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 Displaying 1-25 of 58 messages in this thread. |
| Posted By | Discussion Topic: Olympic Hockey Analysis/Predictions | ||||
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| Francine Banger | posted on 02-14-2002 @ 12:35 PM |    | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Dec. 00  | 2002 OLYMPIC HOCKEY PREVIEW GROUP C TEAM CANADA Canada puts out another great team, and once again this is the most talented team competing in International Competition, but especially in the sport of Hockey, the most talented team does not always win. It is better to have a great goaltender to have a great team. You need your goaltender to be your best player, just like the way Dominik Hasek did to win the Czech Republic the gold in 98. Canada will go with the tandem of Curtis Joseph and Martin Brodeur in goal, both are certainly capable of being that dominant goaltender, but neither are the best goaltender in Salt Lake City in these games. Expect Curtis Joseph to get the oppurtunity to be the #1 goaltender, considering his coach with the MapleLeafs, Pat Quinn is the Team Canada Head Coach. Canada is loaded with talent. GM Wayne Gretzky did a good job putting together this team with the exception of the omission of Boston's Joe Thornton. Thornton would have been a better choice than either Ryan Smyth or Simon Gagne, but regardless this team is good. Team Chemistry is important, and is going to be a factor in these games, considering that there is only 1 day for these teams to get together and learn everything. Expect Brendan Shanahan and Steve Yzerman to play on a line together, as well as Theo Fleury playing with Eric Lindros. A line of Paul Kariya, Mario Lemiuex, and Joe Sakic will be as good as any. Michael Peca will be a key player as the best defensive forward the team has, and the Blue Line is solid with Chris Pronger, Al Macinis, and Rob Blake. To win the Gold Canada will need these players to play big, and will need contributions from the other guys playing on the 3rd and 4th lines, guys like Joe Nieuwendyk, Owen Nolan, and Jarome Iginla. Canada is the team to beat, but in this Tournament its far from a given that Canada will walk away with the gold. TEAM SWEDEN Sweden took a big hit with the absence of Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund, but they will still be a tough team. Tommy Salo in goal will be the key. He must be on top of his game for Sweden to compete, without a good performance from Tommy Salo, Sweden is not talented enough to compete with the upper echelon teams. If Salo struggles, you could see Johan Hedberg replace him, but either way, if Sweden is going to compete for a medal, they need Goaltending. Mats Sundin is the leader on offense and they need him to be on a scoring rampage. Sweden doesnt really have a big scoring punch, and will definetly have to rely on defense and goaltending to win. The defense for Sweden consists of Nicklas Lidstrom, Fredrik Olausson, Mattias Norstrom, Kenny Jonsson, Kim Johnsson, Marcus Ragnarson, and Mattias Ohlund. These guys are going to have to keep the puck out of the net because Sweden's offense doesnt compare with the top teams. Other guys beside Sundin that can be a factor on offense include Daniel Alfredson, Mikael Renberg, and Michael Nylander. TEAM CZECH REPUBLIC The defending Champs are back and once again are going to be a difficult out. If Dominik Hasek plays like the way he did in 98, then they have an excellent shot at repeating. Anytime you have the greatest goaltender in the world in Hasek, and the greatest player in the world in Jaromir Jagr, then you have an excellent shot. Czech Republic has to put up now with being the team to beat and the team that teams are gunning for. They snuck up on people last time, they will not be able to do that this time. A key tandem on offense for the Czech Republic is going to be Patrik Elias and Peter Sykora playing together. They formed one of the best lines in the league in New Jersey, and they should be together here for the Czechs. The Czechs arent as deep as other teams, but their front line players will make them one of the favorites. If they get some scoring out of forwards like Robert Lang, Radek Dvorak, Milan Hejduk, and Robert Reichel, then this team will be tough to beat. The defense is a little shaky, but will be bailed out at times by Hasek. Key defensemen include Martin Skoula, Tomas Kaberle, and Roman Hamrlik. TEAM GERMANY They did a good job of getting through the preliminary round and upsetting their way through, but now it will get really difficult for them. Marco Sturm of San Jose is their only NHL player which will make this an impossible task for Germany. The key for Germany is to stay competitive and hope that they can upset a team or two, which will be highly unlikely. GROUP D TEAM USA I like this American Team. There chances are very good, especially playing in front of the Hometown Crowd in Utah. But once again, it all comes down to goaltending, and the hopes of a Gold Medal for the USA rely on Mike Richter. Mike Richter is certainly capable of being a dominant goaltender and if he does, then the USA has a chance to win this thing. It has to be Richter though, because Mike Dunham or Tom Barasso are not leading the US to the gold. The US may have the best list of Forwards in this tournament. With guys like Jeremy Roenick, John LeClair, Keith Tkachuk, Mike Modano, Doug Weight, Tony Amonte, Bill Guerin, and Brett Hull, this team should score alot of goals. I would say the crop of forwards for the USA tops Canada's forwards, but the US is lacking a bit on defense. The US have some good offensive defensemen like Brian Leetch, Brian Rafalski, and Phil Housley, but they dont have enough guys like Chris Chelios on defense to make this team tough. The US needs to rebound from their embarassing performance in Nagano on and off the ice, and they have an excellent shot here. TEAM RUSSIA Another team that is going to be very difficult to deal with. Nikolai Khabibulin has been the best goalie in the NHL this year, but the numbers are misleading because he plays on one of the worst teams in the NHL, in the Tampa Bay Lightning. Russia has alot of talent. Guys like Alexei Yashin, Alexei Kovalev, Sergei Fedorov, Sergei Samsonov, Pavel Bure, and Valeri Bure. The absence of Alexander Mogilny could hurt, but there is more than enough goal scoring to go around. Darius Kasparaitis could be a huge key on defense. He is the most antagonizing player in the league, and he can grow to frustrate the other teams key players in this competition. Sergei Gonchar has been the best offensive defensemen in the league this year, and young forward Ilya Kovalchuck of Atlanta is one of the hottest players in the league right now. Russia is going to be a tough out, there defense is going to be the key to them coming out with a gold medal. TEAM FINLAND Its going to be tough for Finland without a formidale goaltender. Jani Hurme and Jussi Markannen are both backup goaltenders in the NHL, and in this tournament without a top notch goaltender, no less a starting goalie, Finland's chances are slim. Teemu Selanne is their top star on offense, and he is supported by guys like Sammi Kappanen and Jeri Lehtinen. Finland is a notch better than the qualifying teams, but are not in the same league as upper echelon teams in this tournament. TEAM BELARUS Similar to Germany, this qualifying team is going to have a tough time of things, they did their best work getting to this point, but they are going to be overmatched against NHL Superstars, without an NHL guy on their roster. PREDICTIONS GROUP C 1. Czech Republic 3-0 2. Canada 2-1 3. Sweden 1-2 4. Germany 0-3 GROUP D 1. USA 2-0-1 2. Russia 2-0-1 3. Finland 1-2 4. Belarus 0-3 QUARTERFINALS Czech Republic over Belarus Russia over Sweden Canada over Finland USA over Germany SEMI-FINALS Canada over USA Russia over Czech Republic BRONZE MEDAL GAME USA over Czech Republic GOLD MEDAL GAME Canada over Russia GOLD- Canada SILVER- Russia BRONZE- USA  | ||||
| TeenWeek what's a status? | posted on 02-14-2002 @ 2:53 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Oct. 00 | what he said.  | ||||
| Drunken GW I Pissed on a Church to get this Status. | posted on 02-14-2002 @ 2:55 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Dec. 00 | I'll take the USA Women's Hockey Team....any night, against any team. Quote of the Dayssssss - "Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." - E Hemmingway  | ||||
| IrishAlkey Chucky Official OA.com Homo CUNT ROCKETTE Look who's laughing now, fuckers!!! Is It In Yet? JYD-4-LIFE [Sarcasm]Subzero316 fan since day one!!1!![/Sarcasm] "my mod powers are on temporary hiatus" This status is sponsored by: P®oJë©T M@¥hέm | posted on 02-14-2002 @ 4:46 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Veteran Registered: Aug. 01 | I'm not a hockey fan but, I'd like to give Banger some props for putting that together for anybody who cares. | ||||
| IrishAlkey Chucky Official OA.com Homo CUNT ROCKETTE Look who's laughing now, fuckers!!! Is It In Yet? JYD-4-LIFE [Sarcasm]Subzero316 fan since day one!!1!![/Sarcasm] "my mod powers are on temporary hiatus" This status is sponsored by: P®oJë©T M@¥hέm | posted on 02-14-2002 @ 4:46 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Veteran Registered: Aug. 01 | See, I said it twice. This message was edited by IrishAlkey on 2-14-02 @ 5:43 PM | ||||
| RomanHamrlik | posted on 02-14-2002 @ 6:26 PM | | |||
| Hanger-On Registered: Jan. 02 | Very nice analysis, although I really think Olympic Hockey is a joke with all this crap about the NHL loaning players, but only some players on some days, and the preliminary rounds, and all this other shit that made sure that this Olympic sport looks more like an f'd up NHL all star game. | ||||
| Nana's Precious | posted on 02-15-2002 @ 8:48 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Sep. 00 | thanks for the thread and info francine. don't know if anyone just saw the Swedes take it to Canada. never thought the big ice surface would make that much of a difference but Sweden really schooled the Canucks with long passes. I guess not having a red-line doesn't hurt either condsidering they can get away with what would otherwise be called a two line pass in a NHL game. that torpedo offense is something else I was surprised to see, sending two forecheckers flying into the offensive zone behind the "d" was pretty amazing to watch..... 09-11-01 Never Forget, Never Forget Bring back the Bitch...... Give blood, play hockey. | ||||
| Francine Banger | posted on 02-15-2002 @ 8:55 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Dec. 00 | Sweden just played a flawless 2nd period and flew past Canada. Canada outplayed them in the 1st and 3rd Periods, but Tommy Salo definetly outplayed Curtis Joseph. Im not happy about this from a US standpoint, because theres a good chance that Canada could end up 3rd in Pool C. And if the US dont beat out Russia for #1 in Pool D, and finish #2. They will play Canada in the Quarterfinals. Dunham is in goal tonight against Finland, he better not mess things up. | ||||
| mother shucker | posted on 02-15-2002 @ 11:11 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Nov. 00 | Too many words............. I shucked it, and I shucked it, and I shucked it, i'm quite the mother shucker! | ||||
| slackjaw The Cunt-Twat is my WORLD! The Great Pumpkin | posted on 02-16-2002 @ 10:15 AM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Oct. 00 | So much for your fears of the goalie situation FB. I was impressed,the US put in a solid effort against the defending Bronze Medalist. So much for the game it normally takes the Americans to get used to the big rink. They certainly adjusted much better than the Canadian team. If the US can continue to put in that kind of effort, they may do pretty well after all.  Eat shit and die :) AIM | ||||
| Spork | posted on 02-16-2002 @ 11:22 AM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Jun. 01 | Well, I think Curtis Joseph managed to play himself out of the number one spot. I know that Team Canada was *planning* to have Joseph play against Germany tomorrow and have Brodeur play against the Czechs after that, but I think plans should change now. It's very likely that Marty will be playing until he gets shelled now. And if he tanks against Germany (ie. lets in more than two goals) then I seriously think they'll put Belfour in against the Czechs. Canada definitely looked lost out there in that second period, and they're going to have a tougher time adapting than anyone imagined. And believe me, there will be some shit to pay in Canada if they continue playing that poorly! As for the U.S., I think everyone was somewhat surprised by how very well they adapted. That was the huge knock against them coming in, that they were the team least equipped to exploit the larger ice surface and the ability to go for the two-line pass (which as a religious NHL fan feels SO odd - I'm always waiting for a whistle on those two-line passes!). And now a goaltending controversy of its own looks like it could be brewing in the Team USA camp. Mr. Dunham looks like he'll definitely give Richter a run for his money. All things considered, these games technically don't mean very much, but it's good for Team USA to see their goalie shutout a decent Finland squad with some spectacular saves thrown in there, while Hasek lets in two goals to the GERMANS! I also wonder how the Swedes will stack up against the Czechs, that should be an interesting game to watch, to see if other teams have as much trouble with the "topedo" offense as Canada did. Still too early to tell too much from these first games, but perhaps we could see another Miracle on Ice?  Thank you to all the brave volunteers who brought us all together as a country, and thank you to those of you brave soldiers who will fight and have fought for our country. We are a free people because of your efforts. | ||||
| Tequila Fez claims this land in the name of Portugal! Why worry about the train if it never makes it around the tracks?? IrishAlkey wuz here!!! | posted on 02-17-2002 @ 11:47 AM | | |||
| O&A Board Veteran Registered: Jan. 01 | U.S. played a very good game against Russia. They got the tying goal with about 5 minutes left and out played the Russians in the 3rd period. They walked away with a tie that could have been a win if they played better shorthanded. 2 PP goals is the reason they lost.  AOL/AIM - oanda1027fm | ||||
| Francine Banger | posted on 02-17-2002 @ 2:18 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Dec. 00 | quote: They didnt lose, and this tie was just as good as a win, because the US has the tiebreak over Russia for the #1 seed, so the US are a Complete lock to be in the semis. Because they are going to destroy Belarus tomorrow, and then Germany in the Quarterfinals. And as far as Brodeur going in goal. Remember Pat Quinn is going to stay loyal to his guy Curtis Joseph, unless Brodeur totally outplays him. But I dont know what Canada was thinking having Pat Quinn Coach, I hate the guy and I love seeing him lose. | ||||
| Nana's Precious | posted on 02-17-2002 @ 2:34 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Sep. 00 | I thought the US vs. Russia game was pretty damn exciting. The Russians sure as hell can move the puck. Very fluid in there zone to zone offense, especially without the redline. As for Canada, Brodeur will get and keep the #1 spot, mark my words. Pat Quinn is loyal but he's not stupid. Cujo just looked like shit and he knows that his ass is on the line if Canada doesn't medal..... 09-11-01 Never Forget, Never Forget Bring back the Bitch...... Give blood, play hockey. | ||||
| Francine Banger | posted on 02-17-2002 @ 3:28 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Dec. 00 | quote: He may be loyal, but he is stupid. Why else was Curtis Joseph starting in the first place. If Brodeur is excellent he will go with Brodeur, but if they go into the medal round and neither Brodeur nor Joseph have stood out, he will go with Joseph. | ||||
| Tequila Fez claims this land in the name of Portugal! Why worry about the train if it never makes it around the tracks?? IrishAlkey wuz here!!! | posted on 02-17-2002 @ 4:59 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Veteran Registered: Jan. 01 | quote: I know that, I was thinking about something else when I posted it. I did say tie in the 1st sentence. AOL/AIM - oanda1027fm | ||||
| Nana's Precious | posted on 02-17-2002 @ 5:43 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Sep. 00 | quote: Quinn is an ego-maniac, he will not let loyalty cloud his perception of the way he will look if the Canadian team does not medal. Look for Brodeur to start and keep the job. 09-11-01 Never Forget, Never Forget | ||||
| Francine Banger | posted on 02-17-2002 @ 5:52 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Dec. 00 | quote: Your missing the point. If Brodeur plays great against the Czech Republic, he will more than likely play in the medal round, but if he doesnt, and its a toss up, Quinn will go with Joseph. you talk about loyalty. Well yeah thats exactly why. Quinn is going to be loyal to his guy. This is why Joseph got the nod in the first place against Sweden. | ||||
| Officer Joe Friday | posted on 02-17-2002 @ 11:09 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: May. 01 | Sweden is looking pretty tough, or actually Salo is. The Czechs outplayed them tonight and yet still lost. Very impressive. Canada is still looking suspect and better get their shit together against the Czechs tomorrow or else they could be looking at a quarterfinal against Russia and what could an early exit. It that case, it would be lynchings all around. The US needs Tkachuk to be healthy for the quarters since he is a vital part of that team. I don't know what Brooks is doing playing Barrasso against Belarus but we will see what happens. ------------------- But there's also this: there are over 5,000 men in this city, who know that being a policeman is an endless, glamourless, thankless job that's gotta be done. I know it, too, and I'm damn glad to be one of them." | ||||
| Francine Banger | posted on 02-17-2002 @ 11:18 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Dec. 00 | quote: Is he really? Well I could play goal for them and they should beat Belarus, so it shouldnt matter. | ||||
| mother shucker | posted on 02-18-2002 @ 10:05 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Nov. 00 | Did anyone catch the team Canada game today? How come crack-head-Theo did not do a chicken dance when he got cross checked by Hamrlik? I shucked it, and I shucked it, and I shucked it, i'm quite the mother shucker! | ||||
| rageparty 123...Not so bare anymore since I got a number underneath my name again I also have an imaginary girlfriend. | posted on 02-18-2002 @ 10:30 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Aug. 01 | Sweden & USA are both flying high, I'm still surprised Canada lost 5-2, with both of their goals being scored by defencmen, rather than their 4 lines of All-Stars. USA is playing great, I'm happy that they gave all 3 goalies a chance to start. It keeps them fresh and gives them experience. Based on what I have seen so far, I bet we'll probably see Sweden and out Team USA in the finals. | ||||
| Menino | posted on 02-18-2002 @ 11:24 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Sep. 00 | It really bugs watching the game and seeing all those stupid computers on every seat. Is this what hockey is coming too? will we be going to the garden one day and there will be computers so we can surf the web or look at replays while they're playing. whatever happened to just watching the game on the ice | ||||
| WhackBagKid TALK TO ME, GOMEZ. HE WHO IS #1. | posted on 02-18-2002 @ 11:40 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Sep. 00 | menino, that is called INTERNATIONAL PRESS, its for this little thing called the olympics I Will Be Your Dixie Chicken | ||||
| silent game | posted on 02-19-2002 @ 12:09 AM | | |||
| Hanger-On Registered: Aug. 01 | How does the tournament work from here on in. How many rounds will there be and what are the brachets? This message was edited by silent game on 2-19-02 @ 12:18 AM | ||||
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Displaying 1-25 of 58 messages in this thread. |