GDT: USA-Norway, Dec 26, 2023

[Howboutthempanthers]

Did US practice? What the hell?

 

[Church Hill]

USA is much better, but when the ice quality is so terrible any team can beat any other team. Get my beer league boys out there we'd have a shot.

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

Norway playing so well! You love to see it

 

[WhatTheDuck]

Norway definitely don't look like your typical relegation fodder early on here. They are pushing, came ever so close to taking the lead a couple times.

 

[Three On Zero]

Norway is fiesty

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

Augustine with lucky saves.

 

[jj cale]

Can't say Norway has not come to play.

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

wowowow now this is a hockey game fellas

 

[macbowes]

Amazing period from Norway. Their team defense and compete was fantastic.

 

[Rare Jewel]

Norway are going to be the darlings of the tournament if they keep this up.

 

[Howboutthempanthers]

US definitely not prepared to play. My focus is 100% on coaching.

 

[Chainshot]

Did US practice? What the hell?

This looks like the sort of game they take too lightly and lose.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

USA lucky to get out of this period. I suspect this will wake them up, but it's pretty clear this Norway team didn't come to this tournament to play in the relegation series.

 

[Dominance]

Norway straight up outplaying and outchancing the US for five minutes was not on my bingo card, much less a full period.

 

[WreckingCrew]

Yes USA hasn't really had much positive going this period, their only high-quality chance they decided to shoot at the goalie instead of the gaping net. USA goalie has had to make a number of high quality saves already, NOR definitely with the better scoring chances so far. Team won't be going anywhere if they don't pull their heads out of their asses

 

[macbowes]

USA could easily come out and score 5 in a period, so Norway just really has to be sure to keep their shifts short, and their effort level at maximum. They're getting decent scoring chances playing this way, so just have to keep it up. Have to be sure not to lose momentum with a bad PP to start the period.

 

[Statsy]

I did predict somewhere on this forum that Norway was better than people think. Looking good so far.

 

[Joe Zanussi]

Jesus. Brutal. I assume we’ll wear them down, but that was no fun. Never seen Hutson look like that.

 

[mazmin]

Norway is playing a calm, mature two way game. There are 6 players on Norway who have been playing pro puck in Norway all year and I think this experience is helping.

It's been know for a while that the 2004 Norwegian age group is one of their best classes all time. It's not saying a whole lot in contrast to the larger hockey nations, but this isn't a bad team. A mature underdog with some pre-existing chemistry, Norway is here to play spoiler.

I think US will calm down and take charge in the 3rd period for the inevitable win.

 

[BigBadBoar]

What a performance by Norway so far. Excellent own zone coverage, no chaos, perfectly keeping the system working. Plus a lot of physicality on the forecheck. They definitely haven't been looking like the relegation contender in the first period.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Jesus. Brutal. I assume we’ll wear them down, but that was no fun. Never seen Hutson look like that.

I think he thought this was gonna be a fun game of pond hockey where he was gonna be able to dance around all game and pile up the points.

He better bring his work boots for the rest of the game.

 

[Realgud]

Norway's forwards and goalie are good. Their defense is fine for now but they seem a little lost with the puck at both ends, but they aren't afraid to be physical. But man, I'd be scared if I was the other teams in the group. Norway could win against any of them at this point. I was a big fan of their team coming into this tournament but I would lie if I didn't expect the US to be up by at least 3 goals going into the 2nd. I hope they keep this up.

 

[SoundAndFury]

USA is much better, but when the ice quality is so terrible any team can beat any other team. Get my beer league boys out there we'd have a shot.

I think worst excuse I have read ever. And that is truly saying something.

 

[Church Hill]

I think worst excuse I have read ever. And that is truly saying something.

Relax, I'm criticizing the bad ice

 

[Chainshot]

Norway is giving me Latvia vibes - workmanlike, physical, able to stick around and be frustrating. Look out if they can pop one to get a lead.