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Post by Doc Holliday on Dec 27, 2012 15:14:39 GMT -5
Nice goal by Gally for sure. A rocket! Cheers. I love the way he likes to hang on to the puck and keep his feet moving... He creates time and space... This kind of player creates havoc in an opponent's defense as he either can find the open men or use his laser of a wrister... You can't cheat on him. Reminds me of Kovalev actually. I think we have a really good one this time. Of course Germany is a sub-par team so it will be interesting to see what he'll do against Russia tomorrow. |
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Post by seventeen on Dec 28, 2012 2:38:58 GMT -5
While his goal was very accurate, it was his steal of the puck and the way he kept control of it at the blue line that I enjoyed. Also when he set up the American goal when the German dman blew a tire, you can see him look back at the developing play before he gets to the puck, so he knew what to do. Too many guys focus on the puck and then look up after they get to it. Too late in those cases. Lots of upside.
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Post by franko on Dec 28, 2012 7:12:27 GMT -5
well, this could be an ugly tournament. is it lack of discipline or are the boys overly-disciplined? I'm not sure.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 28, 2012 9:55:06 GMT -5
well, this could be an ugly tournament. is it lack of discipline or are the boys overly-disciplined? I'm not sure. Lipon got his arm up, Camara was clean albeit very crushing. I think we play a forward down against the US as both Jenner and Lipon should be watching from the stands. Collberg kept his goal scoring streak alive with another PP goal as the Swedes needed a shoot out to beat those pesky Swiss. Gally not getting a ton of shifts as the US took four minors that period. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 28, 2012 10:22:22 GMT -5
Gally gets an assist on Trouba's big blast on the PP to tie the game.
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Post by seventeen on Dec 29, 2012 3:01:11 GMT -5
I've rarely understood the US coaching/management team on how they pick and use players. The most skilled offensive player on their team is Galchenyuk. Yet he's not even on the first line. In fact, if ice time was measured and PP time eliminated, I suspect Alex is getting about the same amount of time as Tyler "Stone Hands" Biggs. You know, the guy who can hit the goalie's chest with his shot more consistently than anyone can imagine. Doesn't make sense, but that's good for Team Canada.
RNH sure has quick hands. That's twice in two games he's scored with really quick forehand to backhand moves, tucking the puck in the far corner.
Drouin is impressing me more and more. He has an incredibly high hockey IQ.
Tough calls on Team Canada for those misconducts. Lipon should perhaps have gotten 10 minutes, but not a major and a game. The guy he hit came back and scored, for gods sake. It couldn't have hurt him that much and it wasn't much of a forearm shiver either. Camara just got ripped on his hit. It was a good clean hit. Another European made of glass, who can't keep his head up.
'Dougie' Hamilton has yet to raise his game to the right level. I hope he does it soon as we'll need his ability. The other d-men are raising their games. Harrington was already way up there and Ouellette and Reinhart are improving fast. Nice to see Morgan Rielly get some points as his confidence needed a boost. He could be a force if his game keeps improving.
My biggest concern is still in goal. I keep hearing a phrase that I hate hearing and I normally translate it to mean the guy's play is mediocre. That phrase is, "You can't fault him on those goals". Yes I can. That's two games and 6 goals against. His save percentage sucks too. It's not just the shots beating him. He still has issues with rebounds. Even when he makes a great save, I'm still cringing, thinking the next one is going in. I really question Spott on that call, and on not playing McKinnon very much. With the suspensions, he had to play McKinnon more today and the kid looks better and better with each shift.
Along with more than a few, I don't like the cape thing either. Surely he could have come up with a better idea, like Sutter's construction hat. Next he'll have the winner wearing tights along with the cape.
I see that Harrington (as tough a player as you'd want), didn't don the cape. Way to go, Scott, you're terrific. (Canada's best dman so far).
Looking forward to playing the self proclaimed best team in the tourney, the US, next. Bring them on!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 29, 2012 10:46:53 GMT -5
So it is official. Lipon gets one game, so both he and Jenner will miss the game against the US. Guess it is a chance for other guys to eat up a bit more ice time. They are all up for it.
Collberg ended the game today with another goal and an assist against Latvia. That is 3+1 in his first three games. His first two goals were awesome one timers on the PP from almost the same place. I am trying to find a decent highlight clip from that Swiss game yesterday to show off that one timer. It was world class. The kid has a heavy shot. Too bad TSN is just focussing on Canada's pool right now, as those other games get very little exposure including very skimpy highlights. We will see Sweden in the playoffs soon enough, and those games will be televised.
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Post by Skilly on Dec 29, 2012 10:50:12 GMT -5
I'm more than a little ticked at TSN's WJC promo , where someone shoots the puck into the Canadian Flag. I sure hope one of our juniors didn't agree to do that.
You don't step on the flag, throw it on the ground, burn it, or shoot pucks at it ....
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 29, 2012 11:16:42 GMT -5
youtu.be/gr4gB20K6DwCollberg rings it off the post at about 1:00 and his one timer on the PP is at around 1:30. Sweden vs Switzerland from yesterday. Will try to track down today's game too.
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Post by seventeen on Dec 29, 2012 19:12:02 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 30, 2012 0:12:12 GMT -5
Nice work 17, finding those highlights. That goal is a snipe. His one timers and wrist shots are deadly. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 30, 2012 15:11:18 GMT -5
Well, hopefully folks have either watched the TSN replay or their PVR of the Team Canada game and know the result. Gally was quiet but did get an assist on Trouba's PP goal. He is now tied for third in tourney scoring with 5 points in 3 games. Sebastian Collberg is one point behind, with four points and tied for eighth in scoring. He is the co team lead in points and one more than Filip Forsberg, so he is quietly holding his own.
The Canada Russia game tomorrow will determine the first and second in their group. The US control their fate and can finish third and advance to the medal round with a win against Slovakia. However, the Slovaks have played all their games tough.
In the other group, Sweden is in the driver's seat but it is a logjam with The Czech Republic, Switzerland and Finland all within a point of each other with the top four teams all playing head to head tomorrow in critical games to determine which teams will advance.
Some great games tomorrow.
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Post by seventeen on Dec 31, 2012 1:47:08 GMT -5
Winnipeg got a good one in Trouba. Did you see him close the space on Drouin when Jonathan had that breakaway? If he doesn't get back that quickly, JD would have had a much better play on net, and quite likely have scored. 3-0 and it's Goodnight Irene. And he's big and a decent puck handler as well. Not much to dislike.
Speaking of Drouin, he turned one guy inside out at the icing line near the net. I've never seen a guy make quite that move to lose a checker. He's got the turning circle of a Fiat 500. There are so many good players available in the 2013 draft, and we have a lot of early choices! Love it!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 31, 2012 8:11:20 GMT -5
Winnipeg got a good one in Trouba. Did you see him close the space on Drouin when Jonathan had that breakaway? If he doesn't get back that quickly, JD would have had a much better play on net, and quite likely have scored. 3-0 and it's Goodnight Irene. And he's big and a decent puck handler as well. Not much to dislike. Speaking of Drouin, he turned one guy inside out at the icing line near the net. I've never seen a guy make quite that move to lose a checker. He's got the turning circle of a Fiat 500. There are so many good players available in the 2013 draft, and we have a lot of early choices! Love it! Drouin will be moved to the top line today against Russia, with Huberdeau moving alongside Strome. A little mix up to try and generate some more offence, but for sure the recognition of the skill, IQ and effort that Drouin has put up so far. I was pleasantly surprised when they selected him as a 17 year old over some of the older guys invited to camp. 2013 is a very good draft, the top five guys are all likely at this event and there are a few other gems that are draft eligible that are playing in Ufa as well. As for Trouba, that was an incredible recovery on that play. The guy is a stud. I saw a number of his games at last year's event where he was actually paired with Tinordi. You could see the potential. He is also very physical but has been holding back to stay out of the box. Lookout when he goes pro! |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 31, 2012 10:38:19 GMT -5
Gally had a goal and an assist today when his line did not play much nor have much chemistry. The US locks up their spot in the next round. They will play the Czechs next from what I gather.
Collberg had an assist today in their big win over the Finns. There goes his goal scoring streak! Sweden locks up top spot and get their expected bye to the semis. The regulation loss by the Finns mean they fall to the relegation round and are out of the running for medals. Rather shocking consisting how good they looked in the pre tourney games and given their solid lineup.
The Nuge just keeps getting points for Canada.
Edit: Although Gally has not had a dominant tournament, he does sit second in scoring with 7 points, only trailing RNH. Lots of debate on various boards about how Housley is using him and the "quality" of his line mates, but this is all part of his development and why tournaments like this are important.
Collberg sits tied for 6th with 5 points, and is the co leader on his team. By comparison, Yakupov has 4 points so far this tournament. We will finally see some Collberg on Thursday as TSN will be showing both semis that day. Gally will next see action against the Czech Republic on Wednesday in their quarter final match, with the winner to take on Canada.
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Post by GNick99 on Jan 2, 2013 4:51:28 GMT -5
Winnipeg got a good one in Trouba. Did you see him close the space on Drouin when Jonathan had that breakaway? If he doesn't get back that quickly, JD would have had a much better play on net, and quite likely have scored. 3-0 and it's Goodnight Irene. And he's big and a decent puck handler as well. Not much to dislike. Speaking of Drouin, he turned one guy inside out at the icing line near the net. I've never seen a guy make quite that move to lose a checker. He's got the turning circle of a Fiat 500. There are so many good players available in the 2013 draft, and we have a lot of early choices! Love it! Drouin will be moved to the top line today against Russia, with Huberdeau moving alongside Strome. A little mix up to try and generate some more offence, but for sure the recognition of the skill, IQ and effort that Drouin has put up so far. I was pleasantly surprised when they selected him as a 17 year old over some of the older guys invited to camp. 2013 is a very good draft, the top five guys are all likely at this event and there are a few other gems that are draft eligible that are playing in Ufa as well. As for Trouba, that was an incredible recovery on that play. The guy is a stud. I saw a number of his games at last year's event where he was actually paired with Tinordi. You could see the potential. He is also very physical but has been holding back to stay out of the box. Lookout when he goes pro! How would Trouba's play compare to Jack Johnson's WJC play of a few years back? |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 2, 2013 19:49:13 GMT -5
How would Trouba's play compare to Jack Johnson's WJC play of a few years back? It is always hard to compare different years and teams, but I would put him close to Erik Johnson in 2007 a bit more so than Jack Johnson in 2006. |
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Post by CentreHice on Jan 3, 2013 5:24:45 GMT -5
The Canadians looking like the Habs today so far. Some glorious chances...but absolutely no finish. Now it's 4-0 and time to remove Subban. Binnington is in. 4 GA on 16 shots. The first two were screened, but he should've had that 4th, or at least played it better. The d-zone coverage hasn't been good at all. Ferraro reminding us that "it's not over, as Canada was down 6-1 last year...and made it 6-5." Hey Ray....it's over.  Looks to me as if Canada thought the U.S. might be a little tired after playing yesterday...and weren't ready for an aggressive forward push. |
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Post by CentreHice on Jan 3, 2013 5:57:16 GMT -5
Canada hits the crossbar...and for some reason the whistle goes....and the rebound is put in. BUT, just as a ref can say he "intended to blow the whistle", it appears he can also say he didn't intend to.
The goal counts.
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Post by CentreHice on Jan 3, 2013 6:10:54 GMT -5
Canada PP halfway through the third. Gibson with 3 big stops. From what I've seen, he's been the best goalie in this tournament.
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Post by 24in93 on Jan 3, 2013 8:06:34 GMT -5
Canada iced one of its best teams in a few years and comes away with at best a bronze. Pretty disappointing. I worried about the Americans at the start of the tournament but Canada looked too strong to be challenged. Really surprised by this actually. How did Galchenyuk play?
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 3, 2013 8:49:48 GMT -5
Well, every now and then all your team warts get exposed all at once and you just can't fight past it. Unfortunately, this was one of those days.
So-so goaltending. Inconsistent defensive zone coverage/play. Lots of offence on paper that does not seem to always show up as advertised.
Too bad. Lots of heartbroken kids who went to Ufa to win the big medal.
Now I guess we Habs fans can hope for a Gally-Collberg final. Looks good so far! Can we draft Lindholm already.
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Post by Skilly on Jan 3, 2013 9:06:55 GMT -5
They say defense wins championships. This was the best defense ever assembled at a WJC. The goaltending on paper was suppose to be good, ... I still can't believe they went with Subban after the pre-tourney games.
With this roster, they should have played better.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 3, 2013 10:31:15 GMT -5
Watching Russia/Sweden right now. Excellent game with both teams competing hard. Into overtime right now and the Swedes are doing the Hab rope-a-dope in the early going ... anyway, Russia has the momentum after coming from behind 2-0.
OT shootout ... Colberg et le but!!! Sweden wins!
Saw a few highlights from the Canada/USA game. Saw Team Canada being outplayed and leaving Subban out to dry on two goals. However, when you let in four goals on 16 shots ... I'll give the Americans credit, though. They came into the game having scored 16 goals in their last two games.
Cheers.
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Post by 24in93 on Jan 3, 2013 10:35:20 GMT -5
Collberg scored the only goal in the shootout. Russia vs. Canada for the bronze, Galchenyuk vs. Collberg in the gold medal game.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 3, 2013 10:35:22 GMT -5
Note to the Swedish players ... that was the lamest rendition of a national anthem I've ever heard.
Cheers.
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Post by CentreHice on Jan 3, 2013 11:23:58 GMT -5
I still can't believe they went with Subban after the pre-tourney games. And yet, he seemed to have more than redeemed himself with his performances against the U.S. and Russia. The only goal I can fault him for today was the fourth. I'd have pulled him after the the first two goals, even though he was heavily screened on both. Two reasons: 1. It would've been a quicker wake-up call to the rest of the team, as the U.S. was completely dictating the play. 2. Subban did the selfish "not my fault" shoulder shrug after the second one. The question now: who starts against Russia? Subban had a great game against them....but Binnington was very good in relief today (25/26). That said, it's been quite a while since I've tied any self-worth to how my countrymen fare in hockey tournaments. I'm sure they try their best. |
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Post by CentreHice on Jan 3, 2013 12:25:18 GMT -5
Canada iced one of its best teams in a few years and comes away with at best a bronze. Pretty disappointing. I worried about the Americans at the start of the tournament but Canada looked too strong to be challenged. Really surprised by this actually. How did Galchenyuk play? The whole U.S. team played extremely well. Housley had the right game plan and they executed it perfectly. Come out with an aggressive forecheck, clog it up in front of Subban...and go high. Galchenyuk made a few really nice plays. One in particular occurred later in the third when he banked a pass off the boards from his own blue line and sent in a teammate on a left-wing breakaway. But I didn't hear his name a whole heck of a lot. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 3, 2013 13:37:31 GMT -5
2. Subban did the selfish "not my fault" shoulder shrug after the second one. I don't know what he was thinking, really. Just out of speculation, though, I wonder if his shrug was to suggest that he simply couldn't see the puck. Still, whatever his shrug meant, both he and his team could have played better I thought. Whatever he was thinking, his team was simply outworked and that was something we saw quite a bit of last year in Montreal. Seriously ... nothing pisses me off more. At the other end of the rink, John Gibson, was almost perfect. That's what you need in big games. I'd go with Jordan Binnington. Why not? Still, I'm wondering what Jake Patterson must be thinking right now, eh? True enough, man. So long as they gave it their best then all should be good. The Yanks sure look good, though. Kind of reminded me of the Seattle Seahawks (they're an offensive juggernaut rolling into the NFL playoffs). Cheers. |
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Post by CentreHice on Jan 3, 2013 15:14:31 GMT -5
Yeah, Dis. I don't know what Subban's intent was, but it also signals to the opposition that he's discouraged and fragile at that point. Never a good team move. I'd have taken him out after that. But who am I? BTW....what a goal by Collberg for the shootout winner vs. Russia. Comes in with all kinds of speed and roofs a backhand deke. |
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