Warsteiner
Random thoughts over random matters at random times
正文
The offensive juggernaut Canadian hockey team lost to their long term south boarder rival, despite featured star powers like Crosby, Heatley, Iginla, Brodeur, Pronger, Nedermayer etc. Comparing to those Canadians, US team are basically bunch of young no-name players, when they left guys like Madano at home.
Ironically, when you watch the game, you realize that Candians didn’t really have a chance to win, and they didn’t look like an offensive powerhouse at they do on paper. Why is that? Funny thing is, last night’s game reminds me awfully a lot of that Brazil vs Italy game in 1982 Soccer World Cup game. Led by Zico, who would have thought Italy could beat Brazil, especially after Italy had to squeeze out a win against South Korea. But not only did Rossi single-handedly beat the power house Brazil, but also beat them solid and square with 3-2. Although Juhinio scored 2 goals in the whole tournament, as a defender, outscoring lots of forwards in other teams, he stood by as Rossi punched them again and again.
Last night, 2 renowned offensive specialized defenders Pronger and Nedermayer, once again stood out, unfortunately, in a very negative way. I’ve always been a huge fan of Pronger, who’s big, strong, smart, and calm. He can stay on ice for 40+ mins, adding extreme pressure in offensive end, but showcases an even more calming presence at the defensive end. He never over-commits, stays with you, cuts your shooting angles, steers clear for the goalie in his own zone. He presses, passes, and directs the flow of the game in neutral zone. In offense, he’s so valuable in special plays with his sharp shooting and clear mind. Hey, has anyone seen THAT GUY last night? Did both defenders ever dive last night? Did they ever beat opponents to the spot? Did they ever block shots? They just stood by or stood behind US players. Are they too old? Are they bored?
Don’t get me started with Martin Brodeur. I always liked Patrick Roy much much better. But I have to say Brodeur was a great goalie, too. I know he can play the puck, unlike Dominique Hasek, who only stands at the goal line with all those acrobatic moves. But this is Olympics, every single game counts tremendously, and those young energetic US players will go at you relentlessly from the opening honk. You just decided to play volley to the middle of open ice to prove that you can play the puck? WTF were you thinking? Or were you thinking at all? Did you really care?
Canadians outshot the Americans, but not much were in traffic, there was no sight blockage in front of US goalie. Canadians skate better, control the puck better, but hey, did you guys demonstrated that? Or you expect your opponents just sit back and watch you play? Where was the forward forechecking? Where was the neutral zone checking? Where was the frigging defense? Canadian golden boy Crosby scored a goal, but I’d rather he didn’t score, let his presence felt more, instead. Russians beat the Czechs cleanly. Why? Because their golden boy duo played physical, they gave them the chance to showcase their offensive talent. That gave them the chance to control the puck and the tempo of the game. That gave them the chance to create openings for sharpshooting. What did Canadians do? They waited, wait this thing to be gift-wrapped and presented to them in a silver plate. Well, screw you! If you don’t care, move over, and give other young players a chance. If you are too old, move over, and give those anxious kids a chance. If you are too frightened, well, you should play curling.
I can see maybe Heatley was the only kid cared. I love this Danny boy, who was so gifted and strong. But most importantly, he came back from the accident and he grew up. He appreciates the game, and appreciates this second chance. When he’s on the court, NHL or Olympics, he’s on a mission, that’s the hockey mission.
The rest of the Canadian hockey team, they can go and join the ice dancing team. What a shame!
Ironically, when you watch the game, you realize that Candians didn’t really have a chance to win, and they didn’t look like an offensive powerhouse at they do on paper. Why is that? Funny thing is, last night’s game reminds me awfully a lot of that Brazil vs Italy game in 1982 Soccer World Cup game. Led by Zico, who would have thought Italy could beat Brazil, especially after Italy had to squeeze out a win against South Korea. But not only did Rossi single-handedly beat the power house Brazil, but also beat them solid and square with 3-2. Although Juhinio scored 2 goals in the whole tournament, as a defender, outscoring lots of forwards in other teams, he stood by as Rossi punched them again and again.
Last night, 2 renowned offensive specialized defenders Pronger and Nedermayer, once again stood out, unfortunately, in a very negative way. I’ve always been a huge fan of Pronger, who’s big, strong, smart, and calm. He can stay on ice for 40+ mins, adding extreme pressure in offensive end, but showcases an even more calming presence at the defensive end. He never over-commits, stays with you, cuts your shooting angles, steers clear for the goalie in his own zone. He presses, passes, and directs the flow of the game in neutral zone. In offense, he’s so valuable in special plays with his sharp shooting and clear mind. Hey, has anyone seen THAT GUY last night? Did both defenders ever dive last night? Did they ever beat opponents to the spot? Did they ever block shots? They just stood by or stood behind US players. Are they too old? Are they bored?
Don’t get me started with Martin Brodeur. I always liked Patrick Roy much much better. But I have to say Brodeur was a great goalie, too. I know he can play the puck, unlike Dominique Hasek, who only stands at the goal line with all those acrobatic moves. But this is Olympics, every single game counts tremendously, and those young energetic US players will go at you relentlessly from the opening honk. You just decided to play volley to the middle of open ice to prove that you can play the puck? WTF were you thinking? Or were you thinking at all? Did you really care?
Canadians outshot the Americans, but not much were in traffic, there was no sight blockage in front of US goalie. Canadians skate better, control the puck better, but hey, did you guys demonstrated that? Or you expect your opponents just sit back and watch you play? Where was the forward forechecking? Where was the neutral zone checking? Where was the frigging defense? Canadian golden boy Crosby scored a goal, but I’d rather he didn’t score, let his presence felt more, instead. Russians beat the Czechs cleanly. Why? Because their golden boy duo played physical, they gave them the chance to showcase their offensive talent. That gave them the chance to control the puck and the tempo of the game. That gave them the chance to create openings for sharpshooting. What did Canadians do? They waited, wait this thing to be gift-wrapped and presented to them in a silver plate. Well, screw you! If you don’t care, move over, and give other young players a chance. If you are too old, move over, and give those anxious kids a chance. If you are too frightened, well, you should play curling.
I can see maybe Heatley was the only kid cared. I love this Danny boy, who was so gifted and strong. But most importantly, he came back from the accident and he grew up. He appreciates the game, and appreciates this second chance. When he’s on the court, NHL or Olympics, he’s on a mission, that’s the hockey mission.
The rest of the Canadian hockey team, they can go and join the ice dancing team. What a shame!
評論
xinn2005
2010-02-24 04:34:01
回複
悄悄話
very very nice article. any thoughts on the highly anticipated collision of the superstars from Team Russia and Team Canada that is coming up later today?
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