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GDT: Jan. 5, 2006 - Gold Medal Game: Russia vs. Canada

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TORRUS said:
I don't understand how is everybody saying that Canada has a clear edge in goaltending. :dunno:

Statisticaly they both did similar (Khudobin even better). And also, according to many of you here, Canada has a much better defense. That tells me that Khudobin, playing behind weaker defense, has been doing superb.

I don't get it! Unless your statements are based on WHL stats...
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Well their play in the WHL IS a better indicator as it is a much larger sample size. Any goalie with reasonable talent can get hot in a short tournament and have "as good stats" over such a small period. It doesn't - however - make them the better (or equal) goaltender. You would be hard pressed to find any objectionable observer who would deem Khudobin to a better goalie than Pogge. Also, I don't think anyone has said Canada has a "much better" defense. Just the edge. And I think it is more about Canada being better in terms of team defense, not necessarily the defensive cores themselves.

To kind of illustrate how the teams match up on paper, I'd look at like this: (grading on a scale where there are 5 'available' points between the two teams)

Offense: Russia 5 Canada 0
Defense: Russia 2 Canada 3
Goal: Russia 2 Canada 3
Intangibles: Russia 1 Canada 4 (Coaching, Home, Ice surface etc)

Clearly Russia has a much better offense but Canada gets the slight nod in the other areas. Of course Russia can get play to a standstill in the areas where they are slightly behind and have their superior offense do the rest. But I'd say there is an equal chance Canada's advantages will outweigh Russia's offensive superiority.

This isn't a perfect analogy but it is close. Would you really consider Calgary to be an underdog to Ottawa if they were playing Game 7 of the Stanley Cup in Calgary? :dunno:
 
A big :clap: to Team1040 throughout this tournament. I was able to listen to many more games than my location would imply thanks to Team1040.

I like the work by the radio guys too.
 
Virgin post, be gentle.

Sutter is a bit of a throw back, playing a gritty, physical and typically Canadian game. Those of us who can remember the Canadian junior teams of the late 80s/early 90s should be familiar with the style. Punish the opponents, get solid goaltending and wait for a break.

It’s like a soccer team that puts 10 in the box and looks for a transition goal—only with more blood.

And if this were 1992, Canada would win. Probably with a scoreline in the 3-2/2-1 range. An unheralded defensemen would score the winner with less than four minutes left. It would likely deflect off something.

But this isn’t 1992. Things are called a lot closer and Canada can’t play the same type of punishing, legally questionable game that has served us well for generations. The rules force teams to play a greater skill game.

And most Canadian teams can adjust. We have a few kids in this country that can play the game, you know.

But I wonder if a Sutter-led Canada can adjust to that type of game. I have full confidence that if a different coach were behind the bench, and the Canadian team was prepared to go a little more flat out and be a bit more creative, that Canada could run and gun with the Russians. And more than hold their own.

As it is, I think the Russians are better suited for the type of game this will be. And Russia should win. Let’s go with 4-1.

Unless, of course, an unheralded defenseman banks it off someone with less than four minutes to go. It’s happened before.
 
ferns8916 said:
Gretzky just got interviewed.

He picks Canada 4-1.
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it would be funny if he picked russia. I would liek to see Pavel Bure's prediction myself
 
SHAIBUUUUUU ! SHAIBUUUUUU ! SHAIBUUUUUU ! SHAIBUUUUUU ! SHAIBUUUUUU !

Lets GO RUSSIA !!! Lets GO RUSSIA !!! Lets GO RUSSIA !!! Lets GO RUSSIA !!!
 
Im going out on a limb with this but i predict the fans will be cheering for canada tonight.
 
Let's go Downie!

Not cheering for Canada, just Steve Downie.
 
TORRUS said:
Of course, everybody could use somebody with Vapor(sp?) skates!
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If Vapor XXX is good enough for Malkin they are good enough for me :)
 
SIBIR said:
my skates are on fire. say one word if you need help :D
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Im putting on my jet pack too. I mean i can make it form nyc to BC with my own legs in time for the second period but i want some gas left for the game ;)
 
Penalty on Canada already.

They need to control their emotions and hitting.
 
Panasonic Youth said:
Let's go Downie!

Not cheering for Canada, just Steve Downie.
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if by let's go, you mean go to the penalty box, your wish is granted
 
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