2010 Winter Olympics

[J-man]

I thought I would make an open thread for the Olympics which are starting tonight. Any part of the games can be discussed here. Anywhere from the opening ceremony to the competition and to the final results. The games are in Vancouver, Canada.
Go USA!
I really hope we win in hockey and put Crosby in his place.

[darklight1216]

I almost laughed out loud when they made those commercials implying that the opening ceremony for this could compare to Beijing's opening ceremony.

[ravens27]

I hope any Country puts Crosby in place.

[J-man]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='12 February 2010 - 09:01 PM' timestamp='1266026490' post='359322']
I almost laughed out loud when they made those commercials implying that the opening ceremony for this could compare to Beijing's opening ceremony.
[/quote]

It isn't that bad, but watching it doesnt remind me at all of the Olympics, just a ceremony of Canadian culture.

[ravens27]

Russia will have a very good hockey team.

[J-man]

Here's the money.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='ravens27' date='12 February 2010 - 09:17 PM' timestamp='1266027422' post='359337']
I hope any Country puts Crosby in place.
[/quote]
I hope [i]all[/i] of the countries put Crosby in his place.

[quote name='J-man' date='12 February 2010 - 09:17 PM' timestamp='1266027436' post='359338']
It isn't that bad, but watching it doesnt remind me at all of the Olympics, just a ceremony of Canadian culture.
[/quote]
It doesn't compare to Beijing by any stretch of the imagination.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='12 February 2010 - 09:01 PM' timestamp='1266026490' post='359322']
I almost laughed out loud when they made those commercials implying that the opening ceremony for this could compare to Beijing's opening ceremony.
[/quote]

Nothing can top the Bejing opening, but that pod of Killer Whales swimming across the floor blew my mind. I didn't see the whole thing, ( I had to go back to work at 10:30p last night ), so I'll reserve my judgement for later. I have it recorded.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' date='13 February 2010 - 11:50 AM' timestamp='1266079839' post='359460']
Nothing can top the Bejing opening, but that pod of Killer Whales swimming across the floor blew my mind. I didn't see the whole thing, ( I had to go back to work at 10:30p last night ), so I'll reserve my judgement for later. I have it recorded.
[/quote]
That part was really cool, but I stopped watching once they go to the Irish jig and autumn leaf part.

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='ravens27' date='12 February 2010 - 09:17 PM' timestamp='1266027462' post='359339']
Russia will have a very good hockey team.
[/quote]
I think Russia and Canada will be the gold medal game.

Two players that I can't understand why they didn't make the Canadian roster:

Jay Bouwmeester and Jeff Carter

On a side note: I think this may be the last year for the NHL players to be in the Olympics. Thank God.

[MsMarvel73]

Watching long-track speed skating atm.

I think it will be the last for NHL players too. I think the owners have gone totally cold on the idea over the last two Olympics or so.

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='PARavensgirl' date='13 February 2010 - 04:45 PM' timestamp='1266097506' post='359531']
Watching long-track speed skating atm.

I think it will be the last for NHL players too. I think the owners have gone totally cold on the idea over the last two Olympics or so.
[/quote]
It's not really worth it for them. They have to shut the entire league down for 2-3 weeks, and they don't even get much out of the deal.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='13 February 2010 - 04:35 PM' timestamp='1266096919' post='359527']
I think Russia and Canada will be the gold medal game.

Two players that I can't understand why they didn't make the Canadian roster:

Jay Bouwmeester and Jeff Carter

On a side note: [b]I think this may be the last year for the NHL players to be in the Olympics.[/b]
[/quote]
I was surprised that they didn't add Mike Green, but that works for me. Now I have no reason at all to support them.

Maybe some players, but I know that Alex Ovechkin already said that he's going to play in 2014 no matter what the NHL does.

[MsMarvel73]

How much you want to bet Ryan Getzlaf plays on the bum ankle? Stevie Y has himself quite a quandary with that one..

[MsMarvel73]

HockeyhockeyhockeyhockeyHOCKEYHOCKEYHOCKEY

US up on Norway 1-0

[ravens27]

Go USA USA 3 NORWAY 1

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='ravens27' date='18 February 2010 - 04:22 PM' timestamp='1266528141' post='361907']
Go USA USA 3 NORWAY 1
[/quote]
The fact that the U.S team ONLY beat Norway 3-1 is disgusting. They are probably going to get smoked by the Canadians.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='19 February 2010 - 04:31 PM' timestamp='1266618716' post='362570']
The fact that the U.S team ONLY beat Norway 3-1 is disgusting. They are probably going to get smoked by the Canadians.
[/quote]
Dont count on that either, this tournament already is proving their is more parity in international hockey than we expected. Belarus was 1 inch away from tying Sweden today, and they gave it to the Swedes in the third period, Switzerland almost beat Canada and played with more intensity. The Slovaks beat the high powered Russians, and the Swedes narrowly beat Germany 2-0. The game Sunday is going to be extremely intense and as a Canadian I wouldnt bet on this game, the American team is extremely fast and plays at a much higher tempo than Canada has all tournament. Dont be surprised if America catchs Canada on the chin in the first 10 minutes of the 1st period.

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='Bltravens' date='19 February 2010 - 09:55 PM' timestamp='1266634514' post='362661']
Dont count on that either, this tournament already is proving their is more parity in international hockey than we expected. Belarus was 1 inch away from tying Sweden today, and they gave it to the Swedes in the third period, Switzerland almost beat Canada and played with more intensity. The Slovaks beat the high powered Russians, and the Swedes narrowly beat Germany 2-0. The game Sunday is going to be extremely intense and as a Canadian I wouldnt bet on this game, the American team is extremely fast and plays at a much higher tempo than Canada has all tournament. Dont be surprised if America catchs Canada on the chin in the first 10 minutes of the 1st period.
[/quote]
In hockey it takes more than a chin shot in the first 10 minutes to win a game. The only hope the U.S team has is if Ryan Miller can carry them. But then again, Canada has Marty Broduer. He is the Brett Favre of the NHL, but less annoying.

The Russian team isn't as good as they seem. I mean, having Ovechkin and Malkin makes them look a little intimidating, but they have a few guys that are past their prime as well. Nabakov and Bryzgalov are good in net but not the best goaltending situation in the tournament. The Slovakian's aren't actually that bad of the team they are lacking the star power in net that teams like Rus,USA,and Canada have but they have some pretty good players like Marion Gaborik, Marion and Marcel Hossa, Zdeno Chara, Miroslav Satan ect. They aren't a pushover at all.

I do agree that parody is more prevalent in these olympics though.

When Olympic Hockey goes back to amatuer players, the United States WILL be a powerhouse.

[The Brim Reaper]

Ohno just got bronze in 1000m speed skating. He had to skate from last within about a lap or so to get to third.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='20 February 2010 - 06:40 AM' timestamp='1266669603' post='362750']
In hockey it takes more than a chin shot in the first 10 minutes to win a game. The only hope the U.S team has is if Ryan Miller can carry them. But then again, Canada has Marty Broduer. He is the Brett Favre of the NHL, but less annoying.

The Russian team isn't as good as they seem. I mean, having Ovechkin and Malkin makes them look a little intimidating, but they have a few guys that are past their prime as well. Nabakov and Bryzgalov are good in net but not the best goaltending situation in the tournament. The Slovakian's aren't actually that bad of the team they are lacking the star power in net that teams like Rus,USA,and Canada have but they have some pretty good players like Marion Gaborik, Marion and Marcel Hossa, Zdeno Chara, Miroslav Satan ect. They aren't a pushover at all.

I do agree that parody is more prevalent in these olympics though.

When Olympic Hockey goes back to amatuer players, the United States WILL be a powerhouse.
[/quote]
Not always, a chin shot in the first 10 minutes against Canada at home, after narrowly beating the Swiss is enough to send Canada into a pressing mood, you set the tone early and its tough to come back as long as you dont go into a shell. They showed it against the Swiss. The pressure on Canada is immense in this tournament. Watch tomorrows game and you'll see what im talking about, the Americans will skate stride for stride with Canada, your forecheck is better and your 3rd and 4th lines are far more physical. This game will be decided by 1 goal.

The difference with the Slovaks is the depth, their first line is an all star caliber line, but their second line is centered by Pavol Demitra who has not been anything but ok since 2006. Chara is forced to play well over 25 min every night. Russia has always been immensely talented but their achilles heel has been team chemistry and non physical defensemen (they do however move the puck and skate extremely well). You bang and crash them in their own end and they turn the puck over.

How do you figure the US will be a powerhouse (Id argue there already a top hockey power but) if they go back to Amateurs? If thats the case it would be exactly like the World Junior Championships.

[XxSizzleXx]

The reason that Green, Carter and Bouwmeester did not make the team because the team already has players that do the things these guys do, only better.

Take a look at Drew Doughty, just as offensive as Green but much better in his own end. Carter could have damn near made the team but Getzy is just too much of a beast to pass up on, we are also overloaded at the Center position. Bouwmeester does not do one thing exceptionally well but he is good at everything, but he CANNOT take over a game like the other Defensemen that made the team.

The Russians have looked pretty disappointing as the Slovaks already gave them a L.

As for me I am extremely excited about this Canada - US game, although the US is an undersized team they are really fast. I really want to see our big defensemen get physical with their skilled players (i.e Pronger, Weber, Seabrook).

[The Brim Reaper]

The US-Canada game should be quite interesting tonight. I honestly have no idea what to expect. As long as the US' defensive can play well, and we stop Canada on PPs, I think we have somewhat of a shot.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='21 February 2010 - 03:12 AM' timestamp='1266743541' post='363060']
The reason that Green, Carter and Bouwmeester did not make the team because the team already has players that do the things these guys do, only better.

Take a look at Drew Doughty, just as offensive as Green but much better in his own end. Carter could have damn near made the team but Getzy is just too much of a beast to pass up on, we are also overloaded at the Center position. Bouwmeester does not do one thing exceptionally well but he is good at everything, but he CANNOT take over a game like the other Defensemen that made the team.

The Russians have looked pretty disappointing as the Slovaks already gave them a L.

As for me I am extremely excited about this Canada - US game, although the US is an undersized team they are really fast. I really want to see our big defensemen get physical with their skilled players (i.e Pronger, Weber, Seabrook).
[/quote]
I really feel that taking Pronger was a mistake, he was never a great skater and now that hes 35 hes even worse. He is extremely prone to aweful penalties at brutal times notably with his stick. He doesnt move the puck as well as any of the defenseman on the roster. Bouwmeester is the guy I would have taken instead of Pronger, Bouwmeester is 6'4 220, and can skate better than some of our forwards. He is extremely smooth with the puck on his stick and is under rated for his play in his own end, ontop of that he logs 20-25 minutes a night for Calgary. Nash played alot better in the 3rd against the Swiss but he needs to use his size and speed, all our guys do theyre all 6'3 and 220-230 pounds they should never lose a 1 on 1 battle on the boards. Stick your nose in and get dirty.

[MsMarvel73]

WOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO game on!!!

AND 30 years ago tomorrow (Feb. 22, 1980) the US hockey team beat the Soviet juggernaut in the Olympic tourney semi-finals on their way to beating Finland and winning gold.

http://espn.go.com/classic/s/miracle_ice_1980.html


Yes, I do remember watching that game on TV and yes I remember bawling my eyes out. Seriously I think the Miracle on Ice planted the seed for my hockey fandom.

[Bltravens]

There was your chin shot, 41 seconds in off the forecheck.

[MsMarvel73]

That was inevitable...Canada powerplay..... BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[MsMarvel73]

OMG!!!!!!!! Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahahaha YAY!

[MsMarvel73]

Ha ha here I go yelling at the TV

[Bltravens]

[quote name='PARavensgirl' date='21 February 2010 - 07:09 PM' timestamp='1266800944' post='363281']
Ha ha here I go yelling at the TV
[/quote]
lol like its a Ravens game or something