Quote: (02-15-2014 02:21 AM)Snuke Wrote:
Quote: (02-14-2014 08:06 PM)mikeymike Wrote:
Quote: (02-14-2014 07:35 PM)Sugar Wrote:
It looks like Zetterturd is out for the tournament, which is a big blow for Sweden. Everyone other nation's odds just jumped a bit.
The hits just keep coming for the Swedes. They look solid in prelims but he's a tough loss.
Canadians looking a lot better today, tape to tape passes, crisp outlets, looked like they're figuring out how to use that big ice. Getzlaf looked great out there today, the tavares/bergeron/benn line looks like instant chemistry. Kunitz is very much the weak link out there on the Crosby line, they look way out of sync and it just kills anything Sids doing out there. Should be riding the pine but won't be. Big game for Carter. That defense is just so dominant, they were everywhere out there. I don't like Subban in the mix on d however, little bit like a chicken with his head cut off back there, too much running around for my liking, he's dynamic but they don't need him to be so he looks like he's confused as to what to do if he can't play his game. Lu looked steady preferred him to Price. Duchene brought some energy, Sharp will probably get the nod of the 2 but I liked Duchene out there personally.
Finns were very impressive, Norway held Canada down but the Finns just rolled over them like they were nothing. Barkovs potential injury could be huge tho, he was playing with Teemu and they were counting on his offense. Curious to see how bad it is.
US Russia should be fantastic tomorrow.
Yes Canada definitely looked very good today. I completely agree that the Kunitz has to hit the bench. I understood the theory behind the team taking him. But if Crosby is truly is the best player in the world, he should be able to play with anyone. I don't remember Gretz, or Mario having troubles with new linemates at these international events. Put St Louis in his spot and watch Cater make history putting in a whack load of goals.
Out of curiosity, what is your thoughts on the St Louis story? I honestly believe that he should of been on the roster from the get go and should be on the top line right now.
Only thing I don't agree with you, is that I still think Price is your goalie. I know Lou has been playing good and did have a great game, but I have just seen him melt so much in the past, that I am scared with him in net. It’s like having a terrible kicker in football, that could cost you a game by missing an easy 30 yard chip. With Lou Im just not confident enough with him. I just see him letting in that weak goal in a very tight game. Cant wait for the medal rounds though, going to be some great hockey.
There is no question Crosby is the best player in the game today but Crosby is a different breed than Mario or Gretz. All 3 of these guys see and think the game on another level, Mario was one of the best one on one players to play the game but it wasn't where he was most comfortable, him and Gretz were far more comfortable reading the play and taking what was there, if it was going one on one so be it but if they could find an open man they could put the puck on near anybodys stick in a shooting position and they preferred that. On the flip Crosby is a far more aggressive player, a true power forward, looking to create his shot more than either of his predecessors, he'll dish but its as likely that'll he'll take on 2-3 defenders as it is that'll pass out of that so as a linemate he's hard to read, you just don't know whether to get open or to create room, if hes going to hit you in flight or take off himself, whether to crash the net or get the hell out of the way. As a player his skills are sick as a linemate hes frustrating to read. He needs to be with players who think the game like he does (and there aren't many of these guys) or simplify the game down, Kunitz works in the nhl because his game is simple north south, gets to the net and hacks away, on the big ice too hes gotta handle the puck more and its not where he excels and you can see him fumbling with it out there, looks lost because of it. Carter is a more talented version of Kunitz when motivated and he should be revved by this stage so I expect that experiment will continue and continue to pay off.
I can understand why they left St Louis off, based on play this season he deserved to be there but his game has never translated well to the big ice, he was god awful in Turin and hes lost a step in speed since then, and they were transitioning to a younger team with specific skillsets, where St Louis is a bit of a tweener. I didn't know if he'd be left off but I wasn't surprised by it when he was. Also not surprised that hes on as the replacement now but I think that was politics rather than team need just couldn't see Stevie Y leaving one of his stars off the team twice. I dont know if hes the player to play with Sid, id prefer someone who thinks the game as quick as Sid does or is a simple shooter who doesn't need to lug the puck. Id love to see Tavares with Sid but that Bergeron Tavares Benn line has been the best line of the tourny for Canada. Toews could be interesting as well but I don't think we'll see either of those lines broken up so St Louis might just be it by default. I thought he was good the last game moving thru the line up, had some time with Sid but was with the Tavares line and the Toews line as times as well.
Lu has a bad rap for the weak goal but he was beaten in 7 behind a decimated Canucks line up, if the Canucks win that game people forget he would've been the Conn Smythe winner for that team. All hes done in international competitions is win, his international record is just sick, there is just no substitute for experience especially on the biggest possible stage. Babcock knows what hes got in Lu. Price is a wild card, no coach wants to go into big games with a wild card. Im betting it was Lus job to lose and if he was shaky at all they could consider price but he was a rock back there and thatll be all they needed. If Canada loses it wont be because of a bad Lu goal of that im confident.