He was forechecking well and played good on the cycle. Had a nice rush where he went between the legs, but aside from that, not much to report. Russia got dominated but they somehow stole it away from the OHL.
So my impression of the game is that Canada smudged and smeared the puck along the boards for 50 minutes, while Russia was trying to score a home run every time (icing). The last 10 minutes Russia turned it on somewhat.
Forcing the team to play a perimeter game is an even bigger deal on big rinks, and it's not very efficient, since if you beat someone out of the cycle- you're still very far from the net. So that cycling is going to be tough to Canada on Big rink, IMO.
Russian PP? It's actually the same as PK, only they have an extra player to ice the puck lol
The OHL stopped playing at the end of the game. The OHL controlled most of the game.
Smearing the puck along the boards for 50 minutes is hardly controlling. Of course they spent a good chunk of the game in Russian end, but that takes tramendous amount of energy without the result they wanted.
Smearing the puck along the boards for 50 minutes is hardly controlling. Of course they spent a good chunk of the game in Russian end, but that takes tramendous amount of energy without the result they wanted.
I love that kind of gritty hockey. The Russian goalie (and mistakes by Koekkoek (sp??!?), Cecci, Murphy, and others kept them in the game. They played their game until the 3rd period.
Just got back from the game, whoo pleased to see our boys take it. Even got a high five from the goalie
Ppl who say Russia got dominated are over exagerating. Sure Canada carried the play and we got bailed out by our goalie a few times. But overall it was fairly back and forth which says alot considering the fatigue from consecutive games and jetlag. Canada started way stronger, but thats how Canada usually plays. The trick is to weather the early storm and keep it close, than convert on your chances: which we did.
Refs were pretty good for the most part, also the arena seemed really quite desite the fact that it was a sell out?
McDavid had a few nice plays, but the coach used him very sparingly, especially in the third. Could have used some of his creative offense, but I guess this is more of a tryout for the older guys for the WJC. There seems to only be a few draft eligible players in the series that having someone who isn't eligible until 3 drafts from now is crazy.
Excellent, entertaining and competitive game... overall the types of games we all like to see...
When is the next one, Monday?
this series is fabulous to watch. I like the format. It is a chance for everyone to view players we only hear about.
I just hope the NHL doesn't screw this up with a December schedule that has half of the players concentrating on making the NHL and disheartened players coming back into the fold.
this series is fabulous to watch. I like the format. It is a chance for everyone to view players we only hear about.
I just hope the NHL doesn't screw this up with a December schedule that has half of the players concentrating on making the NHL and disheartened players coming back into the fold.
I'm afraid the NHL is going to screw it up... expect for players to be called to camp by Sunday...They'll have 3 days to report.. Not sure if any of the Russian players at the SSS will be exempt and report later upon the conclusion of the series. i.e. Yakupov reporting to Edmonton. We all noticed he traveled to Canada with an Edmonton Oilers equipment bag...so he's expecting to get the call.
just my opinion. take it for what it's worth... not much. I didn't think we'd be in a lockout again. NHL ***holes.
