It’s finally over. A tournament that will basically be remembered for ruthless efficiency more than any classic hockey has come to a close. And it ended with Canada on top, which it always should have. Sure, it would have been more fun if Sweden could have played them with more than a center and a half, but that’s the way things go. It probably still wouldn’t have mattered.
We’re off and running. Just a few thoughts about the two games today and then we’ll set up what’s to come tomorrow. Well, actually in just about a few hours but you get the idea.
-I think the reason Sweden is a lot of people’s favorites is because pretty much everyone on their roster would be called one of the smarter players on their NHL team. They’re all intelligent in both ends. Except for the little blip that let the Czechs back in it for a hot minute, the Swedes puck support was really outstanding. Even though they don’t all play together during the year, they seem to just pick up immediately. And this Erik Karlsson-OEL pairing is just too much fun to watch. I thought having to play centerfield for Karlsson would kind of limit Ekman-Larsson’s game, but there was no sign of that today. What a player. And of course, Karlsson is pretty much a video game.
-Oh sure the Czechs don’t need Ales Hemsky to play much when they have… a big handful of themselves, really. They’re a bigger mess than I thought.
That was an epic: USAHOCKEY
Pros and Cons of larger ice: Chicago Tribune InfoGraphic
New Goals: Chicago Suntimes
If he isnt, I know someone who is: CBC
Who will be in goal for Canada? Sportsnet.Ca
Quick decison for USA ? ESPN
Darryl Katz did what Charles Wang couldn’t: NHL.Com
vs. 
FACEOFF: 9pm Central
TV/RADIO: WGN for both
CAN ANYONE UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS DUCK IS SAYING?: Anaheim Calling, Battle of Cali
WHERE WE’LL BE: The Globe Pub, Irving and Damen
It’s almost here now, the Olympic Break. The Hawks only have two road games left before adjourning to different tropical climes (including Sochi) for a couple of weeks. But these are not games where they can keep the bus running, as tonight sees the top two Western teams go at it and Friday the Hawks will deal with a Coyotes team scrapping for the last playoff spot in the West. Any loss of focus will see the Hawks swiftly cut down.
Ok that date is just weird…
Kane inspired: Chicago Tribune
Hurrikane in LA: Cheer The Anthem
6000: HockeeNight
Torts is sorry: Montreal Gazette
Moving on from Broadway: TSN
This will be problematic for anyone not wearing a Maple Leaf in Russia: Sportsnet
Because girls play hockey in Europe aswell: PuckDaddy
Considering the last time they were there nobody showed up: Globe
Missing one very important name: Score
Stretched in the Dungeon: HockeeNight
Couldn’t keep up in the Stampede: Chicago Tribune
Pirri knew what it took: Suntimes
Fears about Sochi: New York Times
How the Glowpuck revolutinized how you watch Sports: Slate
Don’t know when I’ll be back again…Actually it’s March 6th: Cheer The Anthem
“Stay away from Itchy, kids”: Hockee Night:
Collapse: Chicago Tribune AutoPlay
3 in 20: Chicago Suntimes
SoCal Saturday Night: The Globe and Mail
I couldn’t resist after I saw the recap title..
Panic Zone? Chicago Tribune
Something like that: Cheer The Anthem
Approach to Danger: SunTimes
Parental Discretion Iz Advised:ESPN
LA is the place: TSN
Well that sucks: HockeeNight
Wings win Beer Pong: Chicago Tribune
Class: TSN
Smashville’s MO doesn’t change: SN Autoplay
Well parts of this are correct: Yahoo
So this happened: Toronto Sun
After tangling with two of the NHL’s best at home over the weekend, it was kind of obvious the Hawks took the foot off the gas tonight. I can’t say that they were looking past the Wings, or what’s left of them, but it sure looked like that. Whatever it was, the Hawks were just kind of second best all over the ice for most of the game. And all the little blemishes of the Hawks’ game lately were on display once again. They were trying far too much cutesy shit at the blue line, resulting in killer turnovers or just loss of possession. Their puck support was just not there, as too many Hawks without the puck were looking for space for a pass that wasn’t coming from a teammate that was buried in red instead of helping him. And when a team can really pressure the Hawks D below the goal line, they can get yippy especially when the forwards aren’t close enough to help. The Hawks needed to be more straight line, especially against a defense that is simply dying to turn the puck over. They have to. They want to. It’s their oxygen. Thankfully Brendan Smith is still around for the Hawks to grab a point.
Whatever the Wings’ faults, you’ll never find a Babcock team not working hard enough. The Hawks didn’t want to or couldn’t match that level, which is why they were getting caught on the puck and couldn’t make plays tonight. It’s why you’ll see the Wings had the upper hand in Corsi or possession tonight, which really shouldn’t happen with a team this beat up.
Let’s get to it.
