Olympic ice hockey thread

They truly despise each other, think that's changed?

 

Yeah, the penalty on Canada in OT was pretty clear. The one on the U.S. was pretty nonexistent.

 

It was a weird situation, that's for sure. The way Cassie Campbell was talking on the Canadian broadcast, it sounded like Church resigned because he felt he was not the right man to lead the team, out of his league, whatever. There has been no real in depth reason given for why he stepped down. Basically platitudes. Tough spot for Dineen to come into as well, but he didn't hold back on making changes, even took the C off of Wickenheiser's jersey.

But hell of a game. Sucks that penalties had to come into the equation at the end. That slash was a brutal call and the cross check was a strange one as well, likely should have been a penalty shot or a trip. I think the slash was a makeup call with the ref wanting to take herself out of the equation after being forced to make the first penalty call on the Canadian. Was my first thought anyway. Doesn't make sense beyond that. But this is what happens when you start getting into makeup calls, shit spirals out of control. Just a bad job overall by the ref.

 

The officiating was terrible in their first meeting; same today. Very unfortunate.

Congratulations to Team Canada.

 

FYI the Canadian Olympic Womens Team played a partial schedule in the AMHL, (Alberta AAA Midget Hockey League) a very competitive hockey loop that's produced many NHLers. Their record of 3-11-4 39GF 57GA projected over the existing season would have them just being nosed out of a playoff spot. I believe most of their games were played in Oct. and Nov. I attend many Midget games in Calgary and it's damn good hockey.

 

Actually, I think there is, too. When you get up two, there's a tendency to not be as aggressive offensively. Then if the trailing team scores, they get a jolt of momentum because they're suddenly right back in the game, while the leading team starts thinking "uh-oh" and tightens up.

 

In the last five years, I have seen two goal leads blown in the final minutes of 1. NCAA tournament final BU vs. Miami, Ohio. 2. Seventh game of a Stanley Cup playoffs (Bruins-Maple Leafs) and 3. Today. That's enough to convince me that statement is more than an old trainer's tale.

 

Think I saw a television scroll this morning indicating a torn MCL and meniscus damage. Awful news for the Islanders, obviously. A few more of these injuries and the NHLers are definitely not going to South Korea.

 

As a Steven Stamkos fantasy owner (I know, I know, no one cares...) I was quite glad he didn't make the trip to Russia.

 

Aunt Bea coming down in 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... but, yeah.

 

Yeah, screw glory, fun and patriotism. This is some rich shit's investment in the NHL we're talking about. THAT's what's sacred in sports. Hockey players get hurt all the time. It's a dangerous game. Is it better if Tavares had blown out his knee in Winnipeg instead of Sochi?

 

There something still to be said for sportsmanship.