Russia fights to stay alive, while USA show that theybhave work to do

Great article here by ESPN writer Scott Burnside.

http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/17614950

I has a great time this past Thursday as I was there for both games. Watching Russia vs Finland was a treat to watch as I was 5 rows above the Finnish goal to watch Ovie setup for one timers!

That was a great game to watch as Russia showed great effort to not become irrelevant like Team USA in this tournament and on the world stage. In fact, if Russia did lose, it would have been another wasted effort with the talent they have.

And then there was the second game. USA vs Czech Republic. All I can say is with a late power play opportunity, down by one in the third period - Big Buff was on the bench!?

Such a shame since he was the best player for them and showed all night what Torteralla and the management team wanted (or thought they had) from the team. However you had Niskanen, and Jack Johnson at the point. At least put the Big Buff in front of the net.

But the game ended and frustrations came out in an end of game skirmish.

Canada crushes US and eliminates them from the tournament

All I can say is they built a non skilled team that could not come close in any aspect of the game.

Forwards showed no skill or creativity to make plays or possess the puck for any period of time. 

They could have used Tyler Johnson, Phil Kessel, Kyle Okposo, or Paul Stastny. All skilled and can score.  Granted Phil was injured but was rejected prior to that.

And then there is the defence. Ryan McDonagh was the best defenseman first the team. They could have used Shattenkirk, Fowler, or Faulk from Carolina.  So many no shows tonight in terms of effort.

Or, maybe we're just that good though. Go Canada Go.

Leafs comeback and beat Sens in SO!

Well, it wasn't pretty that's for sure. But the Leafs kept skating and forechecking and eventually beat the Sens out 5-4 in a shout out.

Mason Raymond continues to impress and Bolland had some neat dangles in the 3rd. But probably the biggest news that came out was Reimer's nerves. He looked rattled on in close plays and Spezza's goal that made it 4-2 was weak.

It was nice seeing Torts get his first win as a Canuck last night. Edmonton is in deep trouble with the goaltending they have. Sad thing is Dubnyk makes good coin as well. $3+ if I'm not mistaken.

What about the high-flying blues?  7 goals last night. I can't remember the last time they scored so proficiently.

It still might be early for the goalie controversy, but Bernier is a lot more calming in the crease with his more economical movement. Reimer seems to expend more energy with all his movements at this point.