Ice hockey Sochi Olympics discussion

[PolishAmerican190]

I am hoping for the Jamaican team to get in as a wildcard and then take gold.

[xajapa]

the russian team is a mess, khl is a shitty league and most russian NHL players have way too much money to care. Geno hasn't been himself since his 2011 triumph imo, so even if he does recover from his latest injury streak I dont think he will be such a force. Russian defense is a mess, always been. And with Varlamov as the best goalie, I don't think Russia can do well, impossible.

and Ovechkin, well he is a good player when Backstrom is around, not sure whether he can be so great without him.

I hear you. Canada, though, does the same thing. they will trot out the same old, tired veterans as they always do, instead of going off the board and playing the hot hand. For example, will Kunitz make the team and actually play? If not, decisions like this will keep the Canadians from winning the gold.

[Acquisitor]

I hear you. Canada, though, does the same thing. they will trot out the same old, tired veterans as they always do, instead of going off the board and playing the hot hand. For example, will Kunitz make the team and actually play? If not, decisions like this will keep the Canadians from winning the gold.

the main difference between Can and Russia is that Russia will be forced to use at least a dozen of KHL players while Can will have its best NHL players.

I dont think that Kunitz would make that much of a difference though. It's plausible that Sid will demand his presence on the team though.

[Zmey Gorynych]

It will be Russia, Canada or Sweden. Putin will have the players asses if they don't win at home.

[Black Wolf]

[xajapa]

the main difference between Can and Russia is that Russia will be forced to use at least a dozen of KHL players while Can will have its best NHL players.

I dont think that Kunitz would make that much of a difference though. It's plausible that Sid will demand his presence on the team though.

The word is that Sid does want Kunitz on his wing. For the naysayers, I believe Kunitz has earned a position on his own merit. he has 20 goals and 39 points (more goals than Getzlaf, Sharp, St. Louis, Kessel, Ryan and Backes), and is currently 3rd in the NHL in power play goals. You can never have enough special teams play. Additionally, he plays with a controlled edge, taking few penalties, but makes some big hits.

[xajapa]

"O Canada..."

[Black Wolf]

"O Canada..."

My home and native land!

[Acquisitor]

The word is that Sid does want Kunitz on his wing. For the naysayers, I believe Kunitz has earned a position on his own merit. he has 20 goals and 39 points (more goals than Getzlaf, Sharp, St. Louis, Kessel, Ryan and Backes), and is currently 3rd in the NHL in power play goals. You can never have enough special teams play. Additionally, he plays with a controlled edge, taking few penalties, but makes some big hits.

for me the Pens currently are:

Sid
Kunitz
Geno (considering his injuries and a weaker than usual start of the season or he would be 2nd)
Neal

so naturally Kunitz deserves a place in the national team.

[xajapa]

My home and native land!

I love the Canadian national anthem. Every time my team (guess who) plays one of the Canadian teams I look forward to your anthem more than mine. I especially like the way in some Canadian cities the singer has the crowd sing part of the song. Even my wife (who is a huge hockey fan, so it creates no problems when I watch) will sing the Canadian national anthem before the games. If the Canadians win and Sid is the hero, like in 2010, I will have no problem with this.