...Russia won gold at the World Championships thanks to an Ilya Kovalchuk overtime snapper. Alex Ovechkin had the primary assist on the game winner and Canadian hearts are breaking everywhere. Although, I don't really sympathize with our neighbors to the north, remember 2002? Yea, I do. Sucks doesn't it.
What is more exciting than Russia winning the gold and three Capitals players with some big points in the process, is the rivalry starting between Canada and Russia. It's making for some very exciting hockey on the international stage. Maybe NBC would have gotten better ratings showing the gold medal game rather than a Penguins blow out? Hmmm.
I guess that is the frustrating part, here was a game for the ages. Russia down 4-2 going into the third period. Canada look to have the gold in their back pockets when it all fell apart. In the end when the dust settled, the Russians win 5-4 in overtime in an instant classic game. Yet, not a single channel on the US dial carried the broadcast. That was a shame.
It was the best hockey I witnessed in some time on the international level. I don't think the Canadian players should have been so down hearted, they played a hell of a game and in the end they retain the number one spot in the IIHF world rankings. Not too shabby.
If you haven't seen the entire game, I urge you to do so. TSN.ca has been awesome in their coverage of the tournament. You can check out the game in it's entirety here. If you just want the highlights, you can go here instead.
Alex Semin was the tournament's point leader as far as Capitals' players are concerned. He had 6 goals and 13 points, including two goals in the gold medal game. Ovechkin, Sergei Fedorov and Mike Green all had a great tournament and tied in points. Ovie had 6 goals and 12 points, Green had 8 assists and 12 points, Fedorov had 5 goals and 12 points.
While everyone talked about the domination of the Ryan Getzlaf, Rick Nash, Danny Heatley line, it was the Capital connection of Semin, Ovechkin and Fedorov that seemed to steal the show in the end. Throughout the tournament the three of them combined for 49 points, and a +32.
Other Capitals in the tournament:
Tomas Fleischmann CZE - 7 GP, 2 goals, 5 points, +6
Sammi Lepisto FIN - 7 GP, a goal and an assist, +2
Cristobal Huet FRA - 5 GP, 91.12 save%, 3.60 goals against
Nicklas Backstrom SWE - 9 GP, 3 goals and 7 points, +1
As far as Team USA's early exit, that is a hard draw to play the Finns twice and two very heartbreaking games. But the young core can only get better, and maybe good things are in store come 2010 in Vancouver. I still would have liked to see Craig Anderson in the net a bit more, and Tim Thomas' injury I think hindered a chance at a medal. Not that Robert Esche is a bad goaltender, it just would have been nice to see a fresh face in the US net.
Showing posts with label 2008 World Championship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008 World Championship. Show all posts
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
International Officials Screw It Up Again
Team USA may not have played well to beat their Finnish counterparts, but the officials certainly didn't help matters. After allowing an obvious non-goal after the puck entered the net from the side, the officials also turned their backs on several obvious infractions on both sides or calling the slightest infraction. In the end the US will have to lick their wounds with a 3-2 loss as the game ended on a violent note.
The highlight of the game was Robert Esche (that's right I said Robert Esche) had the glove save of the century on a Finnish forward that made his way past the defense. The Finn made a move to the back hand and only Esche's glove was there to make the save and did it ever. TSN.ca has the highlights.
Following the game John Tortorella ripped the officiating. Classic JT.
In other World Championship news, Alex Ovechkin seems to be finding his groove. He had a goal and an assist against the Swedes on Saturday. In fact the Capital line of Sergei Fedorov, Alex Semin and Ovechkin seems to generate pure offense for the Russian squad, if Feds isn't doing blind passes to the front of his net.
Nick Backstrom had an assist in Swedes surprise win over the Czechs. So far he has 3 goals and 6 points in the tournament. Tomas Fleischmann scored in that game as well for the losing side. Backstrom's point total matches what Mike Green is doing for Team Canada, who also has 3 goals and 6 points. If I am not mistaken, Semin leads all Capitals in the World Championships with 7 points (3g, 4a).
The highlight of the game was Robert Esche (that's right I said Robert Esche) had the glove save of the century on a Finnish forward that made his way past the defense. The Finn made a move to the back hand and only Esche's glove was there to make the save and did it ever. TSN.ca has the highlights.
Following the game John Tortorella ripped the officiating. Classic JT.
In other World Championship news, Alex Ovechkin seems to be finding his groove. He had a goal and an assist against the Swedes on Saturday. In fact the Capital line of Sergei Fedorov, Alex Semin and Ovechkin seems to generate pure offense for the Russian squad, if Feds isn't doing blind passes to the front of his net.
Nick Backstrom had an assist in Swedes surprise win over the Czechs. So far he has 3 goals and 6 points in the tournament. Tomas Fleischmann scored in that game as well for the losing side. Backstrom's point total matches what Mike Green is doing for Team Canada, who also has 3 goals and 6 points. If I am not mistaken, Semin leads all Capitals in the World Championships with 7 points (3g, 4a).
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Canada Barely Escapes USA
Team USA had about the best starts you can think of in a tournament. But Canada quickly grew a 3-0 lead before the United States roared back and tied them 4-4 in the third. That is when Dany Heatley buzzed a one timer past Craig Anderson (who replaced Tim Thomas in the third) with just 47 seconds left to play. Things got a little testy at the end of the game with a few roughing calls being given past the buzzer, but it was a relative and Canada beats the US 5-4.
The best player on the ice for either team was Cam Ward, who had to make some pretty spectacular saves to keep Canada in the game. Thomas was switched out in the third period after tweaking a groin muscle and Anderson took over. Both played well, considering. The Rick Nash line was pretty dominate throughout the game, but when they went for a change Team USA would dictate the play.
I think the game was closer than Team Canada wanted, but the US did not disappoint. Team USA was shaping up to be a resilient group that played hard and never gave up. A good sign when the elimination rounds start.
In other World Championship news, Alex Ovechkin scored a goal and Sergei Fedorov had an assist in Russia's 4-1 win over Denmark. It was Alex Semin's first game without a point. And in the Czech's win over Italy, Tomas Fleischmann had an assist.
There was a really good article on Nick Backstrom on the IIHF website. You can check that out here.
And Tarik got the skinny on Cristobal Huet's intentions this offseason. Sounds like there is a good possibility of seeing Huet in a Caps' sweater next season.
The best player on the ice for either team was Cam Ward, who had to make some pretty spectacular saves to keep Canada in the game. Thomas was switched out in the third period after tweaking a groin muscle and Anderson took over. Both played well, considering. The Rick Nash line was pretty dominate throughout the game, but when they went for a change Team USA would dictate the play.
I think the game was closer than Team Canada wanted, but the US did not disappoint. Team USA was shaping up to be a resilient group that played hard and never gave up. A good sign when the elimination rounds start.
In other World Championship news, Alex Ovechkin scored a goal and Sergei Fedorov had an assist in Russia's 4-1 win over Denmark. It was Alex Semin's first game without a point. And in the Czech's win over Italy, Tomas Fleischmann had an assist.
There was a really good article on Nick Backstrom on the IIHF website. You can check that out here.
And Tarik got the skinny on Cristobal Huet's intentions this offseason. Sounds like there is a good possibility of seeing Huet in a Caps' sweater next season.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Pittsburgh Plays The Team They Didn't Want
A lot going on in the hockey world. First both my favorites for the Stanley Cup finals got bumped in the second round in deciding fashion. San Jose lost to Dallas and Montreal lost to Philadelphia. That means there are just four teams left.
The Penguins will now play a team that seems to have success against very good skilled teams, the Flyers in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was the team they had no ambition of playing in the opening round of the playoffs and some have speculated that the Pens threw the last game of the season to avoid playing the Broad Street Bullies in favor of the beat up Ottawa Senators. Myself included in those that speculate.
How hockey karma can be cruel. Now the Penguins will have to face their cross state rivals and let me tell you, the Flyers are no Senators or Rangers. I actually am cheering for the lesser of two evils, and hope that the Flyers can put the Pens in their place. I kinda like this Flyer team (when they aren't playing the Caps), they are the Anaheim Ducks of the '08 playoffs. Tough, rugged with a touch of skill. Plus they are riding the hottest goaltender in the NHL in Marty Biron. There is a 50/50 chance the Cup will be raised by a Pennsylvania team this year.
In the West Conference the Dallas Stars look pretty impressive, but so do the Detroit Red Wings. This should be a battle royal and will be an interesting series to watch. Logic says that the Red Wings should be the stronger of the two, but I have been counting out the Stars for the last two rounds with little luck. Plus, I am secretly a big Mike Modano fan.
In World Championship news, the stage is set for two good hockey teams to butt heads Tuesday as the United States takes on Canada in their backyard. Canada remains heavy favorites in the tournament, but Team USA has been on a winning streak themselves. They will play in the early game at 4:30 pm EST. Both come in with 2-0 records and have had easy success with their previous opponents. Tim Thomas most likely will be in net for the United States.
As for Caps in the tournament, Nick Backstom scored two goals in three shots as Team Sweden crushed France 9-0. Cris Huet did not start, but he did come in relief and made only 3 saves on 5 shots. Backstrom did score on Huet late in the third.
Backstrom leads all Caps in the World Championships with 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist and 5th on the scoring list overall). Alex Semin is right there with him with 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) and leads all Capitals with a +4 rating (ranking him tied for fourth overall).
The Penguins will now play a team that seems to have success against very good skilled teams, the Flyers in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was the team they had no ambition of playing in the opening round of the playoffs and some have speculated that the Pens threw the last game of the season to avoid playing the Broad Street Bullies in favor of the beat up Ottawa Senators. Myself included in those that speculate.
How hockey karma can be cruel. Now the Penguins will have to face their cross state rivals and let me tell you, the Flyers are no Senators or Rangers. I actually am cheering for the lesser of two evils, and hope that the Flyers can put the Pens in their place. I kinda like this Flyer team (when they aren't playing the Caps), they are the Anaheim Ducks of the '08 playoffs. Tough, rugged with a touch of skill. Plus they are riding the hottest goaltender in the NHL in Marty Biron. There is a 50/50 chance the Cup will be raised by a Pennsylvania team this year.
In the West Conference the Dallas Stars look pretty impressive, but so do the Detroit Red Wings. This should be a battle royal and will be an interesting series to watch. Logic says that the Red Wings should be the stronger of the two, but I have been counting out the Stars for the last two rounds with little luck. Plus, I am secretly a big Mike Modano fan.
In World Championship news, the stage is set for two good hockey teams to butt heads Tuesday as the United States takes on Canada in their backyard. Canada remains heavy favorites in the tournament, but Team USA has been on a winning streak themselves. They will play in the early game at 4:30 pm EST. Both come in with 2-0 records and have had easy success with their previous opponents. Tim Thomas most likely will be in net for the United States.
As for Caps in the tournament, Nick Backstom scored two goals in three shots as Team Sweden crushed France 9-0. Cris Huet did not start, but he did come in relief and made only 3 saves on 5 shots. Backstrom did score on Huet late in the third.
Backstrom leads all Caps in the World Championships with 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist and 5th on the scoring list overall). Alex Semin is right there with him with 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) and leads all Capitals with a +4 rating (ranking him tied for fourth overall).
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Hop Switz! Vs. Hip Hop Huet!
As good as Cristobal Huet may be, when you are under a barrage of 48 shots some are bound to go in. Switzerland defeated France 4-1 on Saturday, Huet had 44 saves in a one sided affair. Huet's return to Quebec brought out a raucous French contingent cheering "Allez les bleus!" (Go the blue ones! translated) amongst other things. While the Swiss side hollered "Hop Switz!" (Go Swiss! translated) to counteract. Martin Gerber was in net for the Swiss stopping 25 of 26 shots.
In other World Championship news (concerning Capital players), Nick Backstrom's Team Sweden eek out a win versus Belarus. Backstrom scored a goal, had an assist, and was a +1. Sami Lepisto did not play for the Finnish in their 5-1 win over Germany.
Also Friday, I forgot to mention that Tomas Fleischmann recorded an assist and was a +3 in the Czech Republic's win over Denmark. Jakub Klepis also played for the Czech and recorded 6 shots. Klepis was seen with a very clean shaven head.
In other World Championship news (concerning Capital players), Nick Backstrom's Team Sweden eek out a win versus Belarus. Backstrom scored a goal, had an assist, and was a +1. Sami Lepisto did not play for the Finnish in their 5-1 win over Germany.
Also Friday, I forgot to mention that Tomas Fleischmann recorded an assist and was a +3 in the Czech Republic's win over Denmark. Jakub Klepis also played for the Czech and recorded 6 shots. Klepis was seen with a very clean shaven head.
Friday, May 02, 2008
USA Too Much For Latvia
Team USA started their World Championship quest for gold with an impressive opening game. The US attack was at it's best, beating their opening opponents Latvia 4-0. In their retro 1960's jerseys, the United States scored in every period and out shot the Latvia squad 49-24.
All four goals were scored on the powerplay. Team USA's passing was crisp and they were able to keep the Latvians in their end for much of the game, besides a stretch in the first period and in the middle of the second when the Latvians found some life.
Tim Thomas gets the shutout and Patrick Kane finished with a goal and two assists. Lee Stempniak was pulled down and granted a penalty shot, but failed to convert in the second period. Dustin Brown, Zach Parise and Patrick O'Sullivan were the other scorers for USA.
Russia pounded Italy 7-1. Capitals Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin and Sergei Fedorov connected to help lead the Russian club for their first win. Semin had two goals, an assist and was a +4. A clean shaven Ovie scored a goal and Fedorov had an assist.
The Russians wore their retro jerseys which had the old Soviet Union logo of CCCP. “It was a little strange to have the CCCP logo there, but we had the Russian one too,” said Ovechkin of the retro look. “We consider it like a gift to the older players.”
All four goals were scored on the powerplay. Team USA's passing was crisp and they were able to keep the Latvians in their end for much of the game, besides a stretch in the first period and in the middle of the second when the Latvians found some life.
Tim Thomas gets the shutout and Patrick Kane finished with a goal and two assists. Lee Stempniak was pulled down and granted a penalty shot, but failed to convert in the second period. Dustin Brown, Zach Parise and Patrick O'Sullivan were the other scorers for USA.
Russia pounded Italy 7-1. Capitals Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin and Sergei Fedorov connected to help lead the Russian club for their first win. Semin had two goals, an assist and was a +4. A clean shaven Ovie scored a goal and Fedorov had an assist.
The Russians wore their retro jerseys which had the old Soviet Union logo of CCCP. “It was a little strange to have the CCCP logo there, but we had the Russian one too,” said Ovechkin of the retro look. “We consider it like a gift to the older players.”
Team USA Starts WC Quest Today
Team USA will start their quest for WC gold today at 7:15 pm EST at the Halifax Metro Centre in Halifax, NS, Canada. Their opponent will be Latvia. The Americans will start off in the B group which includes Latvia, Slovenia and Canada. While team USA has loaded up on young talent, they aren't even the favorites for their group or for gold or silver. Canada and Russia have those honors.
But the youngsters can make some noise. Especially now, which seems this is the year where the torch has been passed to a new generation of hockey players. Team USA's development program has paid dividends with gold and solid competitive edge in the U18 group for the past couple of years. Now many of those players have come to age.
While there still seems to be the standard veterans that pepper the line up, like Robert Esche (who didn't play in the NHL this season, but in the Russian Super League) and Zach Parise (New Jersey Devils), now there are new faces in the USA sweater. Young talent like David Booth (Florida Panthers), Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks), Peter Mueller (Phoenix Coyotes) and James Wisniewski (Chicago Blackhawks) get their chance on a bigger stage. Former Capital Jeff Halpern takes captain honors from current Capital Chris Clark, who is still nursing a bad groin.
It's all about experience, something that will be needed in two years time when the Winter Olympics rears it's ugly head. How these youths perform will be something to take some interest in now and could predict Team USA's chances in 2010. The group Team USA has been placed will be no easy task with Canada in the mix and will most likely be the toughest team to play on their home soil.
Team USA's chemistry seems okay as they won easily against Team Sweden in an exhibition game 5-1. Their camp in Portland, Oregon seemed to be productive and the team gelled well. They would have to, with the two favorites Russia and Canada picked to play in the gold medal game with inflated rosters. One thing is for sure, this new group should prove to be an exciting bunch to watch, and of course they are my dark horse for the gold medal game.
But the youngsters can make some noise. Especially now, which seems this is the year where the torch has been passed to a new generation of hockey players. Team USA's development program has paid dividends with gold and solid competitive edge in the U18 group for the past couple of years. Now many of those players have come to age.
While there still seems to be the standard veterans that pepper the line up, like Robert Esche (who didn't play in the NHL this season, but in the Russian Super League) and Zach Parise (New Jersey Devils), now there are new faces in the USA sweater. Young talent like David Booth (Florida Panthers), Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks), Peter Mueller (Phoenix Coyotes) and James Wisniewski (Chicago Blackhawks) get their chance on a bigger stage. Former Capital Jeff Halpern takes captain honors from current Capital Chris Clark, who is still nursing a bad groin.
It's all about experience, something that will be needed in two years time when the Winter Olympics rears it's ugly head. How these youths perform will be something to take some interest in now and could predict Team USA's chances in 2010. The group Team USA has been placed will be no easy task with Canada in the mix and will most likely be the toughest team to play on their home soil.
Team USA's chemistry seems okay as they won easily against Team Sweden in an exhibition game 5-1. Their camp in Portland, Oregon seemed to be productive and the team gelled well. They would have to, with the two favorites Russia and Canada picked to play in the gold medal game with inflated rosters. One thing is for sure, this new group should prove to be an exciting bunch to watch, and of course they are my dark horse for the gold medal game.
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