Anyone else here following the World Cup of Hockey? I figure that I should enjoy it while it lasts. Things aren't looking to good right now for a 2004/2005 NHL season. Anyone have any predictions as to who will come out on top? Virtual wages anyone??
Canada is probably the biggest favorite to take the top slot - but there are good challengers, Sweden has great material from top to bottom (only their goalie sit seems a little lacked at the moment) - and Finns shouldn't be counted out either, since they instead have a real miracle man on the net at the moment.
Its really too bad that team U.S.A isn't playing very well. I was hoping to see another U.S.A /Canada rivalry this year. Its not looking that way. Then again things have just got underway so I guess anything is possible. We should be in store for some good hockey games.
Originally posted by LASTCRUSADER Except for when they play Canada.
If Finland wins the World Cup, I admit, it's going to be a miracle. But it is a very possible miracle, for two reasons... first, Canada isn't all-victorious (neither is Finland). And, miracles don't usually have names. This one does. It's Kiprusoff.
I'm sorry if I happen to sound fanatical to anyone's ears or try to make it seem that I attempt to turn this a one-man-praising thread... but when I watched the game last night and saw this man keep his net empty through a 5-on-3 powerplay that lasted for 1:55 and catch a puck that was going to be shot at a point-blank range over him while lying on his stomach, I'm convinced we were watching at the actions of the ultimately hottest goalie right now.
I don't disagree that Kiprusoff is an outstanding goaltender. After all without him the Calgary Flames might not have gone to the Stanley Cup finals. Simply put though, he can't win it all on his own.
Does anyone know if Canada and Finland are in the same pool? Or are they in different ones? I'm just wondering if there is a chance for them to face each other in the finals.
Indeed the speculation does start here. I would love to see these two countries face off in the finals. I do think that both Canada and Finland are some of the stronger teams this time round. So it will be interesting to see how things progress.
And oh yeah... thanks to Canada beating Russia 3-1, one thing just became certain: if you want to see Finland and Canada meeting on ice, only way that is possible is that both teams work their way into the final match.
The most likely quarterfinal pairing (as it seems now)
Canada-Slovakia (A1-A4)
Russia-USA (A2-A3)
And from there... considering Finland wins Germany and Canada beats Slovakia (and we should really not be in doubt about these... of course anything can happen).
I'm starting to get a very good feeling about Canada and Finland facing off in the final. I have no doubt that Canada will win tonight against Slovakia. Finland should be able to take the U.S.A on Friday also.
