I would say you are so right Chip. Belarus is beat up badly. I am so looking forward to seeing a U.S.A. day game, I am almost wettin my pants U.S.A.-U.S.A.!!!!!

Nice games by the Swedes to defeat the Czech Republic. They (Swedes) look like they could go all the way.

~Adam

from puckman45:

"I am so looking forward to seeing a USA day game, I am almost wetting my pants."

Too much information, my friend.

I'm sort of glad that so many of the USA games are on at night--I'm getting to watch them. It does surprise me that NBC is relegating them to the satellite networks rather than airing hockey on the "mothership." Is hockey truly that hard a sell to the target audience?

~Adam

Hockey has always been a hard sell in the USA. It's a shame that the USA-Russia game wasn't on in prime time, because that was one of the finest hockey games I've ever seen. It would have been a much better example to try and sell the sport than those ridiculous NHL All-Star games.

Oh--and what's with Canada? They came out awful against Germany in the first period, then opened up a 3-0 lead with the help of a 5-minute powerplay, and then nearly were tied in the third period. They aren't looking like serious contenders at all.

[ February 17, 2002: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

[quote] what's with Canada?

---

I'm asking the same question, Joe. They'll be lucky to make the Semis if they don't get their s*** together.

I'm thinking the difference between Canada's rough-going and the USA's impressive play is in the coaching dep't. Pat Quinn, Jacques Martin and Ken Hitchcock (to my knowledge) have very little experience in international hockey, whereas Herb Brooks seems to know how to handle his non-Euro players on that big, wide ice. Hey, he took 'em Gold in '80, why not again?

Seph: my take on possibly what could be going on with Canada so far is that they are NOT playing as a unit, that is they are playing more like a bunch of individuals, and not a fine tuned machine.
Will they get it togther today for the Czech game? Remains to be seen, but at least Mario is back.

[ February 18, 2002: Message edited by: puckman45 ]

I would add that with Pat Quinn AND Wayne Gretzky around there's a whole lot of ego being thrown this way and that.

~Adam

On a duplicate thread, Original Six posted:

The hockey games I watched last night were definitely exciting - since there are fewer stoppages of play or penalties, the action is continuous. I find that much more interesting than the ice the puck, goalie fall on the puck play we see in the NHL. What about Team Canada? It is supposed to be such a powerhouse of talent, yet the Germans had them on their heels, especially in the last half of the third. (I admit, I switched over near the end of the game to watch the double gold medal awarding for the Canadians). Team Sweden looks really hot (in many ways) - especially my favorite, Mats Sundin. They beat Team Canada (!). So I'm looking forward to tonight's games!

Well the U.S. Hockey Team started slow against Belarus and spotted them a 1-0 lead after one, but Leclaire has got the afterburner going BIG TIME, thanks to his 2 goals and the U.S. is leading Belarus 3-1 after two periods. I have said it before and will say it again, this is a smart hockey club. If they get down, they don't get rattled, they wait and wait for their chances, get them, then capitalize on them. This club will win a medal here at S.L.C. I hope and pray the gold. They are awesome, seem to be getting better and better, and I am so proud of them!!! Leclaire for President!!
Go U.S.A.-U.S.A.!!!!!

GO! U! S! A!
Wow....if we could forget the first 20 seconds of the game, this one was amazing!!! Talk about a caged tiger--man! I think that the goal by BLR was exactly what this team needed. The USA was faster, more technical, and definitely WANTED the game more. You could feel the electricity and the desire.

A big comment is that the guys looked like a team out there. They knew when to pass, when to take on their own, and that most importantly there was someone right with them on defense. It was just a matter of time.

And now the USA is first in their pool. (Unless the Russians beat the Finns 12-0 or more, uh, yeah, right...) A win against the C4 team (most likely Germany) sends our men into the medal round.

I think the Finnish team will give the Russians a battle. RUS should come out on top, but the Finns are playing for pride too.

Way to go men!!

Wow! Check out the Finland/Russia score. Its 2-1 Finns after two!!!! Go Finns go!!!!!
So Germany wants to play the U.S. huh? Okee dokee, you got it bud!!
Guess Brodeur will get his second start for Canada later..
Brooks for President, Leclaire for Vice President!!!

The Canada/Czech hockey game was just as intense as I had expected, what I didn't expect was for the Czechs to get so goonie in the end. I don't know who it was Hsaek or somebody really leveled (sticked) Fleury in the back. Totally uncalled for!!!!!!
On a brighter note even though the game ended in a 2-2 tie, this was probably the best Canada has looked so far in my opinion. I would also say that Brodeur has to be the number one starter for Canada. Quite the game indeed.

Mr Puckman.. a quick correction, if I may. The game was a 3-3 tie. CZE went up late in the 3rd before the Canadians tied it on a later goal. Quite the drama!! I still don't think the Canadians are playing much like a team, and I am afraid that might cost them against the Finns.

And YES it was a cheap shot on Fleury. Protecting your keeper is one thing, but to be honest I'm not so sure that Hasek didn't bring Fleury down himself. That doesn't give Fleury the chance to retaliate, but I don't really think he did. He was just trying to get up. In any case, the cross check across the back was uncalled for.

Here's the schedule for Wednesday's quarterfinals...I had found a schedule at NBC's Olympics website but someone I know who is in SLC informs me that they just changed it. This is what he tells me the new schedule is:

Sweden v Belarus 1 pm EST
Czechs v Russia at 3:30 EST
USA v Germany 6 pm EST
Finland v Canada 10:15 EST

According to NBC's site the early two games are on MSNBC and the later two are on CNBC.

[ February 18, 2002: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

You're right, guys. That crosscheck to Fleury's back (not to mention the spearing) was pitiful. And no one, and I mean NO ONE, is dirtier in a crease than Hasek himself. Wayne Gretzky, after the game, said, "I think the NY Rangers have a score to settle next time they face the Islanders." Not sure exactly who he's referring to (the spearer or the crosschecker), but for Wayne to say that, he must be MAD!

I kinda think Canada has a better chance of advancing to the Semis against the Finns, rather than if they'd won tonight's game outright and had to face the Russians on Wednesday. One step back, two steps forward? Regardless, whoever's in nets vs. the Finns better come up with a big game. Time to bring in Eddie Belfour? Marty & Cujo have been less than stellar.

Right now, the Swedes look unbeatable. A Sweden vs. USA Gold Medal game would be the only right ending to all of this.

Hey, did Keith Tkachuk play today? I missed the game and didn't see his name on the stats sheets...

And thanks for the schedule, JoeinP. Nice to have connections!

Wow! What better way to spend a Presidents day Holiday than sitting on the couch with my new (maybe) boyfriend watching the USA vs. Belarus Hockey game from begining to end! What a Game! They played awesome. We're going all the way this time!

The hockey games are getting better each night! The Czech/Canada game was like a Gold Medal game! The intensity there makes you forget any qualms you have for NHL'ers playing in the Olympics. Team Canada BETTER win tonight against Finland - the Canadian fans' expectations are so high - they'd better produce. It seems like Team Canada was assembled with the idea that the individual players are good, so as a team they will be good. Those guys are familiar with each other's styles, either from the NHL or the juniors that they seem to be getting better every game. Team Sweden seems to be the team to beat. Go Canada!

and Go USA Women. Playing Sweden right now. Sweden playing a touch game so far. U.S.A.U.S.A.

Way to go USA Women. Its US Vs. Canada for the gold medal. Can't wait for that one and for the U.S. Mens hockey game tomorrow. It is tomorrow, right?
Go USA

[ February 19, 2002: Message edited by: puckman45 ]

GO! U! S! A!
Gold medal game, yet again. And to think that Canada had to rally back from 3-2 down after two. To be fair, I think that both teams were looking ahead. No matter how much they say it, everyone has been poised for the CAN-USA game on Thursday night. Man it's going to be electric.

The USA needs to forget the 8-0 run on the Skate to Salt Lake Tour. It needs to forget the 31-1 goals in this tournament. This is an all-or-nothing game, with everything on the (blue) line. Hayley Wickenheiser and Danielle Goyette are for real, and they have just been tested big time by the Finns. Both semis were good buildups for tomorrow night. Let's also not forget that the last time these two met for a major title, the Canadians took the World Championship.

But enough about them. Katie King is wicked fast. Cammi Granato is a tough-as-nails captain--just look at her goal tonight--sprawled out on the ice, poking the puck into the net. Angela Ruggiero can shoot on through from the defense. I can't say enough about this team. They are a team. They are focused.

And they're going to win the gold!

And for the men...JinP is correct, the men play 6 pm on WEDNESDAY against the Germans.
GO! U! S! A!

What's the deal with Wayne Gretzky? Smart psychololgical move or is he cracking under the pressure?

Gretzky's tirade might be an attempt to rally Team Canada

Wayne has got to be feeling the pressure - the entire country is counting on this team to bring them the gold - and nothing less is acceptable. His comments were very un-Wayne-like, but we've also seen Mario fighting (!) in an NHL game...it may be in part that they want to rally their teams, yet I also think that they each have a job too much for one person (no matter how great) to handle. They are over-achievers, so they constantly need a challenge.

GO Team Canada!!!

I was reading about Waynes comments in my sports section this morning. You know he is under the gun and feeling the pressure. Man its incredible pressure, and they are putting it on themselves as well because they say they will not accept anything other than the gold.
The next round will be interesting. I understand the German coach can;t wait to play the U.S. as he has some sort of vendetta against us.
GO U.S.A.!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Cow!!!!
Belarus in a SHOCKER....
the Torpedo has been sunk.
To be honest, it never got started today. The Beylorussians clogged things up and pressured the Swedes (ok, not as much as the Swedes pressured themselves) into bad decisions.
And of course, great keeping on the part of Mezin.

That slapper from center ice just goes to prove...send the puck in on cage and something might just happen. And something did. Salo lost the puck and found it a second later...in the back of the net. I am sure that the Canadians and the Finns are salivating over this one. Belarus had nothing to lose and because of that, they didn't.

Granted, the Swedes were not at the top of their game. Mezin was. Not a good combination. But the other thing they did was let the Swedes control the edges while they clogged the middle. It's a lot like the bunker defense soccer or hockey teams play when they feel like they are overmatched.

What a great game!! I am sorry for the Swedes, but I think they might have overlooked the Beylorussians a bit...and they are good. They looked good in the first round, and they wanted it. Way to go BLR!

and, of course,
GO! U! S! A!

I was just reading Gary Thornes opinions on the NBC Olympic site about the hockey predictions for today, an dhe said he didn't see any way Sweden would lose this game. Uh HUH???!!!! Oh well..
The US Mens game against Germany is a must watch, as the German Coach has got some vendetta going that he has been stewing over since 1980, so he is looking for an upset. No way!
USA-USA!!!!! GO Men go!!! Beat Germany!!!!!!!!

[ February 20, 2002: Message edited by: puckman45 ]

My Oh My: Team USA 5, Germany 0!!!!
Geez what a Team! What a victory!!! The eyes were moist alot of the game I have to say. I will never forget that goal that Hull scored when he shot the puck through his legs and it caremed in off the goal post, and he turns around and flashes that Hull smile. Gawd what a hockey player!!! I am so proud of our boys. Amonte, and how about Big John leclaire, losing a tooth, and getting another stick to the face and he scores what 2 goals??? Out of his mind!!! Even Richter was solid. This Team is going all the way. I am saying it here. We will win the Gold baby.USA-USA-USA-USA Is Scott Young cute or what? What a hockey babe!

GO! U! S! A!
What a great game!!
I think the best part of this game came in the 2nd intermission. Brett told the scorer that he did not tip in Chelios' goal (he really did). What more proof do you need that this is a team?

The Canada-Finland game is going to be really cool. Should Finland win, all four of the D group will have advanced. I think that Canada has it together (finally) and although the Finnish defense is stronger on defense, it's a one-game series. Will be exciting, regardless.

And of course, tomorrow--well! early practice because at 7:00 the USA women are on. Kinda nice to have a matching pair of golds, huh! It will be a nice compliment to the necklace that everyone on the team got in December.



GO! U! S! A!

GO CANADA!! Finish the Finnish!!

After that spectacular USA-Russia tie on Saturday night, what's next? A rematch--and this time it will NOT end in a tie! And wouldn't it be interesting if the USA wins and then got Finland for the gold medal game on Sunday--shades of 1980!

This entire tournament has been tremendous. It's been everything that hockey should be. If only more of it were on NBC instead of cable.

Great game tonight between Canada and Finland! Of course I'm glad Canada won and now advances to the semi-finals, but the Finnish goaltender (Hurme) was impressive, enduring almost twice as many shots on goal as Martin Brodeur.

I was a little embarrassed by some of Wayne Gretzky's harsh comments the other day, even though there may have been some truth in them (I don't follow hockey enough to be sure). Certainly not characteristic of the Great One. (Cutie) Doug Weight from the US team was asked for his comments afterward, and although I don't remember his exact words, he showed a lot of tact and class.

About 3 hours to go for The gold medal match between the US Ladies and Canada ladies hockey teams.
I hope its a doozy.
Go USA!!!!!

CANUCK CHICKS ROCK! Finally winning a game against the U.S., and what a perfect time to do it. The Canadians not only had to beat the U.S. Team, but the U.S. referee who seemed to have brought her bias to the rink with her tonight. Half the Canadians' penalties were, shall we say, "questionable." GOLD CANADA GOLD!

Now bring on tomorrow's USA vs. Russia game. The Cold War continues! (That is, if the Russians haven't already packed up and headed home under Putin's orders...)

[quote]Originally posted by Seph:
The Canadians not only had to beat the U.S. Team, but the U.S. referee who seemed to have brought her bias to the rink with her tonight. Half the Canadians' penalties were, shall we say, "questionable."

---

Okay fess up Seph! Your real name is Wayne Gretzky, isn't it?

Congrats to the Canadian team. Great effort!

I am proud of these ladies. They carried themselves, all through the Skate to Salt Lake tour and through these games, with the class and dignity befits the USA program. Thank you, Team USA, for all you haev given the sport of hockey. We Americans could not ask for better representatives.

Congratulations to Team Canada for a great tournament and a solid game. Olympic Champions...always an incredible achievement!

GO! U! S! A!

Wow! I can't believe the "Canadian chicks" won. They were the underdogs and I expected them to settle for the silver medal. Even the coach is a woman and it does seem rare thing.

They did a great job a killing penalty time. The Americans must have had more than the equivalent time of a period on power play. I think Canada got eight consecutive penalties before one was called against the US. It is one of the few times a team wins even with a lot penalties.

Was the referee really American? I can't believe they couldn't find someone from another country. Talk about very odd!

OK now I am done pouting. I apologize for that.

Team Canada was incredible on their penalty killing tonight. Interesting in that normally the very positive parts of the Team USA game--the penalty killing and the power play--were gone tonight. I think it might have been the pressure, which only mounted as high as the Rockies when CAN scored in the first two minutes, that brought the USA down some. And against a talented team like Canada, any mistake will be a bad thing. Look at the 2nd goal (poor Lyndsay Wall) and the third (wow what a heads-up play). Canada took advantage, and the USA did not.

I can't comment on the officiating.

On the CNBC broadcast the analyst Joe Micheletti (sp?) was shocked at the number of calls, and said that the referee should let the teams play. Quite an accomplishment for the women from Canada.

On the men's side, what's with Eric Lindros? There are reports that he has a shoulder injury (hurt again....quelle surprise!) and he sat out the latter half of the game last night. But I read something elsewhere where a reporter asked Lindros about sitting and he just said, referring to Quinn, "Ask him."

Team Canada's Women Rule!!!

Great game - Team Canada's forechecking and penalty killing were outstanding.

Given the intense rivalry between Team USA and Team Canada, it may be the officials wanted to keep the game form getting out of hand, hence the number of penalties. It does slow things down a bit.

The second goal was a beauty - was it a result of a two-line pass? Are those allowed (a) in Olympics play ( in international play?

The biggest surprise was seeing Pat Quinn all choked up at the end - what a softie!!

Perhaps the Russians are weighing in on the "psyching out" of the opponents by making a fuss over officiating (a la Wayne's and Herb's comments this week).

Can't wait for tonight's games!

As far as I know, 2 line passes are allowed in Olympic hockey due to the sheer size of the Ice.

[quote]Originally posted by puckman45:
About 3 hours to go for The gold medal match between the US Ladies and Canada ladies hockey teams.
I hope its a doozy.
Go USA!!!!!

---

You got your wish... the over-hyped, over confident USA squad curse has happened again.

The way I saw it was that it was the US Ladies game to lose, and that they did. Obviously those 8 games prior to the Olympics that they beat Canada, meant nothing. Now they have to live with this for the next 4 years. Canada was the better team here though and they deserved it, even with the amateurish refereeing we saw.
Now, I am waiting for the US Mens Hockey Game against Russia.
I will leave you with these thoughts:
GO USA-USA-USA-USA

I found out the reason why the referee in the womens final was American.

"...asked why an American was refereeing a game involving her own country, an International Ice Hockey Federation spokesman explained that there were no female referees from outside North America deemed qualified to supervise such a big game, and
the IIHF insisted on having a female referee."

In my opinion, if there are no qualified female outside North America they should have picked a man.

I agree. I think maintaining the appearance of objectivity should outweigh any other factors in a gold medal game at the Olympics. Fortunately, the Canadians won, so they can't use the argument that the ref was biased against them.

How bout those USA Mens Hockey Team????. Russia is history at the hands of the U.S. And once again, history repeats itself. I had to believe that Russia was not going to just roll over and play dead after two periods. They must have really got a good talking too between the periods.
So now its down to one game on Sunday for all the marbles.
Go USA!!!!!

GO! U! S! A!
Wow! What an incredible game....I'm very glad the Russians showed up for the final 20 mins. Ok, I was enjoying the 3-0 lead AND would have liked to have not gone to SUCH dramatics...but this will help in Sunday's game. I think the game will be very different. Once the Russians adopted the NHL style of play in the 3rd, look what happened. This is going to be a war on Sunday. What a great day for North American hockey.

The Americans need to attack the Canadians with the same fervor that they did in the 1st two periods all three in the gold medal game. I think they had the heart--no question--but were caught by the quick shift in the Russian tactics. Once they realized it they stood up and played the game they are used to playing. Sure, Russia had the chances and a bunch of breaks in the game for the USA. But they created their own opportunities to be successful. Great standups on the blue line. Fast and efficient. Excellent on the PP. Opportuntistic.

Very very proud of our men. They fought hard and Khabibuhlin was awesome. Sunday is going to be fun.
And we owe the Canadians for the women!

GO! U! S! A!

What a great...third period! Things got very interesting when the Russians scored less than thirty seconds into the period. You knew they were gonna come on like gangbusters, but Richter held off quite a storm. Interesting stat: the only US player who didn't have at least one shot on net today? Mike Richter!

Canada vs. USA for Gold. Hey, puckman, sometimes wishes do come true! I'm hoping the game goes into overtime - and then penalty shots. I'd have to wear my Depends.

Here's a question for you guys: if the game does go to penalty shots, who do you pick to take 'em? For Canada, I'd go with Lemieux, Sakic, Yzerman, Kariya, Peca, then Gagné. For the USA, I'd pick Modano, Hull, Guerin, Leclair, Roenick, then Weight.

Boy if the NHL was as great as Olpympic hockey, I'd be a hockey junkie! Clean, fast skating, no stupid fights-what a sweet sport! Too bad the NHL season has to start up again.

That was quite an amazing game. For two periods the USA totally dominated Russia. What did Bill Clement call it--one of the best defensive efforts by any team, ever? But then the Russians came back with a furious rally. Excellent finish.

USA-Canada, the matchup NBC and the NHL most desperately wanted, and they finally have it. Like both the USA-Russia games, too bad it's not on in prime time.

And hey, Eric Lindros finally scored a goal today!

I'd love to see overtime, but NOT a shootout. I hate that rule. I think it's wrong. It's no way to decide a game. That's one international rule I don't EVER want to see the NHL adopt.

Seph. I would agree with your assesments and your picks for shoot out. I predict the entire game will be played with the same intensity and ferocity of the 3rd period between US and Russia. Should be incredible.

[ February 23, 2002: Message edited by: puckman45 ]

Well, the Russians got a medal but it wasn't quite the one they wanted. A defeat of former republic Belarus 7-2 gave Fetisov and co. the bronze at the SLC games. Granted 7-2 is big, but it was 2-2 early.

Also, the IIHF has censured Fetisov for about the officiating in the semi. Good. There is never an excuse for coaches to criticize the officiating, and all it did was make Russia look bad. Once he switched his lines and style of play, he got two quick goals. It became a game, and it wasn't because the officiating became more "Russian-friendly."