Sidney Crosby and Team Canada back in action tonight
by FrankD on Feb 23, 2010 8:22 AM EST
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PrintCanada looks to bounce back from Sunday's 5-3 loss to U-S-A as they take on Germany tonight at 7:30. Roberto Luongo will get the start in net and hope to regain a little faith from a country that was obviously rattled after this past weekend's results. Sid will likely remain on the top line but I don't recall (read: can't find the tweet) that says who his linemates will be. I think I remember seeing Jarome Iginla listed as one, but don't quote me on that.
Germany is 0-3 so far in Olympic play and were shutout in the first two games; a 2-0 loss to Sweden and 5-0 loss to Finland. In their most recent game, Saturday against Belarus, they did manage to light the lamp three times but still lost 5-3.
I'll hardly ever go as far as to say this one is a lock for Canada but I think it's safe to say that the level of competition following Sunday's game will drop off dramatically.
Edit: I forgot to mention, if (or when) Canada defeats Germany, the next round will pin Canada vs. Russia in the first non-scrimmage Sid vs. Geno matchup. The US will play the winner of Switzerland vs. Belarus, a game you can catch today at 3:00 EST.
On a final note, I tossed up a story over at From the Rink with regards to commercials and content during the Olympics. Give it a read if you'd like and jump in and join (or start) the banter with a comment of your own.
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With Mike Babcock witnessing first hand how clutch Fleury can be in the playoffs, I wonder if he even thought about putting Fleury in? Fatty Brodeur has been going downhill since December, and Luongo pooped in his pants in the playoffs last year….you have to think it crossed Babcock’s mind.
That being said, you have to put Luongo in. If he put Fleury in, and Fleury pulled a ’04 WJCs, then Babcock would be crucified in the media.
During the debate yesterday I came to realize that Fleury’s been Canada’s #3 since the roster was announced. To insert him as a starter is going to create a panic amongst the media and fans (and perhaps players).
Canada doesn’t need to panic, they just need to settle in, score a few more goals and get a few more saves. They’re getting enough shots and holding their opponent to minimal chances, they just need to play a little better.
I think Luongo’s more than capable of delivering solid efforts. There’s no doubt Fleury could do it to, but again you can’t make that panic move and MAF hasn’t played in a while now, he’s not in the “play every other day groove” he’s used to, and with no margin for error, Canada can’t afford to have a “bad MAF” game against Russia. IMO Luongo gives them a better chance not to have a bad outing, and that’s really all they need.
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
I definitely agree. Just curious to whether or not it crossed Babcock’s mind. Unfortunately, there is only one person who knows for sure.
I have seen more and more people try to make a case for Fleury, but you just can’t do it. I think he is, at times, one of the three best goalies in the league. Unfortunately, he is also the most inconsistent goalie in the league. I take a lot of heat from my friends for saying it, but he is inconsistent (at least in the regular season).
Frankly I think Brodeur would’ve been good enough to beat Germany, but this isn’t so much a move to replace Brodeur as it is an effort to reaffirm faith from Canada in its team. I feel any of the Canadian goaltenders could’ve backstopped against Germany but this game isn’t just a matter of mowing over a weaker team. It is, despite what is obviously stacked in Canada’s favor, some sort of statement game. Canada needs to blow Germany away today and at least convince the country and themselves that they can bounce back and at least put up a good fight against Russia in the next round.
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As long as Canada beats Russia, that’s all that matters. The world was a better place when the United States hated Russia. A worthy enemy, better spy movies, etc.
A worthy enemy, better spy movies, etc.
Not sure many would agree with the “worthy” part. The USSR never had the infrastructure to compete with us on an economic basis. Reagan, Thatcher and John Paul II knew it. That is why they “lost” the cold war and the walls came down. China is the new 800lb. fictitious gorilla sitting in the room now. Not sure why we always need to have an opponent, but it will be interesting to see how it plays out over the next few decades.
The spy movies were definitely better.
I think by worthy he just meant the tension that was around for 40+ years. Infrastructure’s one thing, pointing nuclear missles around at each other is another!
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
I’m surprised they didn’t go back to Brodeur, being as he’s the greatest goalie (accomplishments wise) to ever play.
This would be like pulling MAF after he gave up 5 to Detroit in Game 5. Of course, there’s a world of difference between Luongo and Mathieu Garon, but still.
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
Anything less than gold and Babcock will be crushed by the media anyway. Hooks im pretty sure Canada is already panicing.
by genomachine-O on Feb 23, 2010 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
The media and fans are, but they shouldn’t be. Babcock and Yzerman won’t.
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 23, 2010 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
The latest line combination in practice for Crosby was Iginla and Staal. I agree with the comments on Fleury. I hope that he is the back-up tonight, but doubt he will be in net in the tournament at all. I hope he is absorbing everything he can for the remainder of our season and for future playoff games. I don’t have complete faith in Luongo since he has not shown great presence under pressure, but this is his building and the fans there love him. Canadians need to feel comfortable. I would not be comfortable with Brodeur at this point. His last month of play has been much like the 2 games at the Olympics; moments of brilliance but a lot of mediocrity in between. The team needs to have faith in what is behind them if they are to push for the goals they will need to win. Hopefully, knowing that their goalie is good and playing in his own rink will give them that confidence.
That’s whack the #1 seed has to play at 12 noon (local time). Brian Burke has been complaining about that too, so you gotta think it was assigned and they didn’t let the teams chose their slots.
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
yea that sucks. they were saying on the FAN today that the US Canada game had its highest US rating in Pittsburgh. I’d have to imagine it was a bigger hit on the east coast than west overall. So naturally they would schedule the game when 90% of the East Coast is working.
by genomachine-O on Feb 23, 2010 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
I’m just happy it’ll be on NBC so I can DVR it in high def and skip through the intermissions of JR/Milbury/whatever idiot babbling.
Not so stoked about avoiding webpages and twitter and facebook all afternoon to avoid potential spoilers. that’s agony.
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
I love the Crosby, Iginla, Staal line. They all played with energy and made things happen every time. Staal had some great hits. Crosby was all over and looked terrific. Iginla knew where to be.
Yeah, I think those two on a line compliment Crosby really well. Their both such physical guys, and both opened up some space for Sid. Plus they can both shoot and pass.
by packallday555 on Feb 24, 2010 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
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