PGT: 9/19 - Russia vs North America - Russia 4 North America 3 F

[Spawn]

Hell of an exciting game. Wow. Congrats to the Russians for holding on. That was riveting stuff.

Murray 4 goals on 4 shots in the 2nd is likely the difference. Didn't make a save when it mattered.

 

[Oak]

+ McDavid
+ Matthews
+ Rielly
+ RNH
+ Mackinnon
+ Parayko

- Eichel
- Murray

Boy that hurts as a Sabres fan.

Eichel looked pretty good in the first period. When the team faded in the 2nd he never seemed to get it back. His 3rd period wasn't bad though, just not as good as his 1st.

 

[Alexander the Gr8]

That was an amazing game. Yes, Russia got lucky, but they played better than usual. Telegin is the unsung hero for Russia.

 

[Cult of Hynes]

What a finish, Bob stole that one. Jesus he was amazing.

 

[Ingvar]

Inexperienced team with no defense is the best opponent for Russia. Znarok is still the worst.

 

[fsanford]

Seconded. Does NA have a shot against Sweden?

the Swedes play a tight checking, system, NA team could get frustrated, or they could score 6, so much firepower.

 

[Divine]

I think if NA is rested and has Ekblad they win that game.

Or if Murray doesn't allow 4 goals on 4 consecutive shots, and then tell the coach he injured his thumb.

 

[Pi]

+ McDavid
+ Matthews
+ Rielly
+ RNH
+ Mackinnon
+ Parayko

- Eichel
- Murray

Boy that hurts as a Sabres fan.

What? I liked Eichel. He could have finished on some plays but I had zero complaints from his game. Only mistake I can think of was the 2 on 1 that he wasn't quick on but he had a long shift so it's understandable. He got hit, got up and made some plays.

 

[KCC]

Great game!

Also the more the announcers tell me I should be in love with Team NA, and that they are the story of the tournament, the more I root against them.

p.s. Team Europe is the story of the tourney so far.

Drais has been a beast so far.

 

[Diddy]

Still disappointed Mack Nuge and Gaudreau didn't get time during the 5 on 3. They earned the PP based off their one before. McClellan didn't use guys properly imo. If ghost was getting shots like he was in the last two minutes, game could've been different.

 

[Canada4Gold]

This pool is a cluster****. Honestly no idea who I expect to advance even 3 games in. Obviously Sweden has a leg up. Probably need to beat Sweden barring a 3 way 1-2 tie in which NA potentially have a leg up with a +2 differential, that would involve a Sweden win tomorrow, but part of me wants Finland to win so the final 2 games become 1-1 v. 1-1 win and you're in games to avoid potentially beating Sweden and not getting in(3 way 2-1 tie) thought that's unlikely at this point given the +2 differential they have.

Think I'm gonna root for Sweden tomorrow to leave the 1-2 possibility open.

 

[BrendanGallagher11]

Canada will destroy this Russian team
You camt show up for 15 mins and expect to win games
Very lucky tonight

 

[I am not exposed]

No Ekblad = no win.

Fun game to watch!

 

[SidDidNothingWrong]

One thing I really liked that I think gives NA a good shot is the dmen really play a grown up game. With a line-up of forwards that are constantly going it takes skill for them to be responsible and contribute offensively. The way they kept the puck in at the end was godly.

 

[Old Boys Club]

To all those *****ing about McLellan not giving certain players enough pp time, McLellan devotes all pp duties to Woodcroft. Yes, woodcroft does not run a good pp system for this type of team, all Oiler fans already know this.

 

[TheLeastOfTheBunch]

Pretty happy as a Leafs fan with Matthews' and Rielly's play.

Need more team NA hockey though, hopefully they go through to the elimination games.

 

[Rebels57]

2nd best N.A. player was sean couturier

he was excellent.

He really was tremendous defensively and on the PK. Almost forgot that once NA starting riding the top scoring lines and had all of those late PPs.

 

[WillNyeTheHockeyGuy]

Couple changes I'd make:

Remove Ghost from first PP. I think Rielly deserves to be on that PP after this game. Gaudreau needs more ice time. I'd put MacKinnon with McDavid and either remove Matthews or Scheifele from that line and play one of those guys as a centre. MacKinnon is so damn good.

Also, why the **** was the timeout not called during the 5 on 3? That was such a horrible PP. They kept shooting up high. It's a 5 on 3...use the space to score a goal in tight.

Ghost totally deserves first PP, but instead of having him play the primary passer, he needs to the primary shooter. Guy's got a cannon for a shot. Rielly's fine playing 2 PP, he has enough duties as is.

 

[Battle Lin]

murray let in like 3 softies i think, better goaltending wins this for NA

 

[Frank the Tank]

McLellan SUCKS

One must have an agenda if that is what one's primary impression is after walking away from watching that great game.

 

[KlefDown]

I know McLellens player deployment wasn't the best you have to understand that the team is full of stars that all need ice-time. Not to mention rest when they are gassed.

 

[J15]

Said it in the GDT but man McLennan is BRUTAL. Why shorten the bench like that on the second game of a back to back? I seriously think NA could have competed that come back if it wasn't for the god awful lineup choices.

 

[BruinsBtn]

Too much McDavid/Matthews at the end. Gotta spread it around.

Rielly awful on two goals against and that and Murray is what dug the hole.

Questionable ice time decisions killed them

 

[KGL]

Matthews played almost half of the third period, that's unreal for a forward!

 

[Not My Tempo]

McDavid, Scheifele, Matthews, Gaudreau, Mackinnon, RNH

Reilly, Parayko, Ghost

Un-freaking-believable!

Even though they lost, that effort was insane