IIHF WC: Czechs and Russians Battle for Bronze
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 7:00 AM EDT
in IIHF World Championship
Email
Print
Bronze medal games are viewed by some countries as simply consolation prizes, and that description fits the two teams that are facing each other here quite well. With their deep, star studded rosters, the Czech Republic and Russia no doubt believe they deserved to be playing a rematch of last year's gold medal game four hours later. However, fate has landed these two proud hockey nations a slight blow, and the prize they will be fighting for is not as lucrative as they had hoped.
However, there is tremendous pride in winning bronze at this event, and I don't expect that motivation will be lost upon these teams.
Czech Republic 
vs. Russia 
- 4:15 PM local, 10:15 AM EST
How did the Czechs end up here? After cruising through the preliminary and qualification rounds undefeated, and a relatively easy 4-0 quarterfinal win over the Americans, the defending champions couldn't solve Swedish goaltender Viktor Fästh early in the semifinals, failing to build an early lead. The Swedes played a strong, disciplined game and shut down the dangerous combination of Tomas Plekanec and Jaromir Jagr, and eventually broke through the Czech defense to dominate the second period and build a lead with which they wouldn't relinquish in the third period.
For the Russians, something similar happened. Finland stymied the Russians early, and when Mikael Granlund scored his magical goal to give Finland a 1-0 lead in the second period, the Russians started to open up offensively and gave up some high quality chances as a result. Alex Ovechkin, arguably the top player on the planet, was held scoreless again, culminating an intensely frustrating season for the superstar. The team took a number of offensive zone penalties and couldn't mount sustained pressure before falling behind 3-0 in the third period.
In this game, the specter of avenging last year's shocking gold medal result looms large for Russia. The proud nation has been humbled a bit at this tournament they have come to dominate the past four years. This is the first year in four that the Russians are not playing for gold, and I think they have the edge in motivation. For the Czechs, this is an opportunity to thank their loyal supporters who have shown up en masse to Bratislava to see their country try once again to prove to the world that they can come out on top in big international tournaments. But can they really beat the Russian machine a third straight time at this event?
I'm predicting a bronze medal for Russia here. Join us in the comments for discussion and updates on the game. I'll have a new post up for the gold medal game after this is finished.
87 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Off topic
Possible return of Radulov in NHL. Your thoughts.
Nashville could sure use him. He’s accomplished everything he can at the KHL level so I’m kind of surprised he hasn’t considered it more.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
1-0 CZE
Ah crap, this game started 15 minutes early!
Own goal by Fedor Tyutin, credited to Roman Cervenka.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
1-1
Kovalchuk from Radulov. Great shot.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
2-1 RUS
Kulikov from the point. Pavelec is whiffing. Both went between the blocker and body.
2 goals in 15 seconds.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
2-2
Dear God, what’s happening!
Great passing play. Prucha from Rolinek and Marek. Just 45 seconds after the last Russian goal. 3 goals in 1 minute!
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
Speaking of Russians who might be headed back to the NHL, Artyukhin has made me eat my words. He’s been fantastic.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
In NHL he was enforcer, now he played like big power forward, not just fight and hit to scare other team big guys. Looks like Big Buf in 2010 playoff(not so good but similar).
I always go overboard at the Worlds with a wish list of players I’d like Montreal to add, but if they’re already getting Yemelin, getting Artyukhin would be a nice add to the 3rd line wing.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
3-2 RUS
Kovalchuk with his 2nd, play created by a big bounce off the end boards.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
Definitely more goals!
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
8
I’m pretty sure, going into the semi’s, allowed 8 goals in their first 6 games (maybe 9)… they’ve now allowed 8 goals in 4 periods. This is a very different team… in fact, this looks more like what I’m used to… impatient, high scoring and barely hanging on.
I fully expect to hear some backlash on Hadamczak for yesterday (and today)… he literally benched half the team and abandoned the sytem they had in the 2nd period! For instance, that gorgeous second goal was from 3 guys I don’t remember seeing yesterday. Also, he revolved the forwards on the Jagr line to the point where I didn’t even know who was on what line at all.
Lastly, I think Petr Caslava is the whipping boy on D… he always seems to be on the ice when the other team scores.
Not that it’s a huge deal, but Russia will maintain their #1 world ranking if they win. If they lose, the gold medal winner would be #1.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
You’re telling me that Finland might be ranked # 1 in the world? That possibility exists? That’s a crazy system… we won the Gold last year and moved to fifth.
If Russia doesn’t medal, it means there really hasn’t been a dominant team anymore. In that case, the system always favours the most recent winner.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Bronze at the Olympics!
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Olympics really screwed things up: Sweden, Russia, and Czechs were 5th to 7th. USA was 2nd, Slovakia 4th. Then Canada has missed the semis the past two years at the Worlds.
It is a funny system… I’ll have more on that after its all done.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Shots were 17-7 Russia in the first. 2nd now underway.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
And also no penalties.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
3-3
Petr Prucha. Horrid defense from Russia.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
But what a shot.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
3-3
Fantastic start! Prucha and Marek (2 guys who didn’t see ice yesterday) wtih 2 great chances… Barulin didn’t even move. Russian D looks scattered.
Plekanec...
How did they not score there? I need to some replays
Future teammate Alex Yemelin stopped him twice.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
That would be a lot of fun.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
IF...
he did it, Montreal would be a good choice assuming Spacek/Hamrlik were back.. he likes to be surrounded by some Czechs. He’d be good there but I don’t think is what Montreal needs? Eg. would this make them a cup contender? Whoever signs him needs to think of it as a ‘final piece’.. and a cheap piece.
4-3
Cervenka with the finish! Diving swipe goal!
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
Cervenka!
He scored a real goal… the Russian D man was HORRIBLE on that play. Notice all the goals are from the guys Hadamczak benched? I guarantee he’s burned some bridges with his players… this is what happened last time too… guys refused to play for him (including Vokoun)… he has this rep.
I was hoping for somebody new… not Hadamczak. He took over a team that won 3 Straight Golds and did nothing with them… he’s good at getting Bronze’s and Silvers but not Gold’s. For instance, this years team is considerable stronger than last year and we’re fighting for Bronze. That is Hadamczak.. there must be a 3rd option in the Czech Republik! For the record, I think Bykov needs to go too!
Rachunek hits Artyukhin hard, breaks the glass at the penalty box! Lots of mass there.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
hahaha
Greatest player ever… Rachunek with a receipt! I need to buy a poster of that one.
Had to ask for the zamboni to do a pass over the area for cleanup… now we have a weird circle of fresh ice.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
5-3
Hat trick Cervenka! What a pass by Plekanec.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
What a goal!
That was gorgeous… 9 points for Cervenka now and i’ve been riding him the whole tournament.lol All Plekanec on that one.
Video review coming. Looks like Tarasenko scored.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
Yep, 5-4.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
IIHF just updated on Kevin Lötschner, the Swiss player that got in a car accident. He’s in stable condition, but in an induced coma (drugs), responding positively.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
First penalty goes to Russia.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
And all of a sudden the nastiness comes out! Elias and Afinogenov throwing punches!
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
Original cross-checking penalty to Rachunek was drawn by Tereshenko diving big time.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought the refs were doing a good job until then…. nice cheapshots from Afinogenov and great dive from Tereshenko… Radulov is really starting to piss everyone off! Him and Marek hate each other…
I don’t know who will win this game but i’m pretty positive the 3rd period is going to get real ugly. Doesn’t seem like the players are listening to the coaches… the Czech Assistant doesn’t even have his shirt tucked in.lol
Yeah, in the NHL they would have let them fight. Here, the refs stepped in IMMEDIATELY so they didn’t have to call it a fight!
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Refs still will ‘conveniently ignore’ things like that. :)
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
So… will the Czechs go into lockdown mode? Or more wide open hockey?
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
Either he or Kovalchuk will get the winner if Russia wins.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
lol, they’ve given the last Cervenka goal to Plekanec on the IIHF website. How blind are they?
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
Well, if Yemelin wasn’t a Habs d-man before, he is now. Ankle injury.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
6-4 CZE
Jan Marek gets a wide open blast from the slot.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
Czechs are playing well but...
We need to push forward more… we can’t afford to be hemmed in by the Russians for the last 5 minutes… need to get more aggressive, we’re just dumping it down and it is way TOO soon for that. We look very scattered.
Bykov finally decides to play Kulemin. What he has against him is beyond me. Great two-way forward.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
Caslava
Why is he on the ice against Kovalchuk? I’ll tell you who wins that battle… great svae from Pavelec! Krajicek is injured so the 3rd pairing is Caslava/Nemec… they should be congratulated for a great game and sat the fuck down… I’d like to see a lot more Michalek right now.
7-4 CZE
Plekanec on the empty net. 6 goals, 4 assists at tournament for him.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
woohoo!
Czechs with 7 goals on 25 shots… not good. Plekanec with 10 points in the tourney.. and he arrived late! I won’t lie … it’s not a back to back gold but what a great tourney… we lost 1 game the entire tourney… going back to last year, we’ve only lost 1 of the last 13 and have beaten absolutely everybody at least once. Czechs will definitely be happy to win 3 games in a row against Russia (especially in 2 medal games)… plus, we put Artyukin through the glass and broke a guys leg.lol Marek, Russia’s biggest target, gets a goal… time for some PIVO!
CORRECTION
Finland can’t be World #1. Sorry, the scenario for them to be the #1 was Canada beating Russia in quarters and Canada finishing fourth. Got screwed up there.
If Finland wins gold, Russia maintains #1 ranking, but Canada drops to 4th. If Sweden wins gold, they become world #1.
OK, off to talk gold medal game in the gold medal thread!
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
Here’s why I was screwed up: I also track “Olympic Points”, which essentially would be next year’s Pre-Championship World Ranking. If Finland wins gold, they will be #1 in this category. But they won’t be the World’s #1 ranked country at the end of this tournament.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
by Bruce Peter on May 15, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Russia
Well, Czechs deserve medals more and if not one game (Can-Rus) this tournament is big failure. Coaches screwed up! Physical conditions, teamwork, combinations and PP were BAD. Solidity of lines, mess in changes, 4 wins from 9 games. Coaches arrived 5 days before beginning(not so bad if we see normal game). Conclusion Russia came only to play on tournament not to fight or win.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Puck Worlds
Related FanShots on Puck Worlds
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
