World Cup Hockey!!!

[MulhorandSage]

Well, by every account I've read, Moore's injuries were never life threatening. Some have speculated that they were initially exagerated by Lacroix so the NHL would feel compelled to throw the book at Bert. The one good thing about this incident going to trial is that we should get an objective look at the facts.

Vicious as the incident was, a lifetime ban is a heck of a reaction. Should Matt Johnston receive a lifetime ban for trying to take off Matt Cooke's head earlier this year? Should Keith Tkuchuk for cross-checking someone in the throat (which has to be at least as dangerous as what Bert did to Moore)? Should Brian Marchment be kicked out the sport the next time he "accidentally" makes knee on knee contact (yet again)? Or do we reserve the lifetime ban only for those incidents that get played over and over on CNN and manage to strike the chorus of public outrage?

If the same zero tolerance/"never play" again standards were applied to another hot-tempered power forward who faced a similar suspension after an equally ugly incident - the attempt to remove Hal Laycoe's head with a stick in 1955 - Maurice Richard's career would have been cut short and a major hockey legend would have ended in an unnecessary disgrace.

IIRC, Todd has lost 21 games so far, one of the longest suspensions in hockey history. Given that Vancouver lost in Game 7 in overtime, it's arguable that he cost his team a good playoff run. And he lost a chance to represent his country. His personal losses for the incident are already running into seven figures. The incident's going to haunt him for the rest of his career. He's apologized without excuses. He's accepted the punishment. That should be enough.

 

[barsoomcore]

Jeez, we didn't get the bronze at Nagano, either, did we? Man, I've really blocked that out of my mind.

There was a great play in the Canada-Russia game today (I don't watch, as I said, NHL play so I don't know any of the players anymore) where a Russian player got stood up and sat down by a Canadian defenceman, tried to stand up and got SAT DOWN again very emphatically. It was frickin' beautiful.

And Martin had some great saves. And there were some big hits. And the Russians were scary a couple of times. And we won.

And the guy who sang the anthems -- what the heck was up with him? "I will impress you with the gravity of my near-sightedness." Or something.

 

[Storminator]

I flicked thru the channels and saw the hockey and thought, "what the heck is this?" Had to check twice to make sure I wasn't watching ESPN classic.


I love hockey, but I just can't bring myself to watch it when it's closing in on 80 deg (what is that? 27 C?) outside.

PS

 

[johnsemlak]

Grr US versus Russia tonight and I can't find when it's going to be one the tele here. I hope I can record it.

Anyone see the last match? What does the US need to improve on the 1-3 loss?

I flicked thru the channels and saw the hockey and thought, "what the heck is this?" Had to check twice to make sure I wasn't watching ESPN classic.


I love hockey, but I just can't bring myself to watch it when it's closing in on 80 deg (what is that? 27 C?) outside.

When else are you going to have it so that all the best players can participate? It's no different than teams playing in LA, Phoenix, or Florida at any time of the year.

 

[Iuz]

It's no different than teams playing in LA, Phoenix, or Florida at any time of the year.

I hate to upset anyone, but I have long felt the NHL should never have allowed teams in cities that never get snow.

 

[AIM-54]

I hate to upset anyone, but I have long felt the NHL should never have allowed teams in cities that never get snow.

Yes, it does make losing to such teams in the Stanley Cup that much more irritating. Rather like some upstart Yankee CFL franchise winning the Grey Cup.

But, to be fair, TB's done a hell of a job with their franchise over the last couple years, so props to them, they got it done.

As for the WC, I think the American players have to step up and play as a team. There's a lot of stars and a lot of guys that know what to do with the puck on the team, but it comes down to playing a solid team game on both ends of the ice...rather like what Russia did during their first meeting. A hot goaltender can only take you so far. I personally have doubts whether this team can pull it off.

But this is all speculation, as I haven't had the opportunity to watch any of the games.

 

[Teflon Billy]

Double post

 

[Teflon Billy]

I hate to upset anyone, but I have long felt the NHL should never have allowed teams in cities that never get snow.

On the whole, I agree with you. But god help me I love those Nashville Predators...unlike most expansion teams (who seem to opt to ply the trap) Nashville has chosen "run-and-gun" since heir inception.

The Ex-Canucks they have on the roster (Scott Walker and Cliff Ronning) are two of my favorite guys in the league.

Atlanta? Tampa? Take 'em.

But Nashville gets a bye

 

[Welverin]

Tonights's game of Canada vs. Russia will likely be the best round robin game in the N.A. pool.

I missed that one, stupid college football.

Anyone see the last match? What does the US need to improve on the 1-3 loss?

Just plain play harder, magically heal some of their missing defensemen, lose an average of five to ten years, make Brodeur an honorary American. Take your pick.

 

[Teflon Billy]

...make Brodeur an honorary American...

They already tried that with Brett Hull (the dirty sellout). Luckily it's working about as well as it deserves to (though he really came through for the USA in the last World Cup).

That said, I don't think Esche has been th US's problem. All of your other critiques are spot on though.