Toews was on the outside looking in. He didn't have set linemates coming into the game, but Babcocks' experimenting meant that he saw some decent ice time with Staal, Perry, Getzlaf, Richards. He saw some time on the PP too. Keith and Seabrook were designated a pair, in an attempt to retain their chemistry from the NHL. Seabrook ended up playing the fewest minutes of any player though. Drew Doughty, who was supposed to be the odd man out, seemed to have overtaken him in the depth chart.
OMG Canada is going into OT with the swiss, causing us to lose one point!!! Jonas Hiller is playing out of his fucking mind right now.
OVERDRAMATIC! People got so worried and upset over Canada losing a point during the preliminary stage. Russia lost their shootout game against the Slovaks too. And lest we forget that Canada's prelim record was really terrible the year they won gold. Gotta explain it simply. Canada got complacent in the second period when they had a 2 goal lead, and the Swiss' intense, disciplined, energetic style of hockey paid off. Gotta give credit to the opposition for making the most of their chances and defending when Canada came charging back. Mark Streit played an excellent game and Jonas Hiller was absolutely dominant (especially in the 3rd and OT). The lack of chemistry on every Canadian line except Marleau-Thornton-Heatley was evident with their inability to finish.
btw DPGB, Canada seemed to have more defined lines and Toews was anchoring the team's 4th line between Brendan Morrow and Mike Richards. It was actually a pretty effective line. They didn't get the most ice time, but they hustled hard to the puck and brought a strong forecheck. Babcock also reunited Keith and Seabrook (the team's 3rd defensive pairing), and they may have been team's best pair against the Swiss. I think Babcock (and me) may have jumped too early on the Doughty bandwagon. He looked... well, he looked like a 20 year old. Paired with Pronger, you have two aggressive, sometims undisciplined D-men that really have the potential to turn the puck over.
Sunday is probably gonna wild. Canada vs USA. Its just a prelim game but still the atmosphere here is going to be intense.
Hard to focus on homework when the Team Kane vs Team Toews is on...Toews had the puck and I was like, get it from him! Then Toews got pushed off and Im like, Hey dont hurt Toews you jerk!
I don't know whats going on with Martin Brodeur, he didn't have to dive for that loose puck on that goal, he had time to get in position.
well, Canada lost....bright side is that it was only the prelims. negative is that we have to play Germany on Tuesday then Russia the day after, gold for Canada is gonna be really tough. I wonder how the goalie situation will play out, if Brodeur decides to snap back to hockey mode instead of trying to play baseball and dick around with the puck Canada might be okay.
I'm keeping the 2002 tournament in my mind. We went 1-1-1 in Salt Lake City and ended up winning gold. Still, that game was irritating. It was so clear that we were a far more talented team. We dominated puck possession for huge stretches, we had a clear shot advantage, and our players generally showed more skill. It was just stupid mistakes and lapses in judgment that gave the game away: Brodeur's retarded puckhandling, crappy bounces of the puck, 3 straight penalties. I thought there was only one situation where the US earned a goal against us in an even-strength situation. That's not a complaint or meant to belittle the US' effort/hustle. I like watching this American team play. Just a general observation. I get the feeling that Team Canada is so confident in their ability that they don't necessarily think they have to match their opponents' energy level. Hopefully two tough games against the Swiss and Americans knocks some sense into their heads.
Ryan Miller is something else, though. Hasek, Gerber, Miller. It feels like every few years I watch Canada get frustrated by an amazing goaltending performance.
I think the empty netter by Kesler summed up the whole game... he just outworked Perry for that puck, even when Perry had position and had the chance to make a play on it with his stick, he got outworked.
