GDT: Group A • Dec. 31 • Canada vs. Sweden • Part I

[ulvvf]

Hopefully Sweden plays this one a gear lower. Secure of a 1st spot and with nothing to prove, they should just try To avoid injuries and fatigue.

Play a safe, dull game and watch out for headhunters.

They should, but I am sure that a coach like Grönborg will never learn from previous mistakes.

I hope that sandström plays, so both goalies have played one big game.

 

[S A W F T*]

What is the incentive for Sweden to even show up today?

Other than individual stats of course.

 

[boredmale]

What is the incentive for Sweden to even show up today?

Practice

 

[X66]

What is the incentive for Sweden to even show up today?

Other than individual stats of course.

Who knows.

I personally wouldn't want to give Canada any steam.

 

[trovah]

What is the incentive for Sweden to even show up today?

Other than individual stats of course.

You always want to win vs Canada

 

[Urgi]

Hoping for a good game, no injuries on either team please! happy new years hfboards

 

[BertCorbeau]

What is the incentive for Sweden to even show up today?

Other than individual stats of course.

Redemption for that preliminary game?

 

[helax]

What is the incentive for Sweden to even show up today?

Other than individual stats of course.

Who wants to loose?

 

[Eternalize]

What is the incentive for Sweden to even show up today?

Other than individual stats of course.

Sweden hasn't lost a group stage game in the WJC since 2006. One can always argue how "bad" they would want a win, but i doubt that they will go easy just because the game doesn't really "mean anything". And since US clinched the 2nd place, the game doesn't exactly mean anything for Canada either, other than building up some confidence.
I don't see Canada-Sweden as some sort of Canada-USA rivalry, but there's still a lot of pride in these games. You always want to win against Canada, the greatest hockey-country in the world. And im sure the swedes are very interested in going through such a tough group, as this has been, unbeaten.

 

[aphyro]

aohyro, you're embarassing us swedes here with that old svullo video ( may he rip though)

Holmström looks really awkward out there. He might be injured or something. However Ehn has looked real sharp not only in his defensive role but also as a puck carrier and passer. If I were Grönis, I would try him centering our top line... remember Zetterberg at the wjc anyone?

Swedens toughest opponent has "always" been the US. 1st win this year against them since '96 says it all.

With all due respect to Canada, im not really surprised that they have been struggling to be honest, but you can never count them out of it. They can easily win this game if they start clicking.

yeah in JWC maybe but Canada is like Swedens kryptonite

 

[Riseonfire]

Who wants to loose?

Nuts and bolts maybe.

Canada or Sweden probably don't want to lose though.

Hopefully the Canadian coach will deploy his players better this game.

 

[boredmale]

Nuts and bolts maybe.

Canada or Sweden probably don't want to lose though.

Hopefully the Canadian coach will deploy his players better this game.

At this point both teams should just look at this as an opportunity to works some kinks out of their game.

 

[Riseonfire]

At this point both teams should just look at this as an opportunity to works some kinks out of their game.

Really interested in seeing the shift lengths from Canada.

That PP last game was awful and the 'star' players overplayed themselves detrimentally.

 

[OilerPensfan97]

Practice

 

[Hunter Gathers]

Is this on TV at all in the US?

 

[Chimpradamus]

As every time we play Canada: no injuries please! Half serious, half jokingly.

 

[Maplebeasts]

Who wants to loose?

I know I don't want Canada to lose. It would be a sign that we need to tighten up our game.

 

[joe89]

Sweden playing with 6D 11F. No Larsson or Eriksson Ek. 4th line bumped up to 3rd line, Forsbacka & Grundström "extras".

 

[Marlander93]

Less icetime for Virtanen please

 

[McDonagh]

Does this game mean anything at all for either team?

 

[carlweezer*]

Virtanen Strome Crouse line is going to man handle today.

I'd like to see more execution and to clean up the turnovers especially from Marner.

Fleury needs to take the lead on our defence. He is capable.

 

[snipes]

This game will be the springboard for Canada into the QF's. I actually kind of enjoy how much teams are looking past Canada, they're going to surprise some team who takes them lightly. (i.e. Laine's comments regarding Canada).

 

[habsterr]

Love watching the Swedish hockey team, always a good game against Canada.
4-3 in OT for Sweden

 

[carlweezer*]

It's amazing how many people are counting out the Canadians already. Canada must be loving this and using this as fuel in that locker room.

I wish Virtanen and Point were healthy then this tournament wouldn't even be any contest.

 

[Peasy]

Oh look Bob Mckenzie saying both Point and Virtanen need to be much better