What the heck is going on with the North American hockey players in these Olympics? All of a sudden, none of them can score.
Team Canada was shut out for the second straight game yesterday when they lost 2-0 to Finland. They already knew that they had qualified for the quarter-finals as a result of Germany only managing a tie against the Swiss earlier in the day, but still were very disappointed in the effort. Ranger Ville Nieminen had an assist. Finland moved to 4-0 in the tournament
Team U.S.A. wasn't much better, losing 2-1 to Henrik Lundqvist and his Swedish team. The Americans could not convert on two second-period five-on-three power plays. They too, will most likely qualify for the quarter-finals, but not before a potential ass-whooping at the hands of the Russians tomorrow.
The Russian team blitzed Latvia 9-2, with Ilya Kovalchuk scoring four goals.
Jaromir Jagr did, in fact, play yesterday against Italy, although he sat out the 3rd period. It wasn't an overly impressive win, just gaining a 4-1 win, including an empty netter. Martin Straka assisted on three of the Czechs' four goals.
Tomorrow, Canada will face the Czech Republic in their final preliminary round game, and the U.S. will face Russia. The quarter-finals begin on Thursday.
Jay Greenberg of the Post and Filip Bondy of the Daily News have differing perspectives on these Olympic hockey games.
Gabe pens a new Fact or Fiction about the Jagr injury and the need to protect stars.
The Hartford Wolf Pack earned their seventh victory in eight games with a win over the Portland Pirates yesterday. Thomas Pöck had a goal and two assists to move him into second place in scoring among AHL defensemen.
Just ten more days until real hockey resumes.
HDH
Posted by Jim at February 20, 2006 10:26 AMeMail this entry!
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