My comments from the game:
The reffing was terrible, again, as we all know. Ridiculous calls all over the ice, and guys really didn't seem to know what was a penalty and what wasn't. He was awful all night both ways, but I think Finland got the short end of the stick overall. Slightly off topic, what is with all the guys getting thrown out of the faceoff circle? It's been happening all tournament, but in this game especially it seemed like people were being thrown out at random, and very often.
No 13th forward tonight for the USA, but Wheeler, Ryan and Mueller all took shifts on Schremp's wings. Mueller got the most time I'd say, and then maybe Ryan just because he played a good chunk on the pp, but Wheeler definitely played much more than last game, and I thought had a nice game. Top 4 for the USA played a lot more than the bottom 3, and particularly the bottom 2 (Mitera and Niskanen). I thought Jack Johnson played quite well, and Brian Lee looked good. He's the kind of player who isn't going to wow you, but he makes great defensive reads and moves the puck well. Jack Johnson on the other hand everyone notices with his strength and physical play, great mobility and good first pass. Korpikoski burned him a couple of times, but other than that he played quite well (and a ton), and is really showing me why he's so highly touted.
Speaking of Korpikoski, I thought he had a great game and was dangerous all night. He used his speed very well tonight 5 on 5 which I wish there had been more of, and created several chances coming in off the wing. When he keeps his feet moving, he's good. The Finnish defense is their downfall in my opinion. They're awful. They lose battles down low regularly, and the coverage is poor. Guys seem to regularly beat them one on one and often walk out front unimpeded.
The first period was completely dominated by the Americans, and although the reffing was favourable to them, their pps were very sharp and they were much better 5 on 5 as well. Both of Finland's goals in the first looked ridiculously weak from where I sat, although I was at the other end. The game evened out in the second and third, although I still think the edge in play was to the Americans.
The goaltending was not very good on either side I don't think, but particularly for the US. Even though Frazee made a few good saves, I thought he looked quite shaky all night, and might have played his way out of the #1 spot. On the first goal, Frazee seemed to kind of jump at the point shot, and inexplicably ended up on his back flopping around as the rebound which shouldn't have existed was popped in. On the second one Bourque made a poor decision to pinch after a weak pass from down low on the pp, and Korpikoski beat him down the wing to get a semi break, but Jack Johnson came back to force a backhand from not a great angle which Frazee should have stopped in his sleep. None of the goals after that were soft I don't think, but I just never thought Frazee looked very good in there. Ramo was better, but I didn't think his rebound control was very good and overall he was only average at best. An outstanding goaltending performance could have won Finland the game, although on the other side of things even okay goaltending from Frazee would have probably sealed a win for the Americans.
Individually, I thought Korpikoski was the best player on either team tonight, but I was paying attention mostly to the American team so that's who I have comments on. Kessel was okay, but I was a little disappointed in his line after their performance against Norway. He did show a few flashes of brilliance, but I didn't think he was consistently dangerous. TJ Oshie is growing on me as a big strong physical player with pretty good hands. Schremp is outstanding on the powerplay, and really seems to control things from his spot on the right halfboards. Both Ryan and Wheeler were better tonight, and both had more icetime (especially Wheeler). Ryan still has the piano tied to him though, and can't beat anyone to a loose puck. Mueller continues to do all the little things, and plays with amazing maturity and responsibility for a 17 year old. As he gets more comfortable, I think he could become a really big part of this team. It's a shame he doesn't take more faceoffs though, as having seen him in the WHL he is absolutely deadly on the draw. Jack Johnson as I have already said I thought played very well again. He is a horse, and as of right now my pick for best defenseman. Erik has great talent and tools; his combination of size and mobility alone make him a great prospect, although I'm not completely sold on him as a top 2 defenseman on what is supposed to be the best team. Butler was up and down for me tonight.
All in all, I thought the Americans were the better team tonight regardless of officiating, but much like Canada today, if they want to win they have to play much better.
