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Who Will Hoist That Really Ugly Trophy In Two Weeks Time?
This poll is closed. |
| America |
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4 |
11.11% |
| Canada |
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23 |
63.89% |
| Russia |
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1 |
2.78% |
| Slovakia |
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1 |
2.78% |
| Czech Republic |
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2 |
5.56% |
| Sweden |
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2 |
5.56% |
| Finland |
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3 |
8.33% |
| Germany |
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0 |
0% |
| Bananastan |
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0 |
0% |
| Total: |
36 voters |
100% |
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Pekka
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em seu burro dos pais!
Feb 2002
time: 07:36
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Anyway I find it kind of weird how much we wouldn't mind losing to Canada. I mean, of course we want to win. But if we lose, Canada woudl be just about the only team we could still feel good about losing. I think it's because it's number 1 sport in Canada, just like in here, so we know how much they want it and appreciate it. I guess Canadians know how much we love hockey too and we would appreciate this too. The country would go ballistics, it would be torn up completely for victory because of the celebration. I guess it's that.. if we lose, we know we lost to a better team and they deserved to win it. If we win, it's even better, because we know what we just won and realize it. So, it's going to be a great game no matter what happens.
We're the underdogs, that suits us well. Our team can play with great confidence, because we can't lose anymore. They can enjoy themselves out there, and hopefully that carries into super performances of few individuals making great goals while keeping defense very tight and denying most attempts of Canada. Good thing is, our defense is good, it hasn't really made much mistakes. Still, only 1 goal has been scored against us in 5 on 5. So we need to stay out of the penalty box. Kipper should be on fire, so should be difficult to score against us. And that's why I hope for few individual successes, as I have the feeling scoring against Canada will be tough as hell, too. So far I have predicted us to win every game, but this time I won't make a prediction, because I really have no clue what's going to happen.
But because it worked out so far, I don't want to jinx it but say Finland wins.. 4-2. If Brodeur plays, we'll be in trouble, if Luongo plays, we'll win.
Also this is the best setup. Both teams have no L's on their record. So they both needs to be in the finals. Jetlag etc won't be a factor, we have had more than enough to get used to it. Let the beatings begin!!!!!
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Flubber
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With a view of the Rockies
Aug 2000
time: 22:36
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So now both Canada and Finland have efforts that were far from dominant. This shows that the other teams were pretty strong as well but in the end, two pre-tournament favorites made it through.
My assessment of Canada has been pretty consistent. They are the most talented team overall and should be favored to win. Their first four games did nothing to dispel that idea. The bad effort against the Czechs was a suprise and yet not a suprise-- I posted about 5 times concerning how worrisome that matchup was to me. I am just pleased Canada managed to survive the match.
The Finns-- I have thought them to be a contender from the beginning. The early games, particularly when they smoked the Czechs were impressive. Then when they blew a lead against Sweden, some of the old demons reappeared. An uninspired elimination game against the Germans had me doubting them. As for the game against the US, the Finns showed smarts and executed a good game plan but did not appear to be dominant.
As I posted at length before, Finland does not have much ( any ) history winning it all at this level. They have often fielded highly competitive teams that somehow manage to finish second. This team has talent and the clutch goaltending necessary to break this pattern but the question is " Will they"??
I think it will be a great final. Its actually win-win. Either Canada will assert itself as the dominant hockey power and I am "homer" enough to enjoy that result. OR Finland will finally make a historic breakthrough and assert itself as a hockey nation that isn't content merely to be "good".
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Tingkai
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To find the Northwest Passage
Aug 2001
time: 13:36
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quote:
Originally posted by Flubber
As fro Luongo . .. he was spectacular at times and the media has given him a glowing report. I'll admit that its tough to step into that situation and he acquitted himself reasonably well BUT, the Czechs third goal was a bit soft.
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Are you nuts? Did you actually watch the game? Luongo was incredible. Canada would have lost without him. He made a bunch of incredible saves.
As for the third goals, Opitmus is right. The D screwed up battling over the puck, leaving a guy in the open who fires off a screen shot.
And what a game! Just watch it. Great, great hockey. The Canadians fought hard, but the Czechs were equally incredible. Vokuon put up a great fight and made some great saves.
And what can you say about LeCavilier. How the hell did he get that goal. It was almost an impossible angle.
As for the final, the Finns haven't got a chance. The only team that could have beat Canada was the Czechs. Too bad this game wasn't the final. Now that would have made a classic.
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Tingkai
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To find the Northwest Passage
Aug 2001
time: 13:36
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quote:
Originally posted by Flubber
I seriously doubt Canada would have lost that game with Brodeur between the pipes either. Did you watch the other games? Three goals in 4 games on 100 shots. Now thats incredible.
On the 3rd goal, I agree the D backed in too far but the shot was one that many goalies stop all the time. Overall a very good performance but I still think you go with Brodeur if he is healthy. |
In some ways, Luongo is the better choice against the Czechs. He's used to stopping tonnes of shots in a game and still being able to stay focused.
A lot of Broduer's greatness comes from being able to stay focused through minutes of inactivity in his end, and then responding perfectly to stop that one scoring chance.
A lot of goalies can't stay focused while their team is dominating in the other end.
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12-09-2004 06:20
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