I never thought I would be sick of hockey (and pretty much every other winter sport too) but here we are.
The first period was rather disgusting Finns looking like lost puppies who didn't know what to do nor why they were there. While they're professional and should be able to play no matter what, I think it's fair to blame the coach since it's his job to make sure that the game plan fits the team or vice verse and that the players are well prepared for the match. None of those happened yesterday. None of those actually happened during the whole tournament. It pains me to say this but they deserve to lose the bronze game, Slovakia has fight throughthe whole Olympics in every single game to win them. If they go home without medal, it will be huge injustice.
I was not fan of the head coach when they hired him. I was not fan of him after the latest Worlds and I definitely didn't do happy dance after they announced the extension of his contract. If this humiliation wasn't enough to prove that he can't coach the national team, I don't know what will. Though this really doesn't matter since I quite litarelly can't watch hockey again anytime soon.
USA 2 - Switzerland 0 Russia 3 - Canada 7 Finland 2 - Czech 0 Sweden 3 - Slovakia 4
Four games, only one had happy ending. This was supposed to be Russia's year. Or Foppa's one last winning duty with Tre Kronor. If someone had told me before the Olympics that Finland will be in semifinals but Sweden and Russia won't, I would've probably died for laughing. Not so funny anymore...
Ever fall from the seventh heaven straight to the bottom of the deepest gorge in few minutes? That's what happened to me this morning when I woke up watched the last few minutes of Finland vs. Czech game and saw my lovelies to to win it. Then - despite the bad feeling I had had since waking up - I decided to check how Russia had done. It would've been wiser to put the contact lenses before that because it's a lot easier to do when you're not crying.
Then I thought, okay why not root for Finland-Sweden final then? While I spent the entire Czech class by cherising that idea, Slovaks were busy with destroying that dream.
Semis
USA -Finland Canada - Slovakia
Winners go to gold medal game, losers will fight for bronze. The perfect sky is torn.
Two games. Four teams. Two teams I love. Neither of them might not be in the competion when I wake up in the morning. Both games can really end either way but I don't feel very confident. Finland played totally uninspired against Sweden and have issues with getting used to the style of play the coach want. Russia has been slipping back to the diva game and even Bykov has been making amateur mistakes. All I can do is to hope with all my heart for the best. Even if it once again means tears.
Since Finland keeps failing and Russia has apparently adopted that habit too I a) want these Olympics to go away and b) need to focus on nicer things. Like hotties. And since I'm deeply sorry for all the jokes I've made about Norway during the years, I shall for once give some love to my northern neighbours. (PS. There's some hockey after the rink rabbit part)
I know, for some reason Norway really isn't a traditional hockey country but they do try. So you should give them credit for that. And then you can move to admire this piece of high quality Norwegian eye candy.
Say hello to Mats Zuccarello Aasen, 22 year-old Modo forward. Some call him "Norwegian Hobbit" but he and his 171cm tall lovely body leads the team in points with 18+33 and holds 3rd place in Elitserien's scoring with those 51 points.
Actual hockey update!
The Switzerland - Norway game was actually really good and Norwegians played offensive game instead of defending with 5 men which was really nice surprise. And Zuccarello Aasen had few points and Tore Vikingstad had hat trick. That wasn't quite enough as Swiss won in OT, but they gave really good fight and would've deserved the win. Fun fact of Vikingstad. He has same birthday with me. He was born many, many years earlier though.
Finland's Olympic commitee's goal was to achieve 12 medals from my personal horror show known as the Vancouver Olympics. Go ahead, take your time. I understand if you need laughing break, I do too. Now, after some of the best sports for Finland (like ski jumping, women sprint and blah blah) and we have one medal. A silver. Which is very nice and all but ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I could accept this if they had been this bad all season and I'm not saying all of the athletes had a reasonable chances to medal. But every single Finnish athlete has hideously underachieve thisfar except that silverboy. They haven't even suck at the level they used to. No, they had to dig that hole of failing even deeper to find a whole new level sucking.
But to the happier news, Sweden will play against Belarus today and while I hope all the good for Jonas "Monster" Gustavsson who is apparently gonna get the start, little part of me wants to this happen again.
Okay, I know this game is played on Sunday (Monday morning my time, woohoo...) but since Finland's success has been what it is - aka there is no - I might not be able to write anything since I've drowned to my tears when weekend comes. So here we go.
FIRST LINES
Finland: Tuomo Ruutu - Mikko Koivu - Valtteri Filppula
Sweden: Louis Eriksson - Nicklas Bäckström - Daniel Afredsson
Advantage: I think this one might be 50-50. Bäckström is no doubt better than Koivu but neither Eriksson nor Aflredsson bring Ovie type of scoring so if the Finnish trio brings the A game, there shouldn't be much of difference. I'd like to highlight the should be part. The reality has taught that Swedes tend to play better what they actually are when needed...
SECOND LINES
Finland: Jere Lehtinen - Saku Koivu - Teemu Selänne
Sweden: Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Mattias Weinhandl
Advantage: I'd like to say Finland so very much because that line is everything that is (was) good in Finnish hockey; the best player in Finnish Flash and the captain in Koivu. In 2006 this line kicked ass and would've tored the Swedish line apart like fat kid tores apart everything between them and the candybar. But in 2010? Sedins are rocking in the NHL and Weinhandl is having scoring parties in KHL so if they can keep up with that, Sweden has the advantage here. Le sigh...
THIRD LINES
Finland: Niklas Hagman - Olli Jokinen - Antti "Not Jussi Jokinen" Miettinen
Sweden: Peter Forsberg - Henrik Zetterberg - Patrick Hörnqvist
Advantage: If Foppa stays healthy, this line can do nasty, nasty things for their team. The Finnish line... not so much. Well it could score some lovely goals but I just can't see them dominating the game against hockey powerhouses. Though, Jokinen has been relatively good in New York. But still, since Zäta could alone destroy all three Finns, Sweden wins this round.
FOURTH LINES
Finland: Jarkko Ruutu - Niko Kapanen - Ville Peltonen
Sweden: Fredrik Modin - Samuel Påhlsson - Johan "Not Mikael Samuelsson" Franzen
Advantage: Some people may disagree but Jarkko Ruutu is awesome. I know he can be bit of tool but when he plays clean, he is lot of help for the team. Kapanen is true lion and excellent player and Peltonen is the guy who scored hat trick in the only final Finland has ever won in hockey so they can provide some good moments for the fans. Not to underrate the Swede line which also has skill and toughness but I have to give the advantage here to Finland.
DEFENSE
Finland: Kimmo Timonen - Sami Salo, Joni Pitkänen - Lasse Kukkonen, Sami Lepistö - Toni Lydman
Sweden: Niklas Kronwall - Nicklas Lidström, Tobias Enström - Mattias Öhlund, Johnny Oduya - Douglas Murray, Henrik Tallinder - Magnus Johansson
Advantage: While I love Timonen and he is one of the best defensemen in the world, Sweden wins this one so clearly it's not even funny. I'd take the first 2 pairs to my team in a heart beat.
GOALIES
Sup bitches?
Finland: Miikka Kiprusoff, Niklas Bäckström, Antero Niittymäki
Sweden: Henrik Lundqvist, Jonas Gustavsson, Stefan Liv
Advantage: I know, I know... Lundqvist is Olympic winner and blah blah. But Finland has Kipper! And 3 World class goalies who all can steal the games by themselves while Sweden has Liv. So yeah, advantage Finland.
Final score: Sweden 3-Finland 2
Oy...crap. Maybe Samuellson was right. They really should go fuck themselves instead of bullying my poor little team.
For the sake of good old times... One more time boys.
At the conclusion of the 18-game Preliminary Round, all 12 teams will be ranked in a joint ranking "D". After the Preliminary Round, 1D, 2D, 3D and 4D will receive a bye into the Quarter-finals and will be named as the Home Team for their Quarter-final pairing. The Qualification Playoff games will be played with the following match-ups (Group E): 5D - 12D (Winner will become E1) 6D - 11D (Winner will become E2) 7D - 10D (Winner will become E3) 8D - 9D (Winner will become E4)
And now the groups with music brought to you by Eurovision. (Theme songs=titles only, the lyrics may have nothing to do with anything, sue me)
GROUP A
Switzerland
What to expect: This country diplomatique will probably be 3rd in group A and fights for the place in top 8D (may not succee in this) Theme song: Apres Toi
Norway
What to expect: It will be Noway for the vikings as they'll be the point machine for the 3 other teams and they're having own "Miracle on the ice" if the final position is not 12D. Yes, Latvia and Germany are that much better. I think. Theme song:Hasta la vista
Canada
What to expect: Will win the group, for their own safety if for nothing else. Without a major suckfest this hard playing team's place in top 3D is guaranteed. Theme song: Boom Bang a Bang
USA
What to expect: Despite having a team that some concider as possible winner, they hopefully have to satisfy for 2nd place and top 6 place in group D. Otherwise, they may face the anger of Burke. Theme song: Eighties coming back
Group B
RUSSIA
What to expect: Gold, baby, gold!!! Seriously though, after years of diva game and self-inflicted losses, this newborn team should win their group even though Czechs and Slovakians can provide some competition. Like Canada, Russia should be able to get the place in 4D and the free ticket to quarters. Theme song:Believe
Slovakia
What to expect: Should be fighting for 2nd place in B group with Czech but likely is 7th overall. Their success and failing depends how the offense works, because with Gaborik, Hossa, Satan etc. it is their best weapon. Dream play from the whole team could bring them far. Theme song:Fairytale
Czech
What to expect: 2nd or 3rd place in the group, should be in quarters if nothing surprising happens. Goaltending might be bit of an issue, as is their on/off play, but the team ain't bad. Unless it's their off night. Then it can get really ugly. Theme song:On Again, Off Again
Latvia
What to expect: No dice for anything but 4th place in this tough group but with perfect game and some luck could maybe be in quarters. After all, it wouldn't be the first time one of the powerhouses fails agains the mortals. Right Sweden? Theme song:Diggi-Loo, Diggi-Ley
Group C
FINLAND!
What to expect: Either has killer tournament and repeat the unbelievable spirit they had in Turin, or then suck their way out before quarter finals. For the sake of my own mental health and our hockey veterans who will likely have their last national team tournament, I hope the first option. The success depends much on goaltending and can the forwards find the net. Theme song:Hard rock hallelujah/Hold me now
Sweden
What to expect: The Turin winners and allaround lucky bastards have one tough team once again and should feel ashamed if they don't get the group win and ticket to quarters. Get your tissues ready because they're back and they're gonna score some last seconds lucky goals. Le sigh Theme song:Work your magic
Belarus
What to expect: With perfect game and failure by Finland can get the 2nd place, otherwise can be quite sure about the 3rd place. Won't get the free ticket to quarters but will likely be very much fighting for it in the qualification round. Theme song:Fight
Germany
What to expect: Tourist trip, will 4th in the group C and in bottom top 3. But hey, I've heard Vancouver is a nice city, they'll have time to have some fun there. Theme song:No, No, Never
Man purse alert. Toskala is obviously already making an influence in California...
The Ducks (currently holding the 12th place in West) have had a bit of rough season despite much higher hopes but luckily this doesn't stop them to support the community that gives them love.
I totally missed this but the team held their 3rd Lady Ducks Fashion Show on last Friday to raise money for Children’s Hospital of Orange County. The event included -surprisingly - fashion show by the players, featuring my Finnish lovelies Selänne & Koivu, George Parros, Ryan Geztlaf, Corey Perry etc.
The Orange County has a video before the modeling with players' and coach's comments on who will do well and who isn't ANTM material. Everyone should go to watch the clip but few of the best moments were coach Carlyle mocking Perry's catwalk qualities and Wisniewski giving this statement: "He (Koivu) thinks he's lot hotter than he is." How dare you bash my handsome captain like that, James?
The video also includes Selänne sharing his opinion about fashion: "There's no purses for guys." Now see, that's the kind of talk that makes Toskala sad. That and mentioning ancient myths like "working glove hand" and "keeping the five hole shut".
More of the event here and here. Pics can be found here (btw, if someone wants to be darling and get me the one with Selänne and Koivu in Finnish jerseys, you will have my unconditional love. Or some Finnish goodies. Your choice.)
With that win Caps extended their winning streak to 14 getting to tied to 3rd with Bruins whose record is from ancient history. The game was pretty intence and lots of penalties were given. Some of them even were deserved.
1st period
The start was pretty hideous start as Crosby scored 2 goals taking Pens to 2-0 lead in 1st.
Yeah, it was that painful.
2nd period
Chimera had a nice empty net awaiting to be scored, but I guess he felt it wouldn't been fair to score when the goalie is out. Luckily, the Russian machine started to work at full speed in the second and Ovie made it 2-1.
Unfortunately that happy state didn't last long and Mr. Staal made his best Crosby impersonation and scored 2 goals in less than 3 minutes.
Baldwin doesn't agree with that kinda crap.
After the latest goal there was bit of fighting - including Bäckström!!! - and penalties were given. 10 for Bäckie... Sigh
3rd period
Ovie saves the day with 2 more goals, getting a hat trick and tying the game. Suck it Crosby.
Party in the USA...
OT
I hate overtimes more than I can describe, mostly because I always feel like I'm about to get a heart attack. But this one was actually quite nice because Oprik was sweetheart and gave Caps some free candy in a form of PP. And you know how that works on OT... Goal, baby goal! By Knuble after Ovie's shot had hit the post and bounced to him.
14th win in a row babe!
Quote of the night. And not in a good way...
Orpik quote on Semin: "He’s a baby. I don’t know [if it was a high stick] but he does that all game long. I got zero respect for the kid."
And this from a guy who took high sticking penalty during the OT and gave the keys for victory to Capitals. And got game misconduct for bitching. Hypocrisy much?
PS. Dear Thrashers owners, see? I wasn't lying when I said I'd come with gifs. My offer is still available. Call me...
Other NHL notes, Leafs got Giggy with it -I know, that's old and lame, sorry - and blanked Sens 5-0. Good times.
Atlanta had 45 shots against Washington's 31 and yet they lost helping Caps to stretch their win streak to 13. I bet Kovalchuk could've scored few of those 45 shots... The bad thing was that Bäckström apparently had to miss the 3rd period for flu like symptoms. He has scored 1+1 before that. Not bad for a sick kid...
Speaking of #17, his debut for the Devils was quite good with 2 assists in 4-3 win over Toronto. Sigh. But Wallin scored!
Unfornately that game wasn't the only thing going badly wrong for Leafs as GM Brian Burke's son died in car accident. My condolences to the Burke family, no parent should ever have to lay to rest their child.
Olympics update
Jagr is apparently having a groin injury and might miss the Olympics. Crap. The moan you hear is the Czech nation crying after their medal hopes.
Who just got their 12th win a row? By making Lundqvist their bitch? Capitals did! Also, Bäckström scored chilly 1+4.
Sadly, there also happened one very unfortunate trade last night. Waddell did his best to get fired and traded Ilya Kovalchuk and Anssi Salmela to New Jersey for Bergfors, Oduya, Cormier and 2010 1st round pic. First of all, let's get this clear. You should've get more from just Kovy, so when the deal includes another player too, this is just freaking crime against Atlanta. Seriously, Waddell has more or less screwed many trades, what does man need to do in Atlanta to get canned? And by the way, dear Thrashers owners, I would be more than willing to continue Waddell's work to screw the team for half of what he's getting. And I come with awesome gifs. Call me.
If you need be, I'll be crying in my bed and trying to learn to tolerate the Devils... :(
