The Official Olympic Hockey Thread

[count2infinity]

slovaks are playing for a shootout. can't say I blame them.

[pressure=9Pa]

So if you're the US, do you want to be across from the Russians or the Swiss in the bracket?

[PghSkins]

I want to be the kind of "out of shape" that gets me a spot on an NHL roster and a hat trick in the Olympics

[pcm]

Varlamov is money in shootouts.

[count2infinity]

I want to be the kind of "out of shape" that gets me a spot on an NHL roster and a hat trick in the Olympics

Yeah, that's kind of what I was trying to say... I don't necessarily think he's fat/out of shape, I honestly think he just has a chubby face.

[count2infinity]

So if you're the US, do you want to be across from the Russians or the Swiss in the bracket?

Russia. the swiss team scares me, as they seem to have the perfect playing style to beat this US team.

[columbia]

Marginalizing Malkin doesn't appear to be a winning strategy.

[pressure=9Pa]

Beating Russia twice on their ice is no easy task. Although I like them having played an extra game.

[Staggy]

Assuming the US gets the 3 seed, anyone know who it looks like they'll play in the quarters?

[Shakes]

Jonas Siegel ‏@jonasTSN1050 3m
James van Riemsdyk on any difference in red-hot Kessel off the ice: "It's still the same cranky Phil."

lulz

[Gaucho]

Beating Russia twice on their ice is no easy task. Although I like them having played an extra game.

Playing an extra game might actually help them.

[Shakes]

Didn't Canada play an extra one in 2010? Then again, they had a better team too.

[pressure=9Pa]

If Canada-Finland goes OT, USA is the 2 seed. If not the 3. Same side of bracket regardless.

[Gaucho]

The German commentator after the coin toss: "Well, looks like a ruble." I lol'd.

[pressure=9Pa]

Didn't Canada play an extra one in 2010? Then again, they had a better team too.

Yes, but I think the field is getting deeper.

[PghSkins]

Sick move Radulov

[pittsports87]

Radulov seems to be getting rewarded for 2 stupid penalties yesterday.

[pressure=9Pa]

Didn't get it elevated.

[pcm]

The Russians are following the exact same script as Canada in Vancouver.

[pressure=9Pa]

Assuming no OT in next game:

1. Finland/Canada
2. Sweeden
3. USA
4. Finland/Canada
5. Russia
6. Switzerland
7. Czech Republic

[pcm]

Marginalizing Malkin doesn't appear to be a winning strategy.

I don't get this. He could be their best player. I understand the whole veteran preference thing, but the way Malkin gets used, you'd almost think the coaches either (1) don't understand hockey, or (2) hold a grudge against him for leaving for NA.

[pressure=9Pa]

If Finland wins in OT, the score, not the difference, will matter.

[count2infinity]

Assuming no OT in next game:

1. Finland/Canada
2. Sweeden
3. USA
4. Finland/Canada
5. Russia
6. Switzerland
7. Czech Republic

Forgive my ignorance, but how does the playoff system go from here? Just as far as seeds are concerned? 1-4 have byes and then who plays in the play in games?

[pcm]

Radulov seems to be getting rewarded for 2 stupid penalties yesterday.

You either sit him or give him an opportunity for redemption. Obviously the latter strategy is the "higher path."

[Great58]

Radulov seems to be getting rewarded for 2 stupid penalties yesterday.

I'm assuming Datsyuk would have been the third shooter had it gone longer? Is Geno in the Russia doghouse for some reason?