World Cup Hockey

Slurpy · August-31st-2004, 10:13 AM

Ok...for the 5 or 6 of us who care, it's US v Canada tonight from Montreal.
7pm est, ESPN2, CBC. Who's everyone picking? If I had to bet, I guess I'd have to go with Canada. Their lineup is scary good but there is an awful lot of pressure on them to win it. Look at yesterday's game, Czech's v Finland. Czech's were favored especially after their longtime player/coach Ivan Hlinka tragically died only a couple weeks ago but the Czech's sleep-walked thru the game yesterday. They managed 12 shots total and lost to Finland, 4 - 0 (or since this is international play, 4 - nil

Interesting to see NHL rules being used, and smaller NHL type rinks. Actually, I saw that the width of the ice surface is 93' vs 85' for the NHL, but it's still smaller than international surfaces. Personally, I'd rather see the larger surfaces so that these all-world players had more room to show their skills. Ok, enough rambling. Who are ya
picking? Since I'm NOT betting, I gotta go with the home team. USA! USA!

Enforcer · August-31st-2004, 10:21 AM

Can't wait! I couldn't believe the Czechs got whitewashed like that. 12 freakin' shots? Jesus.

Go USA!

Enforcer · August-31st-2004, 10:35 AM

Team Canada will be a motherf**ker. One reason why? Gretzky had the smarts to put Maltby and Draper on a line. How many Stanley Cups would the Red Wings have won without those guys? I doubt they would have won any. As badly put together as the US Olympic men's basketball team was this year, that's how *well* this team of Canada's has been assembled. Perfect role players, the key to winning.

Enforcer · August-31st-2004, 11:20 AM

There's a pretty strong argument (think about it) that Chris Chelios is the greatest American hockey player of all time. He's also a great guy, although you hate him when he's not on your team. Anyway, a pretty cool story about Cheli, the captain of the World Cup team is here.

moneyp · August-31st-2004, 02:02 PM

Quote:

There's a pretty strong argument (think about it) that Chris Chelios is the greatest American hockey player of all time.

No argument here. It's not even close, really.

In games with one-off tournaments, anyone can win. Canada should be the favorite, but I can see Sweden, the U.S., the Czech Republic (despite yesterday's debacle) and even Finland with that goaltending knocking them off in the medal round.

Go U.S.!!! and just for the hell of it... go Germany!

Slurpy · August-31st-2004, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mone peterson

In games with one-off tournaments, anyone can win. Canada should be the favorite, but I can see Sweden, the U.S., the Czech Republic (despite yesterday's debacle) and even Finland with that goaltending knocking them off in the medal round.

Yeah, I didn't realize until watching yesterday's game that all 8 teams make it to the "playoffs". I guess these first 3 games are just for seeding? That's OK. I'm still psyched! Hockey in August! (or as my brother said, "There's Hockey in August?!?") Oh yeah.

Enforcer · August-31st-2004, 02:54 PM

I'm salivating at the thought of watching a hockey game tonight. I've been playing EA Sports NHL2004 the past couple of weeks, watching the machine play itself just to see hockey of any kind (sad). I told the g/f today about the World Cup. I exclaimed, much too loudly and with my fists pumping, "Yeah!! Hockey on TV tonight!! Woo hoo!!"

She looked disappointed in me, as well she should be.

Larry

Slurpy · August-31st-2004, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Nagel

I'm salivating at the thought of watching a hockey game tonight. I've been playing EA Sports NHL2004 the past couple of weeks, watching the machine play itself just to see hockey of any kind (sad). I told the g/f today about the World Cup. I exclaimed, much too loudly and with my fists pumping, "Yeah!! Hockey on TV tonight!! Woo hoo!!"

She looked disappointed in me, as well she should be.

Larry

Watching EA Sports Hockey play itself...?

That's hilarious!

I feel your pain, brother. My own not-so-subtle comments to the wife have
already caused her to plan a night out this Friday so I can do up wings in
my deep fryer, slathered in authentic Buffalo, NY Anchor Bar hotsauce, ice
down too many beers to mention and have my fellow hammerheads over.
Can't wait!

moneyp · August-31st-2004, 05:09 PM

Larry, just an FYI, ESPN hockey is out now, and it's only $20. I've never found it to be as good as EA in the past, but at that price, it's worth a look.

EA's latest is due out at the end of September.

Jazzzoline · August-31st-2004, 09:57 PM

Yessssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

moneyp · August-31st-2004, 10:02 PM

Canada edges the U.S., 2-1. Personally, I blame this loss on the U.S. having to look at Canada's ugly-ass uniforms (what happened to the red ones?) and ESPN's godawful feed of the game. The Sweden-Germany game looked fine, but the U.S.-Canada feed got hit with the ugly stick.

Good game but terrible officiating. If it wasn't for Esche, the U.S. would have gotten seriously waxed. Funny to see Lemieux try to throw down with Konowalchuk. I think that happened in a video game once.

Canuck Don · August-31st-2004, 10:57 PM

Good game. I really enjoyed it, except for the sweater colour .I liked the red and white sweaters .Did enjoy hearing Bob Cole and my very fav.Harry Neale do the game and the great coverage by CBC's hockey night in Canada's crew.
Should be a great tournament.It was rough out there at times. I just love when USA and Canada play each other.Was like a Stanley cup playoff game.Years ago it was The Russians,now we don't care about them anymore.
Before was beat the damn Ruskies,now it's beat the damn Yanks.(no offence guys) Esche played one hell of a game . If Canada is a fav. It may be by a very slim margin.

>>>.There's a pretty strong argument (think about it) that Chris Chelios is the greatest American hockey player of all time<<<

Brett Hull had a not to shabby NHL career.He has to be right up there in votes.I would pick him over Chelios.
Ok , that's it for me. Off to sandman land.Hope USA and Canada play each other in the final game.Great to see hockey being played again eh guys..

moneyp · August-31st-2004, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Brett Hull had a not to shabby NHL career.He has to be right up there in votes.I would pick him over Chelios.

Yeah, but he was actually born in Canada. He plays with Team USA because he has dual-citizenship and was left off of Team Canada way back when, so he holds a grudge. Of players actually born in the States, Cheli's only contenders are (in my opinion):

Tom Barrasso
John Vanbiesbrouck
Brian Leetch
Joe Mullen
Jeremy Roenick
Mike Modano

I think they all rate significantly below Chelios.

Enforcer · September-1st-2004, 08:54 AM

Brutal first period for the US, but they found their skates in the second and third. Esche was ridiculous! But as much more spectacular as some of his saves were, there was Marty Brodeur once again, doing what he does best, just doing what it takes to win the game. Motherf**ker is one of the all time greats already, no question about it. He had a few highlight moments, too.

Team USA really misses the rest of their Red Wings defense unit. Schneider's ability to move the puck and shoot from the point would be nice on the power play, and Hatcher's size and strength would also be huge.

Still, the US looked much better than I expected. They have a shot at winning it, no doubt.

Mario dropping the gloves? Old time hockey, eh?

Enforcer · September-1st-2004, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mone peterson

Funny to see Lemieux try to throw down with Konowalchuk.

There's a little bit of history with those two, I think Mario took the opportunity and pounced.

Slurpy · September-1st-2004, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Nagel

Brutal first period for the US, but they found their skates in the second and third. Esche was ridiculous!

Yeah, that 1st period was ridiculous. Scoring chances 14 - 0 for Canada. We
looked like some AHL team out there. Esche definately saved our arses. But you have to give Canada credit too. They came out on fire. Could have easily been down 3 or 4 to zip. Finally, we got it going more in the 2nd and 3rd periods but I think the 2 -1 final is still a bit deceptive.

You're right tho, Don. Great to see hockey again! Tonight, Canada v Slovakia (who we have to play Friday). Slovakia is my dark horse of the tournament.

Enforcer · September-1st-2004, 09:49 AM

The game should have been 4-1 if not for Esche's heroics.

But above all else, this is North American style hockey, the kind I love. This is exactly why the nerds who preach the pussy International style game can eat my ass. Smaller rink = no place to hide. This was a good physical game, with plenty of hits, checks and animosity. And that's the way I like it.

Bring it.

Feeling the blood flowing again,
Larry

Slurpy · September-1st-2004, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Nagel

The game should have been 4-1 if not for Esche's heroics.

But above all else, this is North American style hockey, the kind I love. This is exactly why the nerds who preach the pussy International style game can eat my ass. Smaller rink = no place to hide. This was a good physical game, with plenty of hits, checks and animosity. And that's the way I like it.

Bring it.

Feeling the blood flowing again,
Larry

Hey....I'm not gonna argue with you. Especially with that avatar of yours.

Slurpy · September-1st-2004, 04:28 PM

Wow....Sweden gets out to a 4 - 0 lead after 2 periods and holds on against the Czechs: Final 4 - 3. I saw the 1st period on a lunch break. Freddy Modin's goal cracked me up. He's gotta be stoked over that contract he just signed with the Bolts. Then Forsberg made a great "drag the puck around the defenseman" move and wristed one off the post....threw his arms up, thought he'd scored. Sweden big on the power play, 3-5.....all in the 2nd period. I tried copying and pasting from the wch2004 site but it's a mess......

Enforcer · September-1st-2004, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slurpy

Then Forsberg made a great "drag the puck around the defenseman" move

Nobody makes that play happen like Floppa. He's so f**king strong with the puck, so relentless, and still manages to do something of amazing finesse and beauty. It's when he doesn't have the puck that he suddenly becomes a featherweight and flies through the air at the slightest incidental contact.

Sweden will be a threat throughout this thing. Is Forsberg still playing on a line with Zetterberg? I was surprised to hear they paired those two.

Slurpy · September-1st-2004, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Nagel

Nobody makes that play happen like Floppa. He's so f**king strong with the puck, so relentless, and still manages to do something of amazing finesse and beauty. It's when he doesn't have the puck that he suddenly becomes a featherweight and flies through the air at the slightest incidental contact.

Sweden will be a threat throughout this thing. Is Forsberg still playing on a line with Zetterberg? I was surprised to hear they paired those two.

LOL about Forsberg. Yeah, true. Yep, Forberg with Zetterberg and I believe Naslund.

Canuck Don · September-1st-2004, 05:07 PM

Just listening to the sports on tv and the sweaters came up.They said the players are even complaining about it. Last night when they first came on the ice I could not believe it.Maybe the dope who wanted it was the same guy who picked the colours for The old Vancouver Canuck team.Those horrible gold with the Black V down the front that looked like softball sweaters.Got to go cut the grass before 7:00 faceoff.

Enforcer · September-1st-2004, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canuck Don

Just listening to the sports on tv and the sweaters came up.They said the players are even complaining about it. Last night when they first came on the ice I could not believe it.Maybe the dope who wanted it was the same guy who picked the colours for The old Vancouver Canuck team.Those horrible gold with the Black V down the front that looked like softball sweaters.Got to go cut the grass before 7:00 faceoff.

I'm dying here, Don. Hilarious about the Canucks old sweaters. Maybe it has something to do with Pat Quinn? He was the coach back then, right? Mustard looks much better on hot dogs than on jerseys. Nashville Predator fans, take note.

Larry

patricia · September-1st-2004, 06:09 PM

Don and Larry,
Although I was, of course, tickled that the Canadian team came out ahead of the U.S. team, [heh heh] whoever picked those horrible sweaters for Canada should be taken out and shot, or better, put in the stocks in the town square and have over-ripe fruit flung at them.
Taxi-cab yellow and it's ugly companion red/orange are the two most difficult colours for anyone to wear. Lime green is the distant third.
What the hell was whoever it was thinking??

Canuck Don · September-1st-2004, 06:09 PM

Some changes for to-night.

Quinn announced that Scott Hannan of the San Jose Sharks would replace Jovanovski for Wed. night's game against Slovakia. That left 20-year-old Jay Bouwmeester as the only defenceman not to dress for the game.

Other changes had Detroit Red Wings veteran Kris Draper replacing left-winger Brenden Morrow and Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jose Theodore dressing in place of Roberto Luongo as backup to starter Martin Brodeur.

Larry,maybe I should change the colour of my waving flag below my name.
I'm pissed off at the sweaters.
Ok. grass cut , it's 6:07 now. I got about 45 min. in my pool then faceoff.Be back after the game.

Jazzzoline · September-1st-2004, 09:54 PM

The yellow sweaters of team Canada was for the memory of the 1920 team Canada who won the gold medal.

patricia · September-2nd-2004, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzzoline

The yellow sweaters of team Canada was for the memory of the 1920 team Canada who won the gold medal.

I know, Jazzoline, but they are still the single ugliest, hardest to look good in colour created.

BTW, tonight Canada/Slovakia - 5-1. YESSSSS!!!

Enforcer · September-2nd-2004, 08:51 AM

Nice game by Canada over Slovakia. This one wasn't even close. Teams are going to have to cope with the early rush that Canada applies to start these games. Playing in Montreal is like having home ice advantage, and they are taking great advantage of it.

US plays Russia tonight. Russia couldn't get many of their top players to sign up, but they can't be underestimated.

Slurpy · September-2nd-2004, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patricia

BTW, tonight Canada/Slovakia - 5-1. YESSSSS!!!

I saw it until it was 3 - 0 and then a few minutes into the 2nd period our cable was knocked out!!?

AAAHHHHHHHH!!

Canada is looking like the team to beat. Tonight, the US v Russia!

Enforcer · September-2nd-2004, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slurpy

Canada is looking like the team to beat.

That's what I've been saying, Slurpy!