GDT: Group A • Dec. 29 • Finland vs. Canada • Part II

[Aaaaaaaaaaaaa]

I just can't believe that with all that there is to talk about after this game, we are all still talking about a simple altercation where a player got tough after a questionable hit. One where no penalties are called. Can we move on. It is irrelevant.

The thing I am incredibly surprised by is how much of a difference a year of age and development makes. McDavid this year- McKinnon in the past, Domi last year (Taveres the year he was cut, etc.).. Guys in their underage year, no matter how successful, so often can't really shine.

You would think a guy who is scoring at almost a 3 point per game pace in the OHL might continue to dominate at this level against the teams we have played. The standard must be higher and more organized than I think...

I think what you see above all is an older player's ability to adapt. Adapt to new wingers, bigger crowds (well...), the weight of a nation's hopes on your back. Adapting to playing after a lay-off due to injury. Lots of factors.

Talent-wise, you still see the kid doing the right things, but he looks tentative whereas Domi looks like a house on fire.

Some guys are not good all-star team players. I have said this about Crosby many times. He needs to have the puck and he needs 20 minutes a game or he does not get the flow. Yet the next guy thrives on it.

People are looking into things way too much if they even think for a second of writing off McDavid based on these games. The scouts sure won't.

 

[Jussi]

Finland deserved much better against the Slovaks.

Awful puck luck, insane opposing goaltender and posts galore.

I'd hate to face them first in the quarters.

We're not gonna suddenly become a scoring threat. Swedes shouldn't have problems stopping our "offense". That is assuming we can beat Germany.

 

[Mara]

Outside of Honka, the defense is just so bad. Guys can't give a simple first pass.

Even Honka has some very obvious problems, despite being the best D by far. Too slow decision making with the puck and abysmal shots from the line throughout. Seems like he's trying to get too much done by himself since others have trouble to even make a good first pass.

 

[Aaaaaaaaaaaaa]

And what if he took a suspension? Still worth it?

I know you've watched the games as much as I have and know IIHF officiating is questionable, inconsistent and extremely sensitive to any form of aggression. When roughing persists the rules of fighting apply... meaning 5 and a game at minimum and suspension possible. And for what? So a bunch of internet tough-guys can puff their chest and define what 'real hockey' is and pretend that *that* is why Canada won a game they would've won (and were winning) 9 times out of 10 anyways? Lazar himself was even trying to step in and knock some sense into Virtanen.

This isn't the dub and all the Virtanen fanboys would've been crying in their milk when Gauthier plogged along while Virtanen sat in the press box.

Just do me a favor...check the boxscore on TSN and let me know what penalties were assessed.

Then relax.

He did not go too far, as the calls suggest.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

There was 3 minutes left in a 4-1game... who gives a ****

Bettmans brainwashing is working. The fans are starting to turn soft.

Judging by how worked up some Canucks fans are getting over people not liking what Virtanen did, I'd say you are right that some of your fellow fans are getting soft. It's a message board, there will be differing opinions, try to deal with it.

I love how there's like 5 different posters telling JayKing to "man up". Flexing your muscles on the internet!!

I personally was happy to see Virtanen do what he did but at the same time we all have our opinions on this kind of thing. Remember, we're talking hockey on a message board where lots of you are frothing at the mouth and getting your feathers rustled when someone "flames" or "trolls". Yes, so manly.

Well said. I don't mind what he did, shows he at least cares about what's going on in the game and it didn't really hurt the team at the end of the day. Don't see much point in getting worked up about the play or over someone else feeling differently about it.

 

[FinPanda]

This is not team, this is group of individuals trying to do too much alone. They need to play as a group to be successful.

 

[SpeedDemon]

Finland deserved much better against the Slovaks.

Awful puck luck, insane opposing goaltender and posts galore.

I'd hate to face them first in the quarters.

If I recall correctly insanely good goaltending was supposed to the Finns specialty.

So far their offense is slumbering like grizzly bear during winter, their specialty teams could use some work, and if Saros or Husso can't pitch shutouts I'd say it'll be a short trip through the medals.

What did you expect from the Finnish team? USA and Canada should on paper wipe the floor with the Finnish team, Canada did, USA had a bit of a rough time. Slovakia game was a bit unfortunate, despite dominating the play Godla and the posts were on god mode but other than that a strong showing. I'd say Finland has played exactly as expected.

expected more than 3 goals in 3 games I'll tell you that much. On paper Canada should probably beaten the Finns in last years semis as well. Instead they got their ***** handed to them. Don't tell me it was the international size rinks that presented a problem

 

[Breakers]

and what if he took a suspension? Still worth it?

I know you've watched the games as much as i have and know iihf officiating is questionable, inconsistent and extremely sensitive to any form of aggression. When roughing persists the rules of fighting apply... Meaning 5 and a game at minimum and suspension possible. And for what? So a bunch of internet tough-guys can puff their chest and define what 'real hockey' is and pretend that *that* is why canada won a game they would've won (and were winning) 9 times out of 10 anyways? lazar himself was even trying to step in and knock some sense into virtanen.

this isn't the dub and all the virtanen fanboys would've been crying in their milk when gauthier plogged along while virtanen sat in the press box.

false

 

[bobbyb2009]

I think what you see above all is an older player's ability to adapt. Adapt to new wingers, bigger crowds (well...), the weight of a nation's hopes on your back. Adapting to playing after a lay-off due to injury. Lots of factors.

Talent-wise, you still see the kid doing the right things, but he looks tentative whereas Domi looks like a house on fire.

Some guys are not good all-star team players. I have said this about Crosby many times. He needs to have the puck and he needs 20 minutes a game or he does not get the flow. Yet the next guy thrives on it.

People are looking into things way too much if they even think for a second of writing off McDavid based on these games. The scouts sure won't.

I totally agree that the kid is an amazing talent and deserves the hype he gets (McDavid)!

Again, I don't know why i am surprised each time, but it is shocking how many times we see these special players not have an immediate impact at these tourneys. From memory, McKinnon had a similar effect at this tourney at this age (or worse) and what, 8 months later was ripping up the NHL (well, at least having a real effect). It just surprises me time and time again.

I have some experience with international sport, and I still can't understand how this finish team would do playing in the OHL for example. They can't be that much better than the best OHL teams? I would have thought they would struggle after 40 games. And therefore, why would McDavid not run roughshod over them- is it just the emotional control of putting on the Canada jersey and the commitment of the opponent to wearing theirs (and closing space,etc.)?

 

[BB6]

And what if he took a suspension? Still worth it?

I know you've watched the games as much as I have and know IIHF officiating is questionable, inconsistent and extremely sensitive to any form of aggression. When roughing persists the rules of fighting apply... meaning 5 and a game at minimum and suspension possible. And for what? So a bunch of internet tough-guys can puff their chest and define what 'real hockey' is and pretend that *that* is why Canada won a game they would've won (and were winning) 9 times out of 10 anyways? Lazar himself was even trying to step in and knock some sense into Virtanen.

This isn't the dub and all the Virtanen fanboys would've been crying in their milk when Gauthier plogged along while Virtanen sat in the press box.

The what if game? seriously?

TIL many Canadians don't actually like Canadian hockey.
The bleeding hearts should probably look to other countries for hockey entertainment if what Virt did was crossing a line in their opinion.

 

[Alerion]

I totally agree that the kid is an amazing talent and deserves the hype he gets (McDavid)!

Again, I don't know why i am surprised each time, but it is shocking how many times we see these special players not have an immediate impact at these tourneys. From memory, McKinnon had a similar effect at this tourney at this age (or worse) and what, 8 months later was ripping up the NHL (well, at least having a real effect). It just surprises me time and time again.

I have some experience with international sport, and I still can't understand how this finish team would do playing in the OHL for example. They can't be that much better than the best OHL teams? I would have thought they would struggle after 40 games. And therefore, why would McDavid not run roughshod over them- is it just the emotional control of putting on the Canada jersey and the commitment of the opponent to wearing theirs (and closing space,etc.)?

MacKinnon was benched by Steve Spott and spent most of the tourney as the 13th forward.

 

[Mara]

expected more than 3 goals in 3 games I'll tell you that much. On paper Canada should probably beaten the Finns in last years semis as well. Instead they got their ***** handed to them. Don't tell me it was the international size rinks that presented a problem

Sure, but last year the difference was probably smaller. Finland had the best scoring player of the tournament centering the first line and 1pp, and the defense had more depth. And yes, the rink probably did play a part as well. You just had too high expectations for this years team, I'm sorry to say. But the tournament is not over yet!

 

[JayKing]

The only opinion that is correct is Canadian hockey is hard nosed and rough. You **** with our captain youre going to get a couple punches to the mouth. Thats how you build a team. I bet the guys in the locker room are patting Virt on the back.

Canadian hockey is all about backbone. Im tired of how the hockey world is going soft. Every rough play is put under the microscope. Its pathetic

It's not about being soft it's about not being dumb. Virtanen does this in the medal rounds and say the other guy doesn't retaliate like the Finnish player did you're looking at a major that could swing the game around. You can still be tough and build chemistry without fighting (as much as I hate the Ritchie selection, see the Ritchie hit at the end of the game as proof.). Also quite ironic with Virtanen doing it with his gloves on but I don't mind since taking them off would've really been Pejorative Slured.

 

[BloodOnIce]

Just do me a favor...check the boxscore on TSN and let me know what penalties were assessed.

Then relax.

He did not go too far, as the calls suggest.

Do me a favour and remember Jesper Pettersson's one-game suspension for punching with his gloves on last year and stop pretending that it was a cold calculated move by Virtanen.

 

[Zybalto]

If I recall correctly insanely good goaltending was supposed to the Finns specialty.

So far their offense is slumbering like grizzly bear during winter, their specialty teams could use some work, and if Saros or Husso can't pitch shutouts I'd say it'll be a short trip through the medals.

I actually think a visit with the Russians will do Finland good.

I just like the was their team stacks up against them.

 

[bobbyb2009]

MacKinnon was benched by Steve Spott and spent most of the tourney as the 13th forward.

Although I think Spott was incompetent, why was he benched? If he was having Domi like effect (once he made the team), or Taveres effect (once he made the team), he wouldn't have been (at least I have to believe). The one year seems to be such a huge factor and it baffles me when it comes to players like the ones at the top of the talent heap.

 

[thomast]

In pretty proud of this finnish team so far. They had unluck at the slovakia game. They almost beat US and made CAN to fight for the win until that 3-1 goal. With this material it is pretty good result. I really think that we can beat sweden if we beat germany.

 

[BloodOnIce]

The what if game? seriously?

TIL many Canadians don't actually like Canadian hockey.
The bleeding hearts should probably look to other countries for hockey entertainment if what Virt did was crossing a line in their opinion.

Are you new to IIHF hockey? That's why the "what-if." It's anyone's guess.

 

[GlassesJacketShirt]

MacKinnon was benched by Steve Spott and spent most of the tourney as the 13th forward.

One of the most incomprehensible decisions I have ever seen. Never mind that he was the 13th forward, 95% of his ice time was with idiots like Camara who only wanted to take other players' heads off rather than win a puck battle.

Spott was special.

 

[trilobyte]

Finland played a good game. They aren't the team from last year, and even if I don't remember all the players that did not return, it is easy to see just by watching.

 

[bobbyb2009]

One of the most incomprehensible decisions I have ever seen. Never mind that he was the 13th forward, 95% of his ice time was with idiots like Camara who only wanted to take other players' heads off rather than win a puck battle.

Spott was special.

Just for fun....

Was it as incomprehensible as Gauthier making the team? I joke...

 

[Leehh]

Then they shouldn't be on the ice of they can't take a clean hit from an opponent.

There is nothing wrong with a big clean hits, but when they happen after situations like this people tend to think that its a revenge and that you don't respect the game. The bigger the guy you level the louder the message is for upcoming opponents.

 

[D0ctorCool]

I don't support what Virtanen did on an IIHF level. But on an NHL level, he's got me drooling!

 

[Aaaaaaaaaaaaa]

Although I think Spott was incompetent, why was he benched? If he was having Domi like effect (once he made the team), or Taveres effect (once he made the team), he wouldn't have been (at least I have to believe). The one year seems to be such a huge factor and it baffles me when it comes to players like the ones at the top of the talent heap.

One massive mistake Canada makes (or at least has made for the past few years) is try to make a team of third line grinders out of a bunch of scorers.

Mackinnon made a couple of mistakes, as offensive players will do, and he got sat down. The exact same thing happened with McD last year under Sutter.

We bring these kids up and glorify all of their offensive exploits, and then add them to a team where we tell them they have to play a 200 foot game. It just drives me nuts.

It feels like this year the reigns have been loosened a bit and the kids are playing the game the way that got them there in the first place.

McD is a 17 year old kid playing with guys two years older than him. In Erie he is the show and everything centres around him. Now he is one of a bunch of great players with bloodlines and NHL teams and whatnot.

Sometimes we forget that they are still children because they look like men. He is an intimidated kid. Cripes at 17 I was afraid to ask a girl out, and we are asking this kid to carry the load that is probably too big for him - the nation's hopes.

I am proud of him and all of the kids. Someday McDavid will lead the NHL in scoring and any struggles he has right now will be forgotten.

 

[trilobyte]

There is nothing wrong with a big clean hits, but when they happen after situations like this people tend to think that its a revenge and that you don't respect the game. The bigger the guy you level the louder the message is for upcoming opponents.

I think you are over-thinking it. In the grand scheme of things, these things were simply in-game ripples.