WC Gold Medal GDT: Czech Republic vs. Canada

[Vinceee]

Really tough play by Smyth at the end!

Well, Smyth went too far... But being tough (without going too far) isnt wrong...

 

[zamboni]

Well, Smyth went too far... But being tough (without going too far) isnt wrong...

Also, I like to think that Smyth has proven over the years that he is infact a very tough player.

 

[FINNtastic]

Adapted son of the day: Jan Hlavac should play for Finns, great work all night and can't score.

Nah, he's got too much skill to play for team Finland

BTW Congratulations to Czech Republic and their fans

 

[Cloned]

I certainly don't condone what Smyth did today. It sets a bad example for captains and NHL players in general, and based on the comments in this thread, for Canadians as well.

That said, I understand the emotions behind his actions. The frustration of a highly competitive player bubbling over in a confrontation with his opponent who has shut him and his team down all game.

I've never seen Smyth act that way before in an Oiler game, and I don't believe that this is something that he would be proud of or that he would do on a regular basis. He's not a dirty player by any means, IMO.

I do hope that Smyth acknowledges his actions in the post-game interviews. That would be something that I would see as owning up to the responsibility of being captain.

 

[Tricolore#20]

Just got back home. From a Canadian perspective, what a lacklustre game. Canada did not deserve to win. Tomas Vokoun was extremely solid, and didn't give Canada an inch. It's hilarious what Glenn Healy said before the game. Something to the effect of "If Prospal and Jagr have to lead the Czechs, Canada will win the gold medal." He was also cutting up Vokoun, and saying that the Czech D was soft. What a great prediction champ! Almost as bad as Carl Fletcher during Euro2004. Couldn't get any worse than that.

Hats off the the Czechs. They played a solid game, without making any mistakes. The thing I love about the Czechs is the passion they play with. They really do love their country more than anything, and you could see what this tournament means to guys like Dvorak, Rucinsky and Prospal. This was also a nice redemption for them, considering the loss they suffered at home last year, and the bitter loss last fall in Toronto. They were furious after that game, frustrated that they had to travel across the pond. They really did make up for those two things today.

Great job... I love the Czech chant too.... beat: beat: beat: Cechy!

 

[Robocop]

Well, Smyth went too far... But being tough (without going too far) isnt wrong...

Being tough is a must in hockey but I didn´t see a least bit of toughness in what Smyth did at the end. I think it´s tragic.

 

[SergeiK]

It's hilarious what Glenn Healy said before the game... He was also cutting up Vokoun, and saying that the Czech D was soft.

According to the statistics Czech D was the best in this tournament. And it was so before tonight.

Can`t this Healy character (never head of him) read statistics or what is his major malfunction?

 

[ARS]

What Smyth did was certainly out of character and unnecessary, but in Smyths defense, you can expect tempers to flare when you're down 3-0 at the end of the game with an opposing player sticking the blade of his stick up your crotch.

 

[Riddarn]

Can`t this Healy character (never head of him) read statistics or what is his major malfunction?

Glenn Healy is a nhl goalie from the before-time, the long long-ago. He used to play for the Rangers and the Leafs at The Dawn of Times, also known as the '90s.

 

[Terry O]

What Smyth did was certainly out of character and unnecessary, but in Smyths defense, you can expect tempers to flare when you're down 3-0 at the end of the game with an opposing player sticking the blade of his stick up your crotch.

Maybe a couple of whacks in retaliation, but Smyth looked like a damn woodpecker out there trying to find a beetle.

Congrats to the Czecks...well deserved.

 

[SergeiK]

Glenn Healy is a nhl goalie from the before-time, the long long-ago. He used to play for the Rangers and the Leafs at The Dawn of Times, also known as the '90s.

I thought he was former member of The Eagles. Name sounded somewhat familiar.

And judging by what he has said, this Healy must know more about guitar playing than hockey

 

[Riddarn]

I thought he was former member of The Eagles. Name sounded somewhat familiar.

Thats right, he also wrote Hotel California.

 

[TORRUS]

Congratulations to Czech rep! They did a great job of shutting down Canada.

It is not that I want to rub it in, but it is something that has to be said! Canadians showed in this tournament that they aren't classy and don't know how to accept a loss.

Canada lost two games and in both games they did something that should never happen in this game. It was Nash hooking the ref and Smyth trying to cut Czechs' legs. Who the hell they think they are?!

 

[Robocop]

What Smyth did was certainly out of character and unnecessary, but in Smyths defense, you can expect tempers to flare when you're down 3-0 at the end of the game with an opposing player sticking the blade of his stick up your crotch.

Yes, you can expect tempers to flare but you can get it out in another way. Throw a big hit or even start a fight like a man but to slash a guy over the feets 8 times is just ridiculos.

It would be very fun to hear what Don Cherry say about this! If it had been a Czech player doing that kind of thing he would be the worlds biggest chicken european...

 

[The Imp]

And judging by what he has said, this Healy must know more about guitar playing than hockey

So true - esp. reg. the lockout!

 

[Adriatic]

According to the statistics Czech D was the best in this tournament. And it was so before tonight.

Can`t this Healy character (never head of him) read statistics or what is his major malfunction?

Healy is a late 80's and 90's goalie..a perennial back up goalie that was never good enough to be a #1 goalie in the NHL and never really good enough to participate in these international tournaments..so he takes out his frustrations on star players.

 

[Tricolore#20]

Yes, you can expect tempers to flare but you can get it out in another way. Throw a big hit or even start a fight like a man but to slash a guy over the feets 8 times is just ridiculos.

It would be very fun to hear what Don Cherry say about this! If it had been a Czech player doing that kind of thing he would be the worlds biggest chicken european...

I was thinking about that when the incident happened. Cherry would probably say, "Look at that passion. Good Canadian kid. I tell ya what boy, nobody loves Canada as much as Ryan Smyth. If somebody wants to insult Canada, you'd better be prepared to fight boy."

 

[Robertsson 4-ever]

Congrats Czechs! A well deserved win. And as usual, the team with the best goalie wins.

 

[golfmade]

Way to go Vokoun and the Czech team!

 

[hockeyfan125]

Nah, he's got too much skill to play for team Finland

BTW Congratulations to Czech Republic and their fans

Jan Hlavac is softer than a marshmellow lying on a bed of feathers.

 

[Noutaja]

Maybe a couple of whacks in retaliation, but Smyth looked like a damn woodpecker out there trying to find a beetle.

That was damn good analogy!

 

[SChan*]

"They know their game over here. You're allowed to clutch and grab and they utilize their strengths. They don't call that a lot over here."

 

[ALF AmericanLionsFan]

Congrats to the Czechs. Job well done.

 

[TORRUS]

It would be very fun to hear what Don Cherry say about this! If it had been a Czech player doing that kind of thing he would be the worlds biggest chicken european...

That was the first thing that crossed my mind! I just love those double-standards...

 

[Rob]

Canadians showed in this tournament that they aren't classy and don't know how to accept a loss.

At least are fans don't blame the loss on the ref. Something the Russians have become infamous for.