| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| irvine |
Posted - 01/05/2008 : 16:51:22
Another great, shiny finish for Team Canada World Juniors. :)
It was a close one. Canada, as they did in the first game to team Sweden, resulting in a loss, slacked off in the third period. Giving up two goals, of which, one of them came again in the final minute of the game!
Canada pulled threw in overtime, getting a goal from the tournament-quiet Halischuck.
The Swedes may have lost, but they played a great tournament. A well-deserved Silver Medal. Although Canadian, and very happy Canada took Gold, I am almost - almost willing to say Sweden actually deserved it. But, not quite. ;p
I watched every Team Canada game in this tournament, and I did notice they progressed during each game. But they slacked off in just about every third period. It's a 60 minute game, not 40. :/
- GO CANADA GO!
Irvine |
| 16 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| hockster |
Posted - 01/08/2008 : 19:15:00
They had the team to do it and they did
They brought back another gold. |
| Alex |
Posted - 01/08/2008 : 14:53:02
I agree spade. Again, I feel the issue for Hockey Canada as a whole is mroe one of pride and publicity than of problems in terms of talent
Habs get number 25 this year |
| spade632 |
Posted - 01/08/2008 : 14:35:00
You're right Beans. Going into overtime I was worried that we might see a repeat of the opener against Sweden. And, you're also right that there was no "go-to" guy who could be counted on for the clutch goal. The Super Series was definitely higher scoring and perhaps Canada could have used some more players from that series to add a bit more scoring punch. That said, they did have plenty of the same players from the Super Series playing in the World Juiors.
Still, I don't think that Hockey Canada is in as much trouble as that just because this team didn't have a Crosby or a Gretzky, or a Lemieux.
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| irvine |
Posted - 01/07/2008 : 21:55:46
quote:
Originally posted by I HATE CROSBY
Big Deal!!!!!!!!
Judging by the crowd, only Canadians care about that tournament. The building was 1/2 full, and 90% of them were Canadian fans.
No offence team Canada, most guys on that team are beauties. But come on, who cares?!!!! Are Canadians so insecure that winning gold in somes boys tournament is front page news?
I preferred watching the Spengler cup much more, the hockey IS better (More competitive)...It's too bad the jerseys on that tournament look like Nascars....By the way, was the Spengler cup even in the news?
Sugar Ray over Hasek any day!
Alright. This post is a bit ridiculous. When you think about it, most of the Countries competing are a bit more on poor side overall, compared to Canada. I'm sure a lot of the people from Slovakia, Kazahkstan, etc can not afford to go in to the Czech Republic and stay for a hockey tournament.
Secondly, it is around Christmas time. A lot of people will not travel for a hockey game, during that exact time of year. (I would, but that's me.)
When you look at the game VS the Swedes, there were a fair amount of Swedish fans in the stands. Same thing with the Fins.
It's just about playoff season in the US for the NFL, and let's face it. Football is more of the american's game than hockey, so i'm sure that influences a lot of people.
What I am trying to say is, a lot of Countries care about this tournament, not just Canada. A lot of the fans from Canada there, are family members of the players. Immediate and second cousins, etc. Perhaps friends of the family. Less than 10% (if not 5% or less,) are of no relation or not an NHL scout. heh.
The Czechs games had plenty of fans in the stands, because it's close and their home team.
I love this tournament, I watch every game, every year!
Irvine |
| Alex |
Posted - 01/07/2008 : 20:03:25
I see what you mean although I hold true to my previous statement since I feel they run hand in hand
Regarding this Beans, I would have to say that yeah, they do not have a superstar. So? It makes everyone play so much better.
Obviously we all want a Gretzky, a Lemieux, a Crosby to cheer for and say 'hey you see him, the best one in the league? he's one of our boys'
but hey, they won, this might be one team without a superstar, it will pass. and who knows what the future holds in store for these kids?
Habs get number 25 this year |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 01/07/2008 : 19:50:02
Maybe my point is cloudy. What I mean is that "team play" is definately as Canadian as the Maple Leaf. However, both games against Sweden were great examples. When the Candians were down in their first game, they didn't have a line or a player to send out and get the goal. In the past, they have. But they didn't this year. The second game against Sweden was the same(potentially.) I love Canadian Hockey, but I was far from confident going into overtime.
Canadian teams from the past have had that player(s) that you could count on in a pinch. This team didn't. Not to say they were lucky to win the Gold because I think they deserved it. But, the "team game" generally produces low scoring games. If and when they run into a team with some firepower, I am not convinced they can keep pace offensively.
I can say this for certain, this WJC team did not play as offensively as the team who played in the Superseries.
Wayne or Bobby?? How about both!!! |
| I HATE CROSBY |
Posted - 01/07/2008 : 19:49:11
Big Deal!!!!!!!!
Judging by the crowd, only Canadians care about that tournament. The building was 1/2 full, and 90% of them were Canadian fans.
No offence team Canada, most guys on that team are beauties. But come on, who cares?!!!! Are Canadians so insecure that winning gold in somes boys tournament is front page news?
I preferred watching the Spengler cup much more, the hockey IS better (More competitive)...It's too bad the jerseys on that tournament look like Nascars....By the way, was the Spengler cup even in the news?
Sugar Ray over Hasek any day! |
| spade632 |
Posted - 01/07/2008 : 18:37:33
It's possible to go too much in either direction. The Soviets were the very definition of a team concept. Of course, they had skill as well. The current Russian teams certainly have skill but don't seem to work so well as a team.
More recently, the Swedes taught the system (1-2-2 trap) rather than skills and paid for it in international competitions. Lately, they've been teahing more skill and it's been paying off as evidenced by their silver medal in the world jrs. (and their Olympic Gold)
While it's true that Canada didn't have any bonafide scoring aces they played a solid team game and as usual with Canada they had tough defence and stellar goaltending from Bernier and Mason. I think HOckey Canada's in a pretty good position, it's not that often you can reel off 4 (or 5) straight gold medals. Canada's gotten a medal at the world jrs in each of the last ten years.
World Jr. Gold - Canada
Spengler Gold - Canada
IIHF U-17 Gold - Canada
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| Alex |
Posted - 01/07/2008 : 16:48:29
Beans I think that this really shows the two contrasting views. Hockey, to Canada, is about the team, about winning. Individual is only as important as his contribution to the team. If NHL teams implemented this theory, hockey might be more fun to watch.
The thing is, Europeans are individualistic for the most part. Hossa, Kovalchuk... the list goes on obviously, I feel those two epitomize it
And the best is team oriented Europeans if you ask me, when they get it right. Detroit Red Wings are a perfect example. That is why they win. Not too much physical play, smart guys who know the game, can change their game according to oponent, know their players and where they are, and yet, do not relly on their linemates to excel.
Habs get number 25 this year |
| irvine |
Posted - 01/07/2008 : 15:57:59
The Americans had some stand out players this year as well. I mean, they normally do have a few players that you know are going places. But I think the American created a very deadly top line, if not two.
VanReimsdyke (or however spelled, I am likely way off,) was an MVP candidate. Perhaps, more so than Mason. IMO.
Irvine |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 01/07/2008 : 15:55:24
I think that this Canadian team is a perfect example of why I personally think that Hockey Canada is in trouble. They have focused on the team game, which is important, but they lack the fire power to match the highly skilled European Teams. When you look at the Fins, Sweds, Czecks, and Russians, they all had a few absolute stand out offensive players. Who's Canada's?? Tavares?? Stamkos?? Marchard??
Realistically, if the Sweds would have shown up for more than 20 minutes on Saturday, we would be asking ourselves why we didn't win Gold.
I don't think we won the game as much as the Sweds lost it by not playing hockey for the first 2 periods.
Wayne or Bobby?? How about both!!! |
| I´m also Cånädiön |
Posted - 01/06/2008 : 22:19:28
quote:
Originally posted by Alex
Out of curiosity, how does hockey rank in comparison to other sports in Sweden?
I´m also Cånädiön maybe you can help me out on this one...
Habs get number 25 this year
Hockey is the second biggest spectator sport after soccer. When it comes to people who actually plays, hockey would be in the top 10 at least behind soccer. golf, athletics and some other sports. |
| irvine |
Posted - 01/06/2008 : 16:11:43
I would say Hockey is Sweden's #1 sport, by far.
Irvine |
| I´m also Cånädiön |
Posted - 01/06/2008 : 10:08:01
Congrats Canada! Close game and it was exiting to watch to the end.
Team Canada has that (annoying  if youre a swede) ability to raise the level of its game when it matters the most.
Must say it was good to see that there is some young good players who can take over after Forsberg, Lidstrom etc since sweden is a kinda small country in comparison with others.
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| Alex |
Posted - 01/06/2008 : 06:08:45
It was interesting to see what Don Cherry had to say about them. A lot of times they do not go in and get their noses dirty; rather they stop, and look for open men, which, in his opinion, is why they do not win games.
I think Canada definitely plays like they want it more, and why not? It is our game, and I'm glad we aren't known for the pretty style of play. Gold is prettier than a pretty play!
Go Canada!
Habs get number 25 this year |
| leigh |
Posted - 01/05/2008 : 18:49:11
Canada had some great goaltending. Mason won the MVP too!
Yes, the Swedes played very well from what I saw. I heard the announcers say that each year they have improved their standings and now they are in the medals. They'll be a force next year too because a lot of their players are returning.
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