WJC Gold Medal Game: Game Day Thread - Canada vs. USA (3-4)
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kacz
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DJ Spinoza
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5-1 Canada. Goals from Dawes, Phaneuf, Talbot, Stewart, and Richards. US goal from Parise.
I don't see the US winning this at all, or really even coming close. I think Canada is that much better than pretty much anyone else. I thought the Czech's and Russian's might be able to be formidable opponents, but both played below expectations.
The US team has done well so far, but it is tough to beat this Canadian team and it would really be an upset to me.
I don't see the US winning this at all, or really even coming close. I think Canada is that much better than pretty much anyone else. I thought the Czech's and Russian's might be able to be formidable opponents, but both played below expectations.
The US team has done well so far, but it is tough to beat this Canadian team and it would really be an upset to me.
Rabid Ranger
2 is better than one
If the U.S. can somehow contain Canada's more physical forwards *we* have a chance. If not, I think it could get ugly. I think either the U.S. will win by a goal, or will get blown out, no middle ground. To that end, I have two predictions:
1) If the U.S. can nuetralize (to a certain extent) Canada's physicality, perform well on special teams, and Montoya is as good as he was against Finland, then I think it will be 3-2 U.S.
2) If the above doesn't happen and Canada runs amok in the U.S. zone, than I think the score will be 5-1 Canada.
* For the record, I think scenario two is the more likely to occur, but you never know.
1) If the U.S. can nuetralize (to a certain extent) Canada's physicality, perform well on special teams, and Montoya is as good as he was against Finland, then I think it will be 3-2 U.S.
2) If the above doesn't happen and Canada runs amok in the U.S. zone, than I think the score will be 5-1 Canada.
* For the record, I think scenario two is the more likely to occur, but you never know.
Rabid Ranger
2 is better than one
MrKnowNothing said:
You're certainly entitled to your opinion, but personally, the only area I think Canada is "that much better" than the U.S. is when it comes to size. You can make a case for the "Fluery factor" as well, but IMO he's not going to be the differance maker either way. It's going to be whether the U.S. can handle the physicality of the Canadian team, especially the forwards if and when they gain the U.S. zone.
The Canadian blueline be a huge factor in this game but I think Team USA's ability to contain the Canadian forwards will be the biggest. Like RR said, if the Americans can control the Canadian forwards, they've got a great chance at taking the game by a goal or two.
If the Canadians are allowed to run around, cycle and consistently get the puck deep, the US is in deep trouble. Stewart, Carter, Dawes and Crosby can change the pace of a game in a split second. With guys like Richards and Talbot doing their usual unsung thing, Canada has a great shot at taking this game over very quickly.
The Fleury vs. Montoya thing is overrated. This game will be decided by the ability of the US group dealing with the Canadian forwards and the Canadian blueline playing their physical game.
No predictions from me though. If I could predict these games, I wouldn't be jibber jabbering about matchups and stuff. I'd be in Vegas.
If the Canadians are allowed to run around, cycle and consistently get the puck deep, the US is in deep trouble. Stewart, Carter, Dawes and Crosby can change the pace of a game in a split second. With guys like Richards and Talbot doing their usual unsung thing, Canada has a great shot at taking this game over very quickly.
The Fleury vs. Montoya thing is overrated. This game will be decided by the ability of the US group dealing with the Canadian forwards and the Canadian blueline playing their physical game.
No predictions from me though. If I could predict these games, I wouldn't be jibber jabbering about matchups and stuff. I'd be in Vegas.
Reposted from the Pre-Game Discussion.
The way I look at these two teams is that they are pretty much evenly skilled on the top two lines. Lines 3 and 4 aren't even worth comparing, we all know that the Canadians 3-4 lines are significantly stronger than the Americans. That said, that won't be a factor, because we'll only see lines 3-4 for a few seconds during the game from teh US, and honestly, I don't think we'll see much of Team Canada's 4th line guys except in special teams situations.
Team USA is faster.
Team Canada is bigger and stronger.
I'm not certain that the slight advantage in speed is enough to compensate to the significant strength difference between the two teams. In what will be a North American style game, I believe that will play a larger role.
What this game is going to come down to is can the "big 3" American defenceman over come the bruising style of many of Canada's forwards. Unless I am really under-estimating Stuart-Suter-Wisnieski, I don't believe that they are going to be able to handle the constant barrage from especially the top line and Stewart/Paille.
I think that the first period will be close, and the first half of the second period, but I expect...not the floodgates per se, but definitely a dominance by Team Canada.
Team Canada's defence matches up better with the Team USA forwards, I feel. Guys like Belle and Meech are extremely fast, and especially Belle will be a huge factor in the game. Plus, I really think that people are going to be leery of Phaneuf after the Olesz hit.
In net, Montoya has played well, no doubt....but I stand by my earlier prediction that in the end, MA Fleury will backstop Canada to gold. The day off is going to do Fleury wonders I think, and I also think that he's more likely to show up huge in a big game than Montayo because of his experience. Besides, there is absolutely no doubting who is the better goaltender.
It will be a good game for sure. My prediction is Team Canada over Team USA 4-1.
The way I look at these two teams is that they are pretty much evenly skilled on the top two lines. Lines 3 and 4 aren't even worth comparing, we all know that the Canadians 3-4 lines are significantly stronger than the Americans. That said, that won't be a factor, because we'll only see lines 3-4 for a few seconds during the game from teh US, and honestly, I don't think we'll see much of Team Canada's 4th line guys except in special teams situations.
Team USA is faster.
Team Canada is bigger and stronger.
I'm not certain that the slight advantage in speed is enough to compensate to the significant strength difference between the two teams. In what will be a North American style game, I believe that will play a larger role.
What this game is going to come down to is can the "big 3" American defenceman over come the bruising style of many of Canada's forwards. Unless I am really under-estimating Stuart-Suter-Wisnieski, I don't believe that they are going to be able to handle the constant barrage from especially the top line and Stewart/Paille.
I think that the first period will be close, and the first half of the second period, but I expect...not the floodgates per se, but definitely a dominance by Team Canada.
Team Canada's defence matches up better with the Team USA forwards, I feel. Guys like Belle and Meech are extremely fast, and especially Belle will be a huge factor in the game. Plus, I really think that people are going to be leery of Phaneuf after the Olesz hit.
In net, Montoya has played well, no doubt....but I stand by my earlier prediction that in the end, MA Fleury will backstop Canada to gold. The day off is going to do Fleury wonders I think, and I also think that he's more likely to show up huge in a big game than Montayo because of his experience. Besides, there is absolutely no doubting who is the better goaltender.
It will be a good game for sure. My prediction is Team Canada over Team USA 4-1.
NJ_Devil_Boy
Registered User
William H Bonney
Registered User
I don't think the "size" factor will be a big deal....USA will have learned from the game against Finland and will be prepared.
USA 4
CAN 2
USA 4
CAN 2
NJ_Devil_Boy said:Parise with the hat-trick, but Canada still wins 4-3.
I'm interested to see how the Parise/Carter matchup plays out. Possible Flyers/Devils battle in a few years?
DJ Spinoza
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- Aug 7, 2003
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Rabid Ranger said:
I stated my opinon wrong. I don't think the USA will be able to overcome Canada's size and overall defensive play. So I agree with you, basically.
I should have said that Canada's style of play and size will dominate the US. For that, I'll be surprised if the US is in the game.
It's awfully hard to make predictions, especially for championship games.
Im ready for this one...will be good to see, as long as Fleury stays in his net Canada will do fine.
Canada 7-3
Canada 7-3
Mobey said:
If the USA has to learn about hitting from Finland, they are in bigger trouble than I thought...
Mr. Canucklehead
Kitimat Canuck
The Canadians need to hit these guys, but they can't get themselves out of position. The States are speed demons right now and they'd capitalize on those miscues pretty quick. If Canada keeps it simple and does what they've been doing, they'll win. If they try to be fancy or underestimate these guys, they'll lose.
I'll predict we don't get cocky; 4-2 Canada.
~Canucklehead~
I'll predict we don't get cocky; 4-2 Canada.
~Canucklehead~
I'm rooting for Canada, but I sense an upset here: 2 - 1 USA. They defend really well on their own zone and their special teams are excellent.
William H Bonney
Registered User
chicpea said:
Never said they had to learn about hitting from Finland....don't worry, it's more fun to win when the opponent is cocky.
Rob
Registered User
I'm surprised at the number of people who are predicting a one sided win for Canada. Hopefully you won't be eating humble pie tomorrow.
The game is on at 2am here. Well, at least it isn't on when I'm at work.
Prediction: 4-2 Canada
The game is on at 2am here. Well, at least it isn't on when I'm at work.
Prediction: 4-2 Canada
RaoulDuke
Registered User
If the Canadians are allowed to cycle down low and generate chances all day, look out. I think Montoya might have to stand on his head for the U.S. to win this one.
That said, it will not be a blowout. 5-2 Canada (1 empty-net).
That said, it will not be a blowout. 5-2 Canada (1 empty-net).
Americans are way too small to handle any team and played well with other european teams because most of them dont' hit. The only european team that hit and played the north american style of hockey gave the americans their biggest problems, that being the finns.
This game will be a route for several obvious reasons. Canada has way more skill and size than the americans. An entire country is backing the team up and they know what this game means to them as well as the entire country. Canada is the biggest team of the two and the most skilled of the two. Canada uses 4 lines while americans only use 2, this will be a problem late in the first period as we see the americans tire.
Coach Eaves hopefully will change game plan in the second period and play his 3rd line on a regular basis making this a much more entertaining game.
Canada 5 vs USA 2
This game will be a route for several obvious reasons. Canada has way more skill and size than the americans. An entire country is backing the team up and they know what this game means to them as well as the entire country. Canada is the biggest team of the two and the most skilled of the two. Canada uses 4 lines while americans only use 2, this will be a problem late in the first period as we see the americans tire.
Coach Eaves hopefully will change game plan in the second period and play his 3rd line on a regular basis making this a much more entertaining game.
Canada 5 vs USA 2
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