Hasek is out of the games and heading home due to whats being called a "tense muscle in his left leg". Big effect no doubt on the Czechs hopes.

With Elias out, Ales Kotalik is on a plane headed for Torino to take his spot.

He's done well in clutch situations for Buffalo scoring the needed goal at critical times this season.

Meanwhile, Peter Forsberg practiced today and afterwards told the media that he will play for Team Sweden tomorrow against Latvia.

If he comes back from the Olympics hurt... :mad:

Yeah, a good friend of mine that is an enormous Devils fan is absolutely furious!

It's amazing how Peter went 50% on Wednesday to 100% now, according to his Swedish doctors. Even Ed Snider who was interviewed on Comcast expressed disbelief. Ed just hopes that if he is really in good shape now, that he comes back even better with game play under his belt. Of course I detected some sarcasm with that comment.

Looking forward to the drop of the puck at 11:00am (p.t.) 2:00pm back east, on NBC between the US and Slovakia. US should be well rested, and I hope come out with some energy and determination. It will be interesting to see who gets the start in net for the US. I suspect Esche because he hasn't played a game yet, and I understand he is "burning" to get a chance. No doubt.
Lets Go USA!

[ February 18, 2006, 06:21 AM: Message edited by: hockeyTom ]

Great game so far between Canada and Switzerland. The Swiss are making the most of their chances while Gerber has been coming up big so far. With a 2-0 lead in the second period it will be interesting to see if the All Star laden Canadian team will mount a comback. To be honest I think the Canadians have had some bad breaks with two goals disallowed, one pretty clearly was stopped by Gerber after it crossed the goal line.

I just got back from the gym turned on CNBC to the Canada hockey game and am like WTF?????? eek! C'mon Canada. Lets go boys!!

We all know in our hockey minds that the puck crossed the line. BUT... If the video review cannot show the puck past the line, it is inconclusive and not a goal. Thus, I think the officials correctly got the call right.

Who does Gerber play for in the NHL?? Is it the Canes? I mean this guy is just playing on his head right now. I am just stunned.

I can't believe that with all that firepower Canada can't get a goal here. But then, there is Gerber...wow. What an epic performance he has had.

Wow, just a stunning upset here. Give Gerber the player of the game award. Unbelievable. Canada has massively outshot the Swiss as well.

This just proves how a great performance by a goalie can steal a game. Gerber and the Swiss were outshot 25-1 in the third period and still got a shutout. Considering that the Swiss have only one NHL player outside of the goalies, this upset is almost as stunning as when the US beat the Russians in 1980.

[ February 18, 2006, 09:13 AM: Message edited by: phillyrunner ]

I don't want to play the Swiss. Look out!!!! Is Gerber with the Canes? Damn, He just was a stone wall.

This is the same Gerber (and yes, he is with Carolina) who was pulled after giving up 5 goals to Finland in the first game, so one never knows with goalies.

What's significant -- besides the fact that the Swiss team lost to Canada in the most one-sided game in Olympic history by a 33-0 score (okay, that was back in 1924) -- is that Canada's remaining games are against Finland and the Czech Republic. These aren't gimme games like Latvia or Italy. They may end up a lot lower in the standings than expected, and would have to face a tougher opponent in the quarterfinals.

Wow. Interesting. It ain't over yet for Canada, but again I will say so much for the experts. Like I said actions shall speak far louder than words. What do they know anyways?

I clicked on the "Info" button on my DVR for the Olympic coverage on NBC and the info says that the US hockey game coverage is live...in the Eastern and Central time zones. Not out west, apparently!

I think those of us seeing it live should hold off on discussing the game until 3 hours after it ends, because of this.

Sweden rolled to a 6-1 win over Latvia. Peter Forsberg had about 15 minutes of ice time.

[ February 18, 2006, 10:22 AM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

No, it isn't. Canada was blown out in its first Olympic game against Sweden in the Salt Lake City games and look how that ended up. However, I will say that this does open up the field a bit. The Czech Republic can get right back into the hunt with a win over Finland.

Gosh damn it. I am pissed off big time, as per what Joe said, I don't get to see the US hockey game now until 1:00pm my time. What the *uck is going on NBC????!!! Why did they move it? I am not looking on the board till the games over guys, so you can go ahead and talk about it. I am not a happy camper right now. :mad:

I won't talk about the game until later, since others may happen upon this thread. But about the live vs. non-live coverage: the game is on NBC instead of one of their cable outlets. NBC's timeslot for the Olympic coverage during the day is 11 am-6 pm today. Unlike something like Monday Night Football, where ABC would show the game live at 6 pm Pacific time, NBC is not changing their timeslot for the Olympics for the west coast. So instead of the Olympics being 11 am-6 pm ET and 8 am-3 pm PT, NBC is starting the Olympics in the regular time slot, just like they do with prime-time stuff. They weren't very clear on that when they said all of the hockey games would be live.

The Czech-Finland game is on CNBC at 3 pm ET -- since it's on CNBC I imagine it will be live on the west coast, but I also imagine they'll show highlights of the USA game in between periods, so if you don't want to be spoiled don't watch it. wink

As a casual hockey fan(next to most Americans I'm a fervent fan of hockey)I think it's great that the team concept is defeating heavyweight favorite teams such as Canada. The Swiss deafeted the Canadians. Good for the Swiss and as for Latvia tying us(U.S.) I thinks it's great for the Latvians but I'm not diasppointed that we tied to them nor would I be sore if we lost to the Latvians. When you don't train together and meet for the first time and your attitude is short of approaching these games as if it's a basketball pick-up game every four years...well don't be suprised if you tie or lose. I certainly wasn't, but I'll continue to support and cheer for the U.S. even if we just did lose to Slovakia(somehow my friends and I are okay that we lost to Slovakia, guess that just shows you how we think of hockey here in America especially out here on the west coast)

It's gonna be a bumpy ride for Team USA. Go USA!

I guess SideOut isn't reading this thread regularly since he put a spoiler on when people in the west haven't gotten to see the USA game today (where it wasn't shown live). eek!

The Czech-Finland game has turned nasty. Jarkko Ruutu buried Jaromir Jagr with a dirty hit into the boards. Jagr left the game bleeding and hasn't yet returned. His head hit the boards hard. Can't help but wonder if he's got a concussion as well.

Sideout, that wasn't cool! :mad:

You just spoiled it for me. I'm watching the match right now and you just posted the results! I made a mistake by coming here! I thought it would be safe since other posters are considerate!

But, Sideout, you need to put SPOILER ALERTS next time! :mad:

Yes, this Rangers fan is NOT happy. I was afraid something like this would happen.

Originally posted by Joe in Philly:
Jarkko Ruutu buried Jaromir Jagr with a dirty hit into the boards. Jagr left the game bleeding and hasn't yet returned. His head hit the boards hard. Can't help but wonder if he's got a concussion as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, this Rangers fan is NOT happy. I was afraid something like this would happen.

Yes C-Dog but the important thing is that Peter Forsberg didn't get hurt. eek!

The AP writeup on the Czech-Finland game also states: "Jagr appeared to be wearing a thin, old-style helmet that he wore earlier in his NHL career -- a style the league no longer permits because of the amount of protection provided." Bad move.

No one's being specific on what injury Jagr may have, but the Czech coach says Jagr does not have a concussion and could play Sunday. Of course, the Czechs play Italy on Sunday so they shouldn't need him.

I didn't think the US team played poorly, but I'm a little shocked at how well Slovakia is playing. In the 2004 World Cup of Hockey they were easily one of the two worst teams. Team USA may now have to rely on goal differential to move into the medal round if they can't win another game, because Latvia could easily beat Kazakhstan and tie the USA in the standings.

Sunday's schedule (all times Eastern):
6:05 am Switzerland vs. Germany
7:05 am Latvia vs. Russia
10:05 am Kazakhstan vs. Slovakia
11:05 am Sweden vs. United States
2:05 pm Italy vs. Czech Republic
3:05 pm Canada vs. Finland

Again, the USA game is on NBC and the rest on CNBC.

Except for prime time, NBC is showing no Olympic events other than the USA hockey game. So perhaps they'll show it live to the entire country tomorrow. Check your local listings. wink

I too, didn't think the US team played poorly. I was amazed at how many rebounds initally that they had chances on, but couldn't score on, and for big stretches of the period, I thought the Slovaks were outplayed. I also thought Diepietro was solid in goal for the US for the most part. There was a stanza or two where the age of the US defense was showing a bit. They got stuck in our end and couldn't get it out. Any thoughts on if the US can beat Sweden? General consensus?

The US team is so devoid of finsihers it's not even funny. When your best finisher is think D first, Rolston... To continually throw Tkatchoke out there in key situations with Gomez and Gionta is a joke. To expect wins in the next two games after what we have seen so far is completely unrealistic. The state of US Hockey is sad to say the least. The only thing that can save the team at this point is a goalie standing on his head.

[ February 19, 2006, 08:26 AM: Message edited by: coyoteugly ]

Well this was a big surpise to me, the Germans come from behind to tie the Swiss 2-2 this morning. Swiss had been nursing a 2-1 lead, and seemed pretty dominant overall but Germany comes back. I wonder if the Swiss had some kind of an emotional letdown today after the big upset against Canada.

hockeyTom or anyone else out west, let us know if you have the USA game live, so we know whether we can talk about it now or later.

Switzerland and Russia have clinched medal round berths today. How did Kazakhstan lose to Russia only 1-0 when Latvia lost to Russia 9-2?

As far as the USA chances of getting into the medal round:

Kazakhstan can only pass the USA with 2 wins and 2 USA losses. If they get a win and tie they could tie the USA, but then it comes down to goal differential. The USA currently has an 11-goal lead over Kazakhstan.

The only way Latvia can tie the USA in the standings is with 2 USA losses and Latvia winning their finale. With the tiebreaker based on goal differential Latvia would have to win that finale by (based on the current goals for/against) 20 goals. eek!

Since Latvia and Kazakhstan meet on Tuesday in both teams' finale, it would seem that unless Kazakhstan wins today over unbeaten Slovakia, the USA has little to worry about.

My understanding is, as I am watching NBC now, is that the game is LIVE out west as well this time, and coming up momentarily. So thats what I am planning on. Will advise if things change, and they had better not, or else!

NBC here came on at 10:30 ET with reports/previews and such. The game is supposed to start at 11 according to the official schedule. So if you're seeing Jim Lampley and others, you're seeing it live. Woo-hoo! wink

Its LIVE!!. Crossing my fingers and toes here for the US. Big challenge with Forsberg and Lundqvist though.

Really a good period for the US as far as I am concerned. 1-1 after one. Modano gets one, and the US has spent alot of time in the Swedish zone. Diepietro looks solid again to me. I agree with J.D. that Cole has been the best player for the US so far. The man is simply flying!!! Lets Go USA!

And wouldn't you know, Slovakia and Kazakhstan are tied 1-1 after 2 periods. wink

I can't believe the defense of Sweden on the both 5-3 advantages for the USA, or maybe it was just the ineptness of the USA offense. I was surprised about the penalty Doug Weight got for playing the puck after he lost his helmet. I wonder how long ago that rule was instituted in the Olympics.

I don't know, but I would think somebody would have told the team about the rule. :confused:
Irrespective this is a classic ( New York) goaltenders battle we have going here. Lundqvist with the Rangers, and Diepietro with the Islanders. I too, couldn't believe the US had two 5 on 3's and couldn't score, but then Lundqvist is in his zone, and like you said phillyrunner, throw in a bit of good ole inpetness, and lack of communication. I am far far more impressed with the US penalty kill, than I am with our power play. 1-1 after 2 now. He who makes the next mistake......loses.
Lets Go boys!

[ February 19, 2006, 09:34 AM: Message edited by: hockeyTom ]

Incidentally, it doesn't sound like Sakic is going to play today against Finland. Sounds like he has a really bad cheekbone. frown

Slovakia's 2-1 win over Kazakhstan guarantees (unofficially) the USA getting into the medal round because of the goal differential issue. Neither Latvia nor Kazakhstan will catch up to the USA in that area. (Edit to add: Actually, I think the USA win over Kazakstan is the first tiebreaker there. Goal differential vs. Latvia is important since they and the USA tied their game.)

Peter Forsberg isn't playing today, presumably just as a precaution.

And Jagr is just utterly stupid if he plays today. They said he's got 3 cuts and swelling, and can't get into his helmet. They're going to cut padding out from inside his helmet to see if he can manage to get it on. If the Czechs can't beat Italy without him, they don't deserve to move into the medal round. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

[ February 19, 2006, 10:10 AM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

US powerplay is just sooo bad.... frown

Dear casual USA hockey fans,

MEET HENRIK LUNDQVIST!

Sincerely,
The New York Rangers

You don't need to tell me.

Agreed. Even though I respect Jaromir Jagr's dedication to his country, they should beat Italy at least 5-0 with or without him. Unfortunately, my Rangers don't have the call here. I understand that the Czechs need to get to the next round. But if they take too many chances with Jags, they may not have him later in the quarterfinals and possibly beyond. I am hoping that the Czechs will get up 3-0 or 4-0 early in the second so that they will hopefully keep Jags on the bench!

CNBC switched to the Canada-Finland game, not too surprisingly. It would be nice if they'd show updates from the other game now and then. The only time they do it is between periods.

Fortunately for the quarterfinals, while games will overlap, two games each will be on both MSNBC and USA Network in full, so we can switch back and forth as needed.

Canada's come out hitting but Finland has come out skating.

That would require someone at the wonderful networks of NBC to actually use their intelligence. I understand switching to the Canada/Finland game, but most of us would probably like to know what else is going on. It's not a sin to break away from the Americans or Canadians every now and then to keep us up-to-date. After all, they have time for those annoying Applebees commercials. "Are you a real fireman, sir!". "No... f**k off and let me eat in peace!".

After the first period they didn't even mention the Czech-Italy game (unless I missed it). After the second period they finally announced the Czech win. Not good work by NBC. Great work, on the other hand, by Antero Niittymaki and Finland, clinching the top spot in Group A, which means they'll play the USA in the quarterfinals -- as soon as the USA officially clinches 4th place Tuesday.

Speaking of Tuesday, the schedule (all times Eastern):

5:35 am Kazakhstan vs. Latvia
6:35 am Italy vs. Switzerland
9:35 am Germany vs. Finland
10:35 am Czech Republic vs. Canada
2:05 pm Slovakia vs. Sweden
2:35 pm Russia vs. United States

Again, the USA game is on USA Network and the others are on MSNBC.

The best way to get the most up-to-date TV Listing is to go directly to NBCOlympics.com and select TV Listing. You can put your zip code and filter it by time, by network or by sport.

Most of the hockey games are also shown LIVE in High Definition on Universal HD.

http://www.nbcolympics.com/tv/index.html

Well US needs to change their lines up, something, and that suggestion sounds good to me. Good to see Modano get another goal again today, but 1 goal doesn't cut it. Maybe the Russian game will be a bit of a more motivating game for the US based on past experiences between the two. One can hope. wink

Who'd have thought Canada would be in third place behind Switzerland at this point in the Olympics? Where is the offence? Canada has now gone six full periods without scoring, losing to Suomi 2-0. Both of Finland's goals were scored in the first period. Canada looked much better in the second period, as announcers Neale and Cole reminded us about every 30 seconds, but Nittymaki was unbeatable. Looks like the Finns aren't hurting at all without my Miikka! In fact they have allowed only two goals in the four games.

Meanwhile Russia wolloped Latvia 9-2 today, with the Thrashers' Ilya Kovalchuk scoring four goals. Russia now has a slight edge over Finland (18-17) in goals scored thus far.

Canada faces the Czechs on Tuesday; the only quarter-final match-up already determined is A1-B4 (Finland vs USA), as Joe mentioned in his post.

It sounds like you guys in the US have to put up with commercials during your TV broadcasts, thus missing some of the action?? On CBC, the only ads are during the two intermissions.

Games involving the USA are not interrupted by commercials. The other games are, and as Todd mentioned, there has been the occasional goal during commercial breaks.

I believe the gold-medal game will also be shown without commercial interruption.

If Team USA meets up with Team Canada in one of these games, will it end up being 1-0 after 45 shootout rounds? eek! wink