GDT: 9/17 - USA vs. Team Europe - 3:30 ET

[Ziggy Stardust]

I didn't expect Europe's defense to be so stifling. Then again, this US team looks so inept offensively. That was quite the easy period for Halak. Can't think of any shift where the US team pressured them for lengths inside their zone, it was mostly the US team chasing the puck.

 

[winnipegger]

Not injured and not on this team. They essentially chose Dubinsky and Backes over him

Choosing Backes and Dubinsky over Tyler Johnson and Phil Kessel is inexcusable.

 

[Choralone]

No matter how this ends. Who ever said that the Europeans wouldn't care was dead wrong.

But I thought patriotism was the only thing that motivates the best professional hockey players in the world?

 

[Deutschland Dangler]

In the Olympics Team USA had a great offense but where shut down once the knock out stages begun. But you can not shut down something that does not exist, can you?

It really is brilliant.

Wow, that's the first explanation that actually makes sense.

 

[JTD]

I'd say the US was killed by not allowing under 23 players but knowing the selection staff they would have screwed it up anyways.

They seriously still believe in choosing dead puck era style teams.

Yeah, no chance Gaudreau makes this team if there wasn't a NA team. He's too small for Torts and isn't "gritty" enough

 

[JTX]

Isn't Kessel injured or healing from surgery or something?

Would he even be able to play even if he was chosen for USA?

 

[Soedy]

ESPN is brutal:

Levy yelling "WOAH!" when a shot is thrown from the blueline by Europe.
Melrose struggling to form coherent sentences and offering no analysis.
Linda Cohn being Linda Cohn

I know we all ***** about NBC/NBCSN but at least their on-air talent (sans Eddie O) know what they're talking about

Nothing compared to germany...

- Ehrhoff from the LA Kings looking for a new club
- Ryan McDonac

 

[Sam Spade]

Not injured and not on this team. They essentially chose Dubinsky and Backes over him

Pretty dumb. You can take one but not both.

And don't get me started on the Johnson boys. I barely think Jack belongs in the NHL.....

 

[SidDidNothingWrong]

I'm surprised Disco Dan isn't coaching.

 

[Dallas Winston]

But but.. Bring back Switzerland!!!

Meanwhile Europe dominating the states...

 

[McFlyingV]

He has rarely been in the zone since the 2013 playoffs. Like you said, he has been very inconsistent.

Absolutely, and thats why he's not in my top 3.

 

[TheBigThree]

So happy team europe is winning

 

[larmex99]

Yeah, no chance Gaudreau makes this team if there wasn't a NA team. He's too small for Torts and isn't "gritty" enough

So, why is Buff in the PB?

 

[JTD]

Isn't Kessel injured or healing from surgery or something?

Would he even be able to play even if he was chosen for USA?

I don't think he's a lock to even play on opening night. So, he probably couldn't play. That wasn't the reason he wasn't selected tho.

 

[winnipegger]

It's downright baffling that Tortorella gets so many jobs. I thought he was toast after ******** the bed in Vancouver.

 

[Chimpradamus]

Nah, I'd argue there are very few goalies who can dominate the way Price, Holtby, Schneider, and Quick can for stretches. Quick is just susceptible to some bad stretches while the other 3 are pretty consistent from week to week and month to month.

Then you have the goalie that has been the most consistent year after year for the last decade.

 

[Johnny HFBOARDS]

He'll always have his jpg's

 

[Sam Spade]

I don't think he's a lock to even play on opening night. So, he probably couldn't play. That wasn't the reason he wasn't selected tho.

I think it was the reason. I would bet a few players called these teams and said "don't pick me" for various reasons.

 

[JTX]

I don't think he's a lock to even play on opening night. So, he probably couldn't play. That wasn't the reason he wasn't selected tho.

Yeah, but it's not like he'd be out there contributing if it wasn't for Tortorella. People complaining Kessel got snubbed seems silly to me since he wouldn't be playing either way.

 

[llwyd]

I think it's actually a rather stress free situation for Europe - no-one is expecting anything from them and they certainly won't get criticism from their home countries if things go badly. A nice way to start the season...

Bit disappointing 1st period: not much intensity, very slow tempo and the audience confusing a hockey game with a funeral. Hopefully the game will pick up from this.

 

[Neutral Hockey Fan]

So, why is Buff in the PB?

For the opposite reason. Too big, too gritty.

It's the only explanation I can think of

 

[UsernameWasTaken]

Isn't Kessel injured or healing from surgery or something?

Would he even be able to play even if he was chosen for USA?

He's injured, but they didn't name to him to the roster to begin with...which was stupid and rude!

So while he couldn't play in any event, I feel like they're deserving of bad karma.

 

[Nordic*]

Europe managed to slow USA down considerably that period. Just like Sweden, USA looked slow, unmotivated and un-engaged. That's the sign of a great tactical strategy.

Their team positioning looks amazing, which is incredible for a made up team.

 

[Cult of Hynes]

Guys you could have had coach the team instead of Torts, Mike Sullivan, Peter Laviolette, Jeff Blashill, John Hynes.

 

[BrokenFace]

Choosing Backes and Dubinsky over Tyler Johnson and Phil Kessel is inexcusable.

I forgot about Johnson. I will never understand how USA management looked at what happened in Sochi and thought "hmmmmm..... needs more grit."