Bring On The Russians!
Fresh off last night’s 8-2 thumping of the Germans, Team Canada will look to translate that momentum into yet another strong performance as they prepare to face the Russians this evening (7:30 EST/4:30 PST on CTV).
True, the victory last night was over a German team which was not exactly expected to be a medal contender to begin with. However, a win is a win and last night’s performance should serve to help some of the bitterness and doubt stemming from Sunday’s loss to the United States subside.
As in all sports, momentum is key and Team Canada will certainly need all they can get against a typically strong Russian squad. The Russians are fast and skilled, but not overly physical; if the Canadians can get in a couple of momentum-setting hits from the outset, establishing control throughout the game will become a much easier task.
The Rosters
Team Russia (alphabetical)
Forwards (12)
Afinogenov, Datsyuk, Fedorov, Kovalchuk, Kozlov, Malkin, Morozov, Ovechkin, Radulov, Semin, Zaripov, Zinoviev
Defensemen (8)
Gonchar, Grebeshkov, Kalinen, Korneyev, Markov, Nikulen, Tyutin, Volchenkov
Goaltenders (3)
Bryzgalov, Nabokov, Varlamov
Team Canada (alphabetical)
Forwards (13)
Bergeron, Crosby, Getzlaf, Heatley, Iginla, Marleau, Morrow, Nash, Perry, Richards, Staal, Thornton, Toews
Defensemen (7)
Boyle, Doughty, Keith, Neidermayer, Pronger, Seabrook, Weber
Goaltenders (3)
Brodeur, Fleury, Luongo
Anticipated Starters
Canada: Luongo
Russia: Nabokov
GB’s Take
Canada v. Russia is always a thrilling matchup, and tonight’s spectacle should be a game for the ages. As disappointing as the loss on Sunday was, you have to admit the Olympics simply aren’t the same without these two historic rivals facing off at some point. And there is, after all, something to be said for facing a little adversity along the way to victory. Losing to the United States was a blow, no doubt, but if channeled properly the experience of that loss could prove to be more beneficial to the team than many of the panic-pushers have taken the time to consider.
The road to gold may have officially began last night, but the true test of Team Canada’s character, courage, resiliency, and strength is to be witnessed this evening.
Looking forward to your thoughts as always,
garrettbauman@mapleleafshotstove.com
twitter.com/garrettbauman
February 26th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Charlie wrote:
lol. Hope you had a good trip. Did you watch the Russia game?
February 26th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Bob is your uncle wrote:
Anytime! Fantasy hockey can be a whole lot of fun. I find it best when kept simple and played by friends. Hope you enjoy when you try it out.
February 26th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
long_suffering_leaf_fan wrote:
beauty!
February 26th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
LemonHead wrote:
Fantasy hockey is the best! My friends don’t even want to play with me anymore… well on my way to consecutive championships. Not bragging or anything, but I am the greatest trade miestro around haha
February 26th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
@ 2 Minutes for Looking so Guru:
Yeah, I love playing fantasy hockey too. I also have a very good record over the 5 years I’ve been playing. This year has been tough, but I made a few trades and have been climbing the standings since. I just hope I can keep it going. LOL!!
February 26th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
@ danvertising:
We’ve had this discussion before, and it’s more often than you think. Also, three way deals are going to start becoming more common. With the salary cap limiting what can happen, the only way to make a lot of deals work in every way is to involve a third team. We’ve heard all year from various sources that teams looking to make a deal are trying to get a third team involved to make it all make sense. I dunno, I don’t think it’s that unrealistic. If everyone’s needs are met, the fact that it doesn’t happen often doesn’t make it unlikely. That’s pretty poor reasoning.
February 26th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
And for the record on Eklund, I think he does have some legitimate sources, as Darren Dreger has confirmed. What he lacks is any sort of hockey IQ. He hears something, and morphs it into his own speculation (because it is more interesting to potential customers this way), but the problem is that his speculation is sooo nonsensical and ridiculous that people forget that what started his thought process might have come from a legitimate source.
For example, he hears that Montreal is talking to Edmonton, and that Montreal likes Cogliano – so far, not that unrealistic. But then he puts his own spin on the situation, and suddenly you get a ridiculous trade proposal that makes no sense. Probably a lot of what he reports as far as interest and discussions is based on reality though…
February 26th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
@ Cameron:
Almost every trade proposal of yours is a three-way trade.
We’ve also seen how difficult it is for teams to make deals with just one other GM. Throwing a 3rd team in only complicates things more, making the possibility of an agreement even less likely. Especially when dealing with their star assets.
February 26th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
The only stars in the deal are Datsyuk and Kaberle – that’s the basis of the deal. Nashville is giving up two non-roster assets (one that will never play another game in their jersey) for a player we know they want (Poni), a prospect, and a 1st round pick – No problems for Nashville. Like I said, as long as everyone is happy, why is it impossible?
February 26th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Obviously nothing is impossible, but for some reason the majority of your trade proposals are three-way deals, as if it were something common.
If it made everyone better, they would happen more often, which is not the case.
February 26th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Julie Sucks wrote:
Only managed the third…. Wanted to watch the whole thing but apparently my wife thought spending time together was a better idea…
February 26th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
On a different note, my 3 month ban on HockeyBuzz is officially over.
Any interesting idea on how to get my next ban?
February 26th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Charlie wrote:
Make a fake recording of you calling Eklund and him admitting hes gay. Then say its real. Cant go wrong!
February 26th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Jordan wrote:
Hahaha, I dunno. It might inspire him to finally come out of the closet.
February 26th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
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