GDT: Canada vs USA 7pm ESPN

[ChiHawks10]

Olympics were amateurs back then

Technically he would have been a pro, though, at that time. The Hawks drafted him in 84. But yeah, the NHLers didn't really start playing in The Olympics until the late 90's.

 

[ello]

Bedard has zero chance at Olympics. He already makes like 4 turnovers a game that would get him stapled to the bench in the first period of a best on best.

 

[TheFridge]

Bedard has zero chance at Olympics. He already makes like 4 turnovers a game that would get him stapled to the bench in the first period of a best on best.

I'd be shocked if Bedard wasn't on the Canadian Olympic team next year. He'll be on the wing, but I think he'll make the team. Bedard tries things on the Hawks because he's the only guy out there creating any offense. He's obviously not going to be "the guy" on a Canadian Olympic team that features McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, et all.

 

[BobbyJet]

Great game. Two evenly matched teams, but I think Canada's top end talent is just a bit better and that was the difference.

Random thoughts on the tournament:

• Slavin was the best player in the tournament for me. I cannot overemphasize how great he was defensively. The blackhawks should lock Vlasic in a closet with Slavin's play in this tournament playing on loop. Goes to show how big of an effect you can have on the game just with defence.
• Jack Eichel is a stud. Loved his game, and love the way he has developed as a 2-way C.
• Jack Hughes, as others have said, was invisible and overmatched. I get the pull to assume it would have been the same for Bedard, but I am not so sure. I think Bedard has more jam than he gets credit for, and I would love to see how he adapts to this environment. I am hoping he plays in the world championships this year and shows he belongs. I think that is his best bet at making the Olympic team next year.
• I thought McDavid had a horrible game outside of the game winner. As good as he is, I still don't trust him in the same way I trust the Crosby's/MacKinnon's of the world to come through when the going gets tough. Obviously the OT goal is a step in that direction, but I wasn't all that impressed with him this tournament outside of his two goals.
• On D for Canada, Colton Parayko really impressed me. He is such an asset with his size and skating. Didn't make many mistakes. Beating the wheels of Miller didn't hurt either.
• I was also really impressed with Morrissey. He is a great example of a guy who has just continued to get better and better.

Good post. I think McD is not the easiest guy to play with. He seemed to have problems finding chemistry with teammates, hence found himself solo much of the time. Binnington had a great final game. I was very nervous that he wasn't up to the task. On the American side, McAvoy was solid - better than I expected. Larkin, the same.

 

[Giovi]