Unfortunate Parallels: Michigan and Canada Hockey
Reflecting on last night's game, I see a lot of parallels between Team Canada and Michigan hockey this year. Canada outskated and outshot the US in a big way, but lost due to subpar goaltending, short yet terrible defensive lapses, and the inability to finish. This has been Michigan's season in a nutshell.
Just a quick thought. Also, USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA!!!!!!
EDIT: USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA ok I'm done.
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:33 AM ^
The play where the three Canadians skated into each other was reminiscent of the train wreck that is/was Michigan football, basketball, and hockey this season.
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:54 PM ^
Canadians:
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:35 AM ^
Holy shit that kids gonna be a good player. Maybe it was just me but I think he was the best player in last nights game.
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:19 PM ^
not to say BOBBY ryan is 'bad,' but 'best player' is real stretch. Rafalski almost had a hat trick and ryan MILLER stood on his head vs the canadian onslaught. he may be a sparty, but miller was unbelievable, and the only reason that game wasn't 10-4 canada
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:45 PM ^
Miller for sure stood out, and was exceptional. Rafalski definitely got it done too. I'm saying defensively he was lock down, and had some outstanding outlet passes, generating rushes against a team that was otherwise choking USA out. (score not withstanding 0
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:40 AM ^
Watching the game last night I couldn't help thinking that it was like watching a red wings (not this year) or michigan game. Just domination except where it counts, in between the pipes and on the scoreboard. Happy it worked out in my favor for once tho.
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:41 AM ^
Was Canada guilty of stupid penalties while on the PP too?
February 22nd, 2010 at 4:27 PM ^
Did they fail to HOLD ON TO THE DAMN PUCK?!?!!
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:58 AM ^
It seems like you need a great (not Hogan pretty good) goal keeper to make key saves at crucial times of the game. Team defense wins games. Also on offense you need traffic in front of the net and have to shoot from within 20 feet, not from the corners or the blue line.Finally stayingout of the box on stupid penalties is key. Good teams who get their noses dirty have beaten better teams on paper for along time doing these things. Wings, Canada, and now UM are reminders of these lessons...btw I still love Jack Jonhson!
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:17 PM ^
The USA is now ranked 1 going into the bracket. Does this mean they are the "home" team, which means they get last change in all their games? Just curious, b/c I feel like this is a big advantage.
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:21 PM ^
they now have a bye into the quarterfinal while Canada has to play in another prelim round
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:38 PM ^
Canada also gets the "death" side of the bracket. Germany, Russia and likely Sweden, assuming Sweden wins out. That's a rough road to the gold medal game for anyone.
Watching Ovechkin lay hits on Crosby is going to be amazing.
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:20 PM ^
destroyed Jagr with the hit that set up the Malkin goal. Looking forward to seeing the same for Crosby.
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:02 PM ^
A nice win for your team and, correctly stated I think, revolving around long periods of domination by the Canadians followed by ridiculous defensive lapses and sketchy goaltending by Marty Brodeur. I'm not just ready, however, to concede this thing just yet; usually long periods of domination equal better results. I'm looking forward to the Russia game.
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:04 PM ^
I am just sayin', I hope our guys aren't looking forward to the Russians as well and forgetting about the Germans.
The Germans are by no means a hockey power, but neither were the Swiss when they beat us out of the last olympics. If it happens again this year I will be pissed.
It should be exciting from here on out. If Canada can put it all together I think they have a shot, but as many have mentioned on this thread, they have to start finishing.
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:06 PM ^
I can see what you mean. They play pretty good but a few lapses and it's a loss.
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:50 PM ^
I completely agree with this assessment. The first thing I thought of during the game was the Michigan/Northern game on Friday or when Michigan lost to Bowling Green at Yost this season.
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:50 PM ^
I completely agree with this assessment. The first thing I thought of during the game was the Michigan/Northern game on Friday or when Michigan lost to Bowling Green at Yost this season.
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:45 PM ^
Both teams also have (in U-M's case, more likely had*) a chance to win the gold (or the NCAA 'ship) on "home" ice.
So unfortunate to [potentially] squander such a fantastic opportunity.
* Yes, I know they can still win the CCHA autobid, sneak into the NCAA tourney, get hot, and perhaps make it to the Frozen Four. I'm certainly hoping that happens, but I'm also a realist.
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:33 PM ^
True enough, the Canadians weren't playing up to their potential, just as they didn't against Switzerland, but the case can definitely be made that we were just that awesome last night.
Just because the Canadians missed an opportunity or two doesn't mean in any way that last night was a fluke and we wouldn't have won anyway. Rafalski has been on fire since the previous game, Miller is playing like a solid wall, and the entire team has been playing good, aggressive, smart hockey. I was especially impressed by our defense last night. We had troubles getting out of the zone at times, but whenever the puck ended up in front of the net, somebody was on it immediately. Canada wasn't getting ANYTHING by way of rebounds. Fortunately at the other end, our boys were getting it done and making their time there count.
They definitely wanted to win last night, and they played to match. If you disagree with that, then YouTube the empty netter. THAT'S effort.