GDT: Russia Vs USA - 12/25 - 9:30 PM ET - TSN/NHLN

[McMozesmadness]

watching him at Michigan he looks like a left handed Barzal. Kid is always flying out there and does whatever he wants with the puck.

A Barzal-Point hybrid... sounds good to me!!

 

[Ginger Papa]

It’s been nice having only 2 penalties so far. Hopefully this trend continues.

 

[SI90]

It’s been nice having only 2 penalties so far. Hopefully this trend continues.

agreed.

 

[tictactoe]

Have you never seen the great Russian teams of the past? Their teams were (often) all lefties.

Have I seen the great Russian teams.. lol... Ok Don Cherry.

 

[HyPnOtiK]

Faber does all the little things right, he's very solid. Kings are loaded

 

[TimeZone]

Nice play by Beniers.

 

[SI90]

Big kill for USA. Russian PP looked decent

 

[Stive Morgan]

Except he’s going to be a top5 pick. Damn Tampa gets some absolute steals!

I don't understand why so many old fart GMs still have a bias against undersized players when it's been proven speed & skill > size in the modern NHL

 

[c9gunner]

Oh well. I'm happy so far.

 

[SI90]

First 15 minutes was all Russia. USA got going after they tied the game. Looked to have more jump after the goal.

still, I like the way Russia looks more. They play a clean system together. They look like a pro team.

USA lucky to be tied after 1.

 

[jj cale]

Pretty even first period to me.

 

[ORRFForever]

I would have to give the edge in the first period to the Russians. Let hope for more scoring going forward.

 

[tictactoe]

I do not know about Askarov.. not impressed.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

I don't understand why so many old fart GMs still have a bias against undersized players when it's been proven speed & skill > size in the modern NHL

Lol “proven”. Maybe in the regular season or for winning your fantasy pool.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Good 1st period. Anyone changing their predictions... Pretty even.

 

[McMozesmadness]

Fun period. Russians had the 1st half. Americans the 2nd

 

[JackSlater]

Kind of choppy so far. I hope to see things pick up in the second.

 

[hockey20000]

good period best game of day by far.

 

[ORRFForever]

agreed.

Yes. Nothing better than a game where you don't even notice the refs.

 

[HyPnOtiK]

A Barzal-Point hybrid... sounds good to me!!

Barzal and point are fairly similar stylistically but to be compared to either is pretty awesome for the kid.

 

[Tralfamadore]

The US clawed their way into the game once it started loosening up but whenever the game was tight the Russians were in control. They play a very mature game.

 

[KaseMeOutside]

USA played better after the goal. But Russians are very impressive they look like adults out there lol

 

[SI90]

I don't understand why so many old fart GMs still have a bias against undersized players when it's been proven speed & skill > size in the modern NHL

Couldn’t agree more. DeBrincat is a good example too. Sure fire 1st round talent. Kid comes in and scores 40 goals as a 21 year old lol

 

[snipes]

Good period.

That Russian counter attack is fun to watch and something any team needs to be fully aware of who is playing them.

There is certainly a stylistic difference between the way this Russian team under Larionov plays compared to the Bragin coached teams.

It seems a return to the classic Russian/Soviet looping style of attack from years past as has been noted before. Russia has a strong skating team, thought the Yanks got better in the 2nd half. It’s a pretty tight checking game.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Kind of choppy so far. I hope to see things pick up in the second.

Both teams are trying to make it choppy for each other