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USA Olympic Hockey |
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Bejamin1   Canada. Feb 26 2010 16:27. Posts 7042 | | |
Team USA has sent a message stunning the Fins in a semi-final game they currently lead 6-0. Most people including myself felt this game would probably be a tight low scoring affair based on the Fins goaltender and defensive prowess but it's proved to be anything but. The fins haven't showed up very well but full marks to the Americans for simply overpowering them with speed, size, and skill. Miller has once again looked exceptional as he has all tournament long. He continues to prove he's the best in the world at his position.
If Canada beats Slovakia tonight I expect the Gold medal game to be a toss up 50/50 vs. the USA.
One distinct advantage the Americans will have is that they played 4/5 games at noon and Canada has played all of its games at 4:30PM. Routine can be big for these players and the Gold medal game will be played at noon which could really throw the Canadians off. Canada's depth is better but the Americans have more than enough pop to get the job done. Should be a great close game between both teams where anyone can win.
Also I'd like to say that team USA has made a statement in this tournament. They've got a lot of skill, size, and speed in their young forwards. These kids are really coming into their own. Most of all they've showed they have quite a bit more heart than the Russians or the Swedes who clearly have more skill. Team USA's desire to win at all costs is starting to rival that of the Canadians. Hopefully we'll have a lot of great games for years to come. I for one am hoping for a best of seven super-series during a summer at some point.
I still feel the Canadians are the stronger team overall but the goaltender position counts for everything in these one-game playoffs situation and there is no question that Miller has been a step above everyone at these Olympics. It's going to be a toss up but holy crap is it ever going to be exciting to watch!
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Sorry dude he Jason Bourned me. -Johnny Drama | |
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Stim_Abuser   United States. Feb 26 2010 16:42. Posts 7499 | | |
its crazy how every team is more skilled than us but we are undefeated because uh.... we want it more? |
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Hey Im slinging mad volume and fat stackin benjies I dont got time for spellin n shit - skinny pete | |
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Drakk   Canada. Feb 26 2010 16:50. Posts 1199 | | |
lol at toss up canada vs usa... |
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Expect the worst, hope for the best | |
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Bejamin1   Canada. Feb 26 2010 16:57. Posts 7042 | | |
| On February 26 2010 15:42 Stim_Abuser wrote:
its crazy how every team is more skilled than us but we are undefeated because uh.... we want it more? |
I'm not going to argue with you about it. Honestly there is no way to please a biased American fan who can't appreciate other teams abilities. Also undefeated really means fuck-all when you've played only one strong team in the whole tournament and that team badly outplayed you. You'd have to be a completely biased person who knows zip about hockey to think the USA team had more pure skill on it than Sweden, Russia, or Canada. They rank about 4th in pure skill that's just how it is. Here's how I'd break some of the other depth down. Pure skill is not the only thing measured in the game you know.
Skill Ranking:
1. Russia
2. Canada
3. Sweden
4. USA
5. etc
Speed Ranking:
1. USA
2. Russia
3. Canada
4. Sweden
5. etc
Size Ranking:
1. Canada
2. USA
3. Russia
4. Sweden
5. etc
Goaltending:
1. USA
2. Canada
3. Sweden
4. etc
Forward & Defense overall depth
1. Canada
2. Russia
3. USA
4. Sweden
5. etc
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Sorry dude he Jason Bourned me. -Johnny Drama | Last edit: 26/02/2010 17:00 |
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Bejamin1   Canada. Feb 26 2010 17:04. Posts 7042 | | |
| On February 26 2010 15:50 Drakk wrote:
lol at toss up canada vs usa... |
You'd have the to be a biased Canadian fan to think it wasn't. Miller is going to make this a game. Don't discount the fact that the Americans have played 4/5 games at Noon and Canada hasn't played that early. It could throw a real awkward funk into Canada's routine and if the Americans jump on them early look out. |
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Sorry dude he Jason Bourned me. -Johnny Drama | |
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nolan   Ireland. Feb 26 2010 17:49. Posts 6205 | | |
50/50 probably ab it optismistic on the american side of things, but i think 60/40 is wholly reasonable, particularly due to the timing thing you mentioned.
anyone who played competitive hockey knows that rhythm is huge for a team. teams alwyas play off when they have an uncharacteristic early/late game in a schedule imo. |
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On September 08 2008 10:07 Baal wrote: my head is a gyroscope, your argument is invalid | |
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