GDT: Four Nations Face-Off IV. - NO Politics!

[KillerMillerTime]

It was a great game, US came close but Canada was the favorite for a reason. The two best players on the planet were Player of the Game and tournament MVP. Well deserved. Win/win for Bruins fans, we either got to see Team USA win or Brad Marchand.

I can't wait for the Olympics and what a Team USA with a healthy Tkachuk, McAvoy and Quinn Hughes will look like. I think the US (both teams actually) need to evaluate some of their choices and make some minor tweaks.

Olympic USA
Hughes - Matthews - M.Tkachuk
B.Tkachuk - Eichel - Guentzel
Connor - Larkin - Thompson
Boldy - Miller - Robertson

Hughes - McAvoy
Werenski - Hanifin
Slavin - Faber

Hellebucyk, Oetinger, Swayman

OUT: Fox, Trochek

Olympic Canada
Reinhart - McDavid - Point
Crosby - MacKinnon - Marner
Marchand - Bennett - Wilson
Hagel - Cirelli - Konecny

Toews - Makar
Theodore - Parayko
Morrissey - Pietrangelo

Binnington, Thompson, Blackwood

OUT: Stone, Jarvis, Goalies

I think Troy Terry and Keller will certainly vie for the extra forward spot. Be interesting to see how Ryan Leonard plays for Washington in the PO. He might be
a dark horse for the extra forward spit. Would have literally brought more to the table last night than Kreider who had no legs at all.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

Yes he did, part of a very effective 4th line with Bennett and Jarvis.

Bennett and Binnington where Canada best players last night. Marchand when he did get on the ice was invisible. Age has caught up to him

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

I really hope they keep things on the level and make Fox actually earn a spot.

He wasn’t good in this tourney, and I worry he’s going to be anointed a spot in the top 6.

Faber worried me a lot too with his decision making at times, but hopefully another year helps him.

Off the top of my head I can’t think of who could emerge to pressure those two right now, but I hope they keep an open mind because I think if everyone is healthy, those two are the 6/7 defensemen.

Edit…actually I think I’d play Sanderson over both, if it were today. But a year is a long time.

It's a little early to be speculating about the Olympics.

Who knows who will be hurt or having a down year or breakout season.

I could see the possibility of a boycott arising.

 

[jgatie]

Its NHL sized ice in Olympucs .

No, it isn't. The only NHL sized rink ever used in a Winter Olympics was Vancouver. They didn't want to build a new facility, so they used the Canucks rink. In fact, the bigger rinks are actually called "Olympic sized" because they are used in the Olympics.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

Sour grapes!

Woulda, shoulda, coulda ...

Came down to one game, the True North, strong and free, prevailed.

Tell what part was sour grapes or wrong? Yes Canada won last night congratulations! Don't bother I will handle this.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

I really hope they keep things on the level and make Fox actually earn a spot.

He wasn’t good in this tourney, and I worry he’s going to be anointed a spot in the top 6.

Faber worried me a lot too with his decision making at times, but hopefully another year helps him.

Off the top of my head I can’t think of who could emerge to pressure those two right now, but I hope they keep an open mind because I think if everyone is healthy, those two are the 6/7 defensemen.

Edit…actually I think I’d play Sanderson over both, if it were today. But a year is a long time.

Luke Hughes has played played RD before. Carlson a RD also can give you more than Fox against Canada. Both are bigger and faster than Fox and close enough puck handling wise. Sanderson will be a slam dunk over Hanifin who wasn't terrible
but Sanderson is better.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Thats not it ,Canada acting like this was some epic take down and saved "Canada's" game is kind of a joke that's all ,settle down. they split.

Matt T was injured in BOTH games and the us played shorthanded, If you ask me that was handed them that game last night.

The US was shorthanded all night because of it. I would love to know who gave the go ahead to allow him to dress.

Thats a big story if you ask me.

As Americans like to say, "there's first place and then everyone else is tied for last".

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

I have said it a thousand times, Hockey is and always will be a culture sport in the US. And like you I could care less selling the game to non fans.

I think the money side has ruined the sport in some ways

Simply put the game is to fast for the non fan to follow, Baseball you can have lunch between pitches, Basketball is easy to watch the bouncing ball. Football is slow as shit that the non fan watches because of the gambling aspect of it.

Leave my favorite sport alone and don't try to appease non fans, its never going to happen in this country.

Im talking viewership now not the fans that show up at the games.

Have you seen a baseball game lately?

Apparently not.

 

[EverettMike]

Been soaking in a tub filled with Molson since last night, but might be time to rinse off. Thinking I'll use Labatt Blue.

 

[The National]

As Americans like to say, "there's first place and then everyone else is tied for last".

I believe it’s “If you ain’t first you’re last” - Ricky Bobby

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

Luke Hughes has played played RD before. Carlson a RD also can give you more than Fox against Canada. Both are bigger and faster than Fox and close enough puck handling wise. Sanderson will be a slam dunk over Hanifin who wasn't terrible
but Sanderson is better.

Never been a Hanifin fan but on the Olympic ice I think he will be more effective.

 

[BamBamCam]

America beat them in regulation, Canada beat us in OT with spectacular goaltending. Canada won one game in regulation out of 4?

The world has caught up. The Olympics will be amazing I am already setting up to go to my wife's home.

The USA had a gutsy effort in this one, A healthy full roster wins that game.

Matt T never should have dressed it screwed them over.

Now onto blocking 6 posters for the first time in 19 years being here,

You can't use injuries as an excuse Canada was playing their 7,8,and 9th defencemen

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Luke Hughes has played played RD before. Carlson a RD also can give you more than Fox against Canada. Both are bigger and faster than Fox and close enough puck handling wise. Sanderson will be a slam dunk over Hanifin who wasn't terrible
but Sanderson is better.

I thought Hanifin played well. Better than I thought he would.

Fox didn't play well, but coming into the tourney he was 7th in scoring for defensemen, 5th in assists. But, despite his production, he's been giving the puck away way more than usual this season.

 

[JCRO]

Matthews shouldn’t have been given the ‘C’ were my light hearted thoughts heading into this tourney. Guy is 0-7 in elimination games. He hasn’t won. But I also understood this team is young.

Now I really feel this way after last night though. Brady was the emotional driver of this team. He hits, he scores, he sets a tone. I’d rather he have it for the Olympics. Mac also contributed to being an emotional driver when he was in.

Also the bottom 6 needs some work as others pointed out.

Congratulations again to our Canadian friends here. That really was such a fun tourney and anyone who is saying otherwise after last nights game is just butt hurt. I’ve had folks at work and friends alike who don’t watch hockey that were all over this tournament especially after Saturday. It was great for our game.

 

[Gee Wally]

All I know, for me, was it was great hockey. Some of the best Ive seen in years. You couldn’t find more evenly matched. A bounce in either direction determines winning or losing.

I really enjoyed it.

 

[Kate08]

All I know, for me, was it was great hockey. Some of the best Ive seen in years. You couldn’t find more evenly matched. A bounce in either direction determines winning or losing.

I really enjoyed it.

Amen. Although, it’s the NHL. They caught lightning in a bottle, and I fully expect them to f*** it up somehow moving forward.

What a letdown the rest of the season is going to be.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

You can't use injuries as an excuse Canada was playing their 7,8,and 9th defencemen

They played with a full line up, the American didn't with Matt T sitting on the bench . Not an excuse but fact.

I blame the US for dressing him and leaving the team shorthanded, that's all

 

[Otherworld]

Best hockey I have seen in years. Evenly matched.

It hurts as a Bruins fan....but as a Canadian I have a new found respect for Binnington.

He stole this game with at least 4 ten bellers

He should have been the player of the game and was the reason the Canadians won gold.

 

[sarge88]

Matthews shouldn’t have been given the ‘C’ were my light hearted thoughts heading into this tourney. Guy is 0-7 in elimination games. He hasn’t won. But I also understood this team is young.

Now I really feel this way after last night though. Brady was the emotional driver of this team. He hits, he scores, he sets a tone. I’d rather he have it for the Olympics. Mac also contributed to being an emotional driver when he was in.

Also the bottom 6 needs some work as others pointed out.

Congratulations again to our Canadian friends here. That really was such a fun tourney and anyone who is saying otherwise after last nights game is just butt hurt. I’ve had folks at work and friends alike who don’t watch hockey that were all over this tournament especially after Saturday. It was great for our game.

This tourney was a godsend, despite the results.

February sucks in general and this made the last 12 days or so much more enjoyable than they would have been .

Now it’s clear sailing for many months as we try to figure out how to turn Coyle, Carlo and Frederic into Rantanan, Ehlers and Olivier by October, and enjoy the Sox run to the ALCS, banner 19, and see the Pats reload on their way to impending glory!

 

[DominicT]

No, it isn't. The only NHL sized rink ever used in a Winter Olympics was Vancouver. They didn't want to build a new facility, so they used the Canucks rink. In fact, the bigger rinks are actually called "Olympic sized" because they are used in the Olympics.

They will be using NHL size ice. Was confirmed last year.

https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/nhl-announces-return-to-winter-olympics-in-2026-and-2030-unveils-plans-for-4-nations-face-off/

 

[KillerMillerTime]

B

No, it isn't. The only NHL sized rink ever used in a Winter Olympics was Vancouver. They didn't want to build a new facility, so they used the Canucks rink. In fact, the bigger rinks are actually called "Olympic sized" because they are used in the Olympics.

My source was from Broad Street Hockey.com last year which had a tweet from
LeBrun stating the new rink being built was 200x85. So if you are correct it's been changed from last year.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

Amen. Although, it’s the NHL. They caught lightning in a bottle, and I fully expect them to f*** it up somehow moving forward.

What a letdown the rest of the season is going to be.

What going to mess it up will be how many players are going to miss time and cost their teams games. Owners care about their own franchises more than a dick wagging contest.

For example Charlie being out cost the Bruins any hope of making the playoffs if they had any to begin with.

Im sure there will be more players from all 4 teams missing guys.

 

[BMC]

I am sooooooooooooooooooooo tired today. All that adrenaline, I don't think I got to sleep much before 2. Definitely in zombie mode

Great, great hockey though. Why can't it be like this more often??

 

[Kate08]

This tourney was a godsend, despite the results.

February sucks in general and this made the last 12 days or so much more enjoyable than they would have been .

Now it’s clear sailing for many months as we try to figure out how to turn Coyle, Carlo and Frederic into Rantanan, Ehlers and Olivier by October, and enjoy the Sox run to the ALCS, banner 19, and see the Pats reload on their way to impending glory!

That’s a great point. We’re now almost done with February. This tourney got us through!

 

[the negotiator]

One topic that isn't getting much air time is the US coaching

First were several questionable decisions - playing a clearly injured M Thachuck and sitting Connor for a no-legs Kreider left the forwards short-handed

But more noticeable- the dump and quick-change philosophy that kept giving the puck back to Canada. And the forecheck was limited at best. We see it so many times- in a big game the coach gets ultra-conservative, and in so doing limits the chances for success.

when Sacco gets the gate please don't bring Sullivan here...we have seen this brand of coaching before.