Russia vs. Canada

[Marty Barry 230]

I have to give it to Russia. I may eat crow come game time, but I won't waiver on my opinion that Russia has more talent (and maybe pride). Your thoughts? Here's the opinion of a very well respected dude(at the end of the article).Iggy says...

[titanium2 867]

Thought you meant Iginla.

It's really hard for me to say who will win. I expect it to be tough for both teams but a lot of unexpected things have happened in these games.

Canada will be ready. I just hope Russia is. As good as Datsyuk is, he can't really cover Thornton, Crosby, Getzlaf and Toews all at once... Or can he?

[Marty Barry 230]

Thought you meant Iginla.

It's really hard for me to say who will win. I expect it to be tough for both teams but a lot of unexpected things have happened in these games.

Canada will be ready. I just hope Russia is. As good as Datsyuk is, he can't really cover Thornton, Crosby, Getzlaf and Toews all at once... Or can he?

Oh, yes he can!

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Most of us are pulling for Russia, but Canada will probably win.

Russia has the most skilled team by far that Canada has faced, but Canada has by far the most physical team Russia has played. I think the home ice advantage will be too much for Russia to handle, as will some well timed Canada powerplays late in the game.

With that said, Canada will lose their next game after this to whoever they play. They'll have to run out of gas eventually.

Here's to Crosby and Malkin fighting each other in this game.

[Vladifan 680]

I'm afraid the Canadians may be getting their s*** together and that is very bothersome, but I'm still rooting for Russia. Canada will come out physical and they won't let up and those "soft Euros" have GOT to be ready for that and take 'em on especially defensively. I'm also worried about the officiating because I saw too much stuff not called tonight on Canada. Obviously it didn't matter because of the score but it could tomorrow.

I still think Russia can beat them, and I hope they win even if it means we have to play them.

That was a great article by the way quoting two of my favorite Russki Five, so THANKS for that, Marty.

[Echolalia 2,961]

I don't even know where to start when making a prediction. I'd take Russia's top guys over Canada's any day of the week, but Canada has some serious depth.

[Vladifan 680]

Most of us are pulling for Russia, but Canada will probably win.

Russia has the most skilled team by far that Canada has faced, but Canada has by far the most physical team Russia has played. I think the home ice advantage will be too much for Russia to handle, as will some well timed Canada powerplays late in the game.

With that said, Canada will lose their next game after this to whoever they play. They'll have to run out of gas eventually.

Here's to Crosby and Malkin fighting each other in this game.

I know what I think you mean by this. And that is that Canada will flip, flop and dive when they think they can get away with it.

As for Crosby and Malkin, could we have another Mo, Shep and Curly thing and throw Pronger in too? I can see them all now, slapping each other upside their helmets and barking and shrieking at each other.

[titanium2 867]

Oh God... I can see the shady calls now. Crosby jumps and initiates contact but they call a penalty on Volchenkov? They get a PP and Russia's best shot blocking defenseman is in the box. How convenient.

[Marty Barry 230]

Did anybody see the last Russia game. It was like coach told EVERYBODY to play Ovechkin style. I don't see Canada being any more physical than Russia. The only thing I'm a little worried about is as you guys said- officiating. I worry a little that Buttman with his waivering on the next Olympics may have some pull with the IOC, i.e. officials. Jeez, I sound like Oliver Stone.

[marcaractac 3,963]

I can't make a prediction for this one at all. I'm obviously gonna root for Canada, and they definitely CAN win, but in a one game elimination anything can happen. All I know I just wanna see Canada get a second shot at the USA in the gold medal game. That'd be one for the ages.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Oh God... I can see the shady calls now. Crosby jumps and initiates contact but they call a penalty on Volchenkov? They get a PP and Russia's best shot blocking defenseman is in the box. How convenient.

How about a diving competition between Crosby and Malkin?

Now that would be something to see.

[Doc Holliday 1,888]

Notice how the Canadians are able to score at will against goaltenders who aren't really up to par with your standard NHL goaltender?

I would consider Nabby above that "average".

[Hutts11 3]

I have to go with Russia in this game. I think they are the more physical and definitely have a better offense. I believe the score will be close, but Russia will dominate most of the game.

And besides, I would like to see Pav bring home an Olympic medal.

[marcaractac 3,963]

I have to go with Russia in this game. I think they are the more physical and definitely have a better offense. I believe the score will be close, but Russia will dominate most of the game.

And besides, I would like to see Pav bring home an Olympic medal.

Not I! I'd rather see him bring home the Stanley Cup!! Save the gold for Babs and Stevie!!

[titanium2 867]

I would consider Nabby above that "average".

That's another thing that worries me about Russia. I'm not very confident in Nabokov.

[Original-Six 254]

I think people are underestimating Russia's physicality. They have started to step it up and Ovi has been steam rolling people left and right.

[VM1138 1,921]

Canada will have every single possible advantage thrown their way but I have to believe that good will overcome.

[esteef 2,679]

Nobody on Canada can cover Ovi. He will lead Russia to victoly!!!

esteef

[FunkedUp 29]

This game will be determined by goaltending. If the goalies are even, then it will be Canada's defense vs. Russia offense. Which ever team has the hungrier guys pulls off this one. I personally think Canada will win this one, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Russians take it.

Anyways, this will be a hell of a showdown. Did anyone honestly expect one of these teams ending up with NO medal???

[titanium2 867]

I have to believe that good will overcome.

Oh if only...

The Wings would have had a three-peat.

[Yzerfan1999 81]

I have to give it to Russia. I may eat crow come game time, but I won't waiver on my opinion that Russia has more talent (and maybe pride). Your thoughts? Here's the opinion of a very well respected dude(at the end of the article).Iggy says...

I think you are right about the pride thing. The Russians are taking this really really seriously, and they should. But more talent? No way. They have some scary snipers - but overall, when the Russians are carrying guys like Grebeshkov, Victor Kozlov, a 40 year old Sergei Fedorov, Tyutin, and Afinigenov, you can't say they have more talent overall than Canada. Those guys wouldn't make Canada's 3rd team. Except for Grebeshkov, these guys had a hard time finding jobs in the NHL this past season.

Nevertheless, it comes down to how they play as a team - like the US has shown.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

I think you are right about the pride thing. The Russians are taking this really really seriously, and they should. But more talent? No way. They have some scary snipers - but overall, when the Russians are carrying guys like Grebeshkov, Victor Kozlov, a 40 year old Sergei Fedorov, Tyutin, and Afinigenov, you can't say they have more talent overall than Canada. Those guys wouldn't make Canada's 3rd team. Except for Grebeshkov, these guys had a hard time finding jobs in the NHL this past season.

Nevertheless, it comes down to how they play as a team - like the US has shown.

A 40 year old Fedorov has 3pts in 3 games. That's hardly dead weight.

[Electrophile 3,554]

I hope Ovechkin lays a hit on Crosby so hard, Crosby's nuts finally descend.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

I hope Ovechkin lays a hit on Crosby so hard, Crosby's nuts finally descend.

I too want Ovi to dominate and Crosby to fail as hard as he did on a personal level in the finals. But I want Canada to win the game... I'm still a proud Canadian

[titanium2 867]

I hope Ovechkin lays a hit on Crosby so hard, Crosby's nuts finally descend.

That is, if he really has any.