GDT: Germany vs. Latvia, Group A, Dec 30 2024; 21:30 CET

[Namejs]

Realistically, the deciding battle for that last play-off spot. Two very evenly matched teams and this will be a coinflip.

However, Germany can still get relegated even if they defeat Latvia in regulation, if Latvia beats Finland tomorrow.

And Latvia can end up anywhere between 2nd and 5th place.

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[PanniniClaus]

I've watched every game for both teams... I feel Latvia has the edge on specials..Otherwise it's all pretty darn close.

Curious to see if Germany pay special attention to the Latvian #1 line. If I was Abstreiter I would go 1 vs 1 and then feel my 2 could outscore their 2. Anything either team gets from 3/4 is a bonus.

Do they go Pertuch on back to back?

Viellard looked pretty sharp in his start and might be the better play.

 

[57special]

Two decent teams. Both play physical games- seems like the ones who play undisciplined will lose.

 

[ellja3]

Two decent teams. Both play physical games- seems like the ones who play undisciplined will lose.

Yup, I also agree w @PanniniClaus - we have a decent looking PP

 

[Czechboy]

This has OT written all over it. In a cruel twist, there is a scenario where Latvia beats Canada and plays Kazkhs for relegation. They could also finish as high as 2nd as mentioned by Namejs.

I'll be watching but have no idea who to cheer for! Both can be a pain in the ass quarter. They both took Canada to hard games.

Game of the day and I think might be one of the best games of the tournament.

 

[PanniniClaus]

Was invested in the other game and see Germany scored right away.

1st line vs 1st line. Edge Germany.

Viellard is the goaltender for Germany

 

[gitchiemanitou]

bunsenburner lol

 

[PanniniClaus]

bunsenburner lol

He's hot

Germany really play an old school tight box or box/diamond flex. no pressure but you don't really get to pull them out of position.

 

[hockey20000]

 

[PanniniClaus]

One of the German regulars will have to explain to me why Pul is getting one shift a period behind a guy like Maul. There are others in that bottom 6 that are not exactly doing anything other than eating ice. Pul looks like he has decent edges and will make a play.

 

[Habsforever14]

1-0 Germany after 1.

 

[Namejs]

Disgusted would be too strong of a word, but I did not like anything we did in the first 18 minutes of the game.

We're slower, we're not connecting passes, we're turning the puck over and for some reason we're religiously sticking to the same defensive tactics we employed against Canada and the US. The Germans are giving us time and space to retrieve the puck, but we just give away possession and try to immediately clog up the middle in our D zone.

This is what I hate about Abols hockey. You can squeeze out points against stronger opposition, but this really isn't the way to go against a near peer oppo.

Just get rid of this turtling tactic and play hockey. This isn't going nowhere otherwise.

 

[Daeni10]

I think our german team did very well in their own zone with just 4 shots against. Limited chances on both sides, but luckily the first one went in

 

[Maverick41]

One of the German regulars will have to explain to me why Pul is getting one shift a period behind a guy like Maul. There are others in that bottom 6 that are not exactly doing anything other than eating ice. Pul looks like he has decent edges and will make a play.

Yeah, I am definitely not the one to explain this. For me, Pul has usually been the second best forward on this team behind only Sumpf.
I have not been able to watch enough of the tournament so far, to judge whether he deserved this demotion, but just based on his abilities he should play a bigger role, in my opinion. Thankfully, others have stepped up on the top lines. Lewandowski has been better than I thought he would be this year, and Ruckdäschel has been really good as well. Still, Pul barely getting any play is just confusing to me.

 

[Zaar]

The game has become somewhat disorganised.

 

[PanniniClaus]

The game has become somewhat disorganised.

It feels more of a chess match.. nothing much happening.

Pul sighting on the 4th line for his shift a period.

 

[Zaar]

It feels more of a chess match.. nothing much happening.

That is somehow difficult to understand. Of course, Germany definitely don't want to lose, but Latvia could make the quarter-finals with a point.

And as soon as Latvia steps up its efforts, they get penalised.

 

[PanniniClaus]

Faceoff win and a well placed wrister with a screen.

 

[Zaar]

And as soon as Latvia steps up its efforts, they are penalised.

 

[kabidjan18]

I personally think the penalty was a bit weak but it was sold well.

 

[PanniniClaus]

Great feed and shot.

Little over under O zone faceoff play. Osmanis has a bit of Giroux/Garland , maybe without the extra edge

 

[novisor]

Great shot. Right back in it

 

[Zaar]

That was a great play and supberb shot. Immediate answer by Latvia. I hope, we can handle that.

 

[ellja3]

Great feed and shot.

Little over under O zone faceoff play. Osmanis has a bit of Giroux/Garland , maybe without the extra edge

As a Philly fan, Osmanis - Giroux comparison makes my eye twitch haha

 

[Zaar]

Good PP vs good PK.