U18 Medal Games on US TV

jmh470 · Post by **jmh470** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 12:39 am

The Bronze and Gold Medal games will be on Directv 767 at 8am and noon, respectively.

jmh470 · Post by **jmh470** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 12:27 pm

The Czechs beat Canada for the Bronze. USA-FIN is scoreless in the first.

Post by **Draftnik** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:09 pm

Finland plays the same system throughout all age groups. They never take chances and always have numbers back for defensive zone coverage. They also are very chippy and run the goalie. They seem to have rubbed the referee the wrong way with their complaining.

Johnson had a great hit in the 1st but hasn't done much. Sweat is an amazing skater. Rakshani seems to have a nice combination of skill and toughness.

We will have to grind a win out because the Finns will not open this up.

Post by **Draftnik** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:43 pm

Tough break for the Finns on the US goal at the end of the 2nd. Maybe now they will open things up. The IIHF should play all their tournaments in Canada. They are the only country that sells every game out, regardless of who is playing. It is an embarrassment to see the arena 50% empty for a Gold Medal game when it only has a few thousand seats.

I like the way the ref lets guys hammer opponents after the whistle.

Post by **Draftnik** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:56 pm

Erik Johnson has Brooks Orpik disease. What a moron.

ville5 · Post by **ville5** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:31 pm

Draftnik wrote:
Tough break for the Finns on the US goal at the end of the 2nd. Maybe now they will open things up. The IIHF should play all their tournaments in Canada. They are the only country that sells every game out, regardless of who is playing. It is an embarrassment to see the arena 50% empty for a Gold Medal game when it only has a few thousand seats.

I like the way the ref lets guys hammer opponents after the whistle.

I don't see many IIHF tournaments, but how can you not have replay? Is that uniform throughout IIHF? It's a shame for a game to be decided like that. Johnson tried to put that kid THROUGH the boards. Very strong, but yes stupid play.
The announcers briefly mentioned Finland's training program. Very unique approach. All players get the same amount of icetime regardless. Not sure if just the younger kids or what. That would seem to be a major hindrance. I'm all for kids getting playing time, but wouldn't this approach stunt the growth of your better players.

Post by **Draftnik** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:32 pm

Finns had 8+ straight minutes of PP time in the 3rd including 3 straight minutes of 5-3. Johnson got 5 and a game for checking a Finn in the neck/head into the boards while the US was killing a 5-3. Finns have absolutely zero offense. US aren't nearly as good as last year despite the high number of probable 1st round picks.

Erik Johnson looked better against older players in the WJC than he did in this game.

jmh470 · Post by **jmh470** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:41 pm

Johnson didn't look great, but he wasn't really tested on defense. I'll attribute his idiotic hit to his immaturity.

The speed of the US team was impressive. All of them can skate very well.