2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

[hockey13]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

How about that has-been Julie Chu, taking up space on the bench... or is she taking up space IN FRONT OF THE NET TO SET THE SCREEN FOR THE FIRST USA GOAL!

I was thinking the same thing. The US had been lacking screens and they finally got a good one. Credit to Chu.

 

[myStuff]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

WOW!!! so intense...Congrats Canada!!!!

 

[hockey13]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

The US speed became an obvious factor in the 3rd period and allowed them to continually take away time and space from Canada.

Another canoe tipper.

Agree. After the US killed that 5 v 3, there was a decided momentum shift. After the second goal, it really like they were flying. But Canada played a great game and came on when they needed to. First Canadian goal was a bit flukey - but that's what can happen when you shoot with speed and there's traffic in front. Second goal, I counted 4 white shirts and 3 red in front, and Vetter could have controlled the rebound better. While both teams and all the players on both sides played well, I thought the US was weaker in net (Vetter made good saves but had some trouble controlling her rebounds today) and was weaker on D (they ceded the blue line more often, failed to step up and pressure when they were even or numbers up and struggled to lock-up in front of the net while Canada was ferocious locking-up in front and forced the US to dump and chase for the first half of the game).
Plus, definitely an argument Wick should have had a penalty shot...
Great game. Heartbreaker for US, great comeback for Canada.

 

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

I don't agree with that and here's why. It's THEIR game. Just like basketball was ours (except for 1972 when we got screwed by the refs against the Soviet Union). When we sent our best players, we NEVER lost. It was our game. It's hard to explain...the US didn't blow the game. The Canadians RAISED their game because of national pride. They ALWAYS do this. They did it in the 1972 Canada-Russia series when Henderson scored with like a minute left in the final game. They win games like this all the time. The men did it at the last Olympics (and the men will beat the US tomorrow, too). And just think of this. Canada DID NOT SCORE A GOAL even strength the entire game. They scored with the goalie pulled twice and then on a power play in OT.

But that aside, that was one of the BEST HOCKEY games (men, women or anything else) I have ever seen. I just feel bad for the US Women, because they will take this one to their graves.

You are entitled to your opinion but it doesn't matter if it's THEIR game. The reality is the US had a 2-0 lead late into the 3rd period and couldn't hold on to the lead. That is choking it away plain and simple. In Bill Belichick speak, coaches got to coach better, players got to make plays. USA didn't make enough plays. Canada did...

 

[spike]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

I don't agree with that and here's why. It's THEIR game. Just like basketball was ours (except for 1972 when we got screwed by the refs against the Soviet Union). When we sent our best players, we NEVER lost. It was our game. It's hard to explain...the US didn't blow the game. The Canadians RAISED their game because of national pride. They ALWAYS do this. They did it in the 1972 Canada-Russia series when Henderson scored with like a minute left in the final game. They win games like this all the time. The men did it at the last Olympics (and the men will beat the US tomorrow, too). And just think of this. Canada DID NOT SCORE A GOAL even strength the entire game. They scored with the goalie pulled twice and then on a power play in OT.

But that aside, that was one of the BEST HOCKEY games (men, women or anything else) I have ever seen. I just feel bad for the US Women, because they will take this one to their graves.

I think this is spot on. Look at the replay (if anyone can stomach it) of the last minute and you will see two consecutive draws in the US zone. Both drawn back cleanly by US, both pucks first touched along back wall by Canadians. Last one of course led to the tying goal. US keeps bringing supremely talented players to the games, but Canadians are born with hockey sticks in their hands. You can overpower them but we're never going to slip past them.

BTW, while dissappointed in the outcome, I thought this was one of the best games I've seen in Sochi for either gender. I am also impressed with the NBCSN announcing crew. I thought that Doc and Pierre were completely engaged in the womens games and I thought AJ was fantastic.

 

[chickod]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

That is choking it away plain and simple.

I get what you're saying, but you said it yourself. "Canada did...." Sometimes teams just WIN - I don't believe the US "lost." You have to understand (and if you don't think so you're not watching much)...Canada is BETTER. They have MORE talent. And the best goaltender in the world played for Switzerland, who when she played at Northeastern was the biggest reason they won at all. At one point Doc Emerick mentioned that the US had 18 shots on net - except that ELEVEN came when they had a man advantage. The fact is that Canada is bigger, stronger, more skilled and just better. You don't win 4 gold medals in a row if you're the "weaker" team. It's not a choke when the best team wins. We're making great strides, but we're not there yet and may never be. One reason: poor kids can't play here because there is hardly any "frozen" water anymore where kids can play all day every day like they do in Canada. Some parent paying to rent ice time for their kid so he/she can play three times a week is just not the same as growing up living and breathing the game. That's the way it is. They're better. Accept it.

 

[chickod]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

I am also impressed with the NBCSN announcing crew. I thought that Doc and Pierre were completely engaged in the womens games and I thought AJ was fantastic.

Absolutely..they're the best and someday we'll miss them when they're gone.

 

[robertearle]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

What would the conversation - and the tone of that conversation - here be if the puck goes into the empty net instead of hitting the pipe?

 

[mattj711]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

What would the conversation - and the tone of that conversation - here be if the puck goes into the empty net instead of hitting the pipe?

Inept linesman cost Canada a chance at a comeback?

 

[FiveHoleFrenzy]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

Inept linesman cost Canada a chance at a comeback?

That was yet another example of the poor officiating that plagued this tournament.

 

[ARM]

Inept linesman cost Canada a chance at a comeback?

Maybe then there would be more of a push to get better officiating at these games, and not people who call icing every time someone is within two feet of the red line when they dump the puck. It is sad that games come down to key calls like the Wickenheiser/Knight situation. I think the referee made the best call she could in the circumstances, but in that format of play, there is no way she can be in position to make the right call. Cross-check? No. It was either a trip or nothing, because there was no other contact, but it is impossible for her to know that.

Congratulations to Canada on playing a great tournament and taking home gold.

Congratulations to Switzerland, the most improved team at the tourney; I'm glad that they are going home with a medal.

And congratulations to my country women. I'm proud of you. You represented the U.S. very, very well.

 

[D2D]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

Tremendous hockey game but SUCH a disappointing finish if you're a U.S. fan! Very weak call at the end on Lamoureux IMO which erased the 4 on 3 advantage for the U.S....then that open netter that hit the post. As far as Canada having the better defense? Maybe, but they did give up plenty of great opportunities that the USA's forwards could not cash in on. I really feel for all the players who gave it their best.

 

[Eeyore]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

BTW, while dissappointed in the outcome, I thought this was one of the best games I've seen in Sochi for either gender. I am also impressed with the NBCSN announcing crew. I thought that Doc and Pierre were completely engaged in the womens games and I thought AJ was fantastic.

Ugh. Pierre McGuire is one of the five most annoying people on the planet. The bronze medal game was him talking nonstop about how connected he is to the world of women's hockey, about all of the coaches he knows and all of the things that he personally taught the players. The only upside to Between the Glass is that he might take a puck to the mouth and need his jaw wired shut.

 

[Eeyore]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

Very weak call at the end on Lamoureux IMO which erased the 4 on 3 advantage for the U.S.

It was definitely a marginal call but you have to be aware that the ref is going to be looking to even things up in that situation and not make it easy for her.

 

[mattj711]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

Tremendous hockey game but SUCH a disappointing finish if you're a U.S. fan! Very weak call at the end on Lamoureux IMO which erased the 4 on 3 advantage for the U.S....then that open netter that hit the post. As far as Canada having the better defense? Maybe, but they did give up plenty of great opportunities that the USA's forwards could not cash in on. I really feel for all the players who gave it their best.

If I look at the game as USA vs Canada, the result is disappointing. If I look at it as Cornell vs Harvard, than I am ok with it.

 

[Blackbeard]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

What would the conversation - and the tone of that conversation - here be if the puck goes into the empty net instead of hitting the pipe?

That would have been a travesty for the women's game regardless of who it would have happened to.

Not a good way to win.

 

[hockey13]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

I get what you're saying, but you said it yourself. "Canada did...." Sometimes teams just WIN - I don't believe the US "lost." You have to understand (and if you don't think so you're not watching much)...Canada is BETTER. They have MORE talent. And the best goaltender in the world played for Switzerland, who when she played at Northeastern was the biggest reason they won at all. At one point Doc Emerick mentioned that the US had 18 shots on net - except that ELEVEN came when they had a man advantage. The fact is that Canada is bigger, stronger, more skilled and just better. You don't win 4 gold medals in a row if you're the "weaker" team. It's not a choke when the best team wins. We're making great strides, but we're not there yet and may never be. One reason: poor kids can't play here because there is hardly any "frozen" water anymore where kids can play all day every day like they do in Canada. Some parent paying to rent ice time for their kid so he/she can play three times a week is just not the same as growing up living and breathing the game. That's the way it is. They're better. Accept it.

I agree that it was not a choke (US was flying along for a good while with 2 goals), but I don't agree that, at least this year, Canada was flat out more skilled. I think Canada outplayed the US in the first half and the US outplayed Canada in he second half right up until the first Canadian goal. Just count the the number of incredibly high quality scoring chances the US had in the first minutes of OT. Man, they were flying and were all over Canada. But Canada is the team that actually scored first. Someone has to win in the end, and it was Canada. Maybe Canada is better at rising to the occasion and finishing...for whatever reason (age, national pride, whatever you can come up with). I respect your opinion, but I didn't see one clearly better team out there today. I saw two great teams with tons of skill and depth and a one-goal game that could very easily have gone either way.

 

[hockey13]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

if i look at the game as usa vs canada, the result is disappointing. If i look at it as cornell vs harvard, than i am ok with it.

:d

 

[Blackbeard]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

Very weak call at the end on Lamoureux IMO which erased the 4 on 3 advantage for the U.S....then that open netter that hit the post.

Interesting though that Cassie Campbell in her colour commentary pointed out in the second period that Duggan got away with the same thing and was warned by the ref. So after the previous penalty to Canada (and not saying it shouldn't have happened) it was a convenient opportunity for the ref to cover herself.

 

[spike]

Re: 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Women's Ice Hockey Tournament

Ugh. Pierre McGuire is one of the five most annoying people on the planet. The bronze medal game was him talking nonstop about how connected he is to the world of women's hockey, about all of the coaches he knows and all of the things that he personally taught the players. The only upside to Between the Glass is that he might take a puck to the mouth and need his jaw wired shut.

So you are not a Pierre McGuire fan. But they took these games seriously. I suppose you would have enjoyed the broadcast better if Doc asked Pierre a question and his response was "can you repeat that, I was checking on my dinner reservations"?

They took it seriously, they did their pre game homework on players and coaches.