IIHF Worlds: Last Day of Round Robin Play
by Bruce Peter on May 9, 2011 4:30 AM EDT
in IIHF World Championship
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Six games today, with each of the qualification round teams wrapping up their schedule. We already know seven of the eight quarterfinalists, but we only know for sure which seed the Czechs will be (first in Group E). It's also the last day of action in Kosice, as all the playoff action will take place in Bratislava. Here's a look at today's action:
Slovakia 
(0-0-0-4) vs. Denmark 
(0-1-0-3) - 12:30 PM local, 6:30 AM EST, Bratislava
Denmark is trying to stay positive about their stay in Bratislava, even though they didn't equal last year's quarterfinal berth and had their rooms broken into during their only win so far. For the hosts Slovaks this is one time to get the fans, who booed them off the ice after their last loss which eliminated them from the quarterfinals, a little something to cheer about. This is simply a placement game in the IIHF's eyes... although we'll have to figure that all out when all the games are done.
France 
(0-0-1-3) vs. Norway 
(1-1-0-2) - 12:30 PM local, 6:30 AM EST, Kosice
France is playing for pride and placement, but Norway can secure the final quarterfinal spot with a single point here, and can leapfrog the USA into 3rd place with a regulation win (pending the result of USA-Switzerland). France has already achieved a lot for their program at this tournament, but everyone loves to play the role of spoiler. Mathis Olimb of Norway, meanwhile, will look to pad his lead in the tournament scoring race. He currently has one goal and eight assists.
Russia 
(2-0-0-2) vs. Finland 
(2-1-0-1) - 4:30 PM local, 10:30 AM EST, Bratislava
Both teams are headed to the quarterfinal, so this is the final test game before the real action begins for them. However, Russia might be looking to avoid a matchup with either of Canada or Sweden in the first round, and a regulation win will ensure they won't finish last in the group, and put them momentarily in second place in the group. Similarly, for Finland, finishing second would have them play one of the USA or Norway, which is probably more desirable than Sweden or Canada. Tuomo Ruutu has delivered this tournament to date for Finland, while Russia is now turning to Alex Ovechkin to deliver them the gold.
Switzerland 
(0-1-1-2) vs. United States of America 
(2-0-1-1) - 4:30 PM local, 10:30 AM EST, Kosice
Switzerland will have to turn quickly from being France fans in the early Kosice game to focusing on trying to beat the USA. Fate was taken out of their own hands with yesterday's loss to Sweden, which the Americans celebrated as it clinched a quarterfinal berth for them. Derek Stepan has been the USA's star performer, while the Swiss' stars have been their goaltenders: both Leonardo Genoni and Tobias Stephan have given their team a chance, but their scorers have let them down.
Germany 
(2-0-2-0) vs. Czech Republic 
(4-0-0-0) - 8:30 PM local, 2:30 PM EST, Bratislava
The Czechs will likely be resting some of their stars after a tough game against the Russians, and they will be quite comfortable putting their undefeated record on the line in doing so. Winning would be a bonus for the team, not a requirement. The Germans have had a great tournament so far, but they'll want to make sure they don't finish last in their group. That fate could await them, or the possibility could be eliminated before they even hit the ice. Patrik Elias has been the Czechs top producer, but Tomas Plekanec has been heating up of late centering Jaromir Jagr. The Germans are definitely led by the goaltending of Dennis Endras, and count on an offense by committee approach.
Canada 
(2-2-0-0) vs. Sweden 
(3-0-1-0) - 8:30 PM local, 2:30 PM EST, Kosice
In some ways, this game doesn't matter much. Both teams will face one of Finland, Germany or Russia depending on how the games in Bratislava go. On the other hand, it's Canada vs. Sweden, and there will be pride on the line here. The winner finishes first in the Kosice group, the loser places second. Viktor Fästh has stopped 113 of 115 shots so far this tournament for Sweden, while Patrik Berglund has five goals. Canada is being led by the young star John Tavares, but in their last win vs. Norway it was the older stars like Rick Nash and Jason Spezza who were leading the way.
Check out the comments for updates and discussion. As always, I won't be available to comment on the very early games... too early for where I'm from!
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Yep, they need 2 or 3 points to get the top seed
Jens! doesn’t have a shadow because he dropped it repeatedly until it retired, climbing into the CSC team car and claiming a stomach ailment.
by dees ees en drama on May 9, 2011 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Norway trouncing France 5-2 at the moment.
4 goals from Marius Holtet.. Looking good for a quarterfinal berth
Good im hoping Norway wins i like the way they play,
and if they win that really puts the pressure on the US.
Wait?
If norway wins they will have 7 points, if the U.S.A losses they will have 7 to, how does the point system work for tied points? Goals for and against?
Finishes Norway 5 France 2 - Ties up 2nd quarterfinal in their history.
Currently third placed in the group, I’d imagine that its firstly looking at the results between the teams if tied, and the US beat Norway so they would finish 3rd in your scenario, but I’m not certain, hopefully the swiss can take em to OT if nothing else..
Correct. Ties in points first go to the result between the two teams. Gets a little fuzzy when they don’t play each other.
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By my count...
Denmark will finish 11th, France in 12th.
Slovakia and Switzerland will finish in 9th and 10th.
Jens! doesn’t have a shadow because he dropped it repeatedly until it retired, climbing into the CSC team car and claiming a stomach ailment.
by dees ees en drama on May 9, 2011 8:59 AM EDT reply actions
If the Swiss don’t get a point, I believe they’ll finish 10th with Slovakia finishing 9th based on the tiebreakers. If the Swiss get at least one point, they finish 9th.
Known so far: 11. Denmark, 12. France, 13. Latvia, 14. Belarus, 15. Austria, 16. Slovenia
Norway has moved past Slovakia in the World Ranking (to 9th), although they are in a dead heat for the last Olympic spot. Will likely go to who finishes better in 2012 between the two.
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Yeah...sorry that's what I meant...
SKV and SUI in 9th & 10th, not necessarily in that order.
Jens! doesn’t have a shadow because he dropped it repeatedly until it retired, climbing into the CSC team car and claiming a stomach ailment.
by dees ees en drama on May 9, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
2-0 RUS after 1
Kulemin and Nikulin score in the first, as Vehanen is chased early from the Finland net. Lassila now in.
Kulemin’s ice time in this tournament has been real low, for reasons unknown. NHL coaches would laugh at Afinogenov getting placed ahead of him on a depth chart.
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2-1 SUI after 1
Disappointing tournament for the Swiss so far, but Raphael Diaz has been a bit of a breakout star for them on D. He has his 3rd goal, the go ahead goal. Kevin Lotscher has the other Swiss goal, while NCAA standout Craig Smith continues his surprisingly strong production for the USA.
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3-1 SUI
Ivo Ruthemann on a rebound very early in the 2nd.
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Geez, come on USA
it’s a really good thing for USA that Switzerland lost in regulation yesterday, otherwise USA would be in massive trouble right now.
Jens! doesn’t have a shadow because he dropped it repeatedly until it retired, climbing into the CSC team car and claiming a stomach ailment.
by dees ees en drama on May 9, 2011 11:07 AM EDT reply actions
Pavol Demitra
Great career, Pavol. He announced his retirement from the national team. Really, the Slovaks probably need to start using the few young players they have ahead of the vets to build for 2014 and beyond.
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That’s a goal for Ryan Shannon. Has to be.
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Yep, score is now 3-2 for the Swiss. Scored on a nice breakaway, was getting hooked and if he didn’t score, would have had a penalty shot.
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Heh, Mike Johnson called Shannon’s goal “Amonte-like”. Very true.
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2-1 RUS
Mikko Koivu with a redirect of a slap pass in the slot, just after a PP had ended.
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4-2 SUI
Lotschner with his 2nd of the game. Conklin pulled, Montoya in. Not a good time for the US to lose faith in a goalie for the second time in the tournament.
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Wow.
I just want to point to the tournament’s scoring leaders:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_IIHF_World_Championship#Scoring_leaders
This is me, bursting with pride.
Their PP has been very impressive. And they’re scoring at this rate without their top two offensive guns in Thoresen and Zuccarello.
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Other years, I’ve been concerned about Norway’s potential quarterfinal opponents. This year, I’m feeling a little easier. That said, the Czechs would be a tall order, so here’s hoping for a big third period from the Swiss misses. Any team that can play toe-to-toe with the Canadians and their speedy roster this year can take Finland/Germany/Russia.
Russia is the most talented but least disciplined. Germany is the most disciplined but the least talented. Finland is somewhere in between. There are pluses and minuses with each opponent.
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2-2 RUS/FIN
Niskala rips a slapshot off of a clean faceoff win by Immonen. Tie game, late 2nd.
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4-2 SUI over USA
After 2. Looks like the Swiss will finish 9th. USA needs a two goal comeback here to pass Norway.
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Looks like no change between Latvia and Denmark for their World Ranking. They’ll be back in Group D next year as #12 and #13 seeds. Could be a budding international rivalry if this keeps happening.
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4:3 SUI
James van Riemsdyk making it interesting with under two minutes to play.
What do you guys think...
Who would you’ve rather had… Norway or the US. I know traditionally that is a no brainer but that is the world championships so what would be better… an overachieving Norway team or an under achieving US team? Both are tough draws for us obviously…
As someone pulling for Norway, you can have the Americans. They’re the one team I don’t think Norway is capable of beating. The other teams that Norway could play are all beatable squads. The Americans are perennial underachievers at this tournament, and I don’t think this year will be any different.
funny note...
The last 2 times the Czechs went undefeated they lost in the quarters… one of those was in Prague to the US (Andy Roach on a shootout)… it was monumental. I still get sick thinking about it.lol
5:3 SUI
Swiss pot an empty-netter with 17 seconds to play. A face-saving win for the Swiss in a disappointing tournament.
Also, whoever would have thought a few years ago that, in 2011, the Swiss failing to make the quarters is a huge disappointment for their national programme?
Losing to Norway is now considered embarrassing to them. They expect to beat everyone ranked below them… they only measure themselves against those above him.
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5-3 SUI
Empty netter seals it.
Czechs will play USA in quarterfinals.
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Winner of Canada/Sweden gets Russia. Boy, what a reward!
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Certain sections will, no doubt.
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Loser likely gets Germany
Jens! doesn’t have a shadow because he dropped it repeatedly until it retired, climbing into the CSC team car and claiming a stomach ailment.
by dees ees en drama on May 9, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Few observations
Finland is getting stronger and stronger as this tournament progresses… now it looks like they get Norway.
Somewhere in the world, Bryzgalov must be chuckling a bit… Nabokov was a bomb and Barulin doesn’t look that good either (he’s 0 for 3 in the last 2 days on penalty shots).
Was the first shot by Kovalchuk as pathetic looking to everyone else as it was to me?
Now watch the Russians go on a tear and win the whole tournament.. they seem to know how to put it together at the right time. The game against Sweden/Canada should be exceptional!
No Fasth
Viktor Fasth not even dressed for Canada/Sweden. He’s been the top goalie all tournament, but he did play just yesterday vs. Switzerland. Erik Ersberg will start with Anders Nilsson backing him up.
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Bernier starts for Canada over Reimer.
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About throwing the game
Some of the so called “experts” in Swedish press almost demands of Team Sweden coach Per Mårts that he will make sure to do just that. I`ll say they´re fools. Win and play a quarter against Russia woh have been underachiving in six of six games so far and have a chans to an easy semifinal. Or you could throw the game to have an easy quarterfinal and then most likely stand against a much better looking Czech team in the semi. I know wich way I would choose.
On the other hand, I don´t think the Swedes have what it takes to beat team Canada today.
Oh, and Viktor Fasth rests, it will be Erik Ersberg doing the goaltending.
Either him or Alexander Salak. Fasth had less support.
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2-1 CZE over GER
Plekanec, Frolik with the goals for the Czechs, Tripp the response for the Germans. Shots are even at 8 after 1.
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3-1 CZE
Rachunek on the PP. Jagr with his second assist of the game.
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Hey Voracek, might want to strap that helmet on tighter.
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Seriously, the Czechs are fucken morons when it comes to chin straps… we lost an Olympic Quarter Final to a chin strap issue… Rachunek got his head split in half yesterday because he wasn’t wearing a chin strap… if I were the coach, I’d hire one of the hockey moms to check the straps before they went on the ice!
2-2 CAN/SWE
Tendenby with a jam play on the PP.
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4-1 CZE
Plekanec, from Jagr and Cervenka. This line now has to be considered the tournament’s best, IMO.
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5-1 CZE
Elias tries to remind me who is boss this tournament.
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It’d be clean if it wasn’t so late. Not really sure why Nash was given charging instead of interference.
I still haven’t seen a clear shot of it. Chris Johnston of the Canadian Press said Backlund’s head was down, and this could get looked at. I haven’t seen a replay that tells me that.
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He was quite clearly not in possession of the puck (and also watching his pass, but that doesn’t excuse Nash for making the hit). I’m not so sure I buy that he was looking down, but the fact that Backlund literally did not see it coming makes it potentially a blindside hit.
I wouldn’t be shocked at all if the IIHF looks at it.
So, looks like Finland will play Norway in another QF, as the Germans need to outscore the Czechs by 5 goals in 10 minutes to move ahead of Finland. Just waiting on Canada/Sweden now.
This will be the Germans first regulation loss barring a miracle comeback.
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Looks like it´s tough on Swedis defens rigth now, maybe I did see wrong but it looks like Fernholm is out and Nicklas Persson fills in as a Dman.
BTW, that was Persson taking that penalty while playing D.
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Canada PP coming up.
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3-2 CAN
Brent Burns point shot tipped by Rick Nash on the PP.
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Credited to Burns, we’ll see if it changes.
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They just gave Nash the goal, apparently.
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They’ll probably change it. The replay they just showed was clear. Either way, Burns just went from hero to zero with that penalty.
And now it sounds like they’re changing it back.
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5-2 CZE final
Greilinger scored late on the PP for Germany.
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3:2 CAN
That’s the ball game. Have fun with Russia, Canada!
QFs
Czech Rep. vs. USA
Canada vs. Russia
Finland vs. Norway
Sweden vs. Germany
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Well, it`s no suprise that the Swedes lost against Team Canada, but I think that the talk about trowing the game can be regarded as nonsens.
Agreed. Sweden looked good today. Despite not converting, the Swedish power-play was really impressive. Their ability to move the puck and stay dynamic but still stay patient (as usual) is really something to watch. Very different from what we tend to see from the Swedish national team.
The game reminds me why I don’t like Jakub Stepanek.. now at least I know why… he’s WAY TOO LOW in his butterfly… 4th line NHLers would pick the shelf on him. Plus, he has slow reflexes. His saves downlow are excellent but the puck always finds a hole on him.
Does anyone know who the winner of the Czech/US game plays?
On a lousy note… Prucha took a puck to the neck (which left a nasty bruise) and Havlat may have broken his arm! That could be big going forward, hope he’s okay.
CZE/USA plays SWE/GER in semis. Obviously then CAN/RUS plays FIN/NOR.
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That would be nice for the 2 undefeated teams but I’m not sure. I’m very confident Sweden will defeat Germany and move to the Semi’s and I am equally confident Finland will beat Norway. However, the Russians have a really good team, hate Canada and Ovechkin is due for a few goals. It’s going to be real tough for Canada. Remember that the shittiest team going into the Quarters last year was the Czechs and we won everything.
Conversely, Czechs are also in very tough against the States – Conklin is more than capable of stealing a game. I don’t think the States can win the whole thing but I think they can definitely play spoiler. Then we’d have a very good Swedish side which defeated us at the Czech games pre tournament… which might still also add a few NHLers (not sure if that is true or not).
I know for sure I can’t wait to see Canada/Russia (and hope Artyukin gets hurt) and will be vomitting before the Czech/US game…
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