GDT: Four Nations Thread

[Pancakes]

Hellebuyck needs to prove hes a big game goalie before you can state "vastly vastly vastly superior team USA's goaltending." 2 out of 3 of Canadas goalies are Stanley Cup winners. Last 2 years Helly has been sub .890 save percentage in the playoffs. The Avs completely lit him up last post season.

That is true Hellebuyck's playoff performances are concerning. Having said that, I think that stuff is overblown by people and that goalies can and often do overcome that. Maf did and he was the biggest mental headcase in the playoffs for like a four year stretch.

I would much rather bet on Hellebuyck or Jake Oettinger carrying their performances into this tournament than I would hoping that Binnington (897 save percentage) Adin Hill (900 save percentage) or Sam Montembault (897 save percentage) find their form. I feel like it's more likely that good goalies play like good goalies than it is that mediocre goalies randomly become good ones.

Swayman is having a bad year but I doubt he sees the net unless there's injuries or the USA goaltending situation totally collapses in which case they probably aren't winning the tournament anyways

 

[Zirakzigil]

That is true Hellebuyck's playoff performances are concerning. Having said that, I think that stuff is overblown by people and that goalies can and often do overcome that. Maf did and he was the biggest mental headcase in the playoffs for like a four year stretch.

I would much rather bet on Hellebuyck or Jake Oettinger carrying their performances into this tournament than I would hoping that Binnington (897 save percentage) Adin Hill (900 save percentage) or Sam Montembault (897 save percentage) find their form. I feel like it's more likely that good goalies play like good goalies than it is that mediocre goalies randomly become good ones.

Swayman is having a bad year but I doubt he sees the net unless there's injuries or the USA goaltending situation totally collapses in which case they probably aren't winning the tournament anyways

You definitely bet more on the talent winning the day for sure. But I think in such a short tournament chemistry is going to play the biggest part. Canadas top D pairing has played 100s of games together for example. Only need average goaltending if the 24 guys in front of him are going full tilt. Frank Seravalli made a good point on Canadian radio yesterday. Puck possession will win the day. Do the Muricans have enough skill to get the puck away from Canada, especially without Hughes? Remains to be seen. Line for line my money is on Canada. And if they are dominating possession then I dont care of the 3 are in net. Thompson should of been there, coaches pets be damned. And in my opinion Hill should be starting. But....

I think any of the 4 teams has a chance to win this. Lose game 1 and whoever you are is in trouble. But I wouldnt bet against Sid/Mac/McOverrated/Makar.

 

[Pancakes]

You definitely bet more on the talent winning the day for sure. But I think in such a short tournament chemistry is going to play the biggest part. Canadas top D pairing has played 100s of games together for example. Only need average goaltending if the 24 guys in front of him are going full tilt. Frank Seravalli made a good point on Canadian radio yesterday. Puck possession will win the day. Do the Muricans have enough skill to get the puck away from Canada, especially without Hughes? Remains to be seen. Line for line my money is on Canada. And if they are dominating possession then I dont care of the 3 are in net. Thompson should of been there, coaches pets be damned. And in my opinion Hill should be starting. But....

I think any of the 4 teams has a chance to win this. Lose game 1 and whoever you are is in trouble. But I wouldnt bet against Sid/Mac/McOverrated/Makar.

I'm excited to watch it either way. It's not the Olympics but best on best hockey is always fun.

Agree that anyone has a chance to win it, though USA and Canada should be heavy favorites.

 

[Ulf5]

And I read his dad is working on ice with Team USA. Not sure what capacity.