Semi-final Pre-Game Talk
 

Semi-finals

Date	Game	Eastern	CET	EET
May 19	Russia vs. Finland	7:30 AM	13:30	14:30
May 19	Czech Republic vs. Slovakia	11:30 AM	17:30	18:30

Russia <3

Not conviced by Finland yet. Only 1st and 4th lines playing well.

Russia's the huge favorite, of course, but as we've seen anything can happen in a single knock-out game.

Need a Finland - Czech Republic final just so people can go
http://image.spreadshirt.com/image-s...chs_design.png

Going to see both semi-final games at Hartwall Arena Saturday.

GOOOOOOOOOO FINLAND!

Can't decide if I wanna wear Koivu's Minnesota jersey or Jarkko Ruutu Fin jersey..

As you might know, I'm a huge Wild fan. I'd still say go with the Ruutu jersey... I'd feel kinda douchey going to a national team game with an NHL jersey on. Just sayin'.

Oh, and how much were the tickets?

Finland's jersey of course.

I'm IFK fan, I'm not sure if I'm ready to put on Ruutu's jersey.

Tickets were 175 euros per game, bought them almost a year ago, money well spend.

By the way, Finland 5 - 3 Russia. Calling it.

Filppula, Koivu x2, Hietanen, Pihlström for Finland

Malkin, Denisov, Datsyuk for Russia.

The life is much better without money! So You better put your money on it!:laugh:

FTFY.

Well, I still reckon those tickets are way, WAY too expensive. Should be 50-60€ for prime seats. It's ridiculous how they're allowed to suck money off hockey fans without getting torched in process. Shows them they can perfectly well replicate it next year.

Personally, I would have hard time putting a Ruutu jersey on, too, as Blues fan, but I'd still do it because it's for Finland. You're cheering for Finland, not for Ruutu who doesn't even play. Rather do that than cheer for Minnesota, which, while I approve of, would not suit the situation.

Anything is possible, but my guess is Russia wins... Czech beats SVK.

I was considering putting couple of € for Finland, either 3-2 or 4-2 victory today. I would very happily bet on Finland winning in Saturday, if I had any money. I'm flat broke. And you're wrong, life is not better without money... Causes way too much stress. :(

Yeah, same day that I bought those semi-final tickets (350€) I bought Ducks - Sabres ticket (220€). The upside is that I bought them 6 months - 1 year before the actual games. When the game day is I don't even remember the money I spent, I only have the tickets.

Russia has been looking good. As a finn i'm glad that Oveckin is in their team. Hoping he is as bad and lazy as last spring. He can destroy their teamplay. Although they are so skilled and our defending so horrible in own end, that they can win even then. I predict Russia wins 6-4 and Russia makes couple of beauties.

I wouldn't write off Slovakia so quickly. Actually all 4 teams have a very good chance of winning, I would say.

Unless something happens, it's unlikely he'll change. He played well against Norway, and was far from Lazy. Him and Syomin combined for 3 points and 11 shots in the game. But, anything can happen

To me, it would be a miracle if Russia wouldn't be in the gold medal game. That roster is just insane. And I gotta say, Finnish defence really sucks this year.. Of course upsets are always possible, but unlikely :)

So the realist in me says Czech Republic - Russia final and the homer says Finland - Slovakia in the finals :laugh:

Honestly, I would be devastated if Czech R. lost this semifinal (with all respect to the opponent). This Slovak team really surprised me, they did a great job, but I couldn't bear a loss from this game. This is a must win.

Don't worry, you'll win.

The great part is that Slovaks think the same. It's going to be a hell of a game! Slovakia will want revenge for last year as well.

Russia will get their ***** kicked and Finland will win the gold medal against either of those other 2 teams. :yo:

175 euro for WC semifinal tickets where your team is playing on a home ice? I bet now you won't buy them even for twice as more. At least if it was in Moscow for Russia's game, they would cost much more.

that swedish roster- playing at home - was also supposed to be insane, like 16 nhl superstars incl the zetterbeard, e-karlsson, bäckis, alfie, etc etc - but sweden usually chokes with their biggest stars, like they have done in Nagano, Salt Lake City and Vancouver olympics ... That insane russian squad will also fail - like they usually do vs the no-name Finns who are a TEAM

If Russia don't win it I'll be surprised.

Could've been an epic final four thought if Canada and USA had gone through.

CAN V CZK
RUS V USA

Cheering for Russia.