I won’t bother writing much as I think everyone was thrilled with the outcome of the game. The US made it close, but Canada showed enormous heart. I can’t imagine how low they felt during the 3rd intermission break after surrendering the tying goal with 20 some seconds to go. But like ALL Canadians, they showed perseverance and came through when it mattered.

Way to go Canada, way to go!

With only half an hour until puck drop, the excitement and anticipation is beginning to build already. Outside of Canada/Russia, this was the game that most Canadians wanted. Combine that with the fact that we lost in the first game to the American squad, this would act as a great redemption. The game should be watched my millions worldwide and I anticipate that the ratings will be better than NCAA Final Four, and World Series games.

It’s amazing to me that if we combined the American and Canadian rosters that we would probably only use a maximum of 4 American players on Team Canada. I would take Zach Parise, Patrick Kane, Ryan Miller, and possibly Ryan Malone. Of course one of the players I would choose happens to be playing the most important position…goalie. Team Canada outshot the Americans really bad in the last game, but Miller held them in tact. If Miller gets hot again, we could see the same thing. I believe if we play the exact same game and don’t let in soft goals that we will be fine and bring home the gold.

Prediction: Canada 4 USA 2

Go Canada Go!

Olympic Hockey at its best

Yesterday was one of the best days of hockey that I can remember is quite some time. Would I be signing a different tune had Canada lost to Russia? For sure. But fortunately, our Team Canada Mens Hockey team absolutely crushed the Russian squad from the opening face-off. I’m not sure about anyone else but as soon as Canada skated to a 3-0 lead, the game just felt over to me. Sure the Russians began showing signs of waking up, but it just looked like this was Canada’s night and that nothing could stop them. Ovechkin was held in check all night long and Canada finally got some bounces, especially for Corey Perry’s 2nd period goal!

One of the funny things is that I have not heard anyone complain about the roster selections anymore. All I heard all week was why did Canada chose Patrice Bergeron, why did Canada choose Brenden Morrow, etc. One thing I never like to do is second guess roster choices on a Canadian squad. Sure it may not work out, but it is very easy to criticize when things are going bad and to be quiet when things are good. The way I see it is that the Team Canada executive team (led by Steve Yzerman) know quite a bit more about hockey than I do behind my computer screen. I believe this last game against the Russians is all we need to catapult us to gold.

The other huge surprise to me was Team Sweden laying an egg in their game against Slovakia. Had Sweden defeated the Slovaks, I would not be as quick in my gold medal prediction. Don’t get me wrong, the Slovaks have some really good players and I don’t think it will be an easy game (they did beat Russia as well afterall), but I can’t see Roberto Luongo letting in 4 of 14 shots on net. Stranger things have happened, but I think this is a safe prediction!

Tonight though I will be cheering on our Team Canada womens team as they attempt to take the gold medal from the US squad. I will admit that I do not enjoy watching the early womens hockey games as they are so one sided, but tonight will be very different. Look for a very intense flavor of hockey. These two squads hate each other more than any other two squads I’ve seen.

My prediction: Canada 4 USA 3.

GO CANADA GO!

Always a highly rated affair, the Team Canada Men’s team will face their southern rivals tonight at 7:40 EST in a preliminary pool match up. Mike Richards who began the tournament as Team Canada’s 13th forward has been moved up to the top line with Sidney Crosby and Rick Nash. I find the move interesting as all I can picture is Crosby and Richards playing against each other in a Penguins/Flyers bout. This game is big game in terms of points. If cAnada can win the game in regulation or in a shoot-out (with goal differential), they will take over first place in Group A before the medal round begins. Look for the Team Canada forwards and defensemen put a lot of pressure on the Team USA defense and Ryan Miller tonight. Crosby has picked up a point in each game against Ryan Miller this season including a hat-trick in their last match up.

Similar to the Team Canada Juniors team beating Team Latvia 16-0, questions once again are being raised about the level of competition that exists in women’s hockey. My personal opinion is that the gap will eventually close similar to the Men’s game and that more games will be competitive. I always like to use USA basketball as a point of argument. I believe it was 1992 and the “dream team” obliterated every other team on their way to the Gold medal. Fast forward 10 years and there are numerous other countries that are remaining competitive with the mighty Dream Team. I hope the same will happen with Women’s hockey, otherwise the sport may soon be out of the Olympics.

Back to the game, Meghan Acosta and Jyna Hefford led the Canadian onslaught each contributing a hat trick. In fact, only Meaghan Mikkelson was held off the score sheet for Team Canada. Kim St. Pierre stopped all shots on the way to her 1st shutout of the tournament. Next up for the Canadians is againt Switzerland on February 15th.

Interesting Note: Team Slovakia qualified for the tournament by virtue of an 82-0 victory over Bulgaria. Imagine watching the 82-0 game!

USA Mens Roster

Similar to what Team Canada did in choosing their roster, Team USA has decided to pass over some of its regulars in favor of younger players to lead the team through the future. Gone are the likes of Mike Modano, Keith Tkachuk, Bill Guerin, Scott Gomez, and Doug Weight. In are guys like Ryan Malone, Bobby Ryan, and Jack Johnson. This years edition of Team USA only has 3 players with Olympic experience in Brian Rafalski, Chris Drury, and Jamie Langenbrunner. The biggest upgrade to the American roster in 2010 is in between the pipes. In previous years teams were used to getting a few soft goals against the likes of Robert Esche. This year with Ryan Miller more than likely being the starter the Americans can depend on solid goaltending throughout the tournament.

The 23 man USA Mens Roster includes:

Forwards

Defense

Goalies

For all of your USA Apparel needs, head on over to IceJerseys.com where you can find Team USA jerseys, hats, and shirts.

Team USA IIHF 2010 Swift Replica Navy Hockey Jersey		Team USA IIHF Pullover Hoodie		Team USA IIHF Tech Fabric Twill Swooshflex Cap

Finland Roster

Team Finland, who defeated Team Canada in the preliminary round on their way to a silver medal in the 2006 Olympics, will bring a mix of youth and veteran players to Vancouver. In 2006 Finland was largely successful because they played a team first game better than any other team in the tournament. At the 2010 Olympics they will have to do the same if they want to make the medal round again. I personally do not believe that the Finland Roster is strong enough, but only time will tell! With Kiprusoff and Backstrom in goal, they will always have a chance in any game. Up front, I don’t know where the Fins will get their goals from. The best offensive threat from 4 years ago, Teemu Selanne, has been hampered with injuries this season and is of course 4 years older than in 2006 (39 years old). Leadership should not be an issue with this squad with the likes of Saku Koivu, Mikko Koivu, and Olli Jokinen.

The 23 man Finland Roster includes:

Forwards

Defense

Goalies

For all of your Finland Apparel needs, head on over to IceJerseys.com where you can find Team Finland jerseys, hats, and shirts.

Team Finland IIHF 2010 Swift Replica Blue Hockey Jersey		Finland Patriotic Ringer T-Shirt		Team Finland IIHF Tech Fabric Twill Swooshflex Cap

Sweden Roster

Team Sweden, the defending Olympic Champions, bring a very experienced roster to Vancouver in hopes of a gold medal repeat. Thirteen of the twenty-three players from 2006 have been named to the Sweden Roster for the 2010 Olympics. Team Sweden brings a great wealth of intelligence and probably play the best 2-way game of any other Olympic hockey team. With players like Henrik Zetterberg, Daniel Alfredsson, and Samuel Palsson you have three of the best defensive forwards in the NHL. Sweden also has the luxury of having on of the best international goalies in Henrik Lundqvist who is used to playing in pressure packed games. Peter Forsberg is the biggest unknown on the squad. If he plays similar to the Forsberg of the early 2000’s, Sweden has a great chance at taking home the gold as when healthy Forsberg is one of the best all-around players in the world.

The 23 man Sweden Roster includes:

Forwards

Defense

Goalies

For all of your Sweden Apparel needs, head on over to IceJerseys.com where you can find Team Sweden jerseys, hats, and shirts.

Team Sweden IIHF 2010 Swift Replica Gold Hockey Jersey		Team Sweden IIHF Team Color Logo T-Shirt		Team Sweden IIHF Tech Fabric Twill Swooshflex Cap

Russia Roster

The general consensus by many hockey experts is that both Team Canada, and Team Russia are the favorites to win the gold medal in the 2010 Olympic games. It is very hard to disagree with these experts when you look at the Russia Roster assembled by coach Vyacheslav Bykov. If you like offense, then you will really enjoy watching Team Russia in this years Olympics. A first line power play unit of Ovechkin, Kovalchuk, Malkin, Gonchar, and Markov would make any goalie cringe. Therefore, in my opinion, the key to beating Team Russia is by staying out of the penalty box and hopefully blocking alot of shots to the net. Outside of Datsyuk, I am not entirely impressed with the defensive ability of the Russian forwards. I believe Russia will give up quite a few goals, but can other teams outscore them? Should be fun!

The 23 man Russia Roster includes:

Forwards

Defense

Goalies

For all of your Russian apparel needs, head on over to IceJerseys.com where you can find Team Russia jerseys, hats, and shirts.

Alexander Ovechkin Team Russia IIHF 2010 Swift Replica Red Hockey Jersey		Team Russia IIHF Team Color Logo T-Shirt		Team Russia IIHF Tech Fabric Twill Swooshflex Cap

Although the Olympic countdown was already started long ago, my personal countdown begins now. With only 2 weeks away until the Opening ceremonies, I am getting more and more excited by the day. Ski jumping (depending on weather) is the first sport to begin competition on February 12th. The first hockey action is on February 13th where the Team Canada Womens Hockey team will face Slovakia.

Please head over to the 2010 Olympic Games Tracker website for more Olympic information!