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Stoneage
I thought Igor had sorted the Russian team out. Apparently not. So much talent, so little result. Seems to be the order ever since Comrade Tichonov left. The NHL skims off all European talents.
That's what it's about really. It was more exciting during the seventies and eighties. Before The Wall went down.
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KevinM
I liked the desperation I saw from Finn's squad, which has been a constant theme in recent years, thus the overachievements. They often keep it simple, offer good puck support on the power play & deft movement. They're the comeback kids, who seemingly thrive on some degree of adversity. They're somewhat clutch & timely scoring & goaltending/team defense is fun to watch. Kudos to their coaching staff.
A couple of years back a recent high NHL draft pick threw his silver medal into the stands. It was Sweden's Lias Andersson (New York Rangers prospect). But for most Swe/Fin/Cze/Slo & to a greater extent Ger/Aut/Swi etc. players, most of those kids will never play 1 game in the NHL (world's most talented league), so even a silver/bronze has significant meaning. They appreciate any winning a lot more, even just the experience of being selected to represent their country & finishing out of the medal round. They are refreshingly humble. Canada almost feels entitled to it. Even USA a bit.
A USA vs. Canada final is the most probable for numerous reasons. Smaller rinks, which they're used to (makes a difference), 20 1st Rd. draft picks for CAN, 9 for U.S.A. iirc.
Sweden's Lias Andersson throws WJC silver medal into stands ...
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Stoneage
Sure, Kevin. The difference is perhaps that, before NHL took all of our talent, to play in your national league was every young player's dream and to play for your national team was the highest honor. The top goal so to speak. Now it isn't. Now it's all about NHL. To play in the junior WC is just a path to the NHL. If someone had acted like Elias in the old days people would have questioned his sanity.
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timbernardis
what i wanna know is, WHY DIDNT TOPI START THIS THREAD????
p
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Stoneage
... What ever happened to Alan Eagleson?
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Stoneage
I wonder about the future for international hockey though. The NHL is planning on boycotting the Olympics now also. Not only the WC. That will, of course, state the end of international hockey on a top level. The WC:s will continue when the Corona situation is under control. That is for sure. It's a pity though that a junior tournament is considered the number one tournament in hockey. I miss the days of Canada Cup. What ever happened to Alan Eagleson?