Incredible. Finland defeated Canada 2-0, giving the powerhouse team it's second straight shutout. Finland and Slovakia remain undefeated in the tournament. Both teams work hard, but Slovakia has more firepower than Finland. Thing is, Finland plays a very disciplined game, and it has the hottest goalie in the tournament. Philadelphia has got to be feeling really good right now about it's chances in the playoffs, because Niitimaki is their goalie.
Canada isn't going to panic, but judging by Draper's (GO WINGS!) comments, they are frustrated with their lack of scoring in recent games.
USA, on the other hand, looks to be barely squeezing into the quarterfinals after losing another 2-1 game today. USA has been getting great goaltending from Dipietro, and they have been playing solid hockey at both ends of the ice, but they just can't seem to finish their chances. If they could just score on their power plays, they would have won their last two games.
I think USA just needs to tweak it's lines a bit, and continue to look for balance. The brightest spot on this team has been its defense, where veterans Chris Chelios and Mathieu Schnedier have formed one of the best defense pairs in the Olympics. Of course, us Wings fans could have seen that happening.
Canada's problem is that they over load their roster with all-stars. While USA has the right mix of scores and grinders, Canada only has Draper. Had Canada taken his penalty killing partner Maltby, and fellow Red Wings teammate Shanahan with them, they would have a tough line that would be able to score big five on five goals. Of course, that's just this Wings fan's opinion.
Sweden looked great today against USA. I really like the way they play, and they have balance throughout their roster.
Russia exploded today, or, rather, Ilya Kovalchuk exploded today, with four goals. Russia is the most dangerous scoring machine in the tournament.
Tomorrow are the Women's finals. Hopefully, USA can defeat Finland for the bronze. However, the heart just might not be there. As for Sweden, I believe in miracles, but I also believe Canada isn't going into this game cocky. I wish Sweden luck, but I think Canada will successfully defend the gold.
<sub>Will Eisner's last work -
The Plot: The Secret Story of the Protocols of the Elders of ZionRDCW Profile"Well, as it happens, I
wrote the damned SOP," Illescue half snarled, "and as of now, you can bar those jackals from
any part of this facility until Hell's a hockey rink! Is that perfectly clear?!" - Dr. Franz Illescue -
Honor Harrington: At All Costs"I don't know what I'm do, or how I do, I just do." -
Alexander Ovechkin</sub>