IIHF World ChampionshipDiscuss International Tournaments like the WJC, Olympics, and World Cup, as they take place, or discuss past tournaments. performances.
Exhibition • Dec. 20 • United States 3, Sweden 2 (OT)
Just wondering, but when did Sparks and Gillies switch-up? Very impressed with the U.S., they look good. I really like the make-up of their team this year, it's a shame you guys are missing Noesen but still a solidly built team, very speedy and well-rounded.
Nope, your right. He'll have to work on his skating if he wants to he a legit threat in the NHL. Sometimes seems like he is skating in mud, his hands/deking ability is below par also imo.
Think it's just the one game, because his skating is actually his biggest asset.
I usually get ahead of myself with these tournaments (AmericanDream and I can't be as pragmatic as our countryman cagney ) but this team has a good vibe. A lot of structure and familiarity throughout the lineup. Excellent team speed, some good truculence, and enough pop up front to be dangerous in transition.
I usually get ahead of myself with these tournaments (AmericanDream and I can't be as pragmatic as our countryman cagney ) but this team has a good vibe. A lot of structure and familiarity throughout the lineup. Excellent team speed, some good truculence, and enough pop up front to be dangerous in transition.
I'd like to think my pessimism has always been a good omen for US hockey. I actually agree with you though in that the team looks good right now. That probably doesn't bode too well for them, does it? I'm sure Miller and Jones and Gibson will come in and screw it all up for them now.
On a serious note, I thought Bardreau and Pietilla were excellent in their roles tonight. It's almost as if they haven't missed a beat since the U18 tournament a few years back. They add a dimension that many US U20 teams have lacked and I'm happy to see it.
I'd also say that McCabe, who I've gone against the grain with in my critique of his play, seemed solid in limited time tonight. I would be fine with him in a depth role at this point if he can do that.
While I don't think he was necessarily dominant tonight, I do have to admit there were numerous instances I found myself laughing out loud watching Galchenyuk do his thing. You just don't see too many US players do what he does out there. He looks so much more dynamic now than he looked at the summer evaluation.
Stupid good. I came away really impressed by him and Connor Murphy. I thought Sparks definitely underwhelmed in net. He made some great desperation saves, especially on the PK, but his first goal was pillow soft and he consistently struggled with positioning and making the routine save. Mike Reilly was solid, and so Gost-whatever his name is other than that, everyone else was kinda invisible.
Today's game was weird in that it was essentially a special teams practice with all the penalties. McCabe has been solidly paired with Murphy most of the time that the team has been on the ice recently. I don't think he is out by any means.
) but this team has a good vibe. A lot of structure and familiarity throughout the lineup. Excellent team speed, some good truculence, and enough pop up front to be dangerous in transition.
other than that, everyone else was kinda invisible.
