Vladifan 680 Report post Posted February 15, 2010 I will say that I don't get Americans (US) who aren't rooting for USA. I guess if a person immigrated to the US and your country of origin is in it, I can understand it. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, I just dont understand that thinking myself. I sense that you think it's disloyal for Americans not to root for the USA. Yes, in the 80's the USA beat the "hated" Russians and all Americans cheered and that made some sense because of the cold war. Thank God the world is shrinking and priorities have changed. In fact, I would guess most of us believe they must change if this planet is to survive. I feel no obligation whatsoever to root for a team just because they were all born here. In today's world, that would be like me rooting for only the Finns on the Wings' team. Nor do I feel obligated to root for the Canadians because talent or no, some of them have no redeeming social value in my eyes (and the same can be said for some of the American players). I'm rooting for the Russians because in the past, they brought me more joy than any other set of players; and they seem to have an ongoing work ethic like no other team. And.I.love.watching.them.play. And any fan who quits a team because their favorite player leaves or retires is not a team fan in my book. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown Red Wings 245 Report post Posted February 15, 2010 I sense that you think it's disloyal for Americans not to root for the USA. Yes, in the 80's the USA beat the "hated" Russians and all Americans cheered and that made some sense because of the cold war. Thank God the world is shrinking and priorities have changed. In fact, I would guess most of us believe they must change if this planet is to survive. I feel no obligation whatsoever to root for a team just because they were all born here. In today's world, that would be like me rooting for only the Finns on the Wings' team. Nor do I feel obligated to root for the Canadians because talent or no, some of them have no redeeming social value in my eyes (and the same can be said for some of the American players). I'm rooting for the Russians because in the past, they brought me more joy than any other set of players; and they seem to have an ongoing work ethic like no other team. And.I.love.watching.them.play. And any fan who quits a team because their favorite player leaves or retires is not a team fan in my book. That's not what I'm saying at all. I'm not trying to say that if you grew up in Tennessee and root for the Russians you're some kind of communist. Again, I wasn't saying anything was wrong with it. I don't root against any of the other teams, it has nothing to do with the "hated" Russians (though if I'd have been alive in 1980, I'd like have been rooting against them). I remember there being a big following of 1998 US women's national team when they made their gold medal run and beat Canada. People who didn't care about hockey were excited, and hockey fans who didn't care about women's hockey got on board if for no other reason than it was Team USA and we were US citizens. If you like Russia because of their playing style, that's great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vladifan 680 Report post Posted February 15, 2010 That's not what I'm saying at all. I'm not trying to say that if you grew up in Tennessee and root for the Russians you're some kind of communist. Again, I wasn't saying anything was wrong with it. I don't root against any of the other teams, it has nothing to do with the "hated" Russians (though if I'd have been alive in 1980, I'd like have been rooting against them). I remember there being a big following of 1998 US women's national team when they made their gold medal run and beat Canada. People who didn't care about hockey were excited, and hockey fans who didn't care about women's hockey got on board if for no other reason than it was Team USA and we were US citizens. If you like Russia because of their playing style, that's great. I think I understand where you're coming from and if I misinterpreted what you meant, I apologize. The best part of living here - and it's represented on this very thread - it doesn't matter where you're from or who your ancestors are you can root for who you want to without finger-pointing and judgment calls. It is beautiful to behold. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Probert#24 0 Report post Posted February 15, 2010 Yzerman executive director of the Canadian team will be THE hero of Canada if the team delivers the Gold for the first time ever on home turf. And im talking about bigger than anyone who ever played hockey. Also will be second guessed to death if Canada should fail. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Electrophile 3,554 Report post Posted February 15, 2010 I'd like to think that if Canada doesn't win the gold, people will understand that it wouldn't be Steve's fault, but who knows. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZataforCaptain 0 Report post Posted February 15, 2010 I'm rooting for any team with a Wing on it, but my first pick is Canada because of Yzerman. Second pick is Sweden. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted February 15, 2010 (edited) Update from frist real team sweden practice, the only absent players swedes are Kronwall and Hornqvist... I pray that his knee isn't ******* up again Edited February 15, 2010 by mindfly Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rivalred 630 Report post Posted February 15, 2010 I hope Kronwall does not play for Sweden, his knee needs to heal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lidstromboli Report post Posted February 15, 2010 I think I understand where you're coming from and if I misinterpreted what you meant, I apologize. The best part of living here - and it's represented on this very thread - it doesn't matter where you're from or who your ancestors are you can root for who you want to without finger-pointing and judgment calls. It is beautiful to behold. Commie! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted February 15, 2010 Update from Russia's frist practice.. first two lines look deadly, nice to see pavel on a scoring line too Kovalchuk - Malkin - Afinogenov Ovechkin - Datsyuk - Semin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zetts 236 Report post Posted February 15, 2010 (edited) Update from Russia's frist practice.. first two lines look deadly, nice to see pavel on a scoring line too Kovalchuk - Malkin - Afinogenov Ovechkin - Datsyuk - Semin I just drooled a little bit. I can't wait to see them in action. Although it is a little odd to see Afinogenov that high up in their depth. Still, he's got skills. This is going to be amazing to watch. Edited February 15, 2010 by Zetts Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted February 15, 2010 (edited) Update Kronwall's flight was just heavily delayed therefore he wasn't there in time, he has now landed and is on his way to the arena Edited February 15, 2010 by mindfly Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheDetroitRedWings 286 Report post Posted February 15, 2010 Yeah, I'd say Canada's dominant. They even have a lengthy history of success like the Wings. Success 1920 onwards: Canada 7G, 4S, 2B = 13 medals US 2G, 7S, 1B = 10 medals Finland 2S, 2B = 4 medals Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic: 1G, 4S, 5B = 10 medals Slovakia nothing Soviet Union/Russia 7G, 2S, 2B = 11 medals Sweden 2G, 2B, 2S = 6 medals And the fact that they tanked last time? Even more like the Wings. They had how many playoff collapses in early rounds? As far as players go, I guess it's up to you guys. Your hate for Crosby over your love for Yzerman. Personally, even if I wasn't Canadian, the whole Yzerman thing would overshadow some douchebag kid. Edit: Besides, the US has Brian Burke. And Patrick Kane. I think Canada's players have the class not to assault a taxi driver. I damn well better see that taxi driver in the crowd waving a Canadian flag during every US game. First off, going back to the 1920's is a little laughable to try to justify calling team Canada a "dominant team." But even going back that far the U.S is only 3 medals behind your dominant team? Doesn't seam to dominant to me. Like I said, Canada has great talent and all, but to compare them to the Red Wings who have won 4 championships in 13 years and have been arguably the most consistent successful team in the past 20 years is just not accurate. As for your Kane comments. Don't get me wrong, I definitely don't like Kane. But to call all of Canada's players classy is a complete joke. Sorry but when you have Chris Pronger on the team, the word "class" should not only be thrown out the window, but the window should be shut and locked afterwards. Pronger is the most classless player in the NHL. And that's not just the opinion of Red Wings fans. Pronger's own PEERS voted him as such. Like I said, If it wasn't for Crosby I wouldn't be rooting hardcore against the Canadians. I know Yzerman is a part of it. But it's not like he's playing. If Steve was on the ice, then I would be like, Sidney who? But my hate for Sid and Pronger is far too strong to root them on for gold. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zetts 236 Report post Posted February 15, 2010 First off, going back to the 1920's is a little laughable to try to justify calling team Canada a "dominant team." But even going back that far the U.S is only 3 medals behind your dominant team? Doesn't seam to dominant to me. Like I said, Canada has great talent and all, but to compare them to the Red Wings who have won 4 championships in 13 years and have been arguably the most consistent successful team in the past 20 years is just not accurate. As for your Kane comments. Don't get me wrong, I definitely don't like Kane. But to call all of Canada's players classy is a complete joke. Sorry but when you have Chris Pronger on the team, the word "class" should not only be thrown out the window, but the window should be shut and locked afterwards. Pronger is the most classless player in the NHL. And that's not just the opinion of Red Wings fans. Pronger's own PEERS voted him as such. Like I said, If it wasn't for Crosby I wouldn't be rooting hardcore against the Canadians. I know Yzerman is a part of it. But it's not like he's playing. If Steve was on the ice, then I would be like, Sidney who? But my hate for Sid and Pronger is far too strong to root them on for gold. That's fair enough, I understand why you don't like Canada. Everybody (obviously) doesn't have to. I just object to the people who sound ridiculously immature with certain posts about Canada. Seeing those is embarrassing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
titanium2 867 Report post Posted February 16, 2010 The Russian power play will be quite something to watch. Kovalchuk-Gonchar-Malkin as the top of the umbrella ?-Afinogenov? Ovechkin-Markov-Datsyuk Semin-? Who should be in those question marks? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dat's sick 1,002 Report post Posted February 16, 2010 The Russian power play will be quite something to watch. Kovalchuk-Gonchar-Malkin as the top of the umbrella ?-Afinogenov? Ovechkin-Markov-Datsyuk Semin-? Who should be in those question marks? Fedorov can be used as a shooter on the PP, and I'm guessing Morozov will get some PP time.. Anyone know if Nabokov is the designated starter for Russia? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted February 16, 2010 The Russian power play will be quite something to watch. Kovalchuk-Gonchar-Malkin as the top of the umbrella ?-Afinogenov? Ovechkin-Markov-Datsyuk Semin-? Who should be in those question marks? I'd put Radulov and Fedorov. But it'll probably be Aleksey Morozov and another KHLer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheDetroitRedWings 286 Report post Posted February 16, 2010 Fedorov can be used as a shooter on the PP, and I'm guessing Morozov will get some PP time.. Anyone know if Nabokov is the designated starter for Russia? Last I heard, Nabokov will be the starter for team Russia. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beepbeep 3 Report post Posted February 16, 2010 Uh...huh. Clearly my post is full of anger. /sarcasm I just find it sad. Your post really does look like a juvenile Blue's fan post. "HAHAH, DETROILET!!!111" You're coming unglued and the first game hasn't even been played.. CHILL OUT. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted February 16, 2010 Fedorov can be used as a shooter on the PP, and I'm guessing Morozov will get some PP time.. Anyone know if Nabokov is the designated starter for Russia? It's confirmed on Bjurman's blogg that they will play both goalies during the groupstage and then go with the hottest one in the quarterfinal until the end. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Finnish Wing 110 Report post Posted February 16, 2010 Russian PP units: Ovechkin-Datsyuk-Malkin Kovalchuk-Gonchar Zaripov-Zinoviev-Morozov Semin-Markov Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted February 16, 2010 Update from Team Canada's practice: Bergeron-Crosby-Nash Heatley-Thornton-Marleau Staal-Getzlaf-Perry Toews-Richards-Iginla Staal och Nash switched back and forth though... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted February 16, 2010 Good thread, I'm kinda still deciding but I've gotta go for Finland because afterall my favourite player is Filppula. Also somewhat supporting the Russians, so much talent plus Datsyuk of course. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted February 16, 2010 Russian PP units: Ovechkin-Datsyuk-Malkin Kovalchuk-Gonchar Zaripov-Zinoviev-Morozov Semin-Markov Are those confirmed or just what you would want to see? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Finnish Wing 110 Report post Posted February 16, 2010 Are those confirmed or just what you would want to see?What I think we'll see. If I got to choose I'd probably just put those Kozlov guys in there to improve our chances of winning them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
