Guest blueadams Report post Posted February 17, 2010 I know that most people have pegged our squad as the 4th best in this tournament, and assumed that we have no chance of beating the sweedes or russians, but let's take a closer look... Team USA: Forwards Zach Parise – Peter Stastny – Patrick Kane Ryan Malone – Joe Pavelski – Phil Kessel Dustin Brown – Ryan Kesler – Jamie Langenbrunner Bobby Ryan – David Backes – Ryan Callahan Chris Drury Defensemen Ryan Suter – Brian Rafalski Tim Gleason – Erik Johnson Jack Johnson – Brooks Orpik Ryan Whitney Starting Goaltender Ryan Miller Team Canada: Forwards Rick Nash—Sidney Crosby—Patrice Bergeron Eric Staal—Ryan Getzlaf—Corey Perry Patrick Marleau—Joe Thornton—Dany Heatley Brendan Morrow—Jonathan Toews—Jarome Iginla Mike Richards Defensemen Dan Boyle – Chris Pronger Duncan Keith – Keith Seabrook Shea Weber – Scott Niedermayer Drew Doughty Starting Goaltender Roberto Luongo or Martin Brodeur ...starting with the impossible, canada. forwards: their first line is better than ours. their second line is better than ours. their third line is better than ours. their fourth line is better than ours. defensemen: their first line is better than ours. their second line is better than ours. their third line is better than ours. goalie: their goalie is better than ours. bottom line - it'd take nothing short of a miracle for us to beat them. 1/10 odds. Team Russia Forwards Alexander Ovechkin – Pavel Datsyuk – Alexander Semin Ilya Kovalchuk – Evgeni Malkin – Maxim Afinogenov Viktor Kozlov – Sergei Fedorov – Alexander Radulov Danis Zaripov – Sergei Zinoviev – Alexei Morozov Defensemen Andrei Markov-Fedor Tyutin Denis Grebeshkov – Sergei Gonchar Anton Volchenkov-Konstantin Korneyev Dmitri Kalinin-Ilja Nikulin Starting Goaltender Evgeni Nabokov or Ilya Bryzgalov ...this is where it starts to get more interesting. forwards: their first line is better than ours. their second line is better than ours. their third line, however, isn't. and nor is their fourth line. defense: their first line isn't better than ours. their second line isn't better than ours. their third line isn't better than ours. goalie: their goalie isn't better than ours. bottom line - if we could find a way to shut down their top two lines (much easier said than done) we could have a real chance to grind out a win with our superior depth. we really do have a pretty solid all-around defensive team, and a goalie that's as good as any in the world. it's not completely impossible. 1/3 odds. Team Sweeden: Forwards Daniel Sedin–Henrik Sedin –Mattias Weinhandl Peter Forsberg –Henrik Zetterberg –Patrik Hörnqvist Loui Eriksson –Nicklas Bäckström –Daniel Alfredsson Johan Franzén –Samuel Påhlsson –Fredrik Modin Defensemen Mattias Öhlund –Tobias Enström Nicklas Lidström –Nicklas Kronwall Henrik Tallinder –Magnus Johansson Douglas Murray –Johnny Oduya Starting Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist ...this is where it gets even more interesting. forwards: their first line really isn't even better than ours. their second line has zetterberg, but really, again, not better than ours. their third line is better than ours. their fourth line has mule, but really, again, not better than ours. defense: their first line really isn't even better than ours. their second line is better than ours. their third line isn't really better than ours. goalie: their goalie isn't better than ours. they have better depth than the russians, but less high-end talent. they are actually pretty similar to us. it would take a perfectly played all-around game for us to win, but it's possible. odds 1/2. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FunkedUp 29 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 All it takes is a hot goalie to ruin someone's Olympics. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SweWings 45 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 Sweden isn't exactly heavily favoured against USA; definitely not as much as Canada or Russia. And they have Miller who could stand on his head for a game or two which really should be enough: semifinal and final. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zetts 236 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 (edited) Anything is possible since each "series" is one game. They could win gold. But there's no way to look at the rosters and justify the US beating either Canada or Russia on paper. Or Sweden for that matter. Don't forget, there's also the possibility that someone else takes care of Russia and Canada for the US. Anything is possible. Edit: I'd like to add that I think Russia's defense is grossly under-rated. They're not as weak as they're made out to be. Edited February 17, 2010 by Zetts Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest zackmorris Report post Posted February 17, 2010 (edited) It'll come down to a few things. 1-Chemistry 2-Goaltending 3-Luck I know that sounds like it sums up most hockey games but here it's so concentrated and condensed and all of those factors are important. Of all places, the Olympics are the last place to simply compare rosters. Sweden plays with such chemistry and unity they're always hard to beat. They've won more medals than I believe anyone else over the past 20, 30 years or so. And they've done it with barely any goalies worth mentioning. Russian forwards have such energy this year that it may not even matter who is on defense. That is a team that's hungry and bursting with character and confidence. Canada traditionally loads the team full of point stackers and doesn't win often, because they have no chemistry and are just a bunch of hot s*** egos. The US this game looked too cute in the offensive zone and their physical game won't outmatch many countries that aren't horrible. It could come down to which goaltender decides to just put up a 2 week wall. You also have to take into account, these are the first lines we're seeing for pairs that have never played together, and coaches who have never coached them. It didn't take Canada more than 5 minutes to start shuffling. Other teams will too, especially Sweden, who had ridiculous looking line combinations. My pick? Sweden. Their offense, if setup properly, is dominant enough to hang with almost anyone. The Sedins, Zetterberg, Franzen, Forsberg, Backstrom, Alfredsson, that's just stupidly good. Second best behind Russia to me. However that D is great too, and the goalie is nothing short of a wall on most nights in spite of the piss poor Rangers defense. Add in the chemistry factor, as they're all admittedly so familiar with eachother they don't even bother with initiation camp. They've also won before with more or less the same roster. They'll be hard to beat. I don't know how the brackets are set up so I might have some of this wrong but I think Sweden will send Finland packing, Canada will edge out the US 4-2 and Russia will beat out the Slovak's after they upset the Czech team. I also think this will be the upset of the tournament, with Slovakia having one of the best rosters they've had in quite awhile. I can't help but anticipate a Russia/Sweden final, unless that's not possible standings wise or something. Edited February 17, 2010 by zackmorris Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hak 21 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 Peter stastny? I really can't see usa win or even get to the finals. But then again anything is possible with this format. Miller is terrific and may get them a medal hmm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reds4Life 51 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 They can win it all, but it is highly unlikely. Pathetic coach, bad defense. Not even close to Canada/Russia/Sweden. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
toby91_ca 620 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 Canada traditionally loads the team full of point stackers and doesn't win often, because they have no chemistry and are just a bunch of hot s*** egos. Not sure why you think this, in my opinion, Canada, traditionally, does the opposite. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cusimano_brothers 1,655 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 Did they ever announce the name of a real head coach, or is still "Burkee's Buddy"? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Firehawk 305 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 The linup of USA does not scare me at all. Russia's lineup seems to scare me the most. There's nothing but pure setup guys and pure goal scorers on that team. If they find even 50% chemistry levels, they will be unbelievable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hank Dats 'N Homer 81 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 The linup of USA does not scare me at all. Russia's lineup seems to scare me the most. There's nothing but pure setup guys and pure goal scorers on that team. If they find even 50% chemistry levels, they will be unbelievable. Man i thought the same untill yesterday. USA looked pretty decent, although not overly powerful on offense. Our goaltending was great and we have 2 other goalies jst as good in reserves. Our D looked solid after the first period for the most part. As wings fans we all know that defense and goaltending wins championships. Theres always a chance PLUS I stayed up extra late to watch the Russia game and i was VERY dissapointed. Offense looked sloppy except for the goals that were scored, and Nabokov gave up 2 goals to a LATVIA team that didnt look very good offensively the entire game. I dont really see to much defense on the Russian squad and if Nabokov is ganna give up 2 goals to Latvia, than i dont see an over powering force in their net either. Canada, as much as it pains me to say it, looked the best in their first appearance. Had offense, defense, and goaltending all going at once. damn Canucks.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lidstromboli Report post Posted February 17, 2010 I would be surprised/glad if they even medaled. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hank Dats 'N Homer 81 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 I would be surprised/glad if they even medaled. I dont think its out of the question. I think they are the 3rd or 4th best team in the tourney. But one loss could kill ya. It all depends on how this young team responds to being under pressure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zettie85 106 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 They have a very good chance to medal. It really comes down to the way they play together and of course Miller. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 Don't be fooled by yesterday's game. Switzerland has Hiller in net, and he's not going to give up 8 goals or more like Norway or Latvia's goalies, who looked lost our there. He knows these shooters better and is a good goalie. That's why the U.S. had a tougher game than either Russia or Canada. With that said, I also think they'll be lucky to come away with even a Bronze Medal. USA hockey right now is behind the other top nations. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lidstromboli Report post Posted February 17, 2010 (edited) if Backes keeps playing like he did yesterday, I might be forced to like him Edited February 17, 2010 by Lidstromboli Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hank Dats 'N Homer 81 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 if Backes keeps playing like he did yesterday, I might be forced to like him haha, i know right? That end to end goal was nice Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wiszo1mt 7 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 who knows what comes out of it, I do think they can medal, they just have to step up to the occasion... its just 1 game and move forward... GO USA! Lets see if Backes' Canuck hunting in the 1st half of the season brings up the Americans morale Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David 2 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 I stayed up extra late to watch the Russia game and i was VERY dissapointed. Offense looked sloppy except for the goals that were scored, and Nabokov gave up 2 goals to a LATVIA team that didnt look very good offensively the entire game. I dont really see to much defense on the Russian squad and if Nabokov is ganna give up 2 goals to Latvia, than i dont see an over powering force in their net either. Sloppy except for their EIGHT goals Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theophany 110 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 After watching Russia and Canada yesterday, USA doesn't have a shot in hell in getting silver or gold. We'll have to see in a few hours how Sweden looks, but based on their lineup, they're gonna be pretty ridiculous as well. I could maybe see the USA getting a bronze in an upset over Sweden, but I strongly doubt that the USA has a chance at a gold or silver based on their lineup and how they played yesterday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest zackmorris Report post Posted February 17, 2010 Not sure why you think this, in my opinion, Canada, traditionally, does the opposite. I'm not talking about anything but the Olympics. With the world juniors and whatnot, Canada tends to win more. Canadian talent is always a little more ready to go at young ages. It's the way we bring up kids that makes them more physically prepared early. Foreign kids tend to put on bulk a little later and play a finesse game and aren't too ready at 17 or whatever. Also take into account the fact that often they're travelling to a place where they don't speak the language or go through a slight culture shock. It's never gonna be something they dominate in. It's why when they mature and bulk up they usually beat us int he Olympics. Canada looked the best but were also playing the Swiss. Latvia is alot better than the Swiss in everything but goaltending, and even that goalie wasn't bad. Some people just tend to lump the "no chance" teams together and consider them all equally bad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heroes of Hockeytown 694 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 After watching Russia and Canada yesterday, USA doesn't have a shot in hell in getting silver or gold. We'll have to see in a few hours how Sweden looks, but based on their lineup, they're gonna be pretty ridiculous as well. I could maybe see the USA getting a bronze in an upset over Sweden, but I strongly doubt that the USA has a chance at a gold or silver based on their lineup and how they played yesterday. Awfully strong proclamation to make after just one game. Certainly USA isn't as good as Canada or Russia (or Sweden even though they've yet to be seen), but also consider that Switzerland is better than Norway or Latvia. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
esteef 2,679 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 (edited) All the way! Games are won on the ice, not on paper! :patriot: esteef Edited February 17, 2010 by esteef Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crashnburnluder 385 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 Im also going for the anything can happen trend... Dont forget a team we arent even talking about which is Finland did take Silver last go around in a 3-2 game against Sweden. I gurentee looking at rosters last year nobody would have predicted Finland going that deep. Yes Nittymaki had a huge tournament for them, but just like playoffs goalies can steal games and this is no different. Anybody can win on anyday... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwame_Kilpatrick 0 Report post Posted February 17, 2010 i think we have a good team overall, we can win the gold if we get a lucky draw. its our best chance at a medal since 2002, everyone is young except rafalski mostly and kesler and johnson have a good mix of grit and skill. i think they will be the leaders Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
