Official World Cup of Hockey Thread

[hitmansb]

Well, it has officially begun. Finland owned the Czech Republic 4-0. I watched the game from start to finish, and it was every bit as lopsided as the score indicated. The Finns were fantastic on the power play, causing tons of momentum even when they didn't score. That bigger ice surface in Europe sure opens things up....makes you wonder why the NHL doesn't push through reforms to make their rinks at least a bit bigger...maybe halfway between their current standard and the international standard.

[hitmansb]

Link to the official World Cup of Hockey site:

World Cup of Hockey

[hitmansb]

Canada vs. USA goes tonight....7pm.

I tried like mad to score tickets to this game, since Montreal isn't all that far from me...but the ticket resellers had insane prices. Couldn't find a fair deal on ebay either, so I've got a pizza on the way and will be enjoying this game on TV ( CBC in Canada, ESPN2 in the USA )

[beefcake]

For some reason this seems more exciting than the NHL. They should just drop the NHL and stick with this. Only problem is that every country has bad ass players, so I don't really know who i'm rooting for.

[hitmansb]

Well, the game was closer than it should have been thanks to some surprisingly stellar goaltending by Robert Esche, but Canada beat the USA 2-1. A much more physical game than I anticipated....great intensity!

[jaypee]

Hey Eshe is awesome. Don't underestimate that guy. He used to mind net for my hometown team (briefly), the Houston Aeros . And remember he does play for Philly.....he's used to pressure from being in that town.

[hitmansb]

Canada crushed Slovakia 5-1....not a surprising result.

What will be interesting is whether or not Team USA can beat the Russians.

[hitmansb]

Team USA got owned by a Russian team missing many of its stars, and starting a minor-league goaltender. The older US defense just couldn't skate with the Russian forwards.

[hitmansb]

Russia vs. Canada tonight...it's gonna be a doozy!

Americans, while they did improve in their last game, don't look to be a factor.

Surprise of the tournament so far: Finland. They are playing some great hockey right now!

[hitmansb]

Well, add Russia to the list of Team Canada's victims. We've got this thing won, I think. Team Canada has it all; size, speed, scoring, grit, and goaltending.

[hitmansb]

:eek:

Team USA woke up in a big way....dropped the Russians 5-3, and Keith Tkachuk scored four goals...the first player to score four goals in a Cup game since Mario Lemieux did it against the Russians back in 1987. I think this is going to make for a much better tournament....Canada and the USA were supposed to be the teams to beat....and it looks like the Americans served notice that they are still in the running last night.

[hitmansb]

Canada 5 Slovakia 0

The Iginla - Sakic - Lemieux line finally clicked tonight. This pretty much is the icing on the cake...might as well give em the gold medals right now.:D

[hitmansb]

Canada beats the Czech Republic 4-3 in overtime....this game was WAY closer than it should have been. Roberto Luongo let in two terrible goals....I hope Brodeur is ready to go in the gold medal game against Finland. If not, Jose Theodore should get the start!

[hitmansb]

Canada vs. Finland tonight for the GOLD. Prediction: Canada wins.

[hitmansb]

WE WIN! CANADA TAKES THE GOLD!