GDT: 9/19 - Russia vs. Team North America - 8:00 PM ET

[XokkeyGuy]

Yep. Kuz will center Panarin and Dadonov. Namestnikov will play on the fourth line with Anisimov adn Telegin.

Ah, when you say it like that it sounds better. Then Kuznetsov gets to play hockey at least unlike his role in the last game.

 

[KGL]

Rielly-Parayko
Jones-Murray
Ghost-Trouba

New pairings.

 

[Festinator]

Damn really our best and most stalwart D man. T-NA has played soft down low at times...this DOES NOT HELP!

If anything, trouba is going to make NA a lot tougher down low. It's the other things that ekblad does better that will be missed. Happy to see trouba get a chance though!

 

[TheMule93]

Team NA will expose Russias mediocre defense corpse like no other

 

[Firsov99]

Ah, when you say it like that it sounds better. Then Kuznetsov gets to play hockey at least unlike his role in the last game.

Hopefully the modified third line will click tonight. I like Namestnikov on the fourth line. He is a smart player who can win a lot of puck battles for Russia.

 

[ijuka]

I don't mind Trouba, but Ekblad is not who I had in mind when considering who Trouba would replace.

 

[GMofOilers]

Ekblad is a huge loss. We will see how the kids handle that.

 

[Uncle Scrooge]

I see Russia battling hard tonight, but there's nothing that would make me think NA loses this. They looked so convincing against us and the Russian defense is also prone to mistakes. Team NA is so skilled around the net it only takes a second to get a lethal scoring chance.

NA is committed to team play, they have all the skill, speed and hunger in the world to beat this Russian team. Murray looked good so far too. Also it looks like team NA has no pressure, but some of their players also have the home advantage to give them xtra boost.

Also in my mind team NA has the mental edge over any team (except maybe Canada). Nobody wants to lose to a bunch of kids, but if they lose nobody will look at team NA and say "how can you lose that game, geez". Perfect situation for these young guys to just go out and have fun.

Russian forwards can make it very entertaining though. Im expecting a decent amount of goals, maybe 4-2 NA ?

I do think Znarok's time as the Russian headcoach is coming to an end sooner than later. I don't know when his contract expires, but it seems like he doesn't have the team in perfect control anymore, like he did few years back. This seems to be a recurring team with any Russian coach. Whenever there's a new guy in town the team gives him a chance and gets a fresh start, but once that face and his methods start to get old the bigger egos come out and they start banging their heads against a wall.

We lose to Sweden tomorrow after a hard fought game. Then after 2 games played NA and Sweden are already advancing and we play Russia in a game that's just about pride.

 

[bennysflyers16]

Gonna be fun to watch Couts mind **** Shrek and Ovi in the same game !!!!!

 

[Quack Shot]

Ekblad has been the best player for Team NA IMO

 

[Steven1562]

Could be a lot of goals tonight with all the skill on the ice.

 

[Scotty B]

If anything, trouba is going to make NA a lot tougher down low. It's the other things that ekblad does better that will be missed. Happy to see trouba get a chance though!

Yeah Ekblad does a good job of pinching and can snipe. Hopefully ur right about the rest...But Ekblad's a solid kid who doesn't get pushed around

 

[gerardfraser]

This game is going to be a great game.Loving team NA.

 

[General Zodd]

Gotta love the Russian Anthem. Although the Soviets and now Russians were and still are our biggest and most hated rivalry, their anthem brings a smile. Always think of the Rocky fight in Moscow!

 

[Canada4Gold]

If we lose, it will be some sort of record because I can´t recall a team in any ice hockey tournament where it isn´t decided by elimination right away where the team has been out during 28 hours!

Anyway, we can´t give NA any points tonight, only thing that matters is a win during 60 minutes, an overtime win will leave us having to hope for a few results and an overtime loss is game over.

You still wouldn't officially be out because a 3 way 1-2 tie with Sweden and Finland would still be possible.

 

[stakesishigh]

Solid interview with Maurice there.

 

[al secord]

Russia number 1. Iran number 1. North America, patooey!

 

[fahad203]

I always liked how organized Paul Maurice is with his words. Almost very dummy proof yet very intelligent

 

[Daximus]

hahaha PMo talking hockey strategy and the analysts are just like "yeah that was completely over our head."

 

[fahad203]

Solid interview with Maurice there.

I thought I was the only who noticed that. Very well spoken

 

[larmex99]

Solid interview with Maurice there.

They guy breathes hockey. Fun to listen to his passion.

 

[Johnny HFBOARDS]

All the Trouba fans get their wish for him to be in playing.

Now let's see if he delivers.

Update: He's holding out for a bigger game chance.

 

[Leafs87]

Rielly-Parayko the top pairing tonight?

 

[Scotty B]

Russia number 1. Iran number 1. North America, patooey!

They still got that Boris Badenov on their squad...MAN I HATE THAT GUY !

 

[Privet]

Let's go Russia! Don't have high hopes, but hope for a good game.