GDT: USA-Switzerland, 8:00 p.m Local Time

[William H Bonney]

I don't think a game against Belarus will do much for the long term improvement of the defense.

If the Maple Leafs struggle against Colorado and Montreal, I'm not looking forward to a game against Washington to correct the mistakes... since the competition will be basically non-existant and the forwards will be doing a lot of the work.

Any game will help, it's just like practice. The defense hasn't been horrible, they've just been inconsistent. Playing more will only help.

 

[Kovy274Hart]

Well, when you look at the fact that out of the 8 goals that have been scored against the US 4 of them were soft or misplayed, then yeah, I would say that it wasn't exactly a strong point.

He's also been giving up huge rebounds this tourney, and can't play the puck to save his life.

He played the puck quite well tonight. He was a little more shaky in that aspect in the first game. I felt the first two goals weren't his fault as his D hung him out to dry.

The third goal I didn't see. So I can't comment. People say he was screened.

The fourth one was brutal.


What gets lost about tonight's game is that the Swiss badly outplayed the Americans the first two periods. And Montoya was very sharp in those periods.

He also made some strong saves when it was 6-4. That's what I'm looking for. Bounceback ability. I think he's mentally strong. He showed it against Russia when the game was on the line. And again late tonight, sharpened up.

His D is terrible this time. Last year, they had no panic with the puck. This year, every time the puck is in their zone, it's like a fire drill.

That's a big problem to have. Unless the D plays better, Al will have to have fend for himself and stand on his head. Not exactly a great strategy for repeating.


Someone asked about Furrer. The Rangers selected him in the 6th round back in 2003.


Other thoughts- Love Callahan. He plays a solid overall game and was probably the best forward tonight. They even elevated him to the 1st line in the third.

Kessel is special. I can't believe how skilled he is. He is amazing to watch. Everyone talks about Crosby. But what about this guy? He's draft eligible in 2006. I wish there was a way the Rangers could get him. Wow.

I really am impressed with Stafford too. He made a nice shot. And tonight, Hensick got more ice-time and made the most out of it. He's very crafty.

Schremp also played well tonight in his ice-time. Has a great shot.

The forwards need to backcheck well with the D being shaky. That would help. They certainly are skilled enough. It's a matter of playing two-way hockey.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

I don't think a game against Belarus will do much for the long term improvement of the defense.

If the Maple Leafs struggle against Colorado and Montreal, I'm not looking forward to a game against Washington to correct the mistakes... since the competition will be basically non-existant and the forwards will be doing a lot of the work.

I disagree. I think a lesser opponent is ideal for working out the kinks before you have to play a substantially better team. The defensive lapses the U.S. is having revolves around positioning and hustle. That can, and hopefully will be corrected in the next game.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

He played the puck quite well tonight. He was a little more shaky in that aspect in the first game. I felt the first two goals weren't his fault as his D hung him out to dry.

The third goal I didn't see. So I can't comment. People say he was screened.

The fourth one was brutal.


What gets lost about tonight's game is that the Swiss badly outplayed the Americans the first two periods. And Montoya was very sharp in those periods.

He also made some strong saves when it was 6-4. That's what I'm looking for. Bounceback ability. I think he's mentally strong. He showed it against Russia when the game was on the line. And again late tonight, sharpened up.

His D is terrible this time. Last year, they had no panic with the puck. This year, every time the puck is in their zone, it's like a fire drill.

That's a big problem to have. Unless the D plays better, Al will have to have fend for himself and stand on his head. Not exactly a great strategy for repeating.


Someone asked about Furrer. The Rangers selected him in the 6th round back in 2003.


Other thoughts- Love Callahan. He plays a solid overall game and was probably the best forward tonight. They even elevated him to the 1st line in the third.

Kessel is special. I can't believe how skilled he is. He is amazing to watch. Everyone talks about Crosby. But what about this guy? He's draft eligible in 2006. I wish there was a way the Rangers could get him. Wow.

I really am impressed with Stafford too. He made a nice shot. And tonight, Hensick got more ice-time and made the most out of it. He's very crafty.

Schremp also played well tonight in his ice-time. Has a great shot.

The forwards need to backcheck well with the D being shaky. That would help. They certainly are skilled enough. It's a matter of playing two-way hockey.

Good observations, especially on the defense, although I think are one or two individuals that deserve most of the criticism, namely Jeff Likens. Borer and Hagemo were quite good, and Suter, while not as good as in game one, was fine. Things will definately need to tighten up on the blueline for the U.S. to go anywhere in this tournament. Too many little mistakes that lead to goals against. That's what you get with a young defense I guess. We'll see if they learn from their mistakes. I wonder if Sandelin lit into them in the dressing room? He certainly didn't do it one the bench, almost showing no emotion.

 

[Spectacular_Bid]

A few thought on the game:

Al Montoya has to sharpen up, thats all there is to it. Let in some softies. Wouldn't mind seeing Schneider play against Belarus.

As a whole the defense wasn't as strong as against Russia. Seemed to let the Swiss players sneek behind them. Lee played his first shifts of the tournament. I thought he looked good for his age. Obviously a little tentative but made some strong plays and didn't look out of place.

For the forwards a few stuck out. Callahan was player of the game, he had some nice chances, really worked hard and played a solid game.

Chris Bourque, didn't do as much as he did against Russia. Actually, he didn't even play much in the third period.

Robbie Schremp dangerous in both zones, offensive he's a threat to score, defensive zone he's a liability.

Danny Fritsche, not his best game but still created alot of offense.

Patrick O'Sullivan, still waiting for this kid to take over the tournament.

Kevin Porter, scored a goal and had some big hits. Plays in all situations and plays well, does everything on this team.

Phil Kessel, SUPER skilled, fast and amazing hands, if anyone thought he didn't belong in this tournament think again. He's the real deal.

TJ Hensick finally got on the score sheet, I actually can't figure out where this kid fits in on this team. Centering the fourth line right now, not sure if thats the spot for him.

 

[BCCHL inactive]

Van was screwed over by the refs in that series BIGTIME or maybe you don't remember the white towel surrender. There's no way it should've gone to 7 games.

Dude. The white towel surrender happened in 1982. Since then, including in 1994, Canucks fans have waved white towels in support of the Canucks at every playoff game.

 

[Jacob]

of the 4 goals, only 1 was bad...

it doesn't help his teams defense is absolutely letting him down

now the US scores again! wait...maybe...dowell might have scored

Yeah, but that one was one of the worst goals I've ever seen.

 

[RoyIsALegend*]

Montoya let in a goal that ECHL goalies could make in their sleep.

Period.

 

[nomorekids]

Montoya let in a goal that ECHL goalies could make in their sleep.

Period.

and i predict that in this tournament, each goalie will let in at least one goal like it. people are using it as the basis for why the USA will fail this year. it happens. you learn from it and move on.

 

[RoyIsALegend*]

and i predict that in this tournament, each goalie will let in at least one goal like it. people are using it as the basis for why the USA will fail this year. it happens. you learn from it and move on.

Al Montoya has shown absolutely _no_ reason to think he can back-stop this team to a second straight World Junior Championship.

In a short tournament like this, confidence is your biggest asset. Coming from a goalie, believe me; it is. And right now, Montoya's confidence has gone South.

Not to mention the piss-poor defense, as well.

 

[nomorekids]

Al Montoya has shown absolutely _no_ reason to think he can back-stop this team to a second straight World Junior Championship.

In a short tournament like this, confidence is your biggest asset. Coming from a goalie, believe me; it is. And right now, Montoya's confidence has gone South.

Not to mention the piss-poor defense, as well.

How do you figure? he started out shaky in the first game...and COMPLETELY rebounded to play rock solid. He let in *a* bad goal tonight and was otherwise solid. I think his confidence is just fine, and on the whole he has played fine. he can and should and will have to play BETTER...but it hasn't been totally his fault. the defense has been ATROCIOUS outside suter, hagemo and borer...and that will HAVE to change, but to fault montoya for all of this is silly and miopic.

 

[Boilers*]

A few thought on the game:

Al Montoya has to sharpen up, thats all there is to it. Let in some softies. Wouldn't mind seeing Schneider play against Belarus.

As a whole the defense wasn't as strong as against Russia. Seemed to let the Swiss players sneek behind them. Lee played his first shifts of the tournament. I thought he looked good for his age. Obviously a little tentative but made some strong plays and didn't look out of place.

For the forwards a few stuck out. Callahan was player of the game, he had some nice chances, really worked hard and played a solid game.

Chris Bourque, didn't do as much as he did against Russia. Actually, he didn't even play much in the third period.

Robbie Schremp dangerous in both zones, offensive he's a threat to score, defensive zone he's a liability.

Danny Fritsche, not his best game but still created alot of offense.

Patrick O'Sullivan, still waiting for this kid to take over the tournament.

Kevin Porter, scored a goal and had some big hits. Plays in all situations and plays well, does everything on this team.

Phil Kessel, SUPER skilled, fast and amazing hands, if anyone thought he didn't belong in this tournament think again. He's the real deal.

TJ Hensick finally got on the score sheet, I actually can't figure out where this kid fits in on this team. Centering the fourth line right now, not sure if thats the spot for him.

Shremp's a defensive liability? Well he wasn't on the ice for too long now was he? So who is the real defensive liability?

 

[Jacob]

I agree with the assessment, Schremp is poor defensively.

 

[RoyIsALegend*]

Shremp's a defensive liability? Well he wasn't on the ice for too long now was he? So who is the real defensive liability?

Read what you just wrote.

Honestly.

 

[em1ss]

I want to know, did anyone see Robbie Schremp on the ice for any of the Swiss goals? I didn't, but might have missed something.

 

[nomorekids]

I want to know, did anyone see Robbie Schremp on the ice for any of the Swiss goals? I didn't, but might have missed something.

i wasn't on the ice for any of the swiss goals, either.

does that mean i'm not a defensive liability? i'm a schremp fan..and i watched him closely. his backchecking\awareness doesn't cut the mustard..but i'm all for having him out there anyway...with two responsible forwards, maybe dowell and porter. his offensive ability can't be denied, but let's not go overboard by calling him "reliable" defensively, because he isn't.

 

[RoyIsALegend*]

If you want to get a true indication of Robbie's defensive efforts, watch as he lolleygags down ice while the likes of Bolland, Drummond, Kell, and Prust are working their asses off coming back.

I'm a big fan of Schremp's offensive abilities, but he's been brutal in his own zone since he was 13 years old(first time I played with him).

 

[Pepper]

Montoya....2 games, 8 GA, 4.00GAA...He better get his act together or Canada will pound team USA for good.

 

[Jacob]

If you want to get a true indication of Robbie's defensive efforts, watch as he lolleygags down ice while the likes of Bolland, Drummond, Kell, and Prust are working their asses off coming back.

I'm a big fan of Schremp's offensive abilities, but he's been brutal in his own zone since he was 13 years old(first time I played with him).

I'm more concerned of his skating than anything. Defense can be taught, I saw him hustling in the defensive zone and at least TRYING to play solid defense. He's just a pretty bad skater though. He was having trouble coming deep into his own zone AND getting back into the play offensively soon enough to be a factor.

 

[em1ss]

Just wondered because I saw him trying to play defense too.

 

[McDonald19]

It was good to see Schremp get some ice time.

Kessel was great, I had never even heard of him a few days ago.

Hoping to see Schneider vs. Belarus, time for Montoya to have a seat.

 

[clefty]

USA has some serious work to do and not a lot of time to do it.

 

[hockeyfan125]

It was good to see Schremp get some ice time.

Kessel was great, I had never even heard of him a few days ago.

Hoping to see Schneider vs. Belarus, time for Montoya to have a seat.

As am I.

 

[Levitate]

Montoya....2 games, 8 GA, 4.00GAA...He better get his act together or Canada will pound team USA for good.

more players than just montoya need to get their act together...if schnieder comes in and the US continues to play like this, he's gonna get lit up too

montoya is still the US's best bet for a medal, but he needs to sharpen up along with the rest of the team. that being said, he's not played as bad as some are making it

 

[VOB]

As of right now, the goaltending situation for the U.S. is as bad if not worse than their defensive play.

Out of the eight goals Montoya let in, six could have been saved. I am not saying that they should have been or that they were all soft ones to let in, but they could have been stopped. A goalie on top of his game would have stopped them but Montoya is clearly not at that level and that is the level that is needed to win in a tournament like this. I suspect that right now the entire D core is suffering from a lack of confidence in Montoya and this will only result in more panic plays that will lead to turnovers and goals.

Heck, the U.S. forwards blocked more shots than Montoya did against the Swiss last night!