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

[Shocker]

Zegras staring down the Russian bench after his goal and then losing anyways made me chuckle.

 

[Melkor]

I don't know if it was mentioned here during the game but one thing that caught my eye while watching - Russians lack a D of Romanov's level. He looked like an absolute stud last couple of years for their junior team. This team has very decent guys but none of them are of his leadearship caliber and ability to skate with the puck out of their own zone.

 

[NjdevilfanJim]

Like not scoring on two clean breakaways? Russia had more scoring chances in that game.

Yes....Many times in that game Russia had no answer for the Canada forecheck ...Askarov bailed out Russia as well.....Good game not saying it was dominated by either team but that's what I saw too often they struggled getting the puck out....

 

[Stive Morgan]

Mukhamadullin was the best dman on the ice last night. You love to see it

He impressed me all night, surprised there wasn't more chatter about him.

 

[evolutionbaby]

He impressed me all night, surprised there wasn't more chatter about him.

that would require a lot of crow eating...

 

[TheGoldenJet]

Yes but it doesn't take away from the fact that with a different goalie it would have been a completely different game which Russia still would have had a great chance to win. USA got close because Russia took the foot off the gas and took stupid penalties to begin with.


That's the impression I'm starting to get as well, sadly.. Because what we've seen today was definitely out of character and, frankly, weird. All that hand-wawing etc... It's like he's nervous as hell and just wants to act out.

Also to people saying Askarov was good.. What the hell are you talking about....

All of this. Wolf was the best goaltender on the ice last night. He’s a WHL guy though so USA Hockey won’t give him the reigns unless they absolutely have to.

 

[GordieGallant]

The Russians played better in all 3 zones and the face off circle. They are disciplined, play with structure, and play with an edge. Team USA turned the puck over many times trying to make plays that were not there. Especially at the offensive blueline. Hard to overcome to monster gaffes by your goaltender. On the first one 3 guys were puck watching when they had time to react to the wide open Russian.

Not real impressed with the coaching of team USA.​

 

[Joe Zanussi]

Wouldn't it be funny if neither Askarov nor Knight were among the best goalies in the tournament? Thought the USA was a step behind the Russians all night. They lost puck battles, were hesitant and indecisive with the puck, which often led to turnovers. Russians were much better, but don't have the offensive firepower that I am used to seeing from them, or the result would have been much more lopsided.

Oh, and US PP...yikes...running into one another, terrible spacing, mediocre zone entries...and hit the damn net with your shots! The US D were forgettable, also. Not out and out bad, but not an asset.

Oh, and love Beniers!

That wraps it up nicely.

 

[Lambo]

TSN-Highlights without russian empty net 5:3 goal? Why?

 

[Tube Skates]

Nice call!

Thanks. I’ve watched a lot of hockey in my day. This seemed like an easy one to predict after watching the pre tournament games.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

TSN-Highlights without russian empty net 5:3 goal? Why?

Highlights can leave out empty net goals a lot of the time.

 

[Ray Martyniuk]

Why is using Turcotte and Zegras as your 1-2 punch at C such a hard concept for Leaman?

Beniers is pretty darn good too

 

[Lambo]

Highlights can leave out empty net goals a lot of the time.

No i ve never seen that! I m sure that would be contrary TSN show us the US-Empty netter.

 

[NJ Fan 12]

The Russians played better in all 3 zones and the face off circle. They are disciplined, play with structure, and play with an edge. Team USA turned the puck over many times trying to make plays that were not there. Especially at the offensive blueline. Hard to overcome to monster gaffes by your goaltender. On the first one 3 guys were puck watching when they had time to react to the wide open Russian.

Not real impressed with the coaching of team USA.​

The coaching starts now. If there are no effective adjustments, or incorrect ones, then you could fault the coaching. Last night's game should be an eye opener. Now it's the staff's job to either put the players in better spots or make the players they have improve their performance.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

No i ve never seen that! I m sure when if would be contary TSN show us the US-Empty netter.

They literally do it all the time.

 

[Tkachuk Norris]

Apparently this is the third big tournament Knight has looked average at best in for the USA

Wolf may not be the better prospect long term. But I’m pretty sure he’s the better goalie right now, I’d be pretty shocked if USA went in another direction. Wolf looked in the zone, Knight has looked shaky.

 

[Stive Morgan]

Apparently this is the third big tournament Knight has looked average at best in for the USA

Wolf may not be the better prospect long term. But I’m pretty sure he’s the better goalie right now, I’d be pretty shocked if USA went in another direction. Wolf looked in the zone, Knight has looked shaky.

Exactly. It's a short tournament, and they need to play the guy who's clicking.

 

[Flynn84]

I would very much like to see, what Larionov will do with our 2003-04 year kids. Just imagine these team, but with twice as many and twice as much talent.

I don't know why 2003 considered so much better than 2001 or 2002? I see the reasons to consider 2004 an exceptional year.

 

[Kshahdoo]

I don't know why 2003 considered so much better than 2001 or 2002? I see the reasons to consider 2004 an exceptional year.

Chibrikov, Yurov, Koromyslov.

 

[Atas2000]

what are you talking about? Russians generated some great chances in 3rd. Wolf bailed USA team out a number of times.

I am talking about the non-existent russian D in the 3rd because they got complacent after going up 3 goals. It is a mindset thing clearly. Nothing about skill or ability. Happens to the best of them. And then it's hard to get focused again.

 

[Fatass]

Apparently this is the third big tournament Knight has looked average at best in for the USA

Wolf may not be the better prospect long term. But I’m pretty sure he’s the better goalie right now, I’d be pretty shocked if USA went in another direction. Wolf looked in the zone, Knight has looked shaky.

Knight will get the next start, and look good against a weak opponent because there’s no pressure. Under pressure he appears to struggle.

 

[Rubi]

Exactly. It's a short tournament, and they need to play the guy who's clicking.

Even shorter since there was only 1 pre-tournament game. A lot of these players have played very few games this year and some.maybe none. No time to wait for your goalie to try and get his shit together... particularly when you have a backup playing shutout hockey.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

It’s insane how Loaded Michigan is this year lol

They should be even better next year. I think there's a chance all of their guys stay another year, and they are bringing in the best recruiting class again next season.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

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

Beniers is 6'1 190, has always been know for his two way game over offensive game, and looks like he's 40 years old. I get your general point, but it does not apply to Beniers.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Askarov will be loved in Nashville very soon I'm thinking

That team is going to be pretty bad by the time he gets over there and starts playing. Might not be the best environment to bring up a young goalie in.