Author Topic: Finland (Read 1093 times)

funkedup · « **on:** February 14, 2002, 08:51:59 PM »

As much as I like to root for a Shark like Selänne...
You guys are going down tomorrow.

U-S-A!
U-S-A!
U-S-A!
U-S-A!
U-S-A!... Ad nauseam

funkedup · « **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2002, 09:04:34 PM »

I think Russia might win the tournament. Too much talent. All the big names plus young guys like Kovalchuk and Datsyuk who are ridiculously skilled. Kovalchuk is one of the best goal scorers I have ever seen. Reminds me of Jari Kurri in his prime.

Canada picked too many big slow defensemen IMHO. Big guys like Blake and Pronger can do OK on the narrow NHL rinks but on Olympic ice I think they will be exposed. Their reach and first step quickness make them fast enough for the NHL but I think USA made much smarter decisions to bring some fast defensemen.

It will probably come down to goaltending though. And that's where Canada and the Czechs have the advantage. However if Richter can revert to his World Cup form then USA will go all the way.

newguy · « **Reply #2 on:** February 14, 2002, 09:29:36 PM »

I have doubts that the US will win a medal, but thats just me.

newguy
Go Team Canada

Wilbus · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2002, 02:32:52 AM »

Canada going down tonight!

Hortlund · « **Reply #4 on:** February 15, 2002, 02:34:51 AM »

oh man...I'm nervous already..and the game doesnt start in like another 15 hours..

Hortlund · « **Reply #5 on:** February 15, 2002, 02:37:12 AM »

looks like its gonna be a long day at work today...

Maniac · « **Reply #6 on:** February 15, 2002, 07:21:58 AM »

Its an hard tournament for sure! I hope Sweden wins the whole thing of course, but i will settle for an medal...

Regards.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #7 on:** February 15, 2002, 07:25:25 AM »

Okay, used to be that Russia would field their "Professional" team, ie, their hockey teams used to consist of older, professional hockey players, where the USA would field young-un's that were not in the pro's. Has this changed? I know it has in regards to our basketball teams.

Maniac · « **Reply #8 on:** February 15, 2002, 07:31:31 AM »

Rip,

Its only Pro´s this time, NHL has taken an break during the olympics...

Will be the best vs the best...

Well Russia has an very good team on the paper but they have always had probs workin togheter (not talking about ther 'golden age' in hockey now).

So many good players in all the teams, have been looking forward to this for so long now

midnight Target · « **Reply #9 on:** February 15, 2002, 09:48:19 AM »

Anyone been watching the women's games? Very good stuff, and the USA is favored to win the gold.

Fatty · « **Reply #10 on:** February 15, 2002, 10:24:36 AM »

Sorry man, after we took 1-3 in the halfpipe, I'm boycotting the games.

skernsk · « **Reply #11 on:** February 15, 2002, 10:26:15 AM »

I watched highlights from the women's games. It is going to be Canada vs. USA for the gold.

Dune · « **Reply #12 on:** February 15, 2002, 10:44:03 AM »

The US had better win a medal. I don't think there are three teams (even of the six with lots of NHL'ers) that are better than ours.

It just depends on which US team showes up though. The one that wet the bed in Nagano (then set it on fire and threw it out the window) or the one that stuck it to the Canucks twice in a row including the deciding game in Canada to win the World Cup.

"Richter blocks the shot! Chelios takes his man down and Leetch takes the puck in the corner! Leetch passes up ice to Modano who streaks past the defense and centers to Roenick who fires topshelf and scores!!! Roenick scores!!!! USA! USA! USA!!"

newguy · « **Reply #13 on:** February 15, 2002, 10:59:51 AM »

The problem with the US is that too many of their current players played on that world cup team. They have a VERY aged defence, with Chelios leading the way at 40 years old. As well, aside from Finland, the US has the weakest goaltending out of the contenders (Canada, Czech, Sweden, Russia). They are very talented on offence, but so are all the other teams. They will need more than that to get a medal. As a side note, I am extremely upset that Quinn has decided to sit Simon Gange, our fastest player, for todays game against Sweden. He would have a hayday on this ice surface.

Dune · « **Reply #14 on:** February 15, 2002, 11:09:07 AM »

I don't know if I'd call the US goalies the weakest.

Coming off his knee surgeries, Richter has played great all season. His record might not show that, but the Rangers suck in front of him. And remember how well he's always performed in big games. He was the MVP of the World Cup because he stole that third game from Team Canada. Canada would have been up 3-1 going into the third period of game three if not for Mikey. And Cujo was the losing goalie in that game. Cujo is a damn good goalie, but how much championship game experience does he have?