The history of best-versus-the-best hockey competition

[Mudcat]

So group A is

Team Canada
Team Czech Republic
Team Europe
Team USA


Group B

Team Finland
Team North America
Team Russia
Team Sweden


After the round robins, two teams from each group move on to the semis. Gotta say, I could see Russia not making it.

Same rules apply for everyone though. No time to gradually heat up and get 'er goin'. Start at full speed or go home.

 

[roguejuror]

canada, usa and north america?

 

[reno cool]

So group A is

Team Canada
Team Czech Republic
Team Europe
Team USA


Group B

Team Finland
Team North America
Team Russia
Team Sweden


After the round robins, two teams from each group move on to the semis. Gotta say, I could see Russia not making it.

Same rules apply for everyone though. No time to gradually heat up and get 'er goin'. Start at full speed or go home.

I wouldn't be surprised. All they've been doing for the last 25 years is playing a 2nd rate version of Canadian hockey. Until they return to Soviet style or create a new style it's likely to be no better. I'm guessing it's >50% chance they'll find a way to beat the Fins or Swedes though.

Does seem to be a strange format, even in the sense there's only 3 games and then a best of 3 semi. You'd think if this thing comes around so seldom they could add a few games.

 

[Matty]

WTF is with Team North America? Looking at the roster, it's just filled with NHL youngins? Why is this even a thing?

 

[Matty]

Oh, there's a Team Europe as well.

Russia's roster looks pretty damn solid, but yeah, anyone can get screwed in that format. One bad game and you're in trouble.

 

[roguejuror]

WTF is with Team North America? Looking at the roster, it's just filled with NHL youngins? Why is this even a thing?

i was hoping it was made up of mexicans

 

[Matty]

Aight so poor Czech Republic has no shot. Weakest team by far. But anyone else can win.

 

[Mudcat]

I keep hearing about a string of Czech injuries on top of everything else. Sucks to be them.

If Canada follows our usual form, we will lay an egg in an early game - then do just enough to keep advancing - then put on a dazzling, mind-boggling, heart-stopping display to win it all. Sochi was actually the exception with being consistently rock solid every step of the way.

This is largely the same team as Sochi so maybe that again. I could handle that. Easier on the heart than some other tourneys I remember.

 

[Mudcat]

Does seem to be a strange format, even in the sense there's only 3 games and then a best of 3 semi. You'd think if this thing comes around so seldom they could add a few games.

Actually the semis are single game elimination. A1 vs B2 and B1 vs A2 if you will. Win or go home.

Final is best of 3.

 

[Matty]

Aight, I'm getting excited about this. Can't wait to see Team North America in action. Intriguing stuff.

 

[reno cool]

If they're all under 23 I wouldn't think they'll do much

 

[Mudcat]

Duncan Keith out though. Bouwmeester is a capable addition but you can't really replace Keith. Solid-as-a-rock part of 2 gold medals.

 

[Mudcat]

Young North Americans trounced Team Europe in a pre-tournament match-up. 4-0.

From my quick glimpses and gleaning, seems like quite a contrast, these teams. On one side you got the likes of, McDavid, Austin Matthews, Johnny Gaudreau. On the other, Marian Hossa and Zdeno Chara.

Quite a contrast.

 

[Matty]

If they're all under 23 I wouldn't think they'll do much

I dunno man, it's all about speed and youth these days. I could see them winning it all.

 

[Blitty]

If they're all under 23 I wouldn't think they'll do much

Is Reno turning into Wally II?

23 is the prime age. They are basically all early 1st round picks.

They don't suck.

 

[reno cool]

well, out of curiosity I looked up the odds and they're 15/1 to win. 6th of 8teams.

so you can Wally yourself all you want pal, but a team of young punks is not gonna be a favorite over a well balanced one

 

[Matty]

Canada-USA exhibition game starting RIGHT NOW.

Canada's roster is ridiculous.

 

[Matty]

well, out of curiosity I looked up the odds and they're 15/1 to win.

If I had any money I would throw a hunnerd bucks on that.

I have a couple of $10 freebets at sportsbook.ag but Team NA is only +625 there. I might play Sweden +600.