Olympic Brackets Are Set
by Mr. Plank on Feb 21, 2010 11:43 PM PST
in Winter Olympics
152 comments
As Team USA supporters were hoping for, Sweden beat Finland 3-0 late Sunday night. Here's what the brackets look like heading into Tuesday:
And for those without the vision of a bald eagle:
Team USA would play a team coming off a back to back, which is another plus of grabbing the one seed. Furthermore, they have by far the easiest road to the Gold medal game, avoiding Canada, Russia, and Sweden. That regulation win (cliche alert!) was big, not just on an emotional level, but from a positioning one as well.
For those of you interested, the Olympics standings board underwent it's final update, and the Sharks Olympian statistics have also been brought up to date.
Go USA.
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U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
"Shave it, and you will score." - Randy Hahn
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
You know what else is a plus of being the #1?
The fact that we got it by BEATING CANADA!
USA! USA! USA!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
by ElvisVF101 on Feb 21, 2010 11:56 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
WOOOOOOOO!!!
FUCKIN A RIGHT, BABY!!!
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 12:26 AM PST up reply actions
This bracket
I find it most agreeable.
"A hockey arena is supposed to smell like burning flesh of dead animal carcasses, not cinnamon nuts and vegan pastry dishes." -GhostOfLinkGaetz
On an entire unrelated note
GO LATVIA GO!
"A hockey arena is supposed to smell like burning flesh of dead animal carcasses, not cinnamon nuts and vegan pastry dishes." -GhostOfLinkGaetz
So Russia gets Canada, thanks to Brian Rafalski, Ron Wilson and Jonas Hiller. Thanks a lot..
Actually, it’s a good thing. Ovechkin loves the prime time, and he loves humiliating Canadian teams in Canada. I see a repeat of four years ago.
On the other hand, USA should consider this tournament a major failure if they don’t get to the final with such an easy road paved for them. Assuming Belorus doesn’t pull an upset, this will be the first time in my life I’ll be cheering for Hiller when he faces the yanks in Wednesday.
Such hatred for the US…don’t you live here?
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 9:59 AM PST up reply actions
Not sure where I’m showing hatred. Hate is a strong word.
Sure I live here, but when it comes to sports, I’m not just about to start cheering for the team that’s been considered an arch-rival for many decades. It doesn’t work this way.
If you find yourself living in Southern California, does that mean you’ll have to start cheering for the Ducks?
I didn’t suggest you would cheer for the US over Russia. I understand that. But consistantly hoping for the US to lose just seems extreme, that’s all. Especially for someone who lives here. But whatever makes you happy. I wasn’t out to start a war. Just making an observation after a week of anti-US comments.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 11:16 AM PST up reply actions
I completely get where he’s coming from. I don’t root for the Ducks ever and I’m now in SoCal.
Good luck with the Canadians Ivano, as long as you pressure Crosby, Perry and Getzlaf, they’ll fold.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Highlight of the night for me was Perry at the end… Second highlight was the Perry pile up.
He’s looked horrible all tournament, I’m shocked that they don’t fill his spot with an alternate.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I thought it was Perry, Getzlaf, and Pronger…Pronger is definately the last one to fall in there. The other one might be Scott Neidermeyer…I think thats a #27 in there…
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 11:32 AM PST up reply actions
Can’t be. Boyle is the one in the forground, that would be 3 defenders.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Oh, no, it was Eric Staal. I remember now. And that could definately be a #21. And I think he was playing on that line…
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 11:35 AM PST up reply actions
So..
what I can make out is obviously 24 with the initial contact (Perry)
20 is the 3rd man to fall over the pile (Pronger, you can see the number when he gets up at the end)
22 is skating in the forground wondering what the fuck is wrong with his team (Boyle)
Somebody with a two digit number that ends in a 1 collides with Perry… Getz wears 51, Patty wears 11, I think it’s a 21… which I think might be Staal?
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
iirc
it was Staal, Pronger and Perry
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Lightning is seven times as hot as the surface of the sun.
That’s still not as hot as Douglas Murray. -mymclife
Way ahead of you… ^
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 11:42 AM PST up reply actions
Carter or Stamkos should be on the team, not him. I vouched for him not to be on the team as he is dirty and is not all that amazing and some innernets fols called me an idiot. To them I say: Ha.
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Feb 22, 2010 6:57 PM PST up reply actions
Actually, if I look at that bracket, I’d rather see US play for gold than Finland. I never liked Finland, they always hated Russians, and I’ve had enough of Sellane over the last few years.
I also would rather face US in the final, but Russia has a mountain to climb before they get there.
As for anti-US comments, just a bit of trash talking, that’s all.
That’s sports, I’m not about to fault a guy for rooting for his country.
Russia is a ton of fun to watch, hope they do well (until the gold medal game of course)
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Actually, Ovy does have 4 points in 3 games, which is not a bad result by any means. But that’s what we mostly remember.
by Ivano M on Feb 22, 2010 11:59 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I could watch this and the Canadian power slam on Perry all day.
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Lightning is seven times as hot as the surface of the sun.
That’s still not as hot as Douglas Murray. -mymclife
Got to keep the head up
Every day is just a little worse than the previous, that means every day is the worst day of my life.
by shooting4life on Feb 22, 2010 12:28 PM PST up reply actions
Suck it Jagr.
That hit changed the game.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I say Legal
I especially like how in the end, Jagr is checking if his mini-mullet is still intact.
Puck Daddy: You would definitely hate the Ducks more than you'd hate the Kings, right?
Joe Pavelski: Yeah, definitely.
Hey man, its cool. Your rooting interests are your own. Just calling it like I see it. That’s all.
Russia has an insane road to the finals, though. Canada will be tough (although probably clutching their sticks a little too hard by that point), and then either Sweden or Slovakia…neither are slouches…
I’ll probably cheer for Russia because Nabby’s in net. I’d hate for him to look bad…also, the Canadian reaction if they get knocked out without a medal will be pretty priceless…
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 11:34 AM PST up reply actions
They might put Bryz in again
It’s not like he had a bad game, it’s just the rest of the team didn’t help him out and the coaches made some terrible decisions.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Yes, I think they may put him in at some point, but probably not until Nabby either has a poor start, or Russia loses in semis or something.
If Russia LOSES in the semis
I don’t see how it would be possible to do a goaltender substitution. Also, one has to figure, 3rd goaltender position notwithstanding, this will be Nabokov’s last Olympics.
"A hockey arena is supposed to smell like burning flesh of dead animal carcasses, not cinnamon nuts and vegan pastry dishes." -GhostOfLinkGaetz
What Ivano is saying is that if Russia loses in the semis, Bryzgalov may start in the bronze medal game.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
I actually kind of like a hard road to the final. If we lose, I’m ok with losing to Canada or Sweden or whoever. If we get to the final, that will mean we bet the best teams to get there and there will be no fear.
If US will beat, say, Belorus and Czechs, that’s not quite the same.
The Czechs are a good team. Belarus or the Swiss, not so much. The US road is definately easier…not that it means as much in a one and done tourney.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 12:59 PM PST up reply actions
Hiller almost stole a game from Canada, Halak did steal a game from Russia, Vokoun could definately steal games for the Czechs. The USA might look good after the last game, but it would be foolish to conclude that they will roll to the finals. Too many variables…
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 1:05 PM PST up reply actions
If US will beat, say, Belorus and Czechs, that’s not quite the same.
Team USA earned their one seed by beating Canada though. If the US beats the Czechs on the road to the finals, it’s a pretty close path as to who Russia has faced to get there as well. Only big difference is that RUS would have to take out SWE or SVK in the semis.
Russia’s path is definitely harder, but if both teams face off against one another in the gold medal game, I don’t think it will make that much of a difference.
This is getting way ahead of ourselves though. Lots of hockey left to be played.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
yuck @ cheering on the Ducks … would NEVER happen!!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
by ang6666 on Feb 22, 2010 11:58 AM PST up reply actions
…
JimCraigUSA: I am sitting with the Miller family, I was just told that he is wearing a shamrock on his mask in honor of my 1980 mask! WOW!
…
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on Feb 22, 2010 12:52 AM PST reply actions
I thought that was very cool
PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves
So
That’s the best possible bracket I could have possibly imagined for the US…
Canada, Russia and Sweden all in the other bracket, the only respectable teams in ours is Finland and the Czechs (not that they’re horrible by any means… but they’re not Canada, Russia and Sweden)
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
The only respectable teams in ours are Finland and the Czechs…and they have to play one another to have a chance at playing us (assuming we take care of business…you never know. The Swiss are tough-ish). It’s pretty beautiful.
The US team is still somewhat of an enigma, though. I keep fearing they’re going to shit the bed in the semi’s, and then have to face like Russia in the Bronze medal game and get owned. Scary.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 9:56 AM PST up reply actions
I think the pressure is now on USA to win this tournament, being the top seed and all.
I’ll tell you who the real dark horse is – Finland. They rode under the radar all the way to the final last year, and they just may repeat it this year. They have the best PP of all teams by far (thanks largely to Sellane), and if Kipper decides to get hot in a big game, we all remember how those games end.
I think Sweden exposed Finland. They’re good, but not great. Especially since Sweden I don’t think has looked all that dominant this tournament either.
And even as the #1 seed, no one is expecting the US to win gold still. I’d still say they are underdogs. Maybe not on their side of the bracket…but will anyone be particularly surprised to see them lose to the Czech’s in the semis, and then Russia or Sweden in the Bronze medal game, and finish in 4th? I mean, at this point, it could go either way. The only thing the win over Canada did was prove the US was a contender…which before many people did not believe they were.
The pressure is probably even more on Canada now. They were expected to cruise to the Gold medal game, in their home country…and they’ll be hearing it constantly from fans now that they lost to the US. The pressure to win is still squarely in their court…
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 11:19 AM PST up reply actions
the thing the win over canada did was knock canada into russia's side of the draw. one of those teams is going home with NOTHING
Even if we lose, it’ll be worth it if Canada doesn’t medal…
At USC we're not snobs, we're just better than you.
We can also argue that Hossa’s tying goal against Russia helped as well. Russia would have been a top seed if they preserved the lead and won that game and it would have been US battling it out in a bottom bracket.
I think the US still wouldda been #1. Take away the 2 GA that Slovakia got against you, and both the US and Russia would have a +9 goal differential. But, surprisingly enough, the US scored one more goal in the group round than Russia did, which is the next tie breaker.
Russia wouldda been set up for a QF game against Slovakia instead of Canada, though. Which wouldda probably been a little easier (even though they beat Russia in the shootout).
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 11:40 AM PST up reply actions
I think the pressure is now on USA to win this tournament, being the top seed and all.
Meh, I actually disagree. Nabbing a medal of any kind will be considered a success in my eyes considering the strength of all other teams in the tournament. Finland and Czech Republic are both really good teams that have a good amount of top end talent.
Now if Russia or Canada fail to medal (and one of them will), that will be a major disaster. The pressure is really on them.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
That will be a sweet game to watch – Russia vs Canada. Please let it be scheduled for when I’m not at work!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
by ang6666 on Feb 22, 2010 2:52 PM PST up reply actions
Things like this are why I made sure all my classes ended before 3pm this semester.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Most of the tourney games are on MSNBC still, I believe. They should all be live.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 3:18 PM PST up reply actions
I sure hope so.
But the final I’m sure is scheduled for NBC.
If they show it with 3-hour delay, I’ll never watch NBC again.
Yeah, the gold medal game is slated for NBC on Sunday. But, since there’s literally nothing else on Sunday except the closing ceremonies, I’m pretty positive they wouldn’t dare tape delay the game. I assume they have to treat it like one of their usual Sunday games and show it live everywhere.
But I’m with you, if they tape delay the hockey finals, I will never watch NBC again, and will send an angry letter every day until they issue me a personal apology in the form of one night alone with Jessica Biel.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 3:43 PM PST up reply actions
yeah good luck with that :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
by ang6666 on Feb 22, 2010 3:45 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, that’s what the schedule shows right now. Sadly, the US game on Wednesday will be at noon…when I’m working…yet again. Should be no problem to make it home for Canada-Russia, though! Maybe I’ll just make Wednesday a half day! Or at least take a 2 hour lunch :D
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 3:14 PM PST up reply actions
I’m not sure about that. Whenever someone beats a big team, expectations sky rocket.
Couple of years ago when Russia surprisingly beat the biggest favorite Dutch in the Euro Cup in soccer, all of a sudden they became a tournament favorite and everyone, including Russians, were disappointed when they lost to an eventual champion Spain in the semi-final. It wasn’t until Russia failed to qualify for the World Cup last fall Russian remember that yes, we actually do suck in soccer.
I am still not extremely impressed with Czechs. Jagr was half asleep till Ovechkin woke him up, but it was too late. Their goaltending is good, but look at the rest of the lineup. When Michaleks are their top players, there is a bit of a problem there.
I’m more impressed with Finland, from all I’ve seen so far. They’re playing like four years ago – efficient PP, solid defense and good team chemistry. If I was to bet any money on who can beat the US, I’d put it on Teemu and friends.
They really shit the bed against Sweden, though. Finland is a good team, no doubt, but I actually think the Czechs are better.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 3:06 PM PST up reply actions
They are an enigma
But the win against Canada did show one thing:
Even though the team is thin at the blue line, there is a team wide commitment to playing D. I know Chris Drury’s inclusion has raised a lot of eyebrows, but his line was out there late in the game, blocking shots, hustling, playing tired, bending and not breaking.
The danger is that they only got up for it because it was Canada and could be riding high and overlook a SWI/BEL type team, but I’m more optimistic seeing that the team has it in them.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
USA! USA! USA!
This is pretty awesome.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
Proud member of the "Keep Marleau Forever" Club
Wow.
That’s a good bracket.
"I think people were ready to watch some hockey. We took up enough of everyone’s time."
-Jody Shelley after 87 seconds of hockey fighting against Cam Janssen
GO USA!!!
Game on boys…game ON!
"Boys only voluntarily hug when someone scores."
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
Easy bracket for Team USA
Well not that easy because the Czech Republic and Finland are pretty good, but still, USA has a really good chance of making it to the final.
As for Canada, they would have to make it through Russia and potentially Sweden to get to the gold medal game, and if Brouduer plays like he did against USA and Babcock keeps Broduer in then I’m not so sure that Canada will get to the gold medal game.
I have a feeling it will be USA vs. Russia in the gold medal game, and all of Canada will commit mass suicide because their hockey team didn’t medal.
by Icing On The Power Play on Feb 22, 2010 9:10 AM PST reply actions
I guarantee Broduer is done.
It’ll be Luongo until they lose.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
They kinda have to go the Luongo route now. The entirity of Canada is freaking out right now. They need to make a switch for no other reason than to calm the country the fuck down, so maybe…maybe, the team can calm down too and play some hockey…
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 9:58 AM PST up reply actions
For no other reason than to calm the country down… and because Marty hasn’t earned his spot while Luongo pitched a shutout in his one game. Granted it was against the lowly Norway (who had a great game against the Swiss actually, lots of fun to watch). Marty wasn’t sharp against the Swiss and I was really glad they picked him to be the goalie against the US.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Well they can’t lose now, so I think it’s Luongo till the very end. Or I guess they can lose in a semi-final and still play a game after that. What works in everyone’s favor is that Loungo is a big chocker in playoffs. Just ask Patrick Kane.
My fear is that with Canada losing, all blame will again go on Joe Thornton. Not that he’s been bad, but they’re expecting him to get 3 points in every game, and seeing how he’s not getting there, he’ll again be Canada’s favorite whipping boy. That won’t help his confidence going into April, so if we can’t cheer for Canada, let’s at least cheer that Joe is on fire in the next few games.
If Rick Nash
Does not get absolutely roasted on a spit by the Canadian press, it will forever prove Canadians know nothing about hockey.
That guy has ACTUALLY been invisible. Yeah, Joe has not been a game changer yet, but neither has Nash, and he’s definitely supposed to be. Plenty of blame to go around for Canada. These are some of the best players in the world, and they’re just not showing it in any meaningful way.
By the by, when was the last time Marty and the Devils won a playoff series?
Just sayin’.
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
I saw it said on another site said that there were too many chiefs, not enough injuns on Canada’s team. Makes sense.
Hard for me to say a player looks invisible cause roaming around SBN, too many are saying that bout Joe. I don’t like seeing the Sharks singled out, so don’t want to do it to others.
But that’s just me.
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
by ang6666 on Feb 22, 2010 12:06 PM PST up reply actions
too many chiefs, not enough injuns on Canada’s team
This is why I was really pleased with the team Burke and Wilson put together for the US. They picked up role players, and built a team with first line type players and fourth line type players. Canada just picked all its stars. If, instead of Bergeron, and Perry, and Richards, and Morrow, they had picked up a few more grinding type players (in teh mold of Drury, or Backes for us), they would be in much better shape, IMO.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 1:03 PM PST up reply actions
I don’t Canadians picked all the stars. Brad Richards is missing, as is JBo, and Dion, and Regehr – were all missed in favor of role players like Morrow, and Richards. The only role player that may have made a difference is Shane Doan, but that’s why they took Morrow, who I think so far played his role very well.
Who did US pass up in favor of role players? Modano? That’s about it, I think.
Regehr is a role player type of D-man who wouldda probably been a better choice than Seabrook or Pronger (although, hindsight is 20-20, Pronger has been pretty good for Philly, he’s just sucked in the Olympics so far). But the blueline really isn’t the issue.
Toews, Richards, Morrow, Staal, Bergeron, Perry…these aren’t 3rd and 4th line type of players. None of them are grinders, and yet have to play on a grinding type line. Shane Doan could do that (you mentioned him), but also players like Ryan Smyth or Milan Lucic (who was hurt mid season, but is back and playing now) wouldda given them at least some role players. Morrow has been good, but one role player doesn’t really help much, ya know?
Anyways, just my observations of the team as a whole. I thought the too many chiefs line was an apt one.
Fair point on the US, though. Maybe they were forced to take a well rounded team due to a lesser pool of talent to pick from. Doesn’t make my point about them being a more well rounded team any less valid, though.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 1:59 PM PST up reply actions
Like I wrote about before, I think Bouwmeester was a player who should have gone. He gives you that shutdown presence with more offensive pop than Regehr.
I think yesterday, more than anything, showed that goaltending makes or breaks a short tournament. Sure Team USA scored four goals, but Brodeur really gave up some softies that I don’t think Bobby Lu will. Miller won that game hands down in my eyes. If Brodeur was in net for Team USA the scoreboard likely reads something different.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
The interesting thing is that Brodeur was also the starting goalie in Turin. Why do they keep thinking that he’s their savior?
Because he came in after game 1 in 2002 and led them to Gold. That made him a god in the eyes of Canadians…
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 3:07 PM PST up reply actions
There are Canadians out there that think that Gretzky and Lemieux should still be on this team. They don’t understand that players age exactly.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
Mario Claude Lemieux is exactly the role player Canada needs!
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
I’m sure he’s still in shape from his figure skating with the stars appearance.
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
ouch!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
by ang6666 on Feb 22, 2010 3:46 PM PST up reply actions
I think I can outskate Jonathan Cheechoo, frankly.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
Jonathan Cheechoo can outskate Jonathan Cheechoo.
Wait, what?
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on Feb 22, 2010 6:32 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Very nice setup for the USA to coast to the Gold Metal Game
I love that Canada is the 6th seed and gets Russia in the second round, (show of hands, who thought they would not meet until the Gold Metal Game?)
PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves
Russia also thought they’ll now coast to gold medals after they beat Canada four years ago and were matched up against Finland in the semi, and were going to face Sweden in the final (who Russia beat 5-0 in round robin).
With 0 goals in the next two games, it was not a pretty ending.
And that’s why I love Olympic hockey.
NO JINXES!
They're not getting this kind of coverage at "Hockey Night In Canada" folks! - Randy Hahn
So either Russia or Canada is going hoome empty handed... crazy
At USC we're not snobs, we're just better than you.
If that happens, I think Canada will explode. Russia too.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
How can the Sharks get Rafalski?!?!?!
by Sharkfan for life on Feb 22, 2010 12:43 PM PST reply actions
Sad AfroPuff
Not much I can say since Canada lost – I was in a bar durng the game and it was crazy intense. Everyone wearing Canada stuff and everyone waving flags. Even though the end result was not what we wanted, it was a good game. I’m pretty sure Brodeur is the most hated man in Canada right now and most sites say Luongo will start against Germany. I’m still hopeful that they can pull something out (keep in mind I root for the Sharks and Caps, have had my hockey heart broken many a time but always remain optimistic.)
Go Canada Go!
"Bronze - not good enough, Silver - won't cut it, Gold - the only option." From a Canadian hockey TV program about the 2010 Winter Olympics
tsk tsk … turncoat!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
by ang6666 on Feb 22, 2010 2:53 PM PST up reply actions
How long have you lived in Canada? Just sayin’ ;)
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
You're quickly becoming the Hossa of hockey fans...
"Douglas Murray is a humongous human being." – Drew Remenda
I figured you might be sad
which is why I used you like this here.
yeah, I know I haven’t typed anything yet, but i just finished the drawing!
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Lightning is seven times as hot as the surface of the sun.
That’s still not as hot as Douglas Murray. -mymclife
love it!
I love how Mina is just cheering for hockey.
"Bronze - not good enough, Silver - won't cut it, Gold - the only option." From a Canadian hockey TV program about the 2010 Winter Olympics
YAY HOCKEY!!!!
(I thought she was cheering for Japan at first. My eyes, not the drawing)
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
land of the rising puck?
resident cartoonist @CouchTarts Lightning is seven times as hot as the surface of the sun.
That’s still not as hot as Douglas Murray. -mymclife
ummmm
I’m no art therapist but there seems to be a bit of a homo-erotic theme there. Gray – is there something you wanna tell me?
"Bronze - not good enough, Silver - won't cut it, Gold - the only option." From a Canadian hockey TV program about the 2010 Winter Olympics
No Canada
NO, Canada
Owned in your native land
Pierre McGuire’s love
Is more than we can stand
With glowing hearts we’ve heard your cries
The truth’s for all to see
From far and wide, O Canada
Bookies are pissed at thee
God keep your land
Stan – ley Cup free
No, Canada,
There’ll be no gold for thee
NO CANADA
There’ll be no gold for thee!
Fear The Fin = We're not as think as you drunk we are.
by Mr. K. on Feb 22, 2010 7:01 PM PST up reply actions 4 recs
I hate you right now
"Bronze - not good enough, Silver - won't cut it, Gold - the only option." From a Canadian hockey TV program about the 2010 Winter Olympics
:-D
Love ya, AP.
Fear the Fin: "Say whatever the fuck you want!" - Danny Miller, 1/9/10
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Feb 23, 2010 10:26 AM PST up reply actions
Or as I like to think of you now
Benedict Afro.
Fear the Fin: "Say whatever the fuck you want!" - Danny Miller, 1/9/10
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Feb 23, 2010 10:26 AM PST up reply actions
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!
Unless they storm through the tourney and win, and then JIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNXXXXXXXXXX!
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 8:25 PM PST up reply actions
That was a risk I was willing to undertake when I penned this. :-D
Fear the Fin: "Say whatever the fuck you want!" - Danny Miller, 1/9/10
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Feb 23, 2010 9:55 AM PST up reply actions
Gracias, muchacho.
Fear the Fin: "Say whatever the fuck you want!" - Danny Miller, 1/9/10
by Conico do Mayo Miracle on Feb 23, 2010 10:27 AM PST up reply actions
Goaltenders Who Can Steal Games
Top End
Ryan Miller— USA
Roberto Luongo— CAN
Evgeni Nabokov— RUS
Tomas Vokoun— CZE
Henrik Lundqvist— SWE
A Notch Lower
Miikka Kiprusoff— FIN
Jonas Hiller— SUI
Jaroslav Halak— SVK
You could even throw Hiller/Kiprusoff into the top end category if you would like.
Point is, all of these countries have a shot to medal. One great game from a goaltender is all you need. It’s not like a seven game series, where an opposing team can survive a lights out performance and come back with six more opportunities to win.
I love the Olympics.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
True story. The #1 seed is nice. The bye is the best part. But Hiller could easily steal a game from the US, and they’ll be familiar with us after playing the US in group play. If the US gets overconfident, it could be a short tournament. But you’re right, the Olympics are so great because anything can happen! The US could even beat Canada! :D
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 3:17 PM PST up reply actions
The US could even beat Canada!
Yeah, like that would ever happen.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Proud member of the "Re-Sign Marleau" Club
Fools and Sages
That’s the thing about the Olympics – skills and luck come to forefront.
There would have been no Miracle on Ice in 7-game series.
Truth. The Soviet Union beats the USA 4-1 (assuming the first game is the one we miraculously won) in a 7 game series. Most likely anyways. Maybe 4-2, since our kids could skate! But, once again, the one and done format makes for an exciting tournament, even if the best overall team doesn’t always win!
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 3:39 PM PST up reply actions
Reading recent interviews from Krutov, Makarov and few others who played in that game, they’re still very bitter about the outcome.
30 years and many gold medals and other titles later.
Probably because they still have to hear about it from Americans every 5 years or so (anniversaries of the Miracle). And even between then. If it drifted off into distant memory as a great game, but life moves on, I doubt they’d care as much. But being forced to relive it all the time has to be rough.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 4:21 PM PST up reply actions
You forget about the Meth Squirrel. (/semi sarcasm)
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Feb 22, 2010 6:58 PM PST up reply actions
Brian Burke interview after Womens USA-Sweden today ...
Burke did a good job of setting the Party Line, which is that they haven’t won anything yet, and Miller stole the game. Also some good comments about team chemistry and choosing role players (which Canada didn’t do). interview was by Bill Patrick and Cammi Granato, btw …
Burke is singing a nice song about role players, but that’s just not true.
I still think it’s mostly the goaltending last night.
The role players helped the goaltending out. Miller may have faced 60 shots if the checking forwards weren’t going down and taking the hit in the third consistantly. Those are role players, and they played a big part.
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 4:23 PM PST up reply actions
As much as I'd love to see the US win gold...
…I am mildly worried about the effect it will have on the members of the Canada national team, notably Jumbo and Patty. Too many of the less-savvy members of the press and fan base already label both as chokers, and I’d rather not further that stereotype either across the media/fans or in the minds of the players. If it was my choice, I’d rather have the Sharks win the cup than the US win the gold (not that they necessarily have to be mutually exclusive).
Someone please convince me I’m worried about nothing.
Please tell me we have moved past the dark ages of post hoc ergo propter hoc.
There will always be folks that look to place the blame
But the team as a whole hasnt got the job done. Nash and Iginla havent been the forces they were hoped to be, Brodeur was soft.
There are a lot more factors besides just the Sharks players
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
while Nash hasn't been there as much offensively
you can’t say he wasn’t a force against the US physically. He still has 3A too.
Iginla’s hat trick against Norway ain’t nothing to sneeze at either, but I can see where you’re coming from in that it accounts for his entire scoring summary thus far.
Puck Daddy: You would definitely hate the Ducks more than you'd hate the Kings, right?
Joe Pavelski: Yeah, definitely.
Nash isnt really known for his assists though
And Canada really needs a power forward to step up.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
You are.
HTML may not be dominant, but they have been Canada’s best line. A lot of their team has not showed up outside of the Norway game. And Corey Perry just sucks.
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Feb 22, 2010 6:59 PM PST up reply actions
Perry has had a rough go of it, to say the least
One more time, because it was such a gong show moment :D
Phil Kessel (81) of the U.S. skates past Eric Staal (obscured), Chris Pronger (20) and Corey Perry (24) of Canada during their hockey game at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, February 21, 2010.
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on Feb 22, 2010 7:25 PM PST up reply actions
sniffles
its just so purdy…
"Boys only voluntarily hug when someone scores."
"Hockey players wear numbers because you can’t always identify the body with dental records."—Anonymous
by mssjsclowie29 on Feb 23, 2010 8:24 AM PST up reply actions
Conceptually understanding and emotionally understanding are two different beasts.
I know that olympic success is not correlated with playoff hockey success (injuries excluded), but that does nothing to satisfy the paranoia.
Please tell me we have moved past the dark ages of post hoc ergo propter hoc.
by Yeti Monster on Feb 22, 2010 8:16 PM PST up reply actions
Sharks check in from the Village
Story: A Day to Prepare
Not a whole lot to report. Greiss used his pass to watch Canada/USA. Nabokov ran into a couple people from his hometown in Kazakhstan.
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on Feb 22, 2010 6:38 PM PST reply actions
Torn who to root for if and when Russia/Canada play each other.
I want Canada to get a shot at gold so HTML can break the stigma of OMG CHOKERZ!!! (even though I feel they have been Canada’s most consistent line all tourney), butI want Nabby to do well also.
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Feb 22, 2010 7:02 PM PST reply actions
Hellz yeah, Germany is the shit!
But when Canada dominates them, I’m pretty torn too. Part of me enjoyed beating Canada so much, that I’d love to have a chance to do it again if the US doesn’t shit the bed (big if, still). But the other part of me enjoyed Canada’s reaction to us beating them so much, that it would be entertaining if they failed to medal again. I dunno. I guess I’ll just cheer for Slovakia and hope for the best :-P
"I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." ~Michael Scott
by ZeroIndulgence on Feb 22, 2010 8:31 PM PST up reply actions
I haven’t had the pleasure of watching all the games yet (still holding US/Canada on the DVR, though I hear it’s in Standard Def, doh!) because of time commitments and curling. I noticed that Thornton is only showing one assist and is a -1. Can anyone explain that? I’m not trying to deny what you’re saying, just pointing out that the scoresheet doesn’t agree with you.
Jon Casey fan since '84
Yeah, scoresheet does not agree with me.
Maybe I am a jaded Sharks fan, most likely that is the case, but he has been involved (IIRC) on all but two of HTML’s goals. One he was involved, but did not get an assist as he passed to the secondary assist.
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" club.
Fear the Fin: Where Sharks Fans Aren't Like Other Sharks Fans.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Feb 23, 2010 7:22 PM PST up reply actions
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