its not even a planet anymore, so I don't see any problems...

I'm pretty sure a Swedish scientist was one of the first to advocate removing it from the planet list, so he'd obviously carry a grudge.

Point still stands.

It's plain wrong deploying not just one (which I don't think is right either, but would have been OK) but TWO Canadian refs in a game that's absolutely decisive of what team Canada could/will face in the final.

The final refs are another question to solve, for sure.

Point still stands.

It's plain wrong deploying not just one (which I don't think is right either, but would have been OK) but TWO Canadian refs in a game that's absolutely decisive of what team Canada could/will face in the final.

The final refs are another question to solve, for sure.

My point also still stands.

You will never be happy with the composition of the referees.

A Finn? Hates the Swedes. An American? Must love Canada because we share a continent. A Slovak? Can't happen. A Russian? Plays in the other semi-final. A Swiss? Too many Canadians playing in their domestic league. A German? Too many Germans playing in the CHL. etc.

We don't know why the International Ice Hockey Federation chose the refs that they did. Maybe a guy pulled out due to injury or sickness or whatever and they were forced to put two in.

The other salient point is that Sweden won the game and yet you still can't let it go.

I used to frequent the IHWC boards annually for years and years and I have this same conversation every single year. It would be funny if it wasn't so drearily repetitive.

just get a swede and a canadian, or two swedes just so the sweden fans can stop whining about refs when they lose.

just get a swede and a canadian, or two swedes just so the sweden fans can stop whining about refs when they lose.

I'd be happy with four Swedes as long as they were decent refs.

IIHF refs always vary greatly in quality.

The Canadian Women won in the Olympics with American refs obviously biased. So, it's overcomable if your team is good enough.

Point still stands.

It's plain wrong deploying not just one (which I don't think is right either, but would have been OK) but TWO Canadian refs in a game that's absolutely decisive of what team Canada could/will face in the final.

The final refs are another question to solve, for sure.

If it had been a Finnish ref, you will still be screaming bloody murder and complaining. You do realize although that there are a very limitted amount of choices of who can do what games and who are eligible, right?

I wouldn't say you're cheating you're just abusing your power in the world of hockey from time to time.
Take the Sweden-Slovakia game yesterday. Two Canadians refeering it, whats up with that? Canadians ref a game that's decisive of what country Canada will face in the finals, that is NOT okay. I bet there are alot of unbiased refs out there, with that said no Russians or Canadians should have been allowed to ref the Sweden-Slovakia game. Samewise with the Canada-Russia game, no Swedes or Slovakians refs.

The Slovaks could do whatever they wanted in their own zone while Oscar Möller gets a penalty for a high-stick that wasn't even his. Which you cleary could see on the jumbotron where Oscar also pointed trying to explain himself.

I wouldn't like to go as far as saying the Slovaks would have been totally out-played by the Swedes if there wasn't for the Canadians referees. But it would not have ended up 5-3...

Moller incident was not on purpose. C'mon, don't act childish. You really think Canadian refrees were doing that on purpose. Refs have bad games too, although I didn't think it was as bad as you're saying.

Secondly., IIHF decides who refs, not Canadian team or their fans.


Abusing our power? WTF?

Swedish fans.....:shakehead I wouldn't be upset at all if there were four Swedish refs doing the Gold Medal game.

Aparently, we win because of the biased officiating.........All those tournaments since hockey started.

Seriously, the better team always prevails no matter what obstacles occur. These cries are ridiculous, embarassing even.

My point also still stands.

You will never be happy with the composition of the referees.

A Finn? Hates the Swedes. An American? Must love Canada because we share a continent. A Slovak? Can't happen. A Russian? Plays in the other semi-final. A Swiss? Too many Canadians playing in their domestic league. A German? Too many Germans playing in the CHL. etc.

We don't know why the International Ice Hockey Federation chose the refs that they did. Maybe a guy pulled out due to injury or sickness or whatever and they were forced to put two in.

The other salient point is that Sweden won the game and yet you still can't let it go.

Ofcourse I would be happy with alot of diffrent composition of ref staff.

A Finn, Swiss, German, Kazach, Latvian, Norwegian, American... EXCEPT Russian and Canadian. Samewise with the Canada - Russia match, no Swedes nor Slovaks. Otherwise you're free to go with whatever composition you'd like. Your breakdown of the each nationality just doesn't make sense.

Avoid using refs that are connected to a country that the winner/loser of the game might face.

Ofcourse I would be happy with alot of diffrent composition of ref staff.

A Finn, Swiss, German, Kazach, Latvian, Norwegian, American... EXCEPT Russian and Canadian. Samewise with the Canada - Russia match, no Swedes nor Slovaks. Otherwise you're free to go with whatever composition you'd like. Your breakdown of the each nationality just doesn't make sense.

Avoid using refs that are connected to a country that the winner/loser of the game might face.

You said "Cool cool.. No NA referees, great.", implying that Americans would somehow be biased in favour of Canada?

You see what I'm getting at here?

If I adopted that perspective, I would like to see no refs from Europe at all. But that's silly.

Refs are refs. Some are good, some are bad. The nationality is irrelevant.

Its just seems alot of swedish fans hate north america.

Moller incident was not on purpose. C'mon, don't act childish. You really think Canadian refrees were doing that on purpose. Refs have bad games too, although I didn't think it was as bad as you're saying.

Secondly., IIHF decides who refs, not Canadian team or their fans.


Abusing our power? WTF?

That's why I said from time to time. It's not common.

But there have been some really suspicious acts throughout the years.. Where the 2 Canadian ref a game which is decisive of what team Canada faces in the finals is an add.

Another thing, some Canadian refs might have their own hidden agenda, but the Canadian team's players and coaches are not afraid of playing any team.