Lundqvist, Hagelin to Team Sweden

[Raspewtin]

http://www.iihf.com/home-of-hockey/....html?tx_ttnews[backPid]=955&cHash=7308fb5806

No surprise really.

Click to read more...

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

That roster is tremendous. Love the mix on defense.

 

[Raspewtin]

Sweden's roster is excellent. Only thing that surprises me is Enroth making it over Fasth. Is he injured?

 

[Jersey Girl]

Question...did the Olympics also make the change to the smaller goal pads? And if not, do you think Hank should go back to the big goal pads for the Olympics, or stay with the smaller pads to continue to get used to them?

 

[Desdichado93]

Sweden's roster is excellent. Only thing that surprises me is Enroth making it over Fasth. Is he injured?

Fasth have undergone surgery and will be out for some time so he wasn't available for the Olympics.

 

[Ail]

Question...did the Olympics also make the change to the smaller goal pads? And if not, do you think Hank should go back to the big goal pads for the Olympics, or stay with the smaller pads to continue to get used to them?

He can use the old ones.

I guess we'll see how much they really mean to him if he chooses to use the big ones versus the small.

 

[NYR Viper]

I know people will drool over the names on Team Canada but I am always amazed how the Swedes consistently put up a team of just complete players. I don't see a single person on that roster who isn't considered a very good 2-way player. Amazing.

 

[OverTheCap]

Sweden should contend for a medal. Very smart group of players. Should be interesting to see how Hank performs with a competent bunch in front of him.

 

[Fitzy]

The team should medal and has a legitimate shot at gold on the big ice.

 

[Ex Officer Friendly]

Question...did the Olympics also make the change to the smaller goal pads? And if not, do you think Hank should go back to the big goal pads for the Olympics, or stay with the smaller pads to continue to get used to them?

Hopefully he chooses to use the smaller pads... especially if he is having trouble adjusting to them (not that I think he is).

 

[GordonGecko]

Sweden should contend for a medal. Very smart group of players. Should be interesting to see how Hank performs with a competent bunch in front of him.

Not sure what competent players have to do with stopping shots that get through - save percentage is relative, if more shots get through they should be getting blocked at the same ratio. Hank just doesn't have it this year. I'm hoping the Olympic experience will jolt him back into form

 

[Megustaelhockey]

The team should medal and has a legitimate shot at gold on the big ice.

I'm rooting for them. Can you imagine what another gold medal will do for HL's confidence...

 

[nikonsniper*]

I'm rooting for them. Can you imagine what another gold medal will do for HL's confidence...

Part of me is thinking that part of his problem this season is the looming olympics.

I'm reserving judgement on HL this year till about a month after the Olympics end. Then we will see where his head is really at.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

Maybe if he and his team performs well Hank will get his head out of his ass with the Rangers.

 

[Jersey Girl]

I'm rooting for them. Can you imagine what another gold medal will do for HL's confidence...

There is truth in this statement...

But we can also imagine - win or lose - what two nine hour time changes and the pressure of a two week tournament, not to mention all the extra hockey he'll be playing, will do to HL. His track record of NHL play after Olympic games is less than stellar.

 

[UlfNilsson]

Not sure if it's the pads if so many soft goals are going high.

 

[Desdichado93]

Rick Nash is in for Canada.

 

[nevesis]

Not sure what competent players have to do with stopping shots that get through - save percentage is relative, if more shots get through they should be getting blocked at the same ratio. Hank just doesn't have it this year. I'm hoping the Olympic experience will jolt him back into form

That's where this entire board is WRONG.

That isn't the reality. He isn't getting beat on straight weak shots and completely missing on routine saves.

His statistics are a direct result of the **** team in front of him. Breakaways, 2 on 1's, 3 on 1's…mix that in with unreal deflections and he gets scored on.

Minus the deflections being a result of bad luck, the rest are a direct result of the team's piss poor play in front of him.

He has given up a few soft goals, just as every NHL goaltender will in the course of a season. But now everything is magnified because he is the only goalie in the league that has to carry the entire team on his shoulders because the offense is completely inept, and the defense is no where to be found.

The pressure he is feeling is more than he has ever had to deal with due to the fact the team is THAT bad in front of him. This isn't an excuse, but plays a huge part on why he isn't confident in his play. He isn't confident in the team helping him, EVER!

 

[Ex Officer Friendly]

That's where this entire board is WRONG.

That isn't the reality. He isn't getting beat on straight weak shots and completely missing on routine saves.

His statistics are a direct result of the **** team in front of him. Breakaways, 2 on 1's, 3 on 1's…mix that in with unreal deflections and he gets scored on.

Minus the deflections being a result of bad luck, the rest are a direct result of the team's piss poor play in front of him.

He has given up a few soft goals, just as every NHL goaltender will in the course of a season. But now everything is magnified because he is the only goalie in the league that has to carry the entire team on his shoulders because the offense is completely inept, and the defense is no where to be found.

The pressure he is feeling is more than he has ever had to deal with due to the fact the team is THAT bad in front of him. This isn't an excuse, but plays a huge part on why he isn't confident in his play. He isn't confident in the team helping him, EVER!

Ok... while that plan sounds good... what causes the Rangers to play so much better with Talbot in net?
Before you say about the fact that Talbot plays against weaker teams

Islanders:
Talbot 1-0
Lundqvist 0-1

Columbus*
Talbot 1-0
Lundqvist 0-1-1

Talbot did give up one goal in 40 mins against Columbus after Lundqvist was pulled

Montreal
Talbot 1-0 (In Montreal)
Lundqvist 0-1

Washington
Lundqvist 1-1
Talbot 0-1

Nashville
Lundqvist 0-1
Talbot 1-0


Mind you I am a Lundqvist fan, I think he is a great goalie.. definitely one of the best this organization has had but it is ok to admit that he is having an off year.

 

[Trxjw]

Like this group they put together. Very balanced. If Lundqvist can find his game again, this will be a tough team to beat.

 

[Chaels Arms]

That defense is incredible even without Hedman and Brodin. If Edler gets back to form that power play is going to be lethal.

 

[Fataldogg]

Sweden's roster is excellent. Only thing that surprises me is Enroth making it over Fasth. Is he injured?

That surprises you, but Hedman not making the team doesn't?

How a 6'6" 230LB defense man, who has his skating ability, and is having the kind of year he is having, doesn't make the team is beyond me. Not even as a replacement. He's apparently behind Tallinder on the depth chart?

Hedman was a snub in my opinion.

 

[Holocene]

If USA bows out Sweden is who I will root for.

 

[The Gloaming]

If USA bows out Sweden is who I will root for.

So will I.

Third on the pecking order is AnyoneButCanada.

 

[Inferno]

Ok... while that plan sounds good... what causes the Rangers to play so much better with Talbot in net?
Before you say about the fact that Talbot plays against weaker teams

Islanders:
Talbot 1-0
Lundqvist 0-1

Columbus*
Talbot 1-0
Lundqvist 0-1-1

Talbot did give up one goal in 40 mins against Columbus after Lundqvist was pulled

Montreal
Talbot 1-0 (In Montreal)
Lundqvist 0-1

Washington
Lundqvist 1-1
Talbot 0-1

Nashville
Lundqvist 0-1
Talbot 1-0


Mind you I am a Lundqvist fan, I think he is a great goalie.. definitely one of the best this organization has had but it is ok to admit that he is having an off year.

Talbot rarely had to be the best player onthe ice. Rangers play soooooooo much better in front of Talbot its not even funny.