2009 World Junior Championship-Official thread

Post by **batdad** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:03 am

NO chance in hell. THat was "the" moment of the tournament where Canada got it together as a team. Canada will now beat the Swedes fairly easily...Amend my prediction to 5-2

Lakrisal · Post by **Lakrisal** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:30 am

Haha I guess we shall see quite soon then (;

binchnunker · Post by **binchnunker** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:42 am

Speaking of goaltending, wasn't Tyson Sexsmith still eligible?

The Hutch · Post by **The Hutch** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 8:51 am

A change of prediction to a more one-sided outcome, because Canada scrambled to beat a team that Sweden won 5-0 against? Great game to watch, with an exciting end to the third and a close overtime.

It would be very tough for Sweden to beat Canada, who always get unbelievably fired up for gold medal games. If they were left playing for the bronze, they'd go home empty handed. But this is the big game at home, so it will be tough and shouldbe a very close game. Sweden won't be a pushover though. This is the first game where they've been scored on more than once.

I can't wait for Monday!

gibson41 · Post by **gibson41** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 11:59 am

Oh rubbish, so Slovakia was defeated by Sweden after all. We were competitive first two periods, but then Swedes broke us, and took control of the game. But I give credit to our young guys, they showed a real fighting spirit, and hopefully they will get just better from this point.

And Janus was crazy, scouts can't believe they overlooked him in the last year's draft.

binchnunker · Post by **binchnunker** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 4:45 pm

Janus was amazing, but have a look at a couple years ago.. Switzerland. Reto Berra, he was the only reason they stood a chance in any game... too bad that was as good as he would get, I also hope to see Rask make it, he was Unbelievable facing 60 shots per game, i think in one he Stopped 72.

I can't believe Jaraj Valach has been overlooked, what a force that guy is

Post by **batdad** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:42 pm

Sexsmith was eligible. He was cut. The other two are actually better goalies IMHO. Tyson plays behind a very strong defensive team and the quality of shots against are nowhere near what the others see, even though they also play on good teams.
Tyson has a real concentration problem some times. He will have 10 shots and let in 2, etc. Something like Tokarski last night. I completely see why those two Pick and Tok made the team ahead of Sexysmith,.

Yep Hutch...a change...in every international tournament that Canada wins there is a defining moment that CAnada has that makes them into a team that has the will and desire to get over every piece of adversity they face. I watch closely for it every time Team Canada is involved in a tournament. It seems to kick the desire into the stratosphere for them. This tournament, it took 5 games, 2 periods 19 minutes and 55 seconds for it to come. That battle Tavares won, and that move by Eberle was the moment this time.

The team became a team right then and there..or maybe when that Russian kid iced the puck instead of skating 2 feet more and popping it into the empty net. But that last minute of the third...that is the moment.

It just seems that CAnadian hockey history is filled with them. From Henderson all the way to now. Over and over. When these moments occur, the team gets an extra motivation, and goes to an extra level.

Canada's dominance of OT, even with an absolutely exhausted Tavares and no goals, and then the shootout win will give them that extra edge.

What happened in past games does not matter. Sweden lost to Canada already once...but that is not a big deal. Russia played 20000 times better vs Canada than they did vs Sweden. They were much more motivated.

Now, I may not have been able to say any of this if Nemchinov had freaking put Nikita Filatov in the 2 hole for the shootout. that was a huge mistake.

racicot · Post by **racicot** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:59 pm

Pierre McGuire made a big deal about Filatov not shooting, but really it is inconsequential. They had to score 2 goals in order to force the extra shooter, so either way, that guy would have had to shoot 3rd if Filatov was in the two hole.

What a game though, I didnt think it would get any better than the US vs. CAN and SLO vs. USA game, but it just did...

Post by **batdad** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 6:44 pm

Yep that is the way it turned out, but the lists go in before anyone shoots. The second shooter is the key guy in shootouts and should be your best player. Filatov is that guy with the Russians. Period. You never leave to chance what is a gimme. Filatov should have been in the two hole, just like Tavares was for Canada. it is a dumb, rookie mistake. One Nemchinov should know better than to make. He outthought himself on that one.

The Hutch · Post by **The Hutch** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 12:21 am

You're totally right batdad, and the gold medal game could just as easily end up 7-1 for Canada because they will be jacked and running on all cylinders. No outcome will surprise me, because both of these teams are that darn good. I stillexpect a close game though, and will definetly be trying to get out of work early tomorrow

racicot · Post by **racicot** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 5:54 am

I couldn't agree more that the second shooter is vital, but to claim that the outcome would have been different had filatov been there is not really justified in my opinion. I admit it was a completely erroneous move to leave him out, but I think it's unfair to suggest that one move had a significant effect.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that everyone seems to talk about Filatov not participating in the shootout rather than the play Filatov made with 5 seconds to go or the non-icing move with 40 seconds to go.

Now that I'm writing this, perhaps Filatov was in the doghouse with Nemchinov because of that play where he gave up the puck to Eberle...

Oh and congrats to the USA for getting 5th. They are the third best team in my opinion but McCollum let them down. The game today was a nail-biter too, with US nearly doubling the Czechs shot output in an overtime game. Of course, seeing as it was the 5th place game, the intensity was non-existent and the backups were in...

Post by **batdad** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 5:30 pm

Outcome could easily have changed. Filatov scores, then whoever shoots 3 for Canada misses...Russia scores. You know as well as I do, it could have and may have. It may not have too, but all it takes is Nikita scoring to send it to shooter three.

But yeah, there were other things before that...and none of them led to Canada winning that game. canada won that game partly because Nemchinov made a mistake in the shootout. Period. Doghouse or not, one game, one shot....Nemchinov messed up. You go with your best no matter how mad you are at them. I betcha you think Wayne should have shot in Nagano...

USa had weak goaltending for sure. But the team as has been said by several people, especially Bob Mackenzie...is the team that always does less with more. There is a problem in USA hockey.

Post by **batdad** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 12:25 am

Tavares traded?

The Hutch · Post by **The Hutch** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:46 am

Denial is most likely due to the attempt to have no distractions during the tournament, but the Hunters eventually need a crack at the NHL level.

The Hutch · Post by **The Hutch** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:02 am

So it is written, and so it came to pass. Worked hard boys, congratulations on five straight golds.

binchnunker · Post by **binchnunker** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:14 am

whats this Tavares top Forward rubbish? shoulda been Hodgson ..

Lakrisal · Post by **Lakrisal** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:18 am

Horrible reefering, still Canada deserverd their win... if you dont score on what 6 or 7 PP thats Adam Oates but pffffff

The Hutch · Post by **The Hutch** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:26 am

Tavares was THAT close to being the scapegoat in the game against Russia, as his no-look pass almost gave a free goal. I agree, it should have been Hodgson.

I commend the team for being such a strong offensive force, they weren't as strong on the defensive end as they should have been. Then again, Sweden was a defensive force and it wasn't enough to stop Canada.

Post by **batdad** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:00 am

Meh, Tavares was good, so was Hodgson, so was Eberle. Any of em could have got it. Even ANgelo.

And what was it I said yesterday or day before? 5 to 2??? Hmm...wish Sweden had got one more, then I would be as perfect as I think I am.

Oh and Tavares cinched the #1 pick on that lame dive after a high stick by that Swedish 10 footer d-man. What was his name? Sorry, but lying around on the ice wiping your face and visor for a minute or 2...bad form. Almost every GM will now be sure to pick Johnny first. Even if he was cut...it was on the face dude...GET UP! Unless you lose an eye or earlobe, get up.

binchnunker · Post by **binchnunker** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 7:19 am

speaking of Tavares going #1.. funny game story.. in my WHL game with the Giants, i'm just starting my 2nd season, and i thought.. hmmm wonder what the draft looked like.. checked it out, Tavres went 2nd.. Hedman, 3rd..

And the Islanders do it again... 1st overall pick of the 2007 Draft. Patrick Stefan part 2.

http://s487.photobucket.com/albums/rr23 ... anders.jpg

Even the AI Islanders are mental... 1st overall pick of the 2007 Draft. Patrick Stefan part 2.

gibson41 · Post by **gibson41** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 9:39 am

Funny story, I couldn't get to sleep for 4 McDavid-ing hours, so I actually watched both Slovakia-Russia, and Canada-Sweden matches.As expected, Russia beat us. The finals were pretty fun to watch, a lot of small brawls around the ice, and when that canadian guy was lying in swedish net and swedish guy was punching him on back, I actually laughed. A lot of broke sticks too.

jerkjamjAm · Post by **jerkjamjAm** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 4:48 pm

Hodgson was amazing against Sweden. Too bad Sweden lost, but the Canadians were better.

Nurgle · Post by **Nurgle** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 5:02 pm

If the players from Sweden would quit diving and flopping all over the ice like caught fish maybe they'd compete a little better.

Just sayin'!

Edit: If you watched the game you'll know what I am talking about. Although it was only a few of the players... I was quite impressed by that Karlsson guy on D, very very strong player. darn Senators drafted him didn't they?

jerkjamjAm · Post by **jerkjamjAm** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 7:57 pm

I can't say that we did that so much... I can be prepared to agree that Markström reinforced some of the over runs.

The Swedes should have been prepared for the Canadians ugly play...

Yes, I saw the game.

Post by **joehelmer** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 9:53 pm

I also watched the match, but the referee could have taken a few penalties on some of the over runs of Markström, Esposito's for example or the one when Markström was heading to the bench because of another delayed penalty for Canada.
And when the swedish players defend their goalie the referee gives Sweden a penalty for that, so in a way he's saying that over runs of the goalie that is on purpose, which is against the rules, is okay in this game.
I think they should have called in better referees, maybe from NHL or anyone of the ones that use to be referees in the "real" World Championship.

And yes, Erik Karlsson is drafted by Ottawa Senators.