The Official Olympic Hockey Thread

[sniper]

I didn't see the Canada game today other than the last 2 minutes or so, but when I did watch them their biggest problem is nobody on their team goes to the net. Lots of shots and possession, but it's all to the outside. Nobody goes to the tough areas where goals are scored. That's why they struggle to score. The US does this 10X better than them. It's why they have way more goals. If Canada doesn't correct this before that game, they will lose. In the first 3 games Canada had I actually thought they were fortunate to score the goals they did get as several of them were weak goals to give up.

I find this kind of odd considering Bylsma's penguins lost to Boston because they didn't go the net and Babcock's RWs are know for having Holmstrom or Franzen park their rears in front of the goalie.

Based on what I've seen the best two teams in this tournament are the US and Finland. I wouldn't be shocked to see them play for the gold.

[Idoit40fans]

Sweden hasn't really been tested, but I expect them to win on Friday.

[Faubert5]

I was going to suggest a new drinking game where you take a drink every time Pierre says "Eddie" or "Edzo" when they do a game together. I realized however that no human being could make it through the first 10 minutes of a game.

[Idoit40fans]

I think John Bonham played that game.

[ulf]

I know a lot of people watching hockey right now that normally don't. The Olympics are good for hockey.

[Idoit40fans]

Are they the same people that watched hockey for 2 weeks in 2010? I've noticed new people watching hockey too, but I don't expect them to become new NHL viewers.

[Fast B]

I think John Bonham played that game.

Too soon man.

[Headshot77]

That penalty call against Latvia was pretty weak.

I'm getting super pumped about the game on Friday. Maybe just maybe, DB's boys can grind these bit**** down.

Fix'd.

[pressure=9Pa]

Are they the same people that watched hockey for 2 weeks in 2010? I've noticed new people watching hockey too, but I don't expect them to become new NHL viewers.

This is exactly the problem. I had a number of people come up to me at church and work the last week telling me they've been watching hockey (I'm kind of known as the only hockey fan in town.), but I expect very few to stick with it. Same thing happened in 2010, and one college friend of mine stuck with it, but he lives in Boston and had a Cup run the next season to follow.

[pressure=9Pa]

^Which btw, is exactly how I watch soccer. World Cup, Women's World Cup, and that one Confederations Cup where the US made the final game. Having periodic fans is a bit of a boost to the NHL, but it's not worth the cost of shutting down the season and having stars return injured.

[Humperdink]

It now appears a minimum of 4 Pens will bring home Olympic medals.

[CERV96]

Would be nice to have 6.

[count2infinity]

Would be nice to have 6.

could be 7 if you count Bylsma

[Gaucho]

Tavares expected to miss the rest of the season. Torn MCL and torn meniscus.

[Letang Is The Truth]

that sucks

[Gaucho]

I don't think the NHL's decision on their players' participation in future Games hinges on injuries, though.

[Jim]

This is why I was pulling for Latvia to win yesterday, to get certain guys safely out of these meaningless games.

[Gaucho]

Certain guys would disagree with you.

[Jim]

Certain guys would disagree with you.

I totally understand that they, and many many others, find the Olympics to be very important and meaningful... which is why I do not argue against the NHL participating. However, that does not mean that I agree nor does it exclude me from wanting certain people eliminated from the games as quickly as possible.

[tfrizz]

Tavares is done for the season after suffering damage to his MCL and meniscus.

Islanders doctors will determine whether he needs surgery or not when he gets back from Sochi.

[Gaucho]

Certain guys would disagree with you.

I totally understand that they, and many many others, find the Olympics to be very important and meaningful... which is why I do not argue against the NHL participating. However, that does not mean that I agree nor does it exclude me from wanting certain people eliminated from the games as quickly as possible.

I admit that since I'm not rooting for any particular team, getting the Pens home safely is my greatest concern. I feel bad for Geno, though. Then again, several Penguins were bound to come back more or less disappointed, I guess.

[columbia]

Certain guys would disagree with you.

I totally understand that they, and many many others, find the Olympics to be very important and meaningful... which is why I do not argue against the NHL participating. However, that does not mean that I agree nor does it exclude me from wanting certain people eliminated from the games as quickly as possible.

I admit that since I'm not rooting for any particular team, getting the Pens home safely is my greatest concern. I feel bad for Geno, though. Then again, several Penguins were bound to come back more or less disappointed, I guess.

I would probably be rooting for Finland, if I were if your situation.

[Gaucho]

I am. Finland and to a lesser extent Canada.

[count2infinity]

Am I a bad person for hoping the Canadians don't medal?

[superconan]

Canada won't win a bronze medal game.