GDT: World Junior Discussion

[arsmaster*]

Goalies:
I. Ustinsky (Stal'nye Lisy)
A. Makarov (Saskatun Blejdz)
A. Vasilevsky (Tolpar)

Defense:
Y. Dyblenko (Atlant)
N. Nesterov (Traktor)
A. Sergeyev (Val'-d'Or Foreurs)
A. Yarullin (Ak Bars)
A. Mironov (Dinamo Moskva)
K. Dyakov (Mamonty Yugry)
P. Koledov (Loko)

Forwards:
M. Grigorenko (Kvebek Remparts)
N. Yakupov (Neftehimik)
A. Khokhlachev (Spartak)
V. Tkachev (Ak Bars)
Y. Kosov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk)
A. Slepyshev (Metallurg Nov.)
M. Shalunov (Traktor)
V. Nichushkin (Traktor)
E. Mozer (Omskie Jastreby)
A. Sigarev (SKA)
N. Kucherov (Ruan-Noranda Haski)
K. Kapustin (Loko)
D. Zharkov (Bel'vil' Bulls)

Russia has an extremely strong roster this year. They have Slepyshev on the second line and Nichushkin on the third. This team isn't quite stacked with "stars" as Canada, but the group looks much more cohesive.

Cohesive?

Having 1st liners adapt to grinders has been problem for Russian over the years.

It's talented on paper, just as Canada's roster is.

Mackinnon is a better player than Nicushkin and he's our 13th forward.

Dark horse for the tournament and my silver medal fsvourite is Finland.

 

[shortshorts]

Russia's teams through the past haven't ever been really cohesive, it's more like a bunch of all-stars hogging the puck trying to score as many goals as possible, which works to an extent, but defense hasn't been the greatest for Russia, and I think that will be their problem this year. I'm not saying Makarov and Vasilevskiy can't stop a puck, but it will be tough on them because they don't have much help on the back end.

I still put our team over Russia, hopefully Subban/Binnington can keep it together against the Russians.

You're completely wrong this year. Defense is Russia's strength and Vasilevskiy is far superior to Subban or Binnington.

This years Russia is the typical Canadian build. Amazing top line (with Yakupov and Khokhlachyov), incredibly strong two way second line (with Grigorenko and Russia's top prospect Slepyshev), enormous energy line (Anchored by Nichushkin), and a solid fourth line (comprised of Kosov and Kapustin).

 

[shortshorts]

Cohesive?

Having 1st liners adapt to grinders has been problem for Russian over the years.

It's talented on paper, just as Canada's roster is.

Mackinnon is a better player than Nicushkin and he's our 13th forward.

Dark horse for the tournament and my silver medal fsvourite is Finland.

Which players are they forcing into a "grinders" role I may ask? Everyone is where they should be.

 

[arsmaster*]

Which players are they forcing into a "grinders" role I may ask? Everyone is where they should be.

Well what's the projected lines?

I'd say Zharkov in a non offensive role is a bad idea.

Nicushkin I don't see being a great grinder. Good going to the net, everywhere else he's underwhelming.

The only spot I think Russia has us beat is at 2nd line center, but Mackinnon has outplayed Grigorenko in the past.

I have visions of mackinnon taking that spot from Strome as the tournament goes on anyways.

Man for man Canada's team is as deep/better.

Vasilevski may or may not be better than Subban, we've seen Subban out play him before.

 

[Pip]

no idea why people make a distinction between late and dirty

a late hit is dirty

 

[The Finnish MacInnis*]

Here is the nearest comparable to the Jenner hit:

http://youtu.be/WgDUNn8q4qo

 

[Royal Canuck]

You're completely wrong this year. Defense is Russia's strength and Vasilevskiy is far superior to Subban or Binnington.

This years Russia is the typical Canadian build. Amazing top line (with Yakupov and Khokhlachyov), incredibly strong two way second line (with Grigorenko and Russia's top prospect Slepyshev), enormous energy line (Anchored by Nichushkin), and a solid fourth line (comprised of Kosov and Kapustin).

So their forwards backcheck, I'm talking about the defensemen.

 

[shortshorts]

Well what's the projected lines?

I'd say Zharkov in a non offensive role is a bad idea.

Nicushkin I don't see being a great grinder. Good going to the net, everywhere else he's underwhelming.

The only spot I think Russia has us beat is at 2nd line center, but Mackinnon has outplayed Grigorenko in the past.

I have visions of mackinnon taking that spot from Strome as the tournament goes on anyways.

Man for man Canada's team is as deep/better.

Vasilevski may or may not be better than Subban, we've seen Subban out play him before.

Sigaryov-Khokhlachyov-Ya​kupov; Slepyshev-Grigorenko-Kucherov; Nichushkin-Tkachyov-Shal​unov; Mozer-Kapustin-Kosov; Zharkov

Yarullin-Nesterov; Dyblenko-Dyakov; Mironov-Koledov

Zharkov is a 13th forward and rightfully so. This team is solid and well built. I also completely disagree with you about Nichushkin. He is the ideal 3rd line player on this ice. He is a top line talent that plays a 3rd line game.

So their forwards backcheck, I'm talking about the defensemen.

That's what I meant. Their defensemen are the strongest part of this team. Not sure what you're talking about.

Edit: Just watched a TSN preview. Ray Ferarro said that he thinks Russia is the favourite to win.

 

[Scottrockztheworld*]

I didn't watch any of the 2 pre tournament games but with such a stacked team the offensive output (selection camp included) really leaves you wanting more.

 

[luongo321]

Spott's poor coaching and selection will cost this team the tourney.

 

[Reverend Mayhem]

Spott's poor coaching and selection will cost this team the tourney.

Well, that escalated quickly.

 

[arsmaster*]

So Drouin might be out. Hampus Lindholm is possible out for Sweden with draft eligible Robert Hagg in as his replacement.

Hope Drouin can go....if not he should be replaced with a draft eligible in Shinkaruk or Monahan.

 

[LiquidSnake]

So Subban the starter? Really??

 

[PG Canuck]

So Subban the starter? Really??

Not really surprising if you ask me. You should've learned by now that even when you play better then someone in your position, and don't get to start/whatever, the player with the higher profile will more than likely always play.

This is Subban's job to lose, not Binnington's to win, IMO.

 

[Steveorama]

Well, that escalated quickly.

In Canada, a 1-1 pre-tourney record damns you to this eternal hell.

 

[luongo321]

In Canada, a 1-1 pre-tourney record damns you to this eternal hell.

The closer those exhibition games are, the more hope and belief that develops inside every other country facing Canada. Canada should have wiped the floor with them and made a statement, but they just aren't good enough. Oh well, at least they still have their artificial lighting. \

It will be a good thing that Canada is playing the USA on the 30th before they play Russia. Playing USA always snaps some sense into this team. Probably because they play a more similar style.

Blingington better start after Subban plays poorly in the first game. If not, time for Spott to pack his lights and bag and head home.

 

[Mr. Canucklehead]

So Subban the starter? Really??

I'm not too surprised. And while I've found some of Spott's decisions puzzling to this point, this isn't one of them. The other goaltenders have played better, to be sure, but I think Subban's high-end game is better than theirs. If he can find his form, great. The fact that he gets the chance to do it when the games are somewhat less important is a better situation for us than him going ahead and wetting the bed in a huge game.

If he struggles against the Germans and so on, the decision to go to the #2 or #3 becomes easier.

 

[luongo321]

So Subban the starter? Really??

#mistakesfrankiecorradowouldnevermake

 

[Reverend Mayhem]

Blingington better start after Subban plays poorly in the first game. If not, time for Spott to pack his lights and bag and head home.

I bet you 5 internet dollars Subban starts and wins the Gold Medal Game.

 

[luongo321]

I bet you 5 internet dollars Subban starts and wins the Gold Medal Game.

So on!

Any links to watch the game? I don't want to get up at 1 am and end up having no stream.

Off-topic: Is that you in the Kes jersey? Is Bieksa really that short?

 

[Reverend Mayhem]

So on!

Any links to watch the game? I don't want to get up at 1 am and end up having no stream.

Off-topic: Is that you in the Kes jersey? Is Bieksa really that short?

You don't have TSN?

And yes that is me in the Kes jersey standing next to Ryan. And yes, I wouldn't say Kevin Bieksa is short (I am 5 foot 8) but he is NOT 6 foot 1. I'd say closer to 5'10.5 or 5'11. He was much smaller than I anticipated. Considering that he is a very powerful person. But Kesler is huge. He easily towered over me.

EDIT: Looking at that picture, I just got that joke. That took me way too long

 

[luongo321]

You don't have TSN?

And yes that is me in the Kes jersey standing next to Ryan. And yes, I wouldn't say Kevin Bieksa is short (I am 5 foot 8) but he is NOT 6 foot 1. I'd say closer to 5'10.5 or 5'11. He was much smaller than I anticipated. Considering that he is a very powerful person. But Kesler is huge. He easily towered over me.

EDIT: Looking at that picture, I just got that joke. That took me way too long

hahaha. That's an understatement. Mini Juice would still whoop you. That's still pretty cool. I wanted to go down there, but I was really sick that day.

Back home for the holidays. Parents only get the sports packages when there's a Canucks' season.

The one time I move into a sick place for school with HD sports channels/pretty tv and there's no hockey season. fuuuuuuuuu

 

[arsmaster*]

The closer those exhibition games are, the more hope and belief that develops inside every other country facing Canada. Canada should have wiped the floor with them and made a statement, but they just aren't good enough. Oh well, at least they still have their artificial lighting. \

It will be a good thing that Canada is playing the USA on the 30th before they play Russia. Playing USA always snaps some sense into this team. Probably because they play a more similar style.

Blingington better start after Subban plays poorly in the first game. If not, time for Spott to pack his lights and bag and head home.

This sentiment sucks.

This isnt women's hockey, the gap is not small between the elite countries, hence why 5 teams that could potentially win gold here.

 

[Reverend Mayhem]

hahaha. That's an understatement. Mini Juice would still whoop you.

Back home for the holidays. Parents only get the sports packages when there's a Canucks' season.

The one time I move into a sick place for school with HD sports channels/pretty tv and there's no hockey season. fuuuuuuuuu

Yeah, I think he probably would have. He sure did a number on Big Juice. I tried to introduce myself to him, but it was too loud and had to ask him to repeat his name 3 times. I'm not a smooth person.

 

[Royal Canuck]

I'm staying up to watch it, I hope you guys do as well, I'll be posting on the GDT over on the World Juniors forum to either express my love or hate for this team.