Shoot 'em out: Canada wins, Russia tripped by Slovakia
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 19, 2010 9:53 AM EST
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PrintDay 2 for hockey super-powers Canada and Russia saw some unexpected bumps in the road.
For host nation Canada, it came again in the form of Switzerland. The Swiss are becoming a real burr in the Canadian saddle, as they pulled the upset in 2006 Olympics and almost did it again in 2010. Early in the game Canada jumped up 2-0 on the strength of goals by Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau. The Swiss would chip away at them all game and would eventually tie the game. In a game filled with stars, it was Switzerland goalie Jonas Hillier who shined the brightest, stopping 44 of 46 shots. The game would be tied after 65 minutes and go to a shootout.
Later in the night for Russia, they experienced similar problems with Slovakia. Former Penguin player Aleksey Morozov scored in the second and Russia clung to a 1-0 lead for most of the game. However they'd be unable to convert of several PP chances that would have widened the lead. Former Penguin player Marian Hossa tied the game in the third period. Montreal goalie Jaraoslav Halak was brilliant for the Slovaks, stopping 35 of 36 shots he saw.
So both the super-powers had to go to the shootout. International rules say any player can shoot as many times as the coach wants after Round 3, and both Sidney Crosby (1 for 2 on the night) and Alexander Ovechkin (1 for 3) took multiple attempts. Canada's goalie Martin Brodeur was the most impressive player in the gimmick, he stopped all four shots the Swiss threw at him. Evgeni Malkin took a turn in the 7th round of the shootout, but couldn't convert. The game was ended when Pavol Demitra scored the next shot.
In the long-run this may not be anything more than a little speed bump for the two heavyweights, but the message is clear: when an inspired under-dog plays hard and gets a terrific effort in the net from their goalie, any team could be capable of taking another down. And, so long as you don't have money on the games or are a citizen of the upset country, that's the beauty of international hockey
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I have to say, it’s pretty great living in Canada, and watching the Crosby haters turn around and slurp all over Sidney.
by Hatt the Moople on Feb 19, 2010 10:31 AM EST reply actions
Ha, yeah I could imagine. Especially when he wins them the game
"I'm glad I got drafted first, because no one remembers number two." -- Alexandre Daigle
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 19, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
I agree, Hatt, though I think my wife has gotten a bit paranoid. Each time the crowd took up a chant that couldn’t quite be understood, she asked if they were saying “Crosby sucks”. I assured her that we wouldn’t have to put up with that at the Olympics….not enough Flyer or Caps fans were able to make the trip.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Feb 19, 2010 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Not to knock Ovechkin, but he’s not good at shootouts. His NHL percentage is terrible and I wouldn’t have used him 3 times. I wouldn’t have used Malkin either, if I was Russia, as he’s not much better.
That’s where I think Canada showed an edge: in coaching. Babcock knew the % of his players this season in the shootout and went right down the list. Then he let Crosby go again because he knew Sid had figured out what to do.
Russia seemed a little more “oh, let’s just throw this guy out…yeah that’ll work”. Obviously you have to play your hunches and put the puck on the stick of your most skill, but geez Canada’s execution seemed better.
"I'm glad I got drafted first, because no one remembers number two." -- Alexandre Daigle
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 19, 2010 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
Ovechkin whines...
…when he isn’t the center of attention; he probably threw a tantrum to get all of those shootout shots for himself. Regardless, he and the Russian coach got exactly what they deserved.
Crosby saves Canada, and Ovechkin chokes (again) along with Russia…same story, even on the international stage!
All things considered, though, Canada had better step up their game, because Sidney can’t carry the team alone. I will, however, be cheering against Crosby for the first time on Sunday…Go USA!
by Dixie's Football Pride on Feb 20, 2010 1:36 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Me too haha, it’s going to be weird. I’m not sure how I’m going to feel throughout the game. Maybe I’ll just hope for a Crosby hatty, with a score of USA 4-3. A guy can dream right?
by packallday555 on Feb 20, 2010 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I couldn’t believe it. I can’t tell you how many time I’ve seen highlights of Datsyuk’s shootout goals where the goal is on the ground while he is simply putting the puck into an essentially wide open net.
Ov is great and all but he isn’t good in shootouts. It’s hard to fault their coach for putting the puck in their best players hands but in that same respect it’s hard not too fault him for not letting what is by far his best shootout guy shoot more then once.
by packallday555 on Feb 19, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
Viktor Kozlov also very good at shootouts in the NHL, and I think Radulov was better than Ovechkin/Malkin.
"I'm glad I got drafted first, because no one remembers number two." -- Alexandre Daigle
Just kind of puzzling. You would think their coach would be more aware of that stuff.
by packallday555 on Feb 20, 2010 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
I get sick to my stomach every time I see Morozov play now. Just thinking of what he could have been, here in the burgh. Malkin and Morozov together…wow. He was one of my favorite players years back, and I love getting to see him play. No matter how much it hurts.
He would have been the perfect post-lockout player.
But like he says: he’s basically the top forward in the KHL, he has a family, he gets to stay in the comforts of his own language and culture and he the money is more than good. Not a bad way to make a living.
I still wish it could have been different too for Morozov in the NHL.
"I'm glad I got drafted first, because no one remembers number two." -- Alexandre Daigle
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 19, 2010 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
It is painful isn’t it. I would love to see Crosby and Malkin feeding him one-timers!
by packallday555 on Feb 19, 2010 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
Where is Wick with the swiss playing? He looked like a legit winger for any NHL team. Maybe it was the jump in his step from the olympics, but he looked like he has a TK type drive to his game.
He’s in the Swiss league….But he was an Ottawa draft pick and spent two years in North America, his fimiliarity to the rink size and physicality of the game shows.
"I'm glad I got drafted first, because no one remembers number two." -- Alexandre Daigle
I noticed Wick today as well. He definitely looks like he could be a good NHL player. I heard an anouncer say earlier today that the Flyers have rights to him.
by packallday555 on Feb 20, 2010 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
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