GDT: 9/22 - Finland vs. Russia - 3 PM ET

[Dris]

this is getting hairing

 

[Luolis]

With all respect to Finnish fans, this is the weakest team I have seen from Finland in years.

Dont worry we feel the same

 

[Kratti]

This tournament really was a return to the 70s for Finland. :/ Really sad to see how much we lack in player quality compared to our opponents.

 

[IceHockeyDude]

Paskapakka and Paskapokka

 

[Hall of Faber]

Ill just ask here. Why dont the group winners play each other in the semi's??? Were they really hoping for a USA-Canada final that bad?

 

[Plural]

Sweden vs Canada in the final

Odds speak for it. Though anything can happen in sports.

But Europe beating Swe or Russia beating Canada would be a big upset. Although, I do think Russia has a legit shot. They are the clear underdogs, but they have the firepower to win.

 

[DoubleGold]

With all respect to Finnish fans, this is the weakest team I have seen from Finland in years.

Everyone agrees with you.

 

[crowi]

With all respect to Finnish fans, this is the weakest team I have seen from Finland in years.

Yep, because the tournament is borked. So glad at least we lost here and dragged some bs team with us. If this happens again, perhaps USA gets their players and KHL agrees to release ours.

 

[Luolis]

Ill just ask here. Why dont the group winners play each other in the semi's??? Where they really hoping for a USA-Canada final that bad?

That would be terrible seeding. Of course group winner plays against group second.

 

[Plural]

Ill just ask here. Why dont the group winners play each other in the semi's??? Were they really hoping for a USA-Canada final that bad?

Probably. It would have meant a lot more money.

 

[MardyBum]

Ill just ask here. Why dont the group winners play each other in the semi's??? Where they really hoping for a USA-Canada final that bad?

They want to see different teams play each other. Canada already hammered Europe, a semi final for them wouldn't be as exciting as a Canada - Russia/Sweden one.

Whoops, misread. Yeah group winners playing each other is a bad idea.

 

[WarriorOfGandhi]

Paskapakka and Paskapokka

I disagree

 

[Kelly]

God dammit Finland

 

[Jeppe950]

Odds speak for it. Though anything can happen in sports.

But Europe beating Swe or Russia beating Canada would be a big upset. Although, I do think Russia has a legit shot. They are the clear underdogs, but they have the firepower to win.

In a BO1 semifinal I don't think either Sweden or Canada should be talking about any final until the games have been played. Grönborg's playoff record in the WJC aren't sexy.

 

[Alerion]

Ill just ask here. Why dont the group winners play each other in the semi's??? Where they really hoping for a USA-Canada final that bad?

You reward the Pool A winner with the 2nd place team in Pool B and vice versa. This gives an incentive to not only qualify for the semis but try to win your group as well because the 1st place team conceivably gets a weaker opponent in the semis.

 

[Divine]

Ill just ask here. Why dont the group winners play each other in the semi's??? Were they really hoping for a USA-Canada final that bad?

Because then there's no advantage to winning the group. It's like having the first seed play the second seed in the first round of the NHL playoffs.

 

[FinPanda]

With all respect to Finnish fans, this is the weakest team I have seen from Finland in years.

We feel the same. Just awful.

 

[Plural]

That would be terrible seeding. Of course group winner plays against group second.

That's obviously true also. But I bet they were hoping for US - Can finals. A lot money in that game.

 

[Luolis]

Because then there's no advantage to winning the group. It's like having the first seed play the second seed in the first round of the NHL playoffs.

Exactly this.

 

[Nordic*]

Sweden vs Canada in the final

Sweden lost to Europe in the exhibition game. Possibly the worst I have ever seen Sweden featuring the best possible players, ever.

 

[Scotty B]

...Russia can win Canada?

Yes, we CAN (Mind-Control-Mantra)

Maybe if u do a deal with Ole Nick...Otherwise NO!!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS53I-k_T4o

 

[chauron]

Telegin needs to be in the NHL.

Shipachyov

 

[BlitzSnipe]

Looks like we're heading for a semi-final showdown with Team Canada.

 

[Confucius]

Agree. Would be awful to meet them in the finals. You've got everything to lose and nothing to win. Where's the pride in beating a bunch of juniors? And for the same reason, you kinda have to win. Pure anxiety.

They may have been the best team at the tournament. Murray injures his hand decides to keep playing, lets in 4 goals on 4 shots. Team NA goes from undefeated to out of tournament.

 

[ViD]

They have 13 shots so far and three goals. It would be an upset if this Russian team can beat Canada. Too much depth.

Russia likely hangs on for a period before it's not close. Price would have to be really off his game to give up 3 goals on 13 shots.

Russia can beat Canada, 3 things have to happen:

1. Russia must withstand the first 10 minutes pressure from Canada

2. PP must start to work

3. Bob must play the game of his life.