IIHF WC Open Thread: Day 8
by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 9:45 AM EDT
in IIHF World Championship
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PrintThe teams have hit the half way point of the round robin, and now have 3 more games to determine who makes the playoffs. Canada takes on Norway in Group F action, while Slovakia takes on Denmark in the other early game. We'll see Jordan Eberle skate for Canada today, and we'll also see Ole-Kristian Tollefsen for Norway, who has now served his 3 game suspension from the IIHF for a hit he made at the Olympics. Canada/Norway can be seen on TSN, while Slovakia/Denmark will be on the IIHF website. Game time starts at 10:15 AM EST.
In later action, Finland takes on Belarus and Sweden takes on Latvia. Those games start at 2:15 PM EST. Sweden recently dug into the vast Swedish bounty that the Detroit Red Wings had to offer upon being eliminated and brought in Jonathan Ericsson. There is no relegation round action until tomorrow. I am again not sure what all Universal Sports will be covering, especially now that USA is in the relegation group.
UPDATE: Slovaks, Norge scream "UNCLE!" as Denmark and Canada dominate
Denmark 6, Slovakia 0: A ridiculous output in the first period by Denmark made this a snoozefest on the ice, but a party in the stands for the Danish supporters. Six first period goals, while outshooting Slovakia 15-3 made this over in a hurry. Patrick Galbraith gets the shutout for Denmark, and Peter Regin got a goal and two assists. The Danes have now beaten the Olympic silver and bronze medallists, plus the fourth place finishers at this World Championships.
Canada 12, Norway 1: Norway actually scored first, but without veteran goalie Pal Grotnes (who was suspended) the dam eventually burst when the Norwegians started to get undisciplined. Team Captain Tommy Jakobsen got five and a game for pushing a referee while John Tavares scored a hat trick, Jordan Eberle got a goal and three assists in his debut (and Player of the Game honours), while Rich Peverley, Evander Kane, and Ray Whitney all got three points as well.
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Peter Regin with a beautiful top-shelf wrist-shot to give the Danes a 1-0 lead less than a minute into the game against Slovakia! Once again the Danes start out amazingly strong!
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Regin is the real goods. Very impressive.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
And 3-0 less than a minute after! Morten shoots the puck at Peter Budaj. Mads Christensen makes the deflection and gets the puck past Budaj in net. What a start!
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
3 already? Our game is only 7 minutes in! Yours?
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Ref screws Eberle out of a goal on his first shift. Did he call a crease violation? What a shame for the kid.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
1-0 Norway
They scored early on a seeing-eye shot from some dude who only scored one goal all year. This reminds me of watching the Oilers, and not in a good way.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
Canada has moved Brett Burns up front today, to fill out four lines, and shuffling 7 defencemen. Nice to have a swing man who can do that.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
Tie game
Evander Kane puts one home, off Marc Staal’s rebound.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
5-0 Denmark! This is insane!!!
Morten Green is set up in the slot by Kasper Degn and hits a perfect one timer!!!
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
What is going on? Does Slovakia have a goalie? Do they have a team?
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
6-0??
Reminds me of the USA-Czech smifinal at the Olympics. whamwhamwhamwhamwhamwham
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah… you guys lost to the team that got blitzed, right? :)
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I know, just teasing. That FIN/CZE game was like 1-0 or 2-1, right?
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Czechboy: Should we be celebrating the Danish breakthrough at the Worlds, or mourning the demise of Slovakia? This is a sorry state of affairs for them.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
It was 1-0 on a stupid rule…. Kubina’s helmet fell off and he HAD to pick it up (according to IIHF rules) which left a guy alone in front. Neat stat for you… in the Pro Olympics… Finland has the most medals.
Slovak hockey is VERY weak right now…. the golden generation is all but done. They can put together a really good 20 man roster but it drops off the face of the earth after that.
Czech hockey looks to be headed that way as well.
Denmark – as I mentioned earlier, they have more NHL forwards than either the Czechs or Slovaks. Real frustrating times!
I don’t know how much to put into those IIHF surveys, but the Czechs have a ridiculously high proportion of registered senior players compared to juniors. So, if those stats hold, there will likely be a sharp drop off in Czech hockey.
Yeah, that Kubina play was ridiculous. Now I remember.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, it’s good on Denmark, but your comment makes me sad. I’ve always been a closet fan of the Czechs and the Slovaks, whether separately or under one flag.
I take it so are you a fan of both? Isn’t there a strong rivalry between the two?
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
When we play each other… it is all out warfare! The rest of the team, we cheer for each other. It is a brotherly rivalry really. I’ve never heard of any major violence between the 2 or anything like that.
Czech hockey is definitely declining… we have some great middle generation players (eg. dudes in their 20’s) but they aren’t answering the call (Krejci, Erat, Havlat, Hemsky, Michalek x 2) like they should. The bigger problem is our Junior program…. honestly, my dream would be that the CHL put a full ban on import players as most Czech prospects leave for Canada when they are 16 and come back when they are 21 as has beens. It’d be much better if they stayed in the Czech Leagues until they were 20 and developed that way and then left. That, to me, is the biggest problem. Keep in mind that Sweden was looking horrible about 6 years ago and is now looking awesome… it goes in waves and needs good leadership up top. Most top Swede prospects stay in Sweden which is very helpful.
The Blades were quite happy with Marek Viedensky this past year, but generally I agree with the sentiment.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Duhhh … I told you it’s early out here, and I was writing my blog post until about 2 hours before puck drop.
Yes of course it was Finland.
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"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Heh, I got a couple hours on you. Not much. Got a Memorial Cup piece coming up later today, just need to add some pictures to it.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Am I right that the Momorial Cup Final and the gold medal game here are on the same day? I hope they didn’t schedule an afternoon game for the MC.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
They really screwed up on this one. 3:00 EST (2 local).
Don’t forget they’re probably be a NHL playoff game that day as well.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Are you F@#$ing kidding me? Two major championship games at the same time? Heads should roll … that will split the audience and both will come out the worse for wear. Not to mention the hockey-loving audience.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s really on the Memorial Cup organizers, IMO. Because May has 5 weekends this year (usually has 4), they actually end the Memorial Cup before Victoria Day… With Monday being a stat holiday, surely they can play the Championship Sunday night. It’s truly idiotic.
I don’t know what I’m going to do around here. Constant channel flipping I guess.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
6-0 Denmark!!!
Stefan Lassen hits another beautfiul one-timer from near the blueline and it flies top-shelf!
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Stunning. I believe 6 goals ties for the tournament high by any team, in a full game!
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Slovakian goalies have stopped 4 of the last 5 shots to get their joint Sv% above 50% ! Shots 13-2. Love this live updater.
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CAN 1-1 NOR, end of the first
Shots 12-7 Canada, who gradually assumed a modicum of control after a terrible start. Hardly safe at this point, but stable at least.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
No excuse to lose to Norway for Canada. Especially with Grotnes suspended.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Nondy will confuse Ruben Smith with “Greatness”
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
"Nobody"
#$%%^ it’s early, and I was up late.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
End of period. Denmark leads 6-0 and will start the second period with one minute remaining on their Power Play. Slovak play has pretty much completely disintegrated and culminated with another dumb frustration penalty towards the end of the first.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Budaj and Stana aren’t slouches as goalies, either, especially in a tourney like this. But 15-3 shots also shows that the Danes are just blitzing the Slovaks in every way.
Russia and Belarus after this for Denmark… have to think they’re going to make the playoffs with a result like this.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Danes lost 2 points v. USA, but kept their 3 v. FIN, eh? With today’s result there are two teams behind them in their pool, which is what you need in the Qualifying round.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
One of the announcers said that you have an 85% chance of advancing to the quarters, if you net 6 points. So if we win this, it’s looking pretty good.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Spoken like a true Dane
If we win this? IF we win this?!?!
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I can’t help it. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in sports (and especially hockey) it is that it’s not over until it’s over.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
You’re right, and I’m just kidding you. Obviously you’re not too used to having leads quite like this one.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Gonchar, Malkin
Well, Gonchar for one looked like he’d rather be at this tourney than the Stanley Cup with the Game 7 he played. What an insane Russian team for a tourney like this. Quite frankly, if they lose they should be very embarassed.
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Gonchar played Game 7 like he wanted to be here, not there. BRUTAL.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I assumed he was playing hurt which might explain his horrible performance, but apparently no. I have a healthy respect for Gonchar but he’s lost a little of it this week.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I thought Kostitsyn’s hit (where he was given a roughing minor) hurt his shoulder. Apparently not.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Dave Randorf: “You add Eberle to this line and all of a sudden they are creating chances that they have not to this point.”
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"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
Tollefsen with a wicked hack. He’s got a real mean streak.
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"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
2-1 Canada
PP rocket from Ray Whitney. Another assist for Kris Russell, who’s been teeing up guys all tourney.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
Corey Perry’s goal, on the goal mouth deflection.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Good to see Russell finally putting it together. Always wondered what was taking him so long in Columbus.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Weird to see
Saw a faceoff stat up there and Norway was winning that battle so far. Canada’s got really young centres, and I always think of faceoffs as an acquired skill more than anything.
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BTW
These are my favourite Canadian jerseys that they’re wearing.
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Nice setup
Giordano pinches. From Duchene… Eberle drove to the net. 3-1.
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That was Kane driving the net. Eberle with the takeaway in the neutral zone and the soft dump pass to start the play.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
3-1 Canada
Giordano from Duchene and Eberle. Way to go Jordan!
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
4-1 Canada
Tavares touched it home from the goal line.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
Still 6-0.
Galbraith is holding on to his shutout. The Slovaks have pressed for a goal and gained nothing so far. Denmark’s had a couple of really good chances as well. The Danish blueline are holding up extremely well along with a confident Galbraith.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Floodgates are now open
7-1 Canada? Geez, that was quick.
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Make that 8-1.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Norway is being punished for playing like idiots. Very poor discipline on this squad. Jokobsen got five and a game for bumping the ref. He’s the captain for goodness sake.
Canada best keep its collective head up in the third, these guys are apt to do anything.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Norway came unravelled late against France as well.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
6-0. End of period.
Slovakia came back stronger and had several good chances but they were unable to break through the Danish blueline and when they did, Galbraith was there to deny them. Not to mention that when they do get some momentum going, they take a dumb penalty out of frustration and subsequently bring their play to a halt. They need to be more disciplined.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
And now a PPG.
That’s 3 PPG’s on this Jacobsen major. 9-1.
Ochocinco in goal for Canada.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Holy crap
Law & Order got cancelled!
When the games are 9-1 and 6-0 in the 3rd, I’m allowed to look elsewhere for a bit. :)
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Still 6-0
Halfway through the third. Danish fans have formed a conga-line and are dancing around the arena, spilling beer, singing and generally partying. Slovak fans are sleeping.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
The main reason I like this tournament is the fans. Win or lose, they party.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I would so love to go to a Worlds some year.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I am sorely tempted to hop into my car and drive down to Cologne to support the boys.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Heck, maybe Copenhagen will bid for the Worlds after the Danish performance this year.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
We are bidding for 2016, I think.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
How big are the arenas there?
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Not very I think. I’ve never visited one, as the National League is sadly one of the dullest in the world, so I honestly don’t know first hand.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Well, maybe they can play all the games in football stadiums. Or in Malmo, I suppose.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
The biggest and newest is Aalborg with 5000, 3500 seated and 1500 standing. Vojens just started building one about the same size.
but they are too small I think the minimum for WC is ~10000, Herning and Copenhagen plan to build multi purpose arenas capable of 10000 seats and hockey
The danish hockey league is not dull :) lots of hard fought local derbys. Getting drunking with 2000 other screaming fans standing in a totally packed, trashed old arena is something to be experienced :)
Same here. The year Latvia hosted looked ridiculous!
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Poor Ruben Smith
He finally got pulled after allowing 10 goals. It’s now 11-1. John Tavares with a hat trick.
Hard to believe this game was once 1-0 Norway!
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6-0 Final
Score early, score often, let the time tick off the clock. Good work by the Danes yet again.
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12-1 Canada
Not much to say here. Canada destroyed Norway at the Olympics, and now they’re doing it again.
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Wow
That’s domination. Sounds like Norway was totally undisciplined from the prior comments, but I have to think the loss to Switzerland woke them up too and that eventually in this game Canada got firing on all cylinders. Norway, especially with Grotnes suspended, probably never stood a chance.
leaf fan stuck in ottawa, a localized black hole that will suck everything in that area to oblivion.
6-0. End of Game
Patrick Galbraith earns the shutout. Denmark has now beaten the 2nd, 3rd and 4th place finisher at the Olympics. Absolutely brilliant.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Denmark has now beaten the 2nd, 3rd and 4th place finisher at the Olympics.
When you put it like that, I’m impressed. Hopefully you’ll get a shot at the 1st place finisher at some point, cuz that’s the only way I’ll get to see your boys play. How about in the gold medal game?
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"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Just woke up – west coast. Did Eberle do anything in his game?
by Benjamin Massey on May 14, 2010 12:36 PM EDT reply actions
Pretty terrible. Only a goal and four assists. :)
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Other roster adds
Lots of roster adds today. Apparently Osala for Finland wasn’t added until today, I had him on their prelim roster from the previews, so not sure what happened there.
Sweden added Michael Backlund, the Flames’ top prospect.
Canada not only added Eberle, but Mason Raymond and Devan Dubnyk. Dubnyk? Okay. I guess they really just decided to add insurance and support Mason fully, which is fine. Of course, if he were to get hurt, it’s two guys with very little NHL and international experience.
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Oh yeah, and Germany added Christian Ehrhoff, as well as Frank Hordler.
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by Bruce Peter on May 14, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s pretty surprising that a country as deep as Canada would have Dubnyk as number 3…. I’m a huge oilers fan and am not trying to knock this guy but this is the 3rd best?
Isn’t Dubnyk #2? He has more NHL experience than Ochocinco.
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"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
On the other hand – and you of all people know this, Bruce – Dubnyk is really, really bad.
by Benjamin Massey on May 14, 2010 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Well it’s definitely a question of 2A and 2B. Mason is the unobstructed #1 now. I had expected a 1A to tell you the truth, but that ain’t DD. (Except in Edmonton – sob!)
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Price is the guy I’ve been expecting all along, but Montreal keeps surprising us. Price would be fresh and hungry compared to say Fleury and Luongo. Interesting now to read my half-correct prediction in my C&B post yesterday:
A strong possibility is that with the previously-rumoured Carey Price stuck in Montreal ;), Messier may simply dip into the larger talent pool that has been there all along. It is difficult to imagine that any Oilers would be targeted under any but the most dire of circumstances.
Well circumstances are officially dire. It’s Chris Mason and two rookies. Not entirely sure who’ll be #2, but #1 seems plain enough.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Even though I am a Caps fan, I can at least find solace in that the Habs’ playoff run has kept Halak off Slovakia’s roster.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Of the 6 that Denmark scored in the first, how many do you suppose Halak might have had, vs. how many that were simply unstoppable?
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"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s difficult to say. It’s not like any of the goals were horrible blunders from the goaltender. They were solid shots on goal (most of them top-shelf). Nevertheless Budaj let in 3 goals on the first 3 shots of the game and was subsequently pulled. Hardly impressive.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
I think another possibility was Jonathan Bernier. I think they specifically wanted a young 20-24 year old guy. Bernier is still playing as Manchester is in the 3rd round of the Calder Cup playoffs. I mean, they could’ve asked Osgood or Raycroft if they didn’t want to rock the boat with Mason… both were fresh.
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Should add that Bernier is currently 8-3, with a 1.71 GAA, .944 SV% and has 2 SO in the AHL playoffs right now. Manchester is the lowest rank team still left.
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But if they couldn’t get Price and they were down to “best available Edmonton Oiler”, over a short tournament in what universe do you take Devan Dubnyk instead of Jeff Deslauriers? Does JDD have some of Marc Pouliot’s mono or something?
by Benjamin Massey on May 14, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
In the universe where Dubnyk made 50 saves to win his last game, and JDD shit the bed to badly lose his. Wait a minute, that’s this universe!
DD was the better goalie down the stretch, and it wasn’t that close. Thankfully.
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"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Devan Dubnyk has the better curve and will be better than Deslauriers, but right now if I had to play one game for my life and was restricted to picking a Canadian Edmonton Oiler in goal, I’d go with Deslauriers. And I’d probably die.
by Benjamin Massey on May 14, 2010 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Currently looking into travel arrangements and possibilities for heading to Cologne. Maybe try and be there for a quarter final. The Danish Ice Hockey Federation is cooperating with a travel agency, so it’s definitely a possibility.
If all else goes wrong, I may just drive there.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Cool! Keep in mind their quarterfinal might very well be in Mannheim, though. I guess Germany would play their quarterfinal in Cologne for sure, plus perhaps the group winner (Russia). The other two teams advancing out of group E would then have to move to Mannheim, which isn’t too far from Cologne, though, about 90 minutes by train.
The travel agency would provide transportation to the games, etc. so whether it’s played in Mannheim or Cologne shouldn’t be a problem.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Awesome
Good luck with that Madelle. Sounds like fun. Would love to read a FanPost about your experience at some later point!
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ll see what I can do, though I have no idea whether there will be internet, etc. I’ll probably bring my lap-top if I go (it’s not completely set yet).
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Or after you get home would be fine too. Enjoy the experience, then write about it, is my suggestion. But whatever works is great. I’m enjoying your input here on Puck Worlds, am sure I’m not the only one who’d appreciate your insights from inside the arena at whatever point.
Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries
"Never be ashamed of who you are" -- Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg
by Bruce McCurdy on May 14, 2010 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Well I would likely have downtime to kill at my hotel anyway, so it wouldn’t be that much of an intrusion necessarily.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
"Sigh"
Things fell through with the travel agent (they apparently did not include transportation, so I sadly am stuck looking for means of getting there once again. If all else fails, I may just end up driving down there but that is far from a sure thing. We’ll see.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Finland-Belarus underway
0-0 5 minutes into the first. The Finns fail to convert on a few wide-open chances on their Power Play.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
0-0 End of period
Finland carried most of the play but was unable to convert.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
1-0 Finland
Jarkko Immonen pots it in from close range on the Power Play
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
3-1 Sweden over Latvia
Michael Nylander has a goal and an assist.
Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson also has a goal, and so does Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Sweden’s way too progressive of a nation with all these hyphenated names. :)
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
2-0 Finland
Hytonen scores on a cannon of a one-timer
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
2-0 Finland. End of Period
No word yet on Gotovets’ status
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Belarus called for tripping.
Nummelin is conspicously absent from the Finnish Power Play. Possible injury?
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
Latvia makes it 3-2 Sweden
Two of their best join forces: Karsums from Sprukts.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
End of Game. Finland-Belarus, 2-0
Pekka Rinne gets his shutout. I’ve not heard anything about Gotovets. Hopefully he is okay.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
4-2 Sweden
Should be the final there. Latvia hung tough, but were outclassed.
Tony Martensson from Paajarvi and Carl Gunnarsson.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
Yep, that’s the final. Surprised that Sweden is still rotating between Gustavsson and Markstrom.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
Glen Hanlon was livid following Slovakia’s game. He objected to his team having to play only 16 hours after beating Kazakhstan and further stated that his team was punished for finishing second in the group. He cited a lack of preparation as the main cause of the defeat and refused to place any blame upon his players.
Admittedly, I can understand where he’s coming from. I’m not really a big fan of the tournament’s format. The rule which forfeits points won against a relegation round team seems especially dumb. Regardless the format and schedule for the tournament and the games were laid out in advance. Hanlon knew it, but he didn’t complain (as far as I know) going into the game against Denmark. He only complained once they lost.
Incidentally Denmark faces the same situation after playing Russia Sunday (a game I hope to see in person). We’ll be playing Belarus the following day. So it’s not Slovakia is the only team playing two games in two days.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
The rule eliminating points won against a relegation team is more cosmetic than anything. It may appear to discount a team’s performance against a relegated team but it has no bearing on the qualification round games.
You are certainly correct that the tournament format is quite strange and hard to follow, and it makes it difficult for teams facing back to back games, but all teams have to face that. To me it sounds like sour grapes from Hanlon more than anything else.
leaf fan stuck in ottawa, a localized black hole that will suck everything in that area to oblivion.
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