February 26, 2010
— DrewM Snowy night in the northeast and not much news, so Canada-Slovakia for the right to play the US in the Olympic game. 9:35 eastern on CNBC.
Canada just had it's heartbroken when their womens curling team failed to close the deal (twice!) against the snowbacks from Sweden. Can it happen again? Mike Milbury says they have a chance, however small, which is funny since he's not exactly a fan of euro-hockey. Jeremy Roenick on the other hand say no way, no how.
FWIW- I'm in the JR camp.
Slovakia's kind of thin beyond Marian Gaborik, Pavol Demitra, Marian Hossa, and Zedeno Chara
Oh, if you don't like hockey, congrats. The ONT should be along any minute now for your enjoyment.
One other hockey note...turns out Sean Avery is on Twitter, what could go wrong? So is Marian Gabarik and Brendan Shanahan.
Here's tmi3rd's breakdown of tonight's game...
On the other side, Slovakia got past Sweden with superior team speed. Sweden was consistently scoring three goals a game, but an aging Swedish defense just couldn't quite contain Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra in particular. Jaroslav Halak has been very solid in net, and the Slovakian defense have some serious size on defense.They will face Canada at 9:30 Eastern. Presumably, it'll be on one of the NBC cable networks.
Canada came out of the gate with their hair on fire, and quite cheerfully ran the Russians out of the barn in the first period. The game plan clearly indicated that they would hit Alexander Ovechkin back first, and the Russians came out flatter than a board. They were unprepared for the Canadian intensity (difficult to understand) and Evgeni Nabokov picked this game to utterly disintegrate. Three or four goals were completely stoppable by Nabokov, and the majority of Canadian goals came off of face-palmingly bad errors by the Russian defense.
It was said before the tournament that the Russian Achilles' heel would be their blueline, and this was borne out against Canada. It is also worth noting that their first line didn't backcheck for anything... the Russians didn't make a goaltending change until being down 6-1. With 9:58 gone in the second period, the score was 7-2.
Roberto Luongo had a few very nice saves, and did not make the kind of puckhandling mistakes that Martin Brodeur made against the US. He was beaten twice over the glove- surprising from a butterfly goaltender, and particularly on Maxim Afinogenov's goal in the second period. Long-distance shots through traffic beat Luongo in this game- worth noting for the future.
Can Slovakia beat Canada? It's unlikely but totally possible. Certainly, if Canada comes out with the same level of desperate intensity that they did against Russia, they're the best in the world. But don't lose sight of the fact that Slovakia's got huge defensemen who can clear traffic out, a goaltender who can steal the game for you, and a whole lot of scoring punch and speed. The Slovaks will need to make Canadian forwards pay a price every time they cross the blue line, and punish the Canadian defense (who have shown vulnerability) every time they touch the puck. And, of course, Halak will have to steal the game for the Slovaks.
For Canada, they're going to have to blunt the speedy Slovak attack at the blue line. Slovakia can score off the rush, or set Marian Gaborik up to snipe away. Their defense was much more part of the rush against Russia, and that worked well for them. It would be a disaster for Canada, however, if the defensemen pinch and aren't properly covered on the backline... the Slovak speed would be fatal.
The only prediction you'll get out of me is a Canadian win over Slovakia
Posted by: DrewM at
05:25 PM
| Comments (231)
Post contains 641 words, total size 4 kb.
Posted by: Jane D'oh, cold, cranky and unafraid at February 26, 2010 05:30 PM (UOM48)
Posted by: Tami at February 26, 2010 05:32 PM (VuLos)
I would much prefer to see this than some meaningless All-Star game... this has been the best of the best playing the best of the best at the best level imaginable. I haven't had this much fun watching hockey since the '96 World Cup. Even the last World Cup wasn't this good.
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 05:35 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: beerologist at February 26, 2010 05:37 PM (tgXx6)
Hook, line, sinker.
I expected to hear "Ba-ba-booie" at the end.
Posted by: schizuki at February 26, 2010 05:39 PM (KvdPX)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 05:39 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 05:39 PM (I7mrm)
Posted by: DrewM. at February 26, 2010 05:39 PM (9B5OK)
Posted by: beerologist at February 26, 2010 05:40 PM (tgXx6)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 05:41 PM (u+G1L)
Speaking of Hockey and MSNBC, remember during the election when Sarah Palin got punked by a radio jock impersonating Sarkozy? Everyone on MSNBC went on about how dumb Palin was including Willie Geist for falling for it?
Well Willie Geist got punked by someone impersonating the American Golie. The impersonater was being a real condesending prick, guaranteeing a US Gold Medal and ripping the Canadian Team. The real Golie had to call in and say hey, that wasn't me you were talking to.
Don't forget to email Willie.
Posted by: robtr at February 26, 2010 05:43 PM (fwSHf)
Rangers??? Never heard of them.
Posted by: Charlie Gibson at February 26, 2010 05:44 PM (xtR+a)
Posted by: 48%er at February 26, 2010 05:46 PM (gxpfq)
Posted by: TonyRezko at February 26, 2010 05:48 PM (fL5Vp)
Posted by: robtr at February 26, 2010 05:48 PM (fwSHf)
Posted by: beerologist at February 26, 2010 09:47 PM (tgXx6)
Try typing in out here but as words. Like, Ace of spades dot com.
Posted by: Tami at February 26, 2010 05:48 PM (VuLos)
Posted by: Miss'80sBaby at February 26, 2010 05:49 PM (sZ+lP)
Posted by: beerologist at February 26, 2010 05:51 PM (tgXx6)
Posted by: ron dorque at February 26, 2010 05:52 PM (WSEof)
Posted by: Tami at February 26, 2010 05:53 PM (VuLos)
I get that when trying American sites as well sometimes.
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 05:53 PM (I7mrm)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 05:54 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 05:56 PM (I7mrm)
Posted by: DrewM. at February 26, 2010 05:57 PM (9B5OK)
Posted by: MM at February 26, 2010 05:58 PM (JyNpR)
Curling took too much out of Liz, she's passed out on the couch, but I'm here for a few before a shower and a sprawl on the bed to read.
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 05:59 PM (QjuDE)
I didnt know the goalie til 6min left..obviously luongo, but.
i'm on a channel with slovak announcers, but so what
Posted by: ron dorque at February 26, 2010 05:59 PM (WSEof)
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 05:59 PM (QjuDE)
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 06:00 PM (vjkqP)
Found this...
Jaroslav Halak has two faces painted on his goalie mask.
One is of Vladimir Dzurzilla, the beloved Slovak goaltender for the Czechoslovakian national team, famous for shutting out a powerhouse Team Canada 1-0 at the first Canada Cup in 1976.
The other is of Juraj Janosik, an 18th century Slovakian version of Robin Hood, who robbed the rich and shared the loot with the downtrodden.
Posted by: little evil at February 26, 2010 06:02 PM (xtR+a)
Posted by: DrewM. at February 26, 2010 06:04 PM (9B5OK)
Posted by: qwerty1 at February 26, 2010 06:05 PM (udVuV)
Posted by: beerologist at February 26, 2010 06:07 PM (tgXx6)
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 06:08 PM (I7mrm)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 06:08 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: qwerty1 at February 26, 2010 06:08 PM (udVuV)
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 06:10 PM (QjuDE)
If I am Slovakia, I'll take that and press hard for a goal in the first 5-7 min of period 2.
If they can gain ground and give Halak some Hope, they'll be in OK shape.
Watch Demitra, and Gaborick.
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 06:10 PM (vjkqP)
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 06:10 PM (QjuDE)
Posted by: beerologist at February 26, 2010 06:14 PM (tgXx6)
With team USA having a cakewalk today, it'd be nice to face a Canadian squad coming off a grinding game, playing for the gold.
Posted by: little evil at February 26, 2010 06:15 PM (xtR+a)
Posted by: beerologist at February 26, 2010 06:18 PM (tgXx6)
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 06:24 PM (QjuDE)
Just for tonight.
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 06:26 PM (QjuDE)
I love those things!
No defense for those on a lady.
None.
Posted by: garrettYeah, those shorts are evil because of the things it does to my libido....
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 06:27 PM (QjuDE)
Slovaks need to throw that third forward at the net while cycling the forward that gains the zone.
They are playing a prevent type O. It won't cut it. They need to pour the pressure on in a timely manner.
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 06:28 PM (vjkqP)
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 06:31 PM (vjkqP)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 06:31 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: tmi3rd
The skip?
If so, she's one hot cougar
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 06:32 PM (QjuDE)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 06:33 PM (u+G1L)
Not a good finish tonight though... Canada looked like it had gold wrapped up if she coulda made her final shot.
Posted by: little evil at February 26, 2010 06:33 PM (xtR+a)
Posted by: tmi3rd
Chara with his arms at his sides hits most people in the head...
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 06:33 PM (QjuDE)
Posted by: tmi3rd
I call him 'Lurch' here at home.
Don't tell him.
Please.
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 06:35 PM (QjuDE)
As for the color commentator, I'd rather have Joe Micheletti than Eddie O.
This is like the worst possible combination.
Posted by: DrewM. at February 26, 2010 06:38 PM (9B5OK)
Then all I'd need is for Gary Thorne to make a similar call and life would be good.
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 06:41 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: Masshole at February 26, 2010 06:42 PM (hjyb5)
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 06:42 PM (vjkqP)
Posted by: ron dorque at February 26, 2010 06:44 PM (WSEof)
Heh.
Here's my dream...Milbury asks JR about that, then JR asks him how trading Chara for Yashin worked out. Then they get into a fist fight right on the set and knock Bill Patrick off the stage.
Posted by: DrewM. at February 26, 2010 06:45 PM (9B5OK)
i say no one builds blonds like the swedes&california
What takes money with those, can be had with toilet paper in Russia!
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 06:46 PM (vjkqP)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 06:46 PM (u+G1L)
She had two opportunities, too - in the 10th and the 11th.
Disappointing.
Posted by: Waterhouse at February 26, 2010 06:46 PM (xwoLE)
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 06:51 PM (QjuDE)
150 Yeah, French Canadian babes are among the hottest in the world, but 90% of them have insane politics.
It's the accent again I am affraid and yes their politics are socialist for the most part.
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 06:51 PM (I7mrm)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 06:51 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: Waterhouse at February 26, 2010 06:52 PM (xwoLE)
If it takes the Canadians almost 2 periods to score 3 goals, and it takes us 1 to score 6, then we should be golden for Sunday. heh
Posted by: little evil at February 26, 2010 06:54 PM (xtR+a)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 06:58 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: ron dorque at February 26, 2010 07:00 PM (WSEof)
It's a different team and thus different mind game dynamics.
No, no, I know, I know (prolly shoulda thrown a sarc / in front of the heh).
I have no delusions that the Canadian goaltenders/defense are gonna play as disastrously as the Finns did earlier.
Posted by: little evil at February 26, 2010 07:00 PM (xtR+a)
Posted by: qwerty1 at February 26, 2010 07:04 PM (udVuV)
3-0 is the worst lead in Hockey...ask anyone.
Looks to be a N.American party. Only 20 min. left.
Hope the Beaver don't choke it...
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 07:04 PM (vjkqP)
Really? I always thought it was the 2 goal lead...far enough in front to get comfortable but too close that one goal changes everything.
Posted by: DrewM. at February 26, 2010 07:06 PM (9B5OK)
That said, I wish Canada great success on Sunday in its quest for silver.
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 07:07 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 07:07 PM (QjuDE)
Muscles are stretching and it's killing.
I almost feel bad knocking her up.
But I feel WICKED bad she's hurting.
I may have to smother her.
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 07:08 PM (QjuDE)
Drawing a power play or two would be nice.
Posted by: little evil at February 26, 2010 07:09 PM (xtR+a)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 07:11 PM (u+G1L)
173 Hmmm, kid from Aneroid, Saskatchewan (population 45), a kid from Carlyle (population 1260), Saskatchewan, and a kid from Regina, Saskatchewan make it in the big show and score the goals. Must be something in the water.
No it's all those thousands of bark yard rinks and nothing else to due during the foucking winters other than curl.
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 07:12 PM (I7mrm)
I was always taught it was 3-0.
Relaxed, confident when one goes in and panic when it's down to a single goal lead.
I always thought it had most to do with the goalies head. In any game. Goalie loses his edge and it all goes to shit.
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 07:13 PM (vjkqP)
That's a damn shame.
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 07:15 PM (u+G1L)
If you have a hot goalie and half a team you have it amde in the shade.
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 07:15 PM (I7mrm)
Posted by: Mikka Kiprusoff at February 26, 2010 07:16 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: qwerty1 at February 26, 2010 07:16 PM (udVuV)
188 Yes bverway, with the sloughs and dug-outs frozen for six months of the year, it does have it's advantages. But you make that sound like a bad thing.
Not at all in fact it is what makes Canada the greatest.....seasons...each with their own lure.
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 07:20 PM (I7mrm)
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 07:24 PM (I7mrm)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 07:26 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 07:29 PM (I7mrm)
Posted by: Confused Hockey Fan at February 26, 2010 07:30 PM (xwoLE)
Posted by: qwerty1 at February 26, 2010 07:30 PM (udVuV)
Two of my Bruins play for the Slovaks
SCORE SLOVAKIA!!!!!
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 07:32 PM (QjuDE)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 07:33 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 07:36 PM (QjuDE)
Posted by: MM at February 26, 2010 07:37 PM (JyNpR)
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 07:38 PM (I7mrm)
Posted by: BlendXD at February 26, 2010 07:38 PM (awtW3)
Posted by: BlendXD at February 26, 2010 07:39 PM (awtW3)
Posted by: curious at February 26, 2010 07:39 PM (p302b)
Posted by: curious
Saw something about this on Twitter, but don't know crap about it.
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 07:40 PM (QjuDE)
That collapse in the last five-ten minutes is a terrible way to go into the gold medal game.
Posted by: Waterhouse at February 26, 2010 07:42 PM (xwoLE)
Posted by: tmi3rd at February 26, 2010 07:42 PM (u+G1L)
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 07:42 PM (I7mrm)
Posted by: curious at February 26, 2010 07:42 PM (p302b)
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 07:43 PM (QjuDE)
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 07:43 PM (QjuDE)
Posted by: BlendXD at February 26, 2010 07:44 PM (awtW3)
Posted by: DrewM. at February 26, 2010 07:44 PM (9B5OK)
Slovakia played Possum for like 46 minutes!
Demitra could have forced overtime twice, maybe three times...if they had Ganorik in there???
At least I called the 2 goals and the 6 on 5 ending...
Sunday, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!!!!
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 07:45 PM (vjkqP)
It'll be interesting to see how Luongo does with those big American forwards in his face all game long.
I don't know that there won't be a little Goalie controversy tomorrow????
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 07:46 PM (vjkqP)
Posted by: Bill D. Cat at February 26, 2010 07:46 PM (a9UO0)
I just want another kick-ass game Sunday!
That will be a given.
I just hate that so many of my Blackhawks are going to be draining their tanks this early iun the NHL season...
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 07:47 PM (vjkqP)
On the sports talk radio today, they reported that scalpers in Vancouver were buying tickets for Sunday's game for $2000 each in anticipation of a Canada win. I could see them making a 200% profit because hockey fans in Canada are nuts.
Posted by: qwerty1 at February 26, 2010 07:48 PM (udVuV)
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 07:48 PM (QjuDE)
Babcock should have gone to Flury but now he's riding Luongo into Sunday.
Posted by: DrewM. at February 26, 2010 07:48 PM (9B5OK)
That was tighter than I wanted.
That's what she said!
Not sure how Demitra missed that one at the end.
Demitra hit that hole like Michael in Mi.
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 07:50 PM (vjkqP)
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 07:50 PM (QjuDE)
I think Lou will start, but I think the Press in Canada will be all over the map on it for the next 36 hrs.
This bodes well for the US team.
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 07:51 PM (vjkqP)
I just want another kick-ass game Sunday!
That will be a given.
I just hate that so many of my Blackhawks are going to be draining their tanks this early iun the NHL season...
Garrett I am a life long Leaf fan.....couldn't care less if your guys burn themselves out in the Olympics. As a life long Leaf fan I know disappointment.
Posted by: bverwey at February 26, 2010 07:51 PM (I7mrm)
Posted by: Bill D. Cat at February 26, 2010 07:52 PM (a9UO0)
Canada has to be a little tight coming out with the pressure and that 3rd period. Get the first goal against them and the US might be able to put them away.
The US hasn't trailed all tourney. If Canada scores first, the building will go nuts and the US will have to make a come back.
Man, I hope this is a good one.
Posted by: DrewM. at February 26, 2010 07:53 PM (9B5OK)
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 07:54 PM (vjkqP)
Have a great night, see you tomorrow for the Bronze.
Posted by: Mortis at February 26, 2010 07:55 PM (QjuDE)
US -
'D' is still Solid and contributing on Offense.
Kane, Kessler, and Stastny got going today.
Miller still has his Olympic Hymen intact.
...looking good.
Posted by: garrett at February 26, 2010 07:57 PM (vjkqP)
Posted by: qwerty1 at February 26, 2010 08:07 PM (udVuV)
Posted by: LtE113 (Mike in Chicago) at February 27, 2010 03:53 AM (3NFq/)
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USA vs. Canada on Sunday maybe. Other than that, no, I'm not up for it.
ONT Meat, c'mon we're dyin here.
Posted by: Blazer at February 26, 2010 05:29 PM (t72+4)