GDT: WJC, Jan 2: US vs. Latvia, 5:00 p.m. local, 11:00 a.m. EST

[Chainshot]

I think Casey is finally over the flu.

He looks great.

 

[Namejs]

I'll take a goal and a crossbar in the 1st period vs. the US.

I think 2 of the goals were scored against the Latvian 4th line and they might not see a lot of action later in the game. We're immediately stuck in our own zone when they're on the ice.

The Locmelis-Vilmanis line really stood their ground and could have scored 2.

 

[GX]

Three solid chances by Vilmanis-Locmelis in a single period, including the goal. Let's hope we can survive the next 20 minutes, avoiding getting into blowout zone.

 

[Nico Cauzuki]

Didnt watch Casey play much but he looks like a good one

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Didnt watch Casey play much but he looks like a good one

Crazy how Chicago, Detroit, Arizona, & San Jose could have had Casey & Hutson in the 2nd round and passed on both. Time will tell how that plays out, but both look really good so far & I had mid to later 1st round grades on them.

 

[SI90]

US can’t keep giving up those kinda rushes

 

[WarriorofTime]

Goal for the second period should be to crush their spirit so that the third is relatively easy.

US can’t keep giving up those kinda rushes

USA really stinks defensively.

 

[Chainshot]

US can’t keep giving up those kinda rushes

I mean, why stop now?

 

[SI90]

Mcgroarty!!!

Keep your sticks on the ice and ready kids

 

[WarriorofTime]

Ball game.

 

[Chainshot]

4-1... hope fading in the distance.

My GF just made a comment about Button going on about the US and all their touches. I may need a new keyboard and definitely need more coffee.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Does USA play Finns or Czechs next? The format confuses me. Both finished third.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

tic tac tic tac tic tac tic tac tic tac ... toe

 

[MTU34]

Does USA play Finns or Czechs next? The format confuses me. Both finished third.

Finland barring the Swedes getting upset. Seeding is done by points in the prelims

 

[WarriorofTime]

Finland barring the Swedes getting upset. Seeding is done by points in the prelims

Gotcha. So USA-Finland and Sweden-Czech unless Switzerland shocks the home team and then it’s USA-Switzerland and Czech-Finland.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Man, a healthy Casey is such a treat to watch in all 3 zones. It's a shame he got sick, we were deprived of some great hockey.

 

[MTU34]

Man, a healthy Casey is such a treat to watch in all 3 zones. It's a shame he got sick, we were deprived of some great hockey.

Should be this teams all situations undisputed #1

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Should be this teams all situations undisputed #1

Completely agreed, he's very clearly the team's best all around defenseman. His gaps are so incredibly tight, it's unbelievable. He gives the opposition very little room to even receive a pass, let alone make a play, and he's able to do it without getting beat. And obviously his puck movement is all world.

He makes the game look so effortless.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Completely agreed, he's very clearly the team's best all around defenseman. His gaps are so incredibly tight, it's unbelievable. He gives the opposition very little room to even receive a pass, let alone make a play, and he's able to do it without getting beat. And obviously his puck movement is all world.

He makes the game look so effortless.

Will the devils keep or trade him? They seem overloaded with defense right now and he may be their best trade chip.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Howard, for all his weaknesses, has been pretty good in the tournament. Excellent pass to McGroarty for the Crosby esque side of net slam dunk goal.

 

[mphmiles]

Howard, for all his weaknesses, has been pretty good in the tournament. Excellent pass to McGroarty for the Crosby esque side of net slam dunk goal.

He's a guy who needs to play with a line driver, but if he has one, the skill, vision, and shot are all huge compliments. It's why he's an excellent fit with Nazar IMO.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Will the devils keep or trade him? They seem overloaded with defense right now and he may be their best trade chip.

They need to keep him and move Hamilton as soon as they are able to. But if we needed to, we could slot him in over Smith/Miller today.

Hughes - Nemec
Bahl - Marino
Siegenthaler - Casey
Hamilton

Casey is actually capable of playing forward as well, so we could just run 7 D with the ability to let him run as a playmaking winger

 

[MTU34]

Best game from the BC line thus far

 

[Hockeyville USA]

He's a guy who needs to play with a line driver, but if he has one, the skill, vision, and shot are all huge compliments. It's why he's an excellent fit with Nazar IMO.

Agreed. Excited to see what he can do once he turns pro.

 

[WarriorofTime]

He's a guy who needs to play with a line driver, but if he has one, the skill, vision, and shot are all huge compliments. It's why he's an excellent fit with Nazar IMO.

If he is able to fast track, he could be just what the Lightning need to ride shotgun with their aging stars and maybe keep that window pried open a bit.