I'm heading off to work for the 2010 Winter Olympics on Sunday morning. I believe the flight is over 5 hours from Toronto to Vancouver. I'm actually working on a MuchMusic TV show called MuchOnDemand (2 live shows daily), located in Whistler (we'll be at the bottom of Whistler Mountain - if you are around, look for the big Much logo and ask for me, Dave Ball); Much is Canada's version of MTV, and once was it's rival on some cable outlets in the US.
Go Canada! Let's get some hockey trash talking going, but I'm sure capt.headdy, Walts, joey_rogo and Yustin will be hugging each other while glued to the TV and wearing matching Johnny Weir jumpsuits during his routines.
(http://web.icenetwork.com/images/2009/05/25/Huuybu9V.jpg%20)
Have a GREAT time Jaimoe, that sounds like a ton of fun! I LOVE me some Olympics!!!!
Thanks vespachick (BTW, I want a Vespa very badly).
Canada's ski team have an astounding number of injuries coming into these games. Many of our top medal contenders got injuried during this season's World Cup. Right now, we have 7 medal contenders out. Anyway, Canadians could care less as long as we win Gold in men's hockey.
That sounds like fun Jaimoe, have a safe trip. You gonna skip out on work and make it some of the hockey games? I've always liked the winter olympics better because of the downhill skiing and hockey. I can do without all this 'X-games' crap that has started to infiltrate the games though.
Ok.... hockey-talk time. Looking over the team USA roster, I feel like they are a definite step below Canada and some of the European teams when it comes to the defense and goaltending. Miller is a rock but I worry about Thomas and Quick. The D just doesn't impress me at all, however the US born defensmen pool wasn't that strong to being with IMO. Some good vets but that's about it. At least Komisarek got hurt so I don't have to watch that load skate around with USA on his chest.
I feel good about the forwards with the exception of Drury. Yeah yeah I know..'veteran leadership blah blah blah.' But Drury has been terrible for the Rangers the past 2 seasons. He is currently centering our 4th line, good job captain cash. He can't score and I haven't seen much leadership from him at all. Would've much rather seen Modano or Tkachuk in the 'Over the Hill Veteran' spot. In fact, I would've just removed it completely and given the nod to David Booth or TJ Oshie. Happy to see Callahan on the list though. I'm sure his super effort will impress some of the people who don't get to see him on a regular basis like I do.
And as for the trash talk.... I'll reserve the 'marty is fat' and 'he cheated on his wife' comments until the commentators start pissing me off with their neverending praise of him.
Good luck Jaimoe, hope to see you in the finals. (don't feel like it'll happen though)
I like the US hockey team. Miller may be the best goalie in the NHL this season (Quick has played great in LA, but my man Thomas has been suspect this year). I believe Booth still hasn't recovered from his head injury. Ya, the US defense is a little suspect, but I think the US is building for the next winter games (although that's what they said with this year's World Junior team, and you won gold).
I doubt I'll be able to get away to any hockey games - Whistler is near Vancouver, but it's in the Rockies and a bit of a drive, so I'm told.
I will check in from time to time on the board, so let's get some trash going.
I love Johnny Weir like...a lot. A LOT lot. ;D They've just started showing a documentary about him on the Sundance channel here and it's terribly entertaining if you happen to catch it.
Booth is still out, but Oshie definitely wouldve been a better choice than Drury. Hell, Guerin wouldve been better than Drury. I like the forwards a good bit, but so many of them are under 25. The D blows. I love Orpik, but when he is hands down the best D-man for your country, youre in trouble.
I dont expect us to win, and if Canadia or Russia wins, at least that means Sid or Geno get a gold medal.
...actually, I think I like the US women's hockey team the most :-*
(http://www.conciergequestionnaire.com/images/q/jinelleQ.jpg)
(http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/90892890.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D005B040F6839EF44DF3517F51DF0B595B7B56B5041CA334B3E30A760B0D811297)
(http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xc/90113989.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D03E51CF1C9964982516C529172489434E34D8EEA626F844D3E30A760B0D811297)
(http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/90195695.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D027BADE214C07B4BBCA51B898308AA384B4389AB0F7AAEB1CE30A760B0D811297)
QuoteI love Johnny Weir like...a lot. A LOT lot. ;D They've just started showing a documentary about him on the Sundance channel here and it's terribly entertaining if you happen to catch it.
I wish I got that channel (I hear rumours it'll be in Ontario at some point soon).
I find this year's crop of male figure skaters more flamboyant than in past years. Canadian champ Patrick Chan has caused a ruckus here since he said he won't be doing the Quad; Kurt Browning alluded just yesterday that this will kill his chances at a medal.
Women's hockey is a joke (not the sport, but the lack of competition). See ya in the finals USA, unless the Swedes fluke one out again this year.
I'm proud to say that the majority of the women's hockey team are from my alma mater. First school to win men's and women's national championships in the same year :)
Gimme a break!
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/vancouver/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Let-the-Lindsey-hype-begin-Vonn-is-Sports-Illus?urn=oly,217525
I love the BBC's ad for Vancouver 2010:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JAqz-Kn2KE[/media]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JAqz-Kn2KE
Quote
Canada's ski team have an astounding number of injuries coming into these games. Many of our top medal contenders got injuried during this season's World Cup. Right now, we have 7 medal contenders out.
Already starting with the excuses. ;)
Seriously though, that sounds like a pretty darn cool gig you've got their Dave. Have fun. I'm looking forward to watching. I'm a sucker for the Olympics.
Great promo db. I think the Olympic organizers would give up their collective first-born children for cold weather depicted in the ad.
QuoteQuote
Canada's ski team have an astounding number of injuries coming into these games. Many of our top medal contenders got injuried during this season's World Cup. Right now, we have 7 medal contenders out.
Already starting with the excuses. ;)
Seriously though, that sounds like a pretty darn cool gig you've got their Dave. Have fun. I'm looking forward to watching. I'm a sucker for the Olympics.
It's a good gig financially (double-salary plus $75 per diem per day for a month). However, some of the bands my show has booked are horrid... and/or ancient: Loverboy, Trooper (legendary Candian bar band from the '70s to mid '80s).
I'm very leery of the Opening Ceremonies being a success. I don't think they booked good acts (Celine Dion and other crappy pop bands), whereas bands such as Arcade Fire, Broken Soical Scene, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Rufus Wainright, Robbie Robertson, Sam Roberts, The Dears etc... are not performing. I think Feist will be doing something though. Somehow I think Bryan Adams will be doing something too, but don't hold me to that.
Have a GREAT time J! Weir jumpsuit on back order for me, hope it arrives on time...
QuoteBooth is still out, but Oshie definitely wouldve been a better choice than Drury. Hell, Guerin wouldve been better than Drury. I like the forwards a good bit, but so many of them are under 25. The D blows. I love Orpik, but when he is hands down the best D-man for your country, youre in trouble.
I dont expect us to win, and if Canadia or Russia wins, at least that means Sid or Geno get a gold medal.
...actually, I think I like the US women's hockey team the most :-*
(http://www.conciergequestionnaire.com/images/q/jinelleQ.jpg)
(http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/90892890.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D005B040F6839EF44DF3517F51DF0B595B7B56B5041CA334B3E30A760B0D811297)
(http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xc/90113989.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D03E51CF1C9964982516C529172489434E34D8EEA626F844D3E30A760B0D811297)
(http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/90195695.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D027BADE214C07B4BBCA51B898308AA384B4389AB0F7AAEB1CE30A760B0D811297)
TGC...
QuoteHave a GREAT time J! Weir jumpsuit on back order for me, hope it arrives on time...
I hope it's the fur-lined one he wore recently that got PETA all fired up.
Quote
I dont expect us to win, and if Canadia or Russia wins, at least that means Sid or Geno get a gold medal.
Not burst your bubble, but I can tell you haven't been around US female hockey players before, most are not in to you. Sorry ;)
I expect nothing but the gold. I really think we can compete against Russia, Sweden, and Canada. It's never okay to be cool with the Russians winning anything! If Geno wins a gold medal, I'll go Bobby Knight on anything I can get my hands on.
Although I'd be cool with Nicklas Backstrom winning a little something something 8-)
Miller is probably the best goalie in the NHL, but he's been struggling lately, which has me worried. Jaimoe have fun, and post some pics when you get back!
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM2ja_ZFFy8[/media]
There'll be no Don Cherry and Coach's Corner at this Olympics. CBC got outbidded by CTV for these games and the next ones as well, which means TSN and CTV will be doing the hockey. This'll mean more Pierre McGuire (however, CTV pinched some of the best CBC hockey announcers years ago which includes Chris Cuthbert - probably the best play-by-play man in hockey).
QuoteThere'll be no Don Cherry and Coach's Corner at this Olympics. CBC got outbidded by CTV for these games and the next ones as well, which means TSN and CTV will be doing the hockey. This'll mean more Pierre McGuire (however, CTV pinched some of the best CBC hockey announcers years ago which includes Chris Cuthbert - probably the best play-by-play man in hockey).
That's too bad. I was looking forward to youtubing Don Cherry clips at the Olympics.
QuoteQuoteThere'll be no Don Cherry and Coach's Corner at this Olympics. CBC got outbidded by CTV for these games and the next ones as well, which means TSN and CTV will be doing the hockey. This'll mean more Pierre McGuire (however, CTV pinched some of the best CBC hockey announcers years ago which includes Chris Cuthbert - probably the best play-by-play man in hockey).
That's too bad. I was looking forward to youtubing Don Cherry clips at the Olympics.
There's still a week or two left, including tonight's Coach's Corner. Incidently, I think Don is at his most insightful during his segments inbetween HNIC's first and second games on Saturdays.
I really hate Pierre :(
QuoteI really hate Pierre :(
So do I, but he's ok on radio and my friend works at TSN and says Pierre is a super nice guy. Still...
QuoteQuoteI really hate Pierre :(
So do I, but he's ok on radio and my friend works at TSN and says Pierre is a super nice guy. Still...
I'm sure he's a nice guy, plus he is a hockey lover. I just don't understand how he doesn't realize the difference between a fighter and goon. He'll probably blah blah blah all day about how the Olympics is 'real hockey' because there isn't fighting. Also, his voice gets to me.
QuoteQuoteQuoteI really hate Pierre :(
So do I, but he's ok on radio and my friend works at TSN and says Pierre is a super nice guy. Still...
I'm sure he's a nice guy, plus he is a hockey lover. I just don't understand how he doesn't realize the difference between a fighter and goon. He'll probably blah blah blah all day about how the Olympics is 'real hockey' because there isn't fighting. Also, his voice gets to me.
He talks waaaay too much, but he has toned-down his anti-fighting agenda. I'm glad the Olympic hockey will be played on NHL sized rinks.
I've heard that Canada is going to suck for the first week of the Olympics, medal-wise. But look out for week 2 (our best chances are during this week)! Anyway, I'm looking forward to chatting with you all in the coming weeks. One thing is certain about these Olympics: the Canadian women's hockey team will play Team USA in the gold medal game.
Pierre Maguire is the suck
Couple of early observations:
1. NBC was shameless in exploiting the death of the Georgian luger. The repeated video and stills they showed were exceedingly graphic and were played during prime time, family viewing hours. I understand NBC's goal of boosting ratings but repeatedly showing a 21 year old be folded into a taco going 90mph or be given CPR in a pool of blood is no good.
2. I thought that the opening ceremony was beautiful to watch. The projection screen that was the stadium floor and the fans was gorgeous. What is the next step? All 3D? Holograms?
It was uncomfortable watching The Great One and Steve Nash make faces and squirm when the cauldron/torch malfunction fiasco occurred. I'm glad they salvaged three of the 4 torches.
3. The Nordic Combine was surprisingly exciting. Looking forward to men's hockey, curling and skiing.
Totally agree on all three of your points Ruckus. Just finally watched the opening ceremonies last night. It was almost impossible for anyone to compete with Beijing but I thought it was very well done. The wales and the blow holes was my favorite part.
I agree with you on the whole showing of his death. Completely uncalled for.
I was reading the Mpls paper about curling a couple months ago, and it really got me interested in it. I was actually thinking about joining my local curling club, but since I've never done it before it might be too late for my dream.
Really excited for some olympic hockey. I don't really care who's playing, it's all good hockey. But you know I'll be glued to the TV when the US is playing. Patrick Kane, baby!
REALLY enjoying it, the DVR is helping with this. Can't wait to watch the ski cross...
Glad you guys (BH and Walts) agree. I didn't want to come across as overly conservative but even just considering the family of the luger, who would ever want the death of their son splashed all over the TV over and over again? Well enough of that I guess.
Walts, you should join your local curling club and tell me all about it! It's awesome that you have one. I've always enjoyed the game on TV. What I find intriguing is how so many Western nations have some variation of it. When I was in Scotland, I played lawn bowls. The Italians have Bocce and we play shuffleboard among other things. All of them are derivatives of some original version which I have no idea what it is.
On a side note, if you've ever played curling on the Wii, it's rather disturbing to watch a bunch of drunk dudes replicating the brushing motion as fast as possible with their remotes. :-/ The controller needs a handle extension ;D
I dont think NBC should have show the luger's death, but I did hear that they prefaced it by saying what theyre showing, and dont watch it if you dont want to.
What I find most disturbing is that the Luge federation or whatever is blaming the death on the Luger and saying he made a mistake. However, for numerous days before the death occurred, everyone was saying it was the fastest track they had ever seen. I also heard a quote from one saying he/she felt like they were lemmings being used as crash test dummies, another one saying she thought the speeds they were going were unsafe, and then there was the actual guy who died telling he father (who I believe is also a world renowned luger) he feared the course and this turn he died on. Ridiculous the are blaming the athlete in this case when all kinds of warning signs were there in the first place and it couldve been prevented
My five year old niece saw the luging accident and keeps talking about it. :-/ Not cool, NBC.
It was nice to get the dub yesterday (Hockey), but I would've liked a more convincing win. Canada and Russia did. I thought Norway came out way more physical then us. The check on Bobby Ryan was big. And I kept waiting for him to do something about it. He's from the burbs of Philly, where's the Philly attitude?
QuoteIt was nice to get the dub yesterday (Hockey), but I would've liked a more convincing win. Canada and Russia did. I thought Norway came out way more physical then us. The check on Bobby Ryan was big. And I kept waiting for him to do something about it. He's from the burbs of Philly, where's the Philly attitude?
He's from Philly? Yeah, that all makes sense then.
I liked that the US won as well, but like you said I think the Ruski's and Canadia both won like 13-1...not sure US is quite on that level ;D :(
Oops, I forgot we played Sweden the first, not Norway. I see my boy Phil "The Thrill" Kessel already scored for us!
Damn...no one has talked about the great USA-Canada hockey game last night yet?! No wonder it was on MSNBC and not regular NBC! I cant believe they had those fairies dancing on ice on NBC over this.
What a game! I didnt think we'd pull it out by the way Canadia was dominating for 30 minutes from the last half of the 1st thru the 2nd, but we played great in the 3rd. Miller was outstanding, and as Im sure most will agree, if the US is to make it to the final, and win, he'll probably be a big reason. Never really saw Erik Johnson play before, but that guy impresses me, especially considering his limited experience.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyX7dHmaRlA[/media]
Yeah, that was a great game. I wasn't surprised by the outcome. I never understood why people sell the USA players short. They are NHL'ers, so it not like they suck. Sure other teams look better on paper, but that doesn't mean they gel. I loved seeing the Canadians lose with all the body paint, flags waved, banners, costumes, chants, and their self proclaimed "ownership" of the game. Sure it's not even the medal round, but the win is huge for the road to the gold.
I also questioned the move of NBC showing figure skating or ice dancing? over the hockey game. This game was just little more than your average game, win or lose. I also can't believe that no one else commented on this game. I thought for sure there would be a casual fan or two popping in and saying that they enjoyed the game last night. I guess we can just talk Olympic hockey, in the hockey thread. Seem like nobody else cares.
You two are such little bitches ;D ;) Go back to your Hockey thread. ::)
I watched the game! It was a great game! I just didn't race to the MMJ forum to talk about it. Miller is my hero. Rafalski is out of control. Brodeur started terrible though he had some tough deflections and screens that got him good early. That second goal was wide for sure gonna be wide til it hit him on the inside of his left. Was totally blinded. After the US took the 3-2 lead in the 3rd, I told my buddies that whoever scored the next goal would win. Glad it was the US.
Anyways, Canada dominated play except for a small stretch late in the game. However, the pressure on the Canadians was evident on the way they executed on good scoring chances and I feel for them to some extent. Well since its hockey, perhaps the US can ride Miller to the promised land.
As for the ice dancing stuff, do you really think that NBC decides what channel to put it on by anything other than anticipated ratings. People love that ice skating/dancing stuff. Amazingly NBC chose an event that engages another gender that typically doesn't watch sports and knew would have higher ratings.
Have any of you guys heard anything about the ratings for the 2 events?
Did you just justify ice dancing over hockey? I take it you'll be watching Gilmore Girls tonight? ;)
I know zero male figure skaters, and two female. Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding for off the ice activities.
I knew you were watching hockey, so I'm not surprised you'd post something. I was hoping that people who post in the soccer thread (yeah, I'm American) or a casual sports fan would find that game fun to watch, because you couldn't ask for a better game.
The way I see it, NBC shows NHL games, and if they plan on expanding their ratings all around they should've showcased that game. This wasn't just a normal game. It was a allstar game, but with way more on the line. Hockey as a sport needed it. NBC showed Russia vs Czech, so yeah I'm surprised they didn't show the US.
QuoteDid you just justify ice dancing over hockey? I take it you'll be watching Gilmore Girls tonight? ;)
I know zero male figure skaters, and two female. Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding for off the ice activities.
I knew you were watching hockey, so I'm not surprised you'd post something. I was hoping that people who post in the soccer thread (yeah, I'm American) or a casual sports fan would find that game fun to watch, because you couldn't ask for a better game.
The way I see it, NBC shows NHL games, and if they plan on expanding their ratings all around they should've showcased that game. This wasn't just a normal game. It was a allstar game, but with way more on the line. Hockey as a sport needed it. NBC showed Russia vs Czech, so yeah I'm surprised they didn't show the US.
While I don't enjoy figure skating or ice dancing, I feel as if I do know too much about it. :-X
Anyways, every Olympics in this country (US), that is the ratings winner by far and away. NBC pays $800 million for exclusive rights and I'm sure that the prime time advertisers were already lined up for figure skating. I'm not sure that aloe products sell well to hockey fans.
I am pretty pumped for the quarterfinals. Hopefully, I don't have to hear about the American respect card anymore. Who cares? Just go win and everything else will take care of itself.
What Ovechkin did to Jagr...... :o
Ice dancing is not a sport. It should be made illegal.
With a prison sentence for any man that watches it or takes part.
Fines and suspended sentences for ladies.
QuoteIce dancing is not a sport. It should be made illegal.
With a prison sentence for any man that watches it or takes part.
Fines and suspended sentences for ladies.
;D ;D ;D
tho skating takes more stamina/fitness and puff power than any other sport.
(http://www.webwombat.com.au/entertainment/movies/images/blades-of-glory.jpg)
Quote
The way I see it, NBC shows NHL games, and if they plan on expanding their ratings all around they should've showcased that game. This wasn't just a normal game. It was a allstar game, but with way more on the line. Hockey as a sport needed it. NBC showed Russia vs Czech, so yeah I'm surprised they didn't show the US.
Thats what I was thinking. I understand that NBC doesnt have the control to have made the USA game played the the Russia game was (so it wouldve likely aired on NBC), but the game was such an enormous one, between the host country which borders ours, I wouldve expected it to be on NBC
Quote
Have any of you guys heard anything about the ratings for the 2 events?
Dont know about the ice fairies, but I heard on the radio today the USA-Canada game got 8 million viewers. Highest of any program on cable last week. If it was on NBC which reaches even more households, Im sure it wouldve been significantly higher.
I can't even deal with how cute the Russian warmup clothes are. I so want a jacket but I can't find them online anywhere :'(
QuoteI can't even deal with how cute the Russian warmup clothes are. I so want a jacket but I can't find them online anywhere :'(
Just put some blue tape on some of your Wisconsin gear ;)
;D That's probably why I'm so attracted to it. Reminds me of the motherland.
What about Mike Milbury's comment about the Russian's playing like Euro-trash? He's probably going to get a lot of heat for it, but whatever. I love it when commentators say what they think. The Russians did play a gutless/heartless game, and paid for it. Loved the Boyle move on Semin, even though I really like Semin. Good job Canada.
Again, I thought the USA didn't bring the pain against the Swiss. Lets get physical...physical!
QuoteWhat about Mike Milbury's comment about the Russian's playing like Euro-trash? He's probably going to get a lot of heat for it, but whatever. I love it when commentators say what they think. The Russians did play a gutless/heartless game, and paid for it. Loved the Boyle move on Semin, even though I really like Semin. Good job Canada.
Again, I thought the USA didn't bring the pain against the Swiss. Lets get physical...physical!
Eurotrash?! That's kinda too far I think. I think he meant Russotrash. ;)
I thought the US played physical in spots and they dominated play. They get that many chances next game and I'll be happy. Hiller was stellar and I did agree with Roenick's assessment that they didn't get him moving side to side more but were taking slappers from all over. They just didn't get the deflections they got against Canada until Parise. It was good to see him get his first goals.
What to say about Canada/Russia :-/ I guess nothing. It was over before it began.
I agree with not getting Hiller moving enough, but they played better than the score would indicate. Not too worried about Finland, but losing wouldnt be a big upset or anything. Im kind of wishing we didnt beat Canada sunday, because beating them twice is gonna be hard
Quoteeven though I really like Semin.
Cant say Im all that surprised, Walt :D
Quote
Cant say Im all that surprised, Walt :D
The Caps are the most fun team to watch in the NHL. Sharks, the Hawks, and the Pens would be up there too. The least fun team to watch...the Wild. Talk about a snooze fest!
I think winning against Canada the first game doesn't matter anymore. Wouldn't make it out to be the "mini miracle" like the media tried making it out to be. Was it a really big win, of course. But don't poke the bear.
Hey gang, I don't have much time due to the madness that is Whistler. I'm hoping for a US-Canada final. The Canucks are finally coming together as a team while the US have played well from the get-go. I still think Canada will win by 2-3 goals, but Miller is the best goalie, so anything can happen in a one-off game.
I've rubbed elbows with quite a few Olympians, but the highlight for me was seeing skeleton gold medalist Jon Montgomery drinking beer from a pitcher; I got great pics of him. I also have a funny shot of me with that loser lead singer from loser band All American Rejects; they were on my show, MuchOnDemand, during the first week of the Games.
Talk to you all soon and keep your head up today Mr. Marian Hossa. Shea Weber has your number.
Nice Jaimoe! Glad you're having fun, can't wait for the pictures.
Today's game was a snooze-fest or least everything after 10minutes. Good to see Pat Kane get on the board...twice!
I cant believe my online exam is from 4-515 PM tomorrow and Im going to miss most of the game >:( >:( >:(
Here we go. The pregaming begins in 5 minutes. I gotta say we got a puncher's chance because of Miller added to the fact that Kane and Parise finally got off the last two games. That said, the way the Canadians are playing, it's tough to be confident. I think it's to our advantage that Luongo will be in net.
QuoteHey gang, I don't have much time due to the madness that is Whistler. I'm hoping for a US-Canada final. The Canucks are finally coming together as a team while the US have played well from the get-go. I still think Canada will win by 2-3 goals, but Miller is the best goalie, so anything can happen in a one-off game.
I've rubbed elbows with quite a few Olympians, but the highlight for me was seeing skeleton gold medalist Jon Montgomery drinking beer from a pitcher; I got great pics of him. I also have a funny shot of me with that loser lead singer from loser band All American Rejects; they were on my show, MuchOnDemand, during the first week of the Games.
Talk to you all soon and keep your head up today Mr. Marian Hossa. Shea Weber has your number.
Jaimoe, sounds like a great experience!! Can't wait to see your pics.
Never thought hockey would be so exciting !! ;) USA! USA! ...i feel a Toby Keith song coming on....noooooooooo
Man, was that a great game. But damn it, I thought we had it. I'm a firm believer that there's nothing positive about losing. But, I thought it was great how the players looked after the loss. They were really upset and disappointed, I liked seeing that. It's rare seeing a bunch of millionaires taking a loss that hard. Congrats to Canada. I thought the fans showed great sportsmanship by giving Ryan Miller a big applause. With the US winning both juniors championships this year, having the youngest team in the Olympics, and winning silver...I think we'll be just fine in the future.
That was a great game. I would have been happy with either outcome since there are players I like on both teams, but really congrats to Canada - that was a hard-fought victory.
Closing ceremonies were hilaaaaaaaaaarious ;D
QuoteWith the US winning both juniors championships this year, having the youngest team in the Olympics, and winning silver...I think we'll be just fine in the future.
Yeah, we gotta let Jaimoe and the rest of Canadia win
something of importance in the only sport that matters to them ;D ;)
QuoteThat was a great game. I would have been happy with either outcome since there are players I like on both teams, but really congrats to Canada - that was a hard-fought victory.
Closing ceremonies were hilaaaaaaaaaarious ;D
And the ceremonies were going so well (I enjoyed all the self-mocking) until the horrendous musical acts that followed Neil Young's great performance. In fact, if I were asked to pick artists that should NEVER represent Canada at the Olympics, almost ALL performed at the closing ceremonies: Nickelback, Hedley, Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan. Thankfully, these disasters were not there too: Nelly Furtado, Sum 41, Celine Dion, Diana Krall, The Tea Party (bad, bad, bad, power trio) and Stereos (a bubble-gum pop band that are more offensive than Nickelback).
Why didn't the organizers book any of these artists (and I was expecting them to have at least one or two off this list)?: The Tragically Hip, Rush, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Broken Social Scene, Feist, Arcade Fire, Hot Hot Heat, Robbie Robertson, Stompin' Tom Connors (he of "The Hockey Song"), Tegan and Sara, Metric, The Dears...
As for the game itself, it was a good one. In a one-off, anything can happen. I thought the US played the best as a team compared to any others in the tournament, and they had the best game plan and collective mentality. In a 7-game series, the US would probably lose 4-1 or 4-2, but these one game finals are almost always tight. Heck, the Russians and Swedes didn't even medal. I'd even bet that if Canada had a B-team at the games, they'd be a gold medal threat too.
I was in Whistler working on a live music show for MuchMusic and just got back last night. I didn't have time to go to any events, but I did manage to rub elbows with many of the athletes and some musical acts that were on my show. I'll write something more descriptive soon (I need to recover after working 10-12 hour shifts for 25 straight days).
Quote
As for the game itself, it was a good one. In a one-off, anything can happen. I thought the US played the best as a team compared to any others in the tournament, and they had the best game plan and collective mentality. In a 7-game series, the US would probably lose 4-1 or 4-2, but these one game finals are almost always tight. Heck, the Russians and Swedes didn't even medal. I'd even bet that if Canada had a B-team at the games, they'd be a gold medal threat too.
How exactly did you come up with this when you were 1-1 against us and it took OT to beat us the one time?
...and WTF isnt Olympic OT like NHL playoff OT and not have a shootout?!!! No matter which team won, it would have been laughable if they won on a shootout
QuoteQuote
As for the game itself, it was a good one. In a one-off, anything can happen. I thought the US played the best as a team compared to any others in the tournament, and they had the best game plan and collective mentality. In a 7-game series, the US would probably lose 4-1 or 4-2, but these one game finals are almost always tight. Heck, the Russians and Swedes didn't even medal. I'd even bet that if Canada had a B-team at the games, they'd be a gold medal threat too.
How exactly did you come up with this when you were 1-1 against us and it took OT to beat us the one time?
...and WTF isnt Olympic OT like NHL playoff OT and not have a shootout?!!! No matter which team won, it would have been laughable if they won on a shootout
It's just odds, historically, when a deeper team with more experience plays an inexperienced one in a long series. It's an NHL comparison more than anything and I'm compring teams on paper. Realistically, 4 or 5 US players would make Team Canada: Parise, Miller, one of the Johnsons, Stastny (Kessel or Kesler wouldn't make Team Canada). I still think in this short tournament, the US played the best as a team.
To further my point: I don't think Japan could beat the Team USA in baseball, but in a one game final, anything can happen and it has. Look at the most recent World Baseball Classic.
The Olympics are their own bag, and they don't like playing by NHL rules.