-Canada's injuries on defense might be noticable on Tuesday, seeing how poorly Seabrook played earlier today
-Russians have the edge in goaltending, Canada has the edge on defense, and it's almost a dead heat for offense - special teams will surely determine the outcome. Canada must be more disciplined for this game
Prediction:
4-3 Canada. Phaneuf gets first star for Canada, Khudobin for Russia.
So is it safe to say that all of the American fans are cheering for Canada in this game after what happened at the end of the USA/Russia game?
Definitely, though I would have likely cheered for Canada regardless. But Russia's pathetic display of sportsmanship certainly didn't help things. USA turned a deaf ear to Russia's taunts and showboating. Hopefully the likes of Phaneuf and Weber will not. Of course, I'm not sure Russia gets much of a chance to taunt in this one.
I'm not only hoping for Canada to run up the score, but I want them to physically destroy the classless Russian bunch. I want them to fire a puck at the head of the little crack addict looking coach that was taunting the crowd. I want Weber and Phaneuf crush any Russian that even thinks about taking a shot.
I dunno, Khobudin makes me really nervous, he seems to have poor rebound control and tends to get caught out of position at times...
He made some phenomenal saves today, but I don't think I am a beleiver YET...
The Russian defense was very sound today, not overly impressive but very functional; but in no way compares to the corp led by Captain Anton Volchenkov when he led his team to victory against Canada...
Evginy Malkin, what a amazing talent he is, the way he kept eliminating Kessel by merely using his stick was phenomenal...
Canada's too strong, regardless, 3-2 in favor of the Cunucks...
The Russians are a proud nation who certainly wear their heart on their sleeve, may get ugly at the end...
Phaneuf is going to be ALL over Ovechkin. That is actually going to be funny to watch...Ovechkin won't look so cocky after Phaneuf nails him to the ground.
Malkin will be who we have to worry about...I was really hoping Coburn/Seabrook would be a little more physical this tournament. I think they can handle him too.
The russian defense can't handle Crosby's line...and no way in hell can they keep Carter under control.
Well... the time has come... another world junior tourney is about to rap up and we're left with 2 teams who are no stranger of this game...
This will be the 4th time in 7 year these teams have met in the finals with Russia winning the previous 3.... But those Canadian teams were no where near as strong as this one we have together...
Russia is strong but I honestly think they have no chance against Canada... Canada needs to realize that when they have a lead they need to keep going...
The defence for Canada this year is just too strong and they match up well.. Phanuef and Weber will be ready for AO and company...
I think there will be a major feeling out period in the early going maybe followed by a Russian goal.. but after this I really can't see Russia doing anything else... Canada's just too strong and over due..
and if Russia does pull this one out... and they taunt like they did against the USA you might see a 1987 repeat and the USA or Czechs will get the gold..
Canada SHOULD win, given their play so far and the fact that this is the est Canadian team in a decade. BUTthe pressure will be on Canada tomorrrow, NOT on Russia. Can they handle it? Losing the final this time would cause hair-pulling all over the Great White North. In the past three years they haven't handled that pressure particularly well.
Talent is not my worry. The enormous pressure of being there as favourites AGAIN is. is.
Now that everybody knows that the group B, at the exception of Canada, totally sucked, and that Canada beat the Czech Republic 3-1, I believe Russia and Canada are evenly matched, but the Russians want the gold more, and will prevail!
