IIHF Moskow 2007

[Pando]

*Disclaimer: this thread contains ice hockey*

Is there a general interest in the games? Who's been watching?

I wish I would've had time to create this game earlier to see who's the Nostradamus of hockey with predictions.

My predictions for the groups, and their overall standings:

Group A
#1 SWE, not their best team, but in an easy group. Finishes surprisingly low, 4-8th.
#2 SUI, the Swiss play better then expected but still has a long way to go.
4-8th.
#3 LAT, a tough tournament for Latvia. Not in the top 8.
#4 ITA, not really a competitor but a filler of the groups. Journey ends here.

Group B
#1 USA, tough start but a good overall tournament. Finishes in the top 4.
#2 CZE, strong as usual, finishes in the top 4.
#3 BLR, did their best but didn't reach the top 8.
#4 AUT, would've deserved better, but had tough opponents.

Group C
1# SVK, a strong contender for the top 4 but doesn't quite reach it. 4-8th.
2# CAN, a strong contender as well and makes it to the top 4.
3# GER, a good tournament but still not quite on the level with the stronger teams. Unlucky finish just outside the top 8.
4# NOR, not on par with the rest of the group.

Group D
1# RUS, starts off strong but folds under pressure. 4-8th.
2# FIN, shapes up and reaches the top 4.
3# UKR, beats Denmark but that's their only victory.
4# DEN, unable to surprise like they've done in the past. 0 points.

So, what do you think?

[LTT]

Canada wins. Although it isn't a high priority for me as the NHL playoffs are going on so I'm very distracted by that. Pherhaps when it gets down to the medal round I'll watch a bit.

On a side note, I'm not impressedthat Crosby elected not to play for Canada, citing a fractured bone in his foot. Something tells me his foot is fine and he just wants the rest, but who knows.

[fisetdavid26]

I'm obviously for Canada. I believe Russia, Finland and the United States will be close competitors. Sweden and Czech Republic won't be far behind.

[Kitdy]

I think that instead of every year their being IIHF hockey there should be a once every 4 years World Cup of Hockey (like the FIFA World Cup - and held offset 2 yeasr from the olympics) as the Olympics and the IIHF are not great ways of holding contests for the best in hockey wheras the World Cup could really be held at a time when all the NHL greats could participate in.

As for this tournament, the Russians seem to be the favourite to win, what with Malkin, and Ovechkin (but no Semin - he was late...hahahah).

Pando, I think your Finns will be in tough in the medal round (with the Finns and the Czechs, and the Americans and the Swedes and us Canucks) but they could contend for a medal, definetely.

Now Canadians, whay do you make of the lack of Vinny and Marty?

It is my view that you should play for your country every time the call comes for you - hell, it is usually the development in your country that allows you to compete professionally anyways. Crosby should be there - he played with a broken foot in the playoffs, he can man up and do it for his nation in Moscow! The players that do not answer the call really piss me off. I would personally be excited to suit up for my country in any competition! What do you guys think?

[LotusLocost]

4# NOR, not on par with the rest of the group.

So, what do you think?

Norway FTW!!!!

Suckers!!

[Kitdy]

Ok I got Canada's games both on TSN AFAIK:

vs. Norway, Monday, April 30, Noon

vs. Slovakia, Wednesday MAy 2, Noon

[The_Canuck]

Oh Canada, we kick ass in hockey...

[fisetdavid26]

Ok I got Canada's games both on TSN AFAIK:

vs. Norway, Monday, April 30, Noon

vs. Slovakia, Wednesday MAy 2, Noon

I'll be tuned in. Fred, you better watch the one on April 30 too!

[Kitdy]

Where have all us Canadians gone?

I like the Staal and Staal factor. That is a good factor.

[LTT]

Where have all us Canadians gone?

I like the Staal and Staal factor. That is a good factor.

For sure, Eric is playing well after a bit of a rough go in the NHL this year. Hopefully Jordan will keep up his strong play as well. But I do agree that we'll miss Vinny, Marty, and Sid. As for guys saying no to it, there can be alot of pressure from your NHL club to avoid things like this that can produce unecessary injuries (see the dominator in the omplyics...wound up costing Ottawa a cup run).

[Kitdy]

For sure, Eric is playing well after a bit of a rough go in the NHL this year. Hopefully Jordan will keep up his strong play as well. But I do agree that we'll miss Vinny, Marty, and Sid. As for guys saying no to it, there can be alot of pressure from your NHL club to avoid things like this that can produce unecessary injuries (see the dominator in the omplyics...wound up costing Ottawa a cup run).

Whatever, screw it. I would say to my team that it was my country and they helped make me as good a player as I am - I gosta help them out. What exactly is the reason that Vinny and Marty aren't playing anyway?

[092326001]

Canada!

[The_Canuck]

Hmm I wonder how many Canadians are actually on here...

[Kitdy]

Hmm I wonder how many Canadians are actually on here...

Maybe around 20 or so somewhat regular posters?

[The_Canuck]

Maybe around 20 or so somewhat regular posters?

Maybe we outnumber the Aussies...
Classic pic...