That was the Chant in Hockey Palace Area when Team Canada was up 3-0 to the Slovakia club. Those chants quickly disappeared when the Slovaks make it a two goal game with 8:25 remaining on the clock. That three goal lead would quickly evaporate to a one goal lead when the Slovakia's would strike again with 4:53 remaining.
This all Canadian crowd changed their tone and were in total disbelief of what was going on in the game.
With a all out try to get this game even with time winding down the huge underdog Slovaks pressured the hell out the Canadians. And their it was right at the door step a loose puck that would sail wide of the goal and finally ruin the come back. David almost put down the equalizer that could of put Goliath out of the tournament with an extra session if needed.
The Slovakian great Olympic run will still have a shot at a Bronze medal tonight against Finland for their efforts. And if their not burnt out after almost upsetting Canada they will take the Bronze with no problem.
Canada wants USA and now they will get their wish. Well they did have them in the preliminary round but the USA was victorious with a 5-3 win lead by their out standing goalie Ryan Miller.
USA is running on all cylinders now after a slow start that needed some cleaning up after only one practice together.
The two teams met in the 2002 Olympics in Salt lake city and now they'll meet again in Vancouver. One team will go home with Silver one team will take the Gold.
For more Olympic Hockey Articles http://www.puckvideo.com
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Team USA Finish off the Finns! Shoot for Gold on Sunday!
After being held to only two goals scored on 44 shots against Switzerland and one of the two being an empty netter the American's bombard Finland in the first connecting six times on thirteen shots.
The Relentless American attack in the first proved to be their top 15 minutes of the tournament. After their forth straight tally Finland goalie Miikka Kiprusoff pulled himself from the game and Niklas Backstrum came in to relieve him. The results would be the same as Team USA Men's Ice Hockey squad would light the lamp two more times right off the bat.
The first goal of the game would be off a Finland misread as Miikka Kiprusoff would leave his crease to play a puck at the top of the circle their defenseman skated away from the puck. The on coming full speed ahead Phil Kessel made Kiprusoff make a bad decision with the puck that landed on Ryan Malone's stick as he fired into the empty net for a 1-0 US lead.
From their on Kiprusoff seamed rattled as Parise, Johnson and Kane would score. Kane would welcome Niklas Backstrom into the game scoring again only 2:23 later and Paul Stastny would do the same after another 15 tics for the whopping 6-0 lead.
Miller continues to be on his game! After putting all his 18 shots he faced aside US coach Ron Wilson gave his wall a break and let Bruins goal keep get some action. Tim Thomas would get his first action of the tournament and would allow one goal on seven shots. The lone Finland goal came off a shot that deflected off of a defesneman's skate and broke the US shut out streak with only 5:14 left on the clock.
Team USA has not trailed in this tournament and this team has only gotten better since their lone practice before the games started. A great group of guys that are playing for each other and not for themselves team USA captain Jamie Langenbrunner stated. Also stating that this team believed in themselves as no one else did.
It's Canada vs the United States for Gold on Sunday! A rematch of the 2002 Olympics where Canada would win on American soil. What a great way to finish off this Olympic run would be for the Americans to do the same on Canadian grounds.
For more Olympic and NHL articles http://www.puckvideo.com
The Relentless American attack in the first proved to be their top 15 minutes of the tournament. After their forth straight tally Finland goalie Miikka Kiprusoff pulled himself from the game and Niklas Backstrum came in to relieve him. The results would be the same as Team USA Men's Ice Hockey squad would light the lamp two more times right off the bat.
The first goal of the game would be off a Finland misread as Miikka Kiprusoff would leave his crease to play a puck at the top of the circle their defenseman skated away from the puck. The on coming full speed ahead Phil Kessel made Kiprusoff make a bad decision with the puck that landed on Ryan Malone's stick as he fired into the empty net for a 1-0 US lead.
From their on Kiprusoff seamed rattled as Parise, Johnson and Kane would score. Kane would welcome Niklas Backstrom into the game scoring again only 2:23 later and Paul Stastny would do the same after another 15 tics for the whopping 6-0 lead.
Miller continues to be on his game! After putting all his 18 shots he faced aside US coach Ron Wilson gave his wall a break and let Bruins goal keep get some action. Tim Thomas would get his first action of the tournament and would allow one goal on seven shots. The lone Finland goal came off a shot that deflected off of a defesneman's skate and broke the US shut out streak with only 5:14 left on the clock.
Team USA has not trailed in this tournament and this team has only gotten better since their lone practice before the games started. A great group of guys that are playing for each other and not for themselves team USA captain Jamie Langenbrunner stated. Also stating that this team believed in themselves as no one else did.
It's Canada vs the United States for Gold on Sunday! A rematch of the 2002 Olympics where Canada would win on American soil. What a great way to finish off this Olympic run would be for the Americans to do the same on Canadian grounds.
For more Olympic and NHL articles http://www.puckvideo.com
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A let down as the Super Powers Collide at the Olympics!
The Super Powers of Hockey go at it but there was no signs of a great game.
A clash of the titans was expected in the Canadian Russian battle but only one team showed up to play in this much hyped epic event.
As the all Canadian fan base shouted WE WANT RUSSIA! After a dominating win against the Germans this match was set in stone. And as everyone thought this game would be for GOLD it was an elimination game of who would go home with nothing.
And that team would be the Alex Ovechkin and the Super Russian squad. But kryptonite would be dealt to this All Star squad that's first line boasted Ovechkin, Malkin and Semin.
But this fast and much talented line would look ordinary against this Canadian team.
Did the Americans awake this sleepy Giant? After a dismal preliminary round outing, the Canadians went 1-1-1 while losing to the United Sates this Canadian team has dominated in both their elimination round matches.
Beating Germany 8-2 and the Russians 7-3 this team enters the final four going on all cylinders getting their grind on!
The Canadian team didn't waste no time to get this game in gear scoring only 2:21 into play on a goal off Getzlaf sick for a 1-0 Canada lead. Canada would go up by two on the power play as Boyle would connect on feed from San Jose forward D. Heatley and P. Marleau. Only :46 later Canada would continue their dominance and go up by three on a R. Nash goal. The two teams would trade goals the rest of the way in the first and the Canadians would take a dominating 4-1 lead into the second in front of a much pleased audience.
Period two would see more of the same as Canada would add another three goals to the Russians two for a 7-3 lead going into the final session.
Period three wouldn't see a goal scored and Canada would send the Russians packing in the elimination game to their respective teams in the NHL and KHL.
The defending GOLD Men's Ice Hockey Champions were eliminated by the Finnish team and they are next up for Canada.
Canada has done nothing put focus on their next opponent as questions were asked about GOLD. They will not over look this over achieving Slovakian team lead by New York Rangers scoring leader Marian Gaborik
The Final four is here! USA vs Finland and Canada vs Slovakia. North America is dreaming for another USA CANADA battle for Gold as so is NBC. But today's game brings another short lived test two these two teams facing elimination.
Every Shift, Every Second, Every Play will be important! The call of need is here! Who will rise to the occasion?
For more NHL and Olympic articles and Video http://www.puckvideo.com
A clash of the titans was expected in the Canadian Russian battle but only one team showed up to play in this much hyped epic event.
As the all Canadian fan base shouted WE WANT RUSSIA! After a dominating win against the Germans this match was set in stone. And as everyone thought this game would be for GOLD it was an elimination game of who would go home with nothing.
And that team would be the Alex Ovechkin and the Super Russian squad. But kryptonite would be dealt to this All Star squad that's first line boasted Ovechkin, Malkin and Semin.
But this fast and much talented line would look ordinary against this Canadian team.
Did the Americans awake this sleepy Giant? After a dismal preliminary round outing, the Canadians went 1-1-1 while losing to the United Sates this Canadian team has dominated in both their elimination round matches.
Beating Germany 8-2 and the Russians 7-3 this team enters the final four going on all cylinders getting their grind on!
The Canadian team didn't waste no time to get this game in gear scoring only 2:21 into play on a goal off Getzlaf sick for a 1-0 Canada lead. Canada would go up by two on the power play as Boyle would connect on feed from San Jose forward D. Heatley and P. Marleau. Only :46 later Canada would continue their dominance and go up by three on a R. Nash goal. The two teams would trade goals the rest of the way in the first and the Canadians would take a dominating 4-1 lead into the second in front of a much pleased audience.
Period two would see more of the same as Canada would add another three goals to the Russians two for a 7-3 lead going into the final session.
Period three wouldn't see a goal scored and Canada would send the Russians packing in the elimination game to their respective teams in the NHL and KHL.
The defending GOLD Men's Ice Hockey Champions were eliminated by the Finnish team and they are next up for Canada.
Canada has done nothing put focus on their next opponent as questions were asked about GOLD. They will not over look this over achieving Slovakian team lead by New York Rangers scoring leader Marian Gaborik
The Final four is here! USA vs Finland and Canada vs Slovakia. North America is dreaming for another USA CANADA battle for Gold as so is NBC. But today's game brings another short lived test two these two teams facing elimination.
Every Shift, Every Second, Every Play will be important! The call of need is here! Who will rise to the occasion?
For more NHL and Olympic articles and Video http://www.puckvideo.com
Team USA dominate but just get by the Swiss!
Shots on goal read 18-4 after a period of play, 32-8 after two periods of play in favor of the United States but the score board would still read 0-0. Enter the out standing Mighty Ducks Switzerland goaltender Jonas Hillar.
Usually when an underdog team hangs around with you two long the unthinkable happens. A devastating loss, and in this case a long ride home across the boarder as the US headed into the elimination round with a 3-0 record and the top seed in the tourney.
But 2:08 into period three Zach Parise would relieve a frustrated US squad on the power play when he would deflect a Brian Rafalski slap shot from the point and breath a sigh of relief into his pressuring counter parts. After 33 shots on goal number 34 would find it's way home and make for 1-0 USA lead.
Then the goalie on the other side of the rink wearing red white and blue would have to make his presence know to hold down a lead. After only seeing eight shots though two periods of play, Switzerland would throw eleven shots at him in the final session looking for the equalizer. A few of those eleven were good quality scoring chances with time winding down at the end of the game as Miller would turn them aside in another nerve wrecking ending.
Parise would ruin any chance of this game going past regulation when he would sail an empty net goal home for his second of the night but more important a US win and march his fellow Americans into the final four.
Parise was the best forward for the United States scoring both the teams goals and making his presences know on all parts of the ice. Doing the scrappy work, which he is know for he finishes off his hit's, fore checking and back checking the man is the most complete forward on the squad as he can finish too.
Ryan Miller's 19 saves and no goals allowed were good enough for the first USA shut out since Mike Richter did it in the 2002 games against Germany.
The US are now four wins and zero losses in the tournament as they move into the medal round. They will have at least a shot a bronze being one of the final four teams. Did I just say bronze? Two more wins and they can say GOLD!
For more Olympic articles and Video. http://www.puckvideo.com
Usually when an underdog team hangs around with you two long the unthinkable happens. A devastating loss, and in this case a long ride home across the boarder as the US headed into the elimination round with a 3-0 record and the top seed in the tourney.
But 2:08 into period three Zach Parise would relieve a frustrated US squad on the power play when he would deflect a Brian Rafalski slap shot from the point and breath a sigh of relief into his pressuring counter parts. After 33 shots on goal number 34 would find it's way home and make for 1-0 USA lead.
Then the goalie on the other side of the rink wearing red white and blue would have to make his presence know to hold down a lead. After only seeing eight shots though two periods of play, Switzerland would throw eleven shots at him in the final session looking for the equalizer. A few of those eleven were good quality scoring chances with time winding down at the end of the game as Miller would turn them aside in another nerve wrecking ending.
Parise would ruin any chance of this game going past regulation when he would sail an empty net goal home for his second of the night but more important a US win and march his fellow Americans into the final four.
Parise was the best forward for the United States scoring both the teams goals and making his presences know on all parts of the ice. Doing the scrappy work, which he is know for he finishes off his hit's, fore checking and back checking the man is the most complete forward on the squad as he can finish too.
Ryan Miller's 19 saves and no goals allowed were good enough for the first USA shut out since Mike Richter did it in the 2002 games against Germany.
The US are now four wins and zero losses in the tournament as they move into the medal round. They will have at least a shot a bronze being one of the final four teams. Did I just say bronze? Two more wins and they can say GOLD!
For more Olympic articles and Video. http://www.puckvideo.com
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Canada Regroups in Ousting Over Germany!
After taking a 5-3 defeat to the Americans the Canadians avenge their loss at the hands of the over matched Germans. With an 8-2 final, they set up a huge battle on ice between Alex Ovechkin and the Russians.
Canada was all over the German club from the drop of the puck out shooting them 14-4 in the first but would only leave the period with a 1-0 lead on a Joe Thornton goal.
But unlike in the game against the Americans the Canadians would finish their chances in the second. Scoring three straight goals in a span of only 6:18.
Canada's first goal of the period which lead to a 2-0 lead was off the sick of Shea Weber as he unleashed a cannon from the point that would actually go though the mesh of the net and the play would have to be reviewed to see if it did go in. But there was no question to the goal as this blazing shot from the point went right though the netting.
Jerome Iginla would put home the next two Canadian goals that would add up to a 4-0 lead.
The Germans would get one back on a wrap around attempt for a 4-1 game as they started getting some shots on goal. Only being out shot by one in the period they still trailed by three in the game. Down three goals the Germans new it would be a tuff feat to come back from as they haven't scored more than three goals in a game during the tournament.
Crosby, Richards, Niedermayer and Nash would all tally in the third to put this game well away for an 8-2 whipping.
Roberto Luongo made his return between the pipes after Martin Broduer's under par outing to the US. He will be in goal again against the Russians. Luongo faced a total of 23 shots letting in two while Canada put up 39 shots on goal putting home eight.
The Hockey world will all be watching when the two Hockey powers go at it. Who you ask? The Russians and the Canadians. While many expected this game would be for Gold, it comes three rounds early. One of these two teams will go home with nothing.
Weather it's the Penguins and Capitals or the Canadians vs the Russians this is the Super Bowl of Hockey! Crosby vs Ovechkin in a best vs best battle. Winner will move on the Loser goes home or in Canada's case they won't have to travel to far with a loss.
For more Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Articles http://www.puckvideo.com
Canada was all over the German club from the drop of the puck out shooting them 14-4 in the first but would only leave the period with a 1-0 lead on a Joe Thornton goal.
But unlike in the game against the Americans the Canadians would finish their chances in the second. Scoring three straight goals in a span of only 6:18.
Canada's first goal of the period which lead to a 2-0 lead was off the sick of Shea Weber as he unleashed a cannon from the point that would actually go though the mesh of the net and the play would have to be reviewed to see if it did go in. But there was no question to the goal as this blazing shot from the point went right though the netting.
Jerome Iginla would put home the next two Canadian goals that would add up to a 4-0 lead.
The Germans would get one back on a wrap around attempt for a 4-1 game as they started getting some shots on goal. Only being out shot by one in the period they still trailed by three in the game. Down three goals the Germans new it would be a tuff feat to come back from as they haven't scored more than three goals in a game during the tournament.
Crosby, Richards, Niedermayer and Nash would all tally in the third to put this game well away for an 8-2 whipping.
Roberto Luongo made his return between the pipes after Martin Broduer's under par outing to the US. He will be in goal again against the Russians. Luongo faced a total of 23 shots letting in two while Canada put up 39 shots on goal putting home eight.
The Hockey world will all be watching when the two Hockey powers go at it. Who you ask? The Russians and the Canadians. While many expected this game would be for Gold, it comes three rounds early. One of these two teams will go home with nothing.
Weather it's the Penguins and Capitals or the Canadians vs the Russians this is the Super Bowl of Hockey! Crosby vs Ovechkin in a best vs best battle. Winner will move on the Loser goes home or in Canada's case they won't have to travel to far with a loss.
For more Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Articles http://www.puckvideo.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
Twist those Pucks it's Miller Time!
Team USA beats Canada 5-3 in a edge of your seater, heart skipping, nerve wrecking battle that lived up to it's billing. Or did it? Oh Canada who's supposed to be the favorites in this tournament just got by Switzerland with a shoot-out win and then took an L to the huge underdog Americans.
But you should never under estimate the heart of an American! Period. Via 1980 Olympics, this is far and beyond an 1980 Olympics team. Yes, this is a young American team, but all these American players are professionals who are in the NHL. I am far from shocked that this team won this game and especially when you have a goalie by the name of Ryan Miller who stopped 42 of 45 Canadian shots.
The American NHL'ers not the collage kids got on the board just forty one seconds in on a Brian Rafalski goal deflected off a Canadian skate.
Eric Staal would tie the game at one on a little deflection that Brent Seabrook would wrist towards the American goal that would tie the game at one.
But Rafalski would strike again on an ill advised clear by Marty Broduer who took a baseball like swing at the puck that Rafalski intercepted and buried to give the American team a 2-1 lead. That would be the forth consecutive goal scored by Rafalski for the US of A scoring the last two goals against Norway then the first two against these Canadians.
Canada would get even in the second on an US miss clear attempt and Canada's leading scorer in Olympic play would make them pay as all American eyes were fixated on the puck they left Dany Heatly all alone in front as he banged it home and evened the score.
New York Rangers Captain would give Team USA their goal lead back on with pressure in front of the Canada goal that left Broduer flopping around that Dury pounced on a rebound and threw one into the empty net that lead to a 3-2 American lead going into the final session.
Americans who would start the third on a power play because of a late Canadian penalty at the end of the second weren't able to connect on that power play but they would on their forth power play attempt and third consecutive that Team USA Captain Jamie Langenbrunner would redirect off of, Yes Brian Rafalski's slap shot from the point for a 5-3 USA lead.
Canada would see Power Play opportunities of their own and the Canadian Poster boy Sidney Crosby would
make it a one goal game with time winding down and Canada would keep on pressing from there on in to try and get that equalizer.
As Canada would pull Marty Marty for the extra attacker US would clear the puck and an all out heart play of the game would be made by Livonia, Michigan native Ryan Kesler who would dive for a puck with a Canadian defender ahead of him that he would shoot towards the empty net that would make it past the goal crease for a Team USA 5-3 lead and ultimately the win.
What a great game of hockey displayed tonight in a playoff like atmosphere match between the two rivals.
US Hockey wins the group A division and get's a bye into the Quarter Finals. All I got to say is WOW, but not a 1980 wow!!!
Check out a Ryan Miller Tribute here http://www.puckvideo.com
But you should never under estimate the heart of an American! Period. Via 1980 Olympics, this is far and beyond an 1980 Olympics team. Yes, this is a young American team, but all these American players are professionals who are in the NHL. I am far from shocked that this team won this game and especially when you have a goalie by the name of Ryan Miller who stopped 42 of 45 Canadian shots.
The American NHL'ers not the collage kids got on the board just forty one seconds in on a Brian Rafalski goal deflected off a Canadian skate.
Eric Staal would tie the game at one on a little deflection that Brent Seabrook would wrist towards the American goal that would tie the game at one.
But Rafalski would strike again on an ill advised clear by Marty Broduer who took a baseball like swing at the puck that Rafalski intercepted and buried to give the American team a 2-1 lead. That would be the forth consecutive goal scored by Rafalski for the US of A scoring the last two goals against Norway then the first two against these Canadians.
Canada would get even in the second on an US miss clear attempt and Canada's leading scorer in Olympic play would make them pay as all American eyes were fixated on the puck they left Dany Heatly all alone in front as he banged it home and evened the score.
New York Rangers Captain would give Team USA their goal lead back on with pressure in front of the Canada goal that left Broduer flopping around that Dury pounced on a rebound and threw one into the empty net that lead to a 3-2 American lead going into the final session.
Americans who would start the third on a power play because of a late Canadian penalty at the end of the second weren't able to connect on that power play but they would on their forth power play attempt and third consecutive that Team USA Captain Jamie Langenbrunner would redirect off of, Yes Brian Rafalski's slap shot from the point for a 5-3 USA lead.
Canada would see Power Play opportunities of their own and the Canadian Poster boy Sidney Crosby would
make it a one goal game with time winding down and Canada would keep on pressing from there on in to try and get that equalizer.
As Canada would pull Marty Marty for the extra attacker US would clear the puck and an all out heart play of the game would be made by Livonia, Michigan native Ryan Kesler who would dive for a puck with a Canadian defender ahead of him that he would shoot towards the empty net that would make it past the goal crease for a Team USA 5-3 lead and ultimately the win.
What a great game of hockey displayed tonight in a playoff like atmosphere match between the two rivals.
US Hockey wins the group A division and get's a bye into the Quarter Finals. All I got to say is WOW, but not a 1980 wow!!!
Check out a Ryan Miller Tribute here http://www.puckvideo.com
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Two Games Two Wins for the USA Squad!
Team USA moves to 2-0 in tournament play with a 6-1 win over Norway but there is still a need for this team to improve. With the heavily favored Canadians and Russians they must get better to compete against those teams.
With the final score stating 6-1 you would think the US killed this Norway team. But that wasn't the case as Team USA scored three of those goals in the final six minutes of play. Don't get me wrong the third period was a very good period for the American team out shooting the Norway team 16-2 in the final session as Norway were trying to get back into the game. But turnovers again in periods one and two would make you think the more skilled teams will capitalize on these turnovers.
Then again Ryan Miller will be there to protect and defend as he has been great in the limited work he has seen. With only 26 total shots at him in the two games played he made the big stops in both games that he had too. It will be Miller time on Sunday night as the Canadians will have a test for this man. The winner of the game will get a bye in the second round of play.
The US would jump out to a 3-0 lead on goals by Kessel, Dury and Kane but Norway would get back into it with a Short Handed goal making for a 3-1 game in the second and moving into the third.
A USA dominated third and with coach Ron Wilson's line shake up at the end of the final period the United States put together three quick goals. Did Coach Wilson strike some team chemistry among the bunch? Whatever he did the team responded quickly and put this game away and that's the bottom line.
The US will have a two days off leading up to the big game on Sunday night as they will work on their weak points displayed so far. The power play and transition game as well as being more smarter with the puck will be points needed to be worked on.
It's the home and heavily favored Canadians vs the United States of American for the division on Sunday night! A game not to be missed. I have a feeling the all Canadian crowd will let USA know of their presence.
For more Olympic Hockey Articles and NHL video recaps http://www.puckvideo.com
With the final score stating 6-1 you would think the US killed this Norway team. But that wasn't the case as Team USA scored three of those goals in the final six minutes of play. Don't get me wrong the third period was a very good period for the American team out shooting the Norway team 16-2 in the final session as Norway were trying to get back into the game. But turnovers again in periods one and two would make you think the more skilled teams will capitalize on these turnovers.
Then again Ryan Miller will be there to protect and defend as he has been great in the limited work he has seen. With only 26 total shots at him in the two games played he made the big stops in both games that he had too. It will be Miller time on Sunday night as the Canadians will have a test for this man. The winner of the game will get a bye in the second round of play.
The US would jump out to a 3-0 lead on goals by Kessel, Dury and Kane but Norway would get back into it with a Short Handed goal making for a 3-1 game in the second and moving into the third.
A USA dominated third and with coach Ron Wilson's line shake up at the end of the final period the United States put together three quick goals. Did Coach Wilson strike some team chemistry among the bunch? Whatever he did the team responded quickly and put this game away and that's the bottom line.
The US will have a two days off leading up to the big game on Sunday night as they will work on their weak points displayed so far. The power play and transition game as well as being more smarter with the puck will be points needed to be worked on.
It's the home and heavily favored Canadians vs the United States of American for the division on Sunday night! A game not to be missed. I have a feeling the all Canadian crowd will let USA know of their presence.
For more Olympic Hockey Articles and NHL video recaps http://www.puckvideo.com
OH Canada Hold your Breath!
Team Canada skated to a 3-2 overtime shoot-out win over the Swiss! Canada's poster boy Sidney Crosby was the hero scoring the lone goal in the shoot-out on his second attempt in the grueling goaltending battle.
Team Switzerland beat Canada in the 2006 Olympics and came very close to repeating the feat again in the 2010 Games. In the best game thus far in Men's Ice Hockey play I have to admit I was on the edge of my seat in this one. Great Hockey Period!
Team Switzerland with only two NHL'ers among their squad and a big underdog in the match, their key to their point earned in the standings was Anaheim Mighty Ducks starting goalie NHLer Jonas Hiller. One of the two NHL players on the Swiss squad. Forget the Shoot-out he was the star of the game keeping his heavily over matched team in this game and giving his countrymen a chance.
Huge saves while the game was tied at two Hiller made. Canada exploded with a of flurry of shots with his catching glove stopping play. Jonas Hiller faced 47 total shots in the memorable game.
Canada built a 2-0 lead on goals by San Jose Sharks Stars Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau. But the determined Swiss team made it a one goal game at the 8:59 mark and capitalized on a Chris Pronger retaliation hit with the refs arm up for a penalty, the Swiss forward threw the puck at the net and it would deflect off a Canadian skate with only :10 to tie the game at two.
Period three would see a barrage of Canadian shots on goal out shooting their opponents 18-3. Jonas was the difference if I already didn't mention that in this article. Words described BIG BIG BIG.
Switzerland would escape the third period and actually out shoot Canada in the four on four over time session 3-1 and just like in the NHL a shoot out was needed.
Oh did we forget to mention Martin Broduer played goal for Canada tonight? Well if we did he was good for stopping all four of the Swiss shoot-out attempts and stopping 22 of 24 in regulation and overtime.
Did he just get the nod for the huge game against the US of A on Sunday night? Or will Canada go back to Roberto Luongo?
Broduer's play in the game against the Swiss, his seniority, reputation, 3 Stanley Cups and a Gold Medal should get him approved for the game against the Americans.
The winner get's a bye in round two of the Tournament.
Is it Luongo or Broduer? Will Mark Andre Flurey get a start? Canada's goaltending is deep and something to talk about.
For more Olympic articles, NHL video recaps and more http://www.puckvideo.com
Team Switzerland beat Canada in the 2006 Olympics and came very close to repeating the feat again in the 2010 Games. In the best game thus far in Men's Ice Hockey play I have to admit I was on the edge of my seat in this one. Great Hockey Period!
Team Switzerland with only two NHL'ers among their squad and a big underdog in the match, their key to their point earned in the standings was Anaheim Mighty Ducks starting goalie NHLer Jonas Hiller. One of the two NHL players on the Swiss squad. Forget the Shoot-out he was the star of the game keeping his heavily over matched team in this game and giving his countrymen a chance.
Huge saves while the game was tied at two Hiller made. Canada exploded with a of flurry of shots with his catching glove stopping play. Jonas Hiller faced 47 total shots in the memorable game.
Canada built a 2-0 lead on goals by San Jose Sharks Stars Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau. But the determined Swiss team made it a one goal game at the 8:59 mark and capitalized on a Chris Pronger retaliation hit with the refs arm up for a penalty, the Swiss forward threw the puck at the net and it would deflect off a Canadian skate with only :10 to tie the game at two.
Period three would see a barrage of Canadian shots on goal out shooting their opponents 18-3. Jonas was the difference if I already didn't mention that in this article. Words described BIG BIG BIG.
Switzerland would escape the third period and actually out shoot Canada in the four on four over time session 3-1 and just like in the NHL a shoot out was needed.
Oh did we forget to mention Martin Broduer played goal for Canada tonight? Well if we did he was good for stopping all four of the Swiss shoot-out attempts and stopping 22 of 24 in regulation and overtime.
Did he just get the nod for the huge game against the US of A on Sunday night? Or will Canada go back to Roberto Luongo?
Broduer's play in the game against the Swiss, his seniority, reputation, 3 Stanley Cups and a Gold Medal should get him approved for the game against the Americans.
The winner get's a bye in round two of the Tournament.
Is it Luongo or Broduer? Will Mark Andre Flurey get a start? Canada's goaltending is deep and something to talk about.
For more Olympic articles, NHL video recaps and more http://www.puckvideo.com
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Canada Tee's off in front of home crowd!
Canada Makes a Statement!
Coming off a disappointing finish in the 2006 Winter Olympics, Team Canada has one agenda on it's mind. And that is GOLD! Anything less would be a another disappointment Olympic outing especially this year because they are in front of their own.
After a scoreless first period team Canada would unleash their weapons. Starting off the onslaught was Jerome Iginla on the power play off a Sidney Crosby feed. Canada's next goal would come off a Chris Pronger blast from the point that Dany Heatley would redirect in for a 2-0 Canadian lead.
Norway's best chance to score a goal would be on a 5-3 power play opportunity where they did move the puck well and the few chances they had Roberto Luongo was there.
Soon after Canada would kill off the two minor power plays and wasted no time to strike again. Mike Richards would fake one way from behind the Norway goal then come back around and slam it home on his second attempt.
Canada was full speed ahead from there on taking a 3-0 lead into the locker room. As they dominated in the second they did the same in the third adding another five goals on their way to a 8-0 win in their opener.
Canada's lamp lighters were Jerome Iginla who was good for a hat-trick while Dany Heatley had two. Richards, Getzlaf and Perry would also put home a goal each in the win.
Roberto Luongo turned away all of Norway's 15 shots on goal getting the shut-out. Luongo got the starting nod as everyone thought it would be Marty Broduer, I think Canada's coaching staff made the right decision going with the younger Luongo who has been on his game of late for the Canucks. But it wouldn't of mattered who Canada placed between the pipes last night as the out come would of been the same.
Canada's speed, size and depth showed in this match as this team did exactly what they wanted to do in their first outing. Come out and dominate! Canada dominated in their opener and the Swiss team is up next who lost to the USA earlier in the day. Another game Canada should roll though as the big one from the preliminary round will be played on Sunday night.
For more Olympic Hockey articles, recaps and highlights http://www.puckvideo.com
Coming off a disappointing finish in the 2006 Winter Olympics, Team Canada has one agenda on it's mind. And that is GOLD! Anything less would be a another disappointment Olympic outing especially this year because they are in front of their own.
After a scoreless first period team Canada would unleash their weapons. Starting off the onslaught was Jerome Iginla on the power play off a Sidney Crosby feed. Canada's next goal would come off a Chris Pronger blast from the point that Dany Heatley would redirect in for a 2-0 Canadian lead.
Norway's best chance to score a goal would be on a 5-3 power play opportunity where they did move the puck well and the few chances they had Roberto Luongo was there.
Soon after Canada would kill off the two minor power plays and wasted no time to strike again. Mike Richards would fake one way from behind the Norway goal then come back around and slam it home on his second attempt.
Canada was full speed ahead from there on taking a 3-0 lead into the locker room. As they dominated in the second they did the same in the third adding another five goals on their way to a 8-0 win in their opener.
Canada's lamp lighters were Jerome Iginla who was good for a hat-trick while Dany Heatley had two. Richards, Getzlaf and Perry would also put home a goal each in the win.
Roberto Luongo turned away all of Norway's 15 shots on goal getting the shut-out. Luongo got the starting nod as everyone thought it would be Marty Broduer, I think Canada's coaching staff made the right decision going with the younger Luongo who has been on his game of late for the Canucks. But it wouldn't of mattered who Canada placed between the pipes last night as the out come would of been the same.
Canada's speed, size and depth showed in this match as this team did exactly what they wanted to do in their first outing. Come out and dominate! Canada dominated in their opener and the Swiss team is up next who lost to the USA earlier in the day. Another game Canada should roll though as the big one from the preliminary round will be played on Sunday night.
For more Olympic Hockey articles, recaps and highlights http://www.puckvideo.com
Sloppy but Team USA take 3-1 Win !
The Men's Ice Hockey opener for the 2010 Winter Olympics kicked off today and the first match was between the United States and Switzerland. USA were able to jump out to a 1-0 lead in the first add two in the second and skate to a 3-1 win. However the team was sloppy through parts of the game leading to many odd man rushes that the Swiss just didn't hit the net on and couldn't capitalize.
The Americans did it with their big boys in scoring department, not the guys who you expected to score in Zach Parise, Patrick Kane and Peter Stastny but literally their big boys with Bobby Ryan, Ryan Malone and David Backes applying the goals for the American team.
Bobby Ryan got the American squad on the board at the end of first with a blazing wrist shot that sailed by Jonas Hiller, the two are teammates on the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
USA took the 1-0 lead into the locker room and put together a good second period. Period two David Backes put on a rush of speed flying around the Swiss defenseman and tucked one in past the pads of Hiller that was the highlight goal of the game. Tampa Bay Lightning power forward Ryan Malone would make it a 3-0 game poking in a Suter blast from the point on the power play.
Although Ryan Miller didn't have much work facing a total of 15 shots, he did make a couple of key saves including a big save that lead to the David Backes rush and goal. The one goal he did let in third period was a mistake of his own that he tried to poke check but the puck bounced over his stick and rolled in on his pad to put the Swiss on the board and ruining his bid for the shut out. The last Team USA shut out was in 2002 by Mike Richter against Germany.
Team USA only had one full practice together as a team and at times in this game it showed. Lucky for them they faced off against the Swiss who aren't one of the dominating teams on paper in the tournament. Lack of practice and putting on the Red White and Blue the team showed signs of being nervous. The young USA defense turned the puck over too many times that lead to odd man rushes. Teams like Canada and Russian will turn those mistakes into goals.
Next up for the US is Norway on Thursday, another game they should win and as these games go by I believe this group will get tighter and stronger or trouble lurks ahead. No Olympic games are automatic as every game will be a test, Team USA's biggest test will be Sunday night in the highly anticipated rivalry match against Canada.
For game highlights, recaps, articles and more. http://www.puckvideo.com
The Americans did it with their big boys in scoring department, not the guys who you expected to score in Zach Parise, Patrick Kane and Peter Stastny but literally their big boys with Bobby Ryan, Ryan Malone and David Backes applying the goals for the American team.
Bobby Ryan got the American squad on the board at the end of first with a blazing wrist shot that sailed by Jonas Hiller, the two are teammates on the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
USA took the 1-0 lead into the locker room and put together a good second period. Period two David Backes put on a rush of speed flying around the Swiss defenseman and tucked one in past the pads of Hiller that was the highlight goal of the game. Tampa Bay Lightning power forward Ryan Malone would make it a 3-0 game poking in a Suter blast from the point on the power play.
Although Ryan Miller didn't have much work facing a total of 15 shots, he did make a couple of key saves including a big save that lead to the David Backes rush and goal. The one goal he did let in third period was a mistake of his own that he tried to poke check but the puck bounced over his stick and rolled in on his pad to put the Swiss on the board and ruining his bid for the shut out. The last Team USA shut out was in 2002 by Mike Richter against Germany.
Team USA only had one full practice together as a team and at times in this game it showed. Lucky for them they faced off against the Swiss who aren't one of the dominating teams on paper in the tournament. Lack of practice and putting on the Red White and Blue the team showed signs of being nervous. The young USA defense turned the puck over too many times that lead to odd man rushes. Teams like Canada and Russian will turn those mistakes into goals.
Next up for the US is Norway on Thursday, another game they should win and as these games go by I believe this group will get tighter and stronger or trouble lurks ahead. No Olympic games are automatic as every game will be a test, Team USA's biggest test will be Sunday night in the highly anticipated rivalry match against Canada.
For game highlights, recaps, articles and more. http://www.puckvideo.com
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Rangers are Red Hot and now they have to take a Break!!
The Olympic break couldn't of come at a more worse time for the Blue Shirts now that this team is moving on all cylinders. This reminds me of the last Olympic break four years ago when the Rangers were playing very well going into the break, came back, stumbled into playoffs and finally checked out in four games to the New Jersey Devils. That season the Rangers had a ton of players going to play in the Olympics and that may of caused fatigue down the stretch of the regular season and the four extra post season games they played.
This years strong finish would start after trailing 2-0 going into period two and it looked like we were due for a big let down. The Rangers would storm back for five unanswered goals, sparked by some big Henrik Lundqvist saves and a beautiful Sean Avery penalty shot goal to get the team on the board as the rest of the team would follow and stepped up as well.
Erik Christensen would score two goals big goals, Prospal keeps scoring and added an assist in his two point game. And finally Captain Chris Dury would finish off the Lightning with an empty net goal, a mile stone point for Chris his 600th total career point!
The Rangers did this without their number one scorer and one of their best defenseman. Both still out with laceration injury's, Gaborik and Del Zotto won't mind the break as it will give their wounds more time to heel. Although Gaborik will be headed for the Olympic tournament his injury is still listed as day to day.
This Ranger team is starting to excel, and to me it seems like it started in the third period against the Phoenix Coyotes. In that game they were down three zip and stormed back for two goals in third and came very close to tying the game. The next night they won a big game in Colorado. Since those games the Rangers haven't lost a game by more than a goal and head into the Olympic break 3-1 in their last four. Beating all three teams that are ahead of them in the standings including the Devils and Penguins.
Don't get me wrong I'm looking very forward to watching the Olympics this year but it's a very tuff time to send key players away in a huge tournament when their regular teams are fighting for their lives to get into second season. The guys not going to play in the tournament now have to stand idle and stop playing.
A great finish for the Blue Shirts, but we'll have to wait till March 2nd to see them play again. With the win the Rangers tie the Lightning for ninth place and have a game in hand on the eight place Canadians who they are only a point behind. I hope the break won't slow this team down when play resumes in March with only 20 more games to go they'll have to stay strong and consistent as they have been of late to make it to the second season.
For Rangers Recaps, NHL Highlights and more www.puckvideo.com
This years strong finish would start after trailing 2-0 going into period two and it looked like we were due for a big let down. The Rangers would storm back for five unanswered goals, sparked by some big Henrik Lundqvist saves and a beautiful Sean Avery penalty shot goal to get the team on the board as the rest of the team would follow and stepped up as well.
Erik Christensen would score two goals big goals, Prospal keeps scoring and added an assist in his two point game. And finally Captain Chris Dury would finish off the Lightning with an empty net goal, a mile stone point for Chris his 600th total career point!
The Rangers did this without their number one scorer and one of their best defenseman. Both still out with laceration injury's, Gaborik and Del Zotto won't mind the break as it will give their wounds more time to heel. Although Gaborik will be headed for the Olympic tournament his injury is still listed as day to day.
This Ranger team is starting to excel, and to me it seems like it started in the third period against the Phoenix Coyotes. In that game they were down three zip and stormed back for two goals in third and came very close to tying the game. The next night they won a big game in Colorado. Since those games the Rangers haven't lost a game by more than a goal and head into the Olympic break 3-1 in their last four. Beating all three teams that are ahead of them in the standings including the Devils and Penguins.
Don't get me wrong I'm looking very forward to watching the Olympics this year but it's a very tuff time to send key players away in a huge tournament when their regular teams are fighting for their lives to get into second season. The guys not going to play in the tournament now have to stand idle and stop playing.
A great finish for the Blue Shirts, but we'll have to wait till March 2nd to see them play again. With the win the Rangers tie the Lightning for ninth place and have a game in hand on the eight place Canadians who they are only a point behind. I hope the break won't slow this team down when play resumes in March with only 20 more games to go they'll have to stay strong and consistent as they have been of late to make it to the second season.
For Rangers Recaps, NHL Highlights and more www.puckvideo.com
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Banged up Blue Shirts find a way to win!
Find a way to win is an under statement with Marian Gaborik not being able to continue in last nights game due to his deep thigh laceration sustained in practice, then Michael Del Zotto going down with the same type of injury with a skate to rib also causing a cut.
The Rangers picked up their game up on every level and they could of clearly won this game in regulation as they were the better team on the ice that night.
Olli Jokenin officially became a Ranger! Stating before last nights game he needed to have a big game and he did just that. Not only did he hook up a secondary assist on Chris Dury feed to Brandon Dubinsky's goal tying the game at one. Olli was good for the game winner in the Over Time session earning the Blue Shirt the much needed two points.
Chris Dury defined the letter C on his chest in this game and showed signs of a legendary former Ranger captain who's number eleven is retired. I'm not by far comparing the two, but when you do the things Chris did last night it made me feel very good who is currently wearing the C on his chest on this team. See this Clip here!
After finishing off his clean check on Matt Cooke making Matt feel the boards hard and as both players fell, Cooke quickly got up and started running his mouth standing over Dury. Dury quickly got up and dropped the gloves with Cooke wasting no time swinging his fists. Dury had the edge in the beginning of the battle but Cooke took it at the end as Michal Rozsival would defend his Captain and pull Cooke off Dury during the end of the fight that lead to a third man in penalty, however the Rangers would still wind up with a man advantage. See this Clip here!
Rangers would get two back to back power play opportunities after the fight and it would be two power plays the team would want to forget. No short handed goals against but the Rangers let the Penguins get some good scoring chances up a man.
Besides the bad power play chances the Rangers second period was a very good one out shooting the Penguins 13-6 in the second and 2-0 in the goals department taking a 2-1 lead into the third.
The Ranger killer this season Sidney Crosby would tie the game in the third for his second of the night scoring goals 40 and 41 his career high.
But Crosby's two goal night would be spoiled by Olli's over time winner and an all out New York team effort. Short on defense and Offense this team stepped up in every way they could and took home two points on the road against the defending champs. See this Clip here!
This Ranger team is playing well even though their record of late don't show for it in the last few battles. They were in all of those games and lost all those games by a goal since playing Phoenix and in most of those games they were the better team.
There is one more game before the Olympic break and it's on home ice against a team that is ahead of the Rangers in the standings. The game against the Lightning will have a playoff atmosphere to it as this Blue Shirt team is playing like they know what's at stake.
For NHL Awesome Goals, Hits, Saves, Fights and more www.puckvideo.com
The Rangers picked up their game up on every level and they could of clearly won this game in regulation as they were the better team on the ice that night.
Olli Jokenin officially became a Ranger! Stating before last nights game he needed to have a big game and he did just that. Not only did he hook up a secondary assist on Chris Dury feed to Brandon Dubinsky's goal tying the game at one. Olli was good for the game winner in the Over Time session earning the Blue Shirt the much needed two points.
Chris Dury defined the letter C on his chest in this game and showed signs of a legendary former Ranger captain who's number eleven is retired. I'm not by far comparing the two, but when you do the things Chris did last night it made me feel very good who is currently wearing the C on his chest on this team. See this Clip here!
After finishing off his clean check on Matt Cooke making Matt feel the boards hard and as both players fell, Cooke quickly got up and started running his mouth standing over Dury. Dury quickly got up and dropped the gloves with Cooke wasting no time swinging his fists. Dury had the edge in the beginning of the battle but Cooke took it at the end as Michal Rozsival would defend his Captain and pull Cooke off Dury during the end of the fight that lead to a third man in penalty, however the Rangers would still wind up with a man advantage. See this Clip here!
Rangers would get two back to back power play opportunities after the fight and it would be two power plays the team would want to forget. No short handed goals against but the Rangers let the Penguins get some good scoring chances up a man.
Besides the bad power play chances the Rangers second period was a very good one out shooting the Penguins 13-6 in the second and 2-0 in the goals department taking a 2-1 lead into the third.
The Ranger killer this season Sidney Crosby would tie the game in the third for his second of the night scoring goals 40 and 41 his career high.
But Crosby's two goal night would be spoiled by Olli's over time winner and an all out New York team effort. Short on defense and Offense this team stepped up in every way they could and took home two points on the road against the defending champs. See this Clip here!
This Ranger team is playing well even though their record of late don't show for it in the last few battles. They were in all of those games and lost all those games by a goal since playing Phoenix and in most of those games they were the better team.
There is one more game before the Olympic break and it's on home ice against a team that is ahead of the Rangers in the standings. The game against the Lightning will have a playoff atmosphere to it as this Blue Shirt team is playing like they know what's at stake.
For NHL Awesome Goals, Hits, Saves, Fights and more www.puckvideo.com
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Another Ranger Under Achiever makes an Exit!
Just about a week ago the Rangers acquired new blood from the Calgary Flames in Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust. The men who made their exits in the exchange were high hopefuls who did nothing on broad way, Ales Kotalik and Christopher Higgens.
Joining the crew of exits is Donald Brashear, not by trade but by wavier's.
Brashear who came to New York on July 1st from Washington in an off season signing when the Rangers lost Colton Orr to Toronto.
Upsetting to most Brashear was finished before he started when he came to New York because of the cheap shot he gave Blair Betts in the seven game series against the Capitals. No one wanted this guy and could understand Sather's move. In my opinion his worst signing.
When Brashear started this season for the Blue Shirts he was getting into a fight almost every game and was losing everyone of them. His best days of throwing punches are way behind him as he stands at the age of 38.
It was more like Aarron Voros was the intimidator for the Rangers this season as he put in his share of fighting majors.
With the signing of Prust the Rangers added another guy who likes to mix it up and that more than likely put an end to Brashear short lived career in New York.
Donald's donning of the Ranger sweater lasted 36 games where he tallied one assist for a point, was a -9 and registered 73 Penalty Minutes.
I'm happy to see Donald make an exit as I was Kotalik and Higgins. But at least Higgins and Kotalik got us something in return. A total waste of money spent and cap space wasted for an over the hill fighter that will probably get paid to sit the rest of the season out.
For NHL Goals, Hits, Saves, Classics and more! www.puckvideo.com
Joining the crew of exits is Donald Brashear, not by trade but by wavier's.
Brashear who came to New York on July 1st from Washington in an off season signing when the Rangers lost Colton Orr to Toronto.
Upsetting to most Brashear was finished before he started when he came to New York because of the cheap shot he gave Blair Betts in the seven game series against the Capitals. No one wanted this guy and could understand Sather's move. In my opinion his worst signing.
When Brashear started this season for the Blue Shirts he was getting into a fight almost every game and was losing everyone of them. His best days of throwing punches are way behind him as he stands at the age of 38.
It was more like Aarron Voros was the intimidator for the Rangers this season as he put in his share of fighting majors.
With the signing of Prust the Rangers added another guy who likes to mix it up and that more than likely put an end to Brashear short lived career in New York.
Donald's donning of the Ranger sweater lasted 36 games where he tallied one assist for a point, was a -9 and registered 73 Penalty Minutes.
I'm happy to see Donald make an exit as I was Kotalik and Higgins. But at least Higgins and Kotalik got us something in return. A total waste of money spent and cap space wasted for an over the hill fighter that will probably get paid to sit the rest of the season out.
For NHL Goals, Hits, Saves, Classics and more! www.puckvideo.com
Del zotto Penalty Leads to a NY Rangers Loss!
Two teams in a playoff hunt, two teams needing points, two teams from different conferences and the Road team leaves with two points.
After a game where Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist played a ridiculous game against their arch rivals the New Jersey Devils, Lundqvist would play just as well in a 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators.
The problem with this game was the Gaborik less Rangers running into a brick wall by the name of Dan Ellis and a rookie defenseman letting his emotions getting the best of him.
Rangers would fall into a 1-0 hole at the 17:45 mark of the first when Jordin Tootoo would find the back of the of the net and take the goal lead into the second.
Vinny Prospal would even the game at one in the second that he would poke home as Jokinen was credited with the assist.
After the Rangers tied the game at one Del Zotto would take a hooking penalty that he didn't agree with and let the referee know. His comments about the call lead to a un-sportsman like penalty and a double minor for the Rangers.
As the Rangers did a great job in killing the penalty the Predators were able to connect on the second penalty to make for a 2-1 lead.
Del Zotto left the penalty box slow heading back to bench and he knew his coach would have words for him as you can see Tortorella's anger, he gave Del Zotto an ear full and benched him the rest of the period although he started him at the beginning of the third. Afterwards Tortorella would say Del Zotto has been one of his best defenseman this season, plus the Rangers needed his offense ability down a goal in the third.
Well the Rangers did come out strong in the final session throwing a barrage of shots at the Predators net minder Dan Ellis equaling 18, but they couldn't find the back of the net on any of those chances.
Another one goal loss for the Blue Shirts, in games I have got to say they have played well in. But as these games are flying by quick the Rangers need to find a way to get points.
The Rangers last four games have all been lost by one goal. The Rangers could of easily of found a way to win some of those games but mistakes lead to losses in a tight playoff hunt where all teams are fighting to either better their positioning or get in.
The Rangers are still on the out side looking in with two more games before the Olympic break. Next up is the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, ruff one. Then they finish up at the Garden on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning a very big game as the two teams are only separated by four points. Tampa Bay holds the eight spot, while the Rangers are in tenth. A very big game indeed.
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After a game where Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist played a ridiculous game against their arch rivals the New Jersey Devils, Lundqvist would play just as well in a 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators.
The problem with this game was the Gaborik less Rangers running into a brick wall by the name of Dan Ellis and a rookie defenseman letting his emotions getting the best of him.
Rangers would fall into a 1-0 hole at the 17:45 mark of the first when Jordin Tootoo would find the back of the of the net and take the goal lead into the second.
Vinny Prospal would even the game at one in the second that he would poke home as Jokinen was credited with the assist.
After the Rangers tied the game at one Del Zotto would take a hooking penalty that he didn't agree with and let the referee know. His comments about the call lead to a un-sportsman like penalty and a double minor for the Rangers.
As the Rangers did a great job in killing the penalty the Predators were able to connect on the second penalty to make for a 2-1 lead.
Del Zotto left the penalty box slow heading back to bench and he knew his coach would have words for him as you can see Tortorella's anger, he gave Del Zotto an ear full and benched him the rest of the period although he started him at the beginning of the third. Afterwards Tortorella would say Del Zotto has been one of his best defenseman this season, plus the Rangers needed his offense ability down a goal in the third.
Well the Rangers did come out strong in the final session throwing a barrage of shots at the Predators net minder Dan Ellis equaling 18, but they couldn't find the back of the net on any of those chances.
Another one goal loss for the Blue Shirts, in games I have got to say they have played well in. But as these games are flying by quick the Rangers need to find a way to get points.
The Rangers last four games have all been lost by one goal. The Rangers could of easily of found a way to win some of those games but mistakes lead to losses in a tight playoff hunt where all teams are fighting to either better their positioning or get in.
The Rangers are still on the out side looking in with two more games before the Olympic break. Next up is the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, ruff one. Then they finish up at the Garden on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning a very big game as the two teams are only separated by four points. Tampa Bay holds the eight spot, while the Rangers are in tenth. A very big game indeed.
For NHL Recaps, highlights, fights, classics and more http://www.puckvideo.com
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Super Bowl of Hockey!
Alex Ovechkin Vs Sidney Crosby a 12:00 matinee on the day of the Super Bowl. All I got to say is WOW! I hope the Super Bowl is as good as this game was. The two NHL heavy weights went at it and as the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins opened up a 4-1 lead with Sidney Crosby having two goals it looked like the Capitals 13 game win streak would come to an end. But no the Washington Capitals rallied back to tie the game powered by an Alex Ovechkin hat-trick. The game would need an extra session and with the Caps on a power play Ovechkin wound up for the blast that beat Marc Andre Fleury hitting the post it came back out and Mike Knuble would poke it in for the game winner.
What a match! It's great that we get to see the best of the best playing each other so many times in a season and last seasons playoff match that went to seven games that the Pens took then went on to the win the Stanley Cup. It's not like when we had Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemiuex in the league and only got to see them play against each other in All Star Games and once during the regular season.
Well now we have it, the two best players in the world and we get to see it more often prime time like today on NBC, on the day of the Super Bowl. Wait this was the Super Bowl, the Super Bowl of hockey when these two teams go at it.
The Penguins took a two nothing lead on two Sidney Crosby goals in period one taking that lead into the second.
The Capitals would counter in the second on an Ovechkin break away goal only to see the Penguins Jordan Stall bang home two straight lamp lighters for a 4-1 Penguins lead.
Under three minutes to go the Washing Capitals Eric Fehr was able to place a wrist shot home and make for a two goal game going into the the final session or was it the final session?
Alex Ovechkin being the first NHL player to reach 40 goals this season with his goal in the second period, would score goal 41 at the 6:51 to make it a one goal game. With under ten minutes to play goal number 42 would come and the game would be even just like that as Ovechkin would finish off his hat-trick.
The game would stay tied at four the rest of the way and OT was need to settle the Hockey Super Bowl.
What a great day for hockey and with the come from behind win the Capitals win their 14th straight game just three games shy of 17, the NHL record.
To see video highlights of this game and more http://www.puckvideo.com
What a match! It's great that we get to see the best of the best playing each other so many times in a season and last seasons playoff match that went to seven games that the Pens took then went on to the win the Stanley Cup. It's not like when we had Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemiuex in the league and only got to see them play against each other in All Star Games and once during the regular season.
Well now we have it, the two best players in the world and we get to see it more often prime time like today on NBC, on the day of the Super Bowl. Wait this was the Super Bowl, the Super Bowl of hockey when these two teams go at it.
The Penguins took a two nothing lead on two Sidney Crosby goals in period one taking that lead into the second.
The Capitals would counter in the second on an Ovechkin break away goal only to see the Penguins Jordan Stall bang home two straight lamp lighters for a 4-1 Penguins lead.
Under three minutes to go the Washing Capitals Eric Fehr was able to place a wrist shot home and make for a two goal game going into the the final session or was it the final session?
Alex Ovechkin being the first NHL player to reach 40 goals this season with his goal in the second period, would score goal 41 at the 6:51 to make it a one goal game. With under ten minutes to play goal number 42 would come and the game would be even just like that as Ovechkin would finish off his hat-trick.
The game would stay tied at four the rest of the way and OT was need to settle the Hockey Super Bowl.
What a great day for hockey and with the come from behind win the Capitals win their 14th straight game just three games shy of 17, the NHL record.
To see video highlights of this game and more http://www.puckvideo.com
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
New York and Calgary a done deal!
After trade talks were on hold between the Flames and Rangers the two teams pull the trigger on the deal that could help both teams who have been a struggling of late.
In coming for the New York Rangers are forwards Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust while Forwards Christopher Higgins and Ales Kotalik will be departing.
The Flames have been horrible in their last ten with a record of 1-7-2, the Rangers were just as bad going 3-7. Despite the teams two records in their last ten games both teams are still in the playoff hunt. The Rangers are currently tied for seventh with 57 points in the Eastern Conference as the Flames are tied for eight place with 62 points.
I wouldn't say both teams involved in the trade aren't looking for a quick fix but more of a shake up with players in the deal having under achieving seasons.
Kotalik signed a three year deal with the Rangers last summer for 9 million. He scored just eight goals and fourteen assists in 45 games. Higgins came to New York in deal with the Canadians for Scotty Gomez. Higgins struggled from the start with the Rangers and only registered 14 points in his 55 games played.
Jokinen was good for 35 points with the Flames this season with 11 goals and 24 assists in 56 contests. Jokinen was a 30 goal scorer four times in his 11 year NHL career who is now at the age of 31. Jokinen contract expires at the end of this year.
Prust is know as a bruiser as he led the flames with 98 penalty minutes with 18 fighting majors under his belt.
Rangers look to get some scoring and tuff ness out of the deal while the Flames inherit two good players looking to turn their poor seasons around. With the pressure of playing in New York maybe new threads and a different atmosphere can turn around Higgins and Kotalik's seasons.
I like the deal on both sides of the coin, especially if the Rangers can sign Jokinen after the season ends and maybe Prust can fill the shoes of missing presence of Colton Orr.
Jokinen and Prust learned 15 minutes after their game last night against the Flyers they have been moved, they packed their bags and headed for Los Angeles. Both are expected to play tonight for New York.
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http://www.puckvideo.com
In coming for the New York Rangers are forwards Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust while Forwards Christopher Higgins and Ales Kotalik will be departing.
The Flames have been horrible in their last ten with a record of 1-7-2, the Rangers were just as bad going 3-7. Despite the teams two records in their last ten games both teams are still in the playoff hunt. The Rangers are currently tied for seventh with 57 points in the Eastern Conference as the Flames are tied for eight place with 62 points.
I wouldn't say both teams involved in the trade aren't looking for a quick fix but more of a shake up with players in the deal having under achieving seasons.
Kotalik signed a three year deal with the Rangers last summer for 9 million. He scored just eight goals and fourteen assists in 45 games. Higgins came to New York in deal with the Canadians for Scotty Gomez. Higgins struggled from the start with the Rangers and only registered 14 points in his 55 games played.
Jokinen was good for 35 points with the Flames this season with 11 goals and 24 assists in 56 contests. Jokinen was a 30 goal scorer four times in his 11 year NHL career who is now at the age of 31. Jokinen contract expires at the end of this year.
Prust is know as a bruiser as he led the flames with 98 penalty minutes with 18 fighting majors under his belt.
Rangers look to get some scoring and tuff ness out of the deal while the Flames inherit two good players looking to turn their poor seasons around. With the pressure of playing in New York maybe new threads and a different atmosphere can turn around Higgins and Kotalik's seasons.
I like the deal on both sides of the coin, especially if the Rangers can sign Jokinen after the season ends and maybe Prust can fill the shoes of missing presence of Colton Orr.
Jokinen and Prust learned 15 minutes after their game last night against the Flyers they have been moved, they packed their bags and headed for Los Angeles. Both are expected to play tonight for New York.
For NHL video, articles, classics, highlights and more.
http://www.puckvideo.com
Monday, February 1, 2010
The rookie and the Goal Scorer!
Marian Gaborik would put home a goal in each period for a hat-trick while rookie goalie Chad Johnson gets his first NHL win coming up big between the pipes beating the Avalanche 3-1. With the win the Rangers snap a five game losing streak and earn an important two points in the standings.
With the Rangers down 3-0 the night before in Phoenix after two periods of play they put together two late goals for an impressive come back that fell short. Marian Gaborik would also hit a post late in the third of that game that kept the Rangers down a goal. A inch shy of a tie game.
Well the tuff play in the last minutes of that game seemed like it carried over into Colorado as the Rangers put together a solid team win.
Johnson getting his second straight start in goal due to the flu stricken Henrik Lundqvist made many big saves on the night and stopped 34 of 35 shots. With the Blue Shirts up 3-0 late into the third Cody McLeod would get the Avalanche their first goal of the night on a back hand at 12:39 of the final session breaking Johnson's bid for the shut-out.
Gaborik who scored his 30th goal of the season in Phoenix scored goals number 31, 32 and 33 in Colorado. Gaborik said you feel better playing with a lead as Tortorella said you can see he was skating well in his first two shifts on the evening.
Rangers special teams have clicked on the Penalty Kill. Going six for six against Colorado they went seven for seven against the Coyotes the night before.
Great game for New York as they get back to that eight spot with the win and are a game over .500. Next up is the tuff Los Angles Kings ending their three game road trip then back home to face the mighty Washington Capitals.
For more Rangers recaps, NHL Highlights, Classics, and more. http://www.puckvideo.com
With the Rangers down 3-0 the night before in Phoenix after two periods of play they put together two late goals for an impressive come back that fell short. Marian Gaborik would also hit a post late in the third of that game that kept the Rangers down a goal. A inch shy of a tie game.
Well the tuff play in the last minutes of that game seemed like it carried over into Colorado as the Rangers put together a solid team win.
Johnson getting his second straight start in goal due to the flu stricken Henrik Lundqvist made many big saves on the night and stopped 34 of 35 shots. With the Blue Shirts up 3-0 late into the third Cody McLeod would get the Avalanche their first goal of the night on a back hand at 12:39 of the final session breaking Johnson's bid for the shut-out.
Gaborik who scored his 30th goal of the season in Phoenix scored goals number 31, 32 and 33 in Colorado. Gaborik said you feel better playing with a lead as Tortorella said you can see he was skating well in his first two shifts on the evening.
Rangers special teams have clicked on the Penalty Kill. Going six for six against Colorado they went seven for seven against the Coyotes the night before.
Great game for New York as they get back to that eight spot with the win and are a game over .500. Next up is the tuff Los Angles Kings ending their three game road trip then back home to face the mighty Washington Capitals.
For more Rangers recaps, NHL Highlights, Classics, and more. http://www.puckvideo.com
Rangers and Flames put trade talks on hold!
As Rangers Forward Ales Kotalik stressed his unhappiness with his club, the Rangers told him to stay home on their road trip and Glen Sather would put him on the trading block.
Calgary who has been struggling of late 1-6-3 in their last 10, but are still in the playoff hunt owning the eight seed made a block buster deal yesterday (1/31/10). Making a seven player deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs sending them their hard hitting defenseman Dion Phaneuf along with Keith Aulie and forward Fredrik Sjostrom while Flames received Nikla Hagman, Matt Stajan, Jamal Mayer and defenseman Ian White.
Both teams seemed they weren't done just yet as the Leafs made another deal with the Ducks and a trade rumor between the Rangers and Flames surfaced.
New York was going to send Ales Kotalik and defenseman Matt Gilroy for Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust. But with the pickup of Ian White in the Toronto deal the Flames no longer had interest in Gilroy so the Rangers put Christopher Higgins in the package.
The deal could benefit both teams as all players involved in the deal have under achieved this season and a new atmosphere could turn things around for these players which all have the ability to be impact players.
But as of now all players are still with their teams as GM's scratch their heads it is unknown if this deal is still alive or still dead. One thing that is certain is Ales Kotalik of the New York Rangers wants to play else where.
For more NHL action, video clips, classic highlights and more http://www.puckvideo.com
Calgary who has been struggling of late 1-6-3 in their last 10, but are still in the playoff hunt owning the eight seed made a block buster deal yesterday (1/31/10). Making a seven player deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs sending them their hard hitting defenseman Dion Phaneuf along with Keith Aulie and forward Fredrik Sjostrom while Flames received Nikla Hagman, Matt Stajan, Jamal Mayer and defenseman Ian White.
Both teams seemed they weren't done just yet as the Leafs made another deal with the Ducks and a trade rumor between the Rangers and Flames surfaced.
New York was going to send Ales Kotalik and defenseman Matt Gilroy for Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust. But with the pickup of Ian White in the Toronto deal the Flames no longer had interest in Gilroy so the Rangers put Christopher Higgins in the package.
The deal could benefit both teams as all players involved in the deal have under achieved this season and a new atmosphere could turn things around for these players which all have the ability to be impact players.
But as of now all players are still with their teams as GM's scratch their heads it is unknown if this deal is still alive or still dead. One thing that is certain is Ales Kotalik of the New York Rangers wants to play else where.
For more NHL action, video clips, classic highlights and more http://www.puckvideo.com
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