IHWC Qualifying & Relegation Round Update

With the Qualifying & Relegation Rounds about to wrap up tomorrow at the Ice Hockey World Championships. Here's an update of where we are as we get ready for the Quarterfinals which are on May 20.

Group E Action

3 of the 4 Quarterfinal spots have been clinched Russia with their offensive superstars with players like Alexander Ovechkin and Ilya Kovalchuk have got them leading Group E and looking strong towards a 3rd straight World Championship Gold Medal, 2nd Round wins over Denmark and Germany has them at 4-0-0-0 and with a win over Finland tomorrow, would clinch the top spot for the Quarterfinals which would get them a matchup with either the Czech Republic, Norway or Latvia who are in a big battle for the 4th and final Quarterfinal Spot in Group F.

Denmark has been this year's big surprise which have included a 6-0 win over Slovakia plus strong wins over Finland and the USA in this year's tournament which have them in the last 8 for the first time ever in the current format.

With a strong and growing group of players in the Swedish Elitsern, plus NHL'ers Peter Regin, Frans Nielsen plus a couple of strong prospects in Lars Eller with the Peoria Rivermen and Philip Larsen who's with the Dallas Stars org.

This is a team that is looking to finish off what's been a disappointing international season by not promoting to the WJC & U18 World Championships, plus not making the Olympic Tournament as well, when they got beat arch rival Norway in the Final Round of Olympic Qualifiers last season. Despite a rough showing against Russia, a win against Denmark could possibly get them a 2nd seed and an improved shot of pulling off a Quarterfinal Upset.

Here's a look at the current Group E standings through 5/17

1. Russia 4-0-0-0 12 PTS 15-6

2. Finland 3-0-0-1 9 PTS 11-6

3. Denmark 2-0-0-2 6 PTS 12-10

4. Germany 1-0-1-2 4 PTS 6-7

5. Slovakia 1-0-0-3 3 PTS 7-16

6. Belarus 0-1-0-3 2 PTS 5-11


Clinched Quarterfinals Spot

Eliminated from Quarterfinal Contention


Group E Schedule

5/14: Slovakia 0 Denmark 6 (0-6, 0-0, 0-0)

5/14: Finland 2 Belarus 0 (0-0, 2-0, 0-0)

5/15: Russia 3 Germany 2 (1-0, 1-1, 1-1)

5/16: Denmark 1 Russia 6 (0-2, 1-1, 0-3)

5/16: Germany 1 Belarus 2 (OT) (0-1, 0-0, 1-0, 0-1)

5/17: Finland 5 Slovakia 2 (0-0, 3-0, 2-2)

5/17: Belarus 2 Denmark 1 (0-1, 1-0, 1-0)

5/18: Slovakia VS. Germany

5/18: Russia VS. Finland


Group F Update

Despite Switzerland losing the 1st Game of the Qualifying Round, this Swiss team is finally capable of breaking through to win their first major international medal as Switzerland, Sweden and Canada in a battle for the top spot of Group F.

Switzerland's chances took a hit today as Norway a close game 3-2 as the Norwegians came out swinging for 3 goals in the 1st period to go up 3-1, despite a goal early in the 3rd period, Switzerland has been very dangerous by beating Canada in the 1st round and a win over the Czechs in the 2nd Round.

In the other end of the 2nd Round, the battle will comedown to Norway and the Czech Republic as a Latvian Loss pretty much ended their chances with a 3-1 loss in a game that just ended a little while ago.

Norway helped their chances and upped their record to 2-2 with a 3-2 win over Switzerland with a 3 goal 1st period. Norway will have to hold their breath and hope that Canada beat the Czechs as both teams are currently at 6 points in the standings.

The final day of the 2nd Round will have Canada VS. Czech Republic and Sweden against Switzerland which should determine who gets the top spot. The Group Winner will play either Germany or Slovakia as they will play tomorrow.


Here's a look at the current standings through 5/17

1. Sweden 3-0-0-1 9 PTS 13-7

2. Switzerland 3-0-0-1 9 PTS 12-6

3. Canada 2-0-0-2 6 PTS 20-9

4. Czech Rep. 2-0-0-2 6 PTS 9-7

5. Norway 2-0-0-3 6 PTS 9-26

6. Latvia 1-0-0-4 3 PTS 12-16


Clinched Quarterfinal Spots

Eliminated from Quarterfinal Contention


Relegation Round

After losing 2 games in OT during the Prelim Round, the Americans are looking to use their frustration to recover from the bad 1st Round. So far, they have done that with shutouts wins over Kazakhstan (10-0) and France (4-0) as the Americans pretty much gotten themselves out of the Relegation Trouble. As for the race to avoid relegation.

Kazakhstan is pretty much doomed with a 10-0 loss and a 2-1 loss to Italy. As for the other spot, it comes down to Italy & France as the two 1-1 teams. France has the advantage as they have already played the Americans. Italy plays the USA tomorrow as Italy's hopes come down to goaltender David Bellissimmo as he has kept the Italians in a majority of the games in this tournament, he will have to bring his A game and then some to keep the Americans from running up the score and sending them down to the DIV. 1 Tournament for next year.

Relegation Round Standings as of 5/17

1. USA 2-0-0-0 6 PTS 14-0

2. Italy 1-0-0-1 3 PTS 3-3

3. France 1-0-0-1 3 PTS 2-4

4. Kazakhstan 0-0-0-2 0 PTS 2-11


Kept their spot for the 2011 IHWC Tournament.


Relegation Round Schedule

5/15: USA 10 Kazakhstan 0 (4-0, 5-0, 1-0)

5/15: Italy 1 France 2 (0-1, 0-0, 1-1)

5/16: France 0 USA 4 (0-0, 0-2, 0-2)

5/16: Italy 2 Kazakhstan 1 (0-0, 0-0, 2-1)

5/18: USA VS. Italy

5/18: Kazakhstan VS. France

I will be at the Farmers Branch Starcenter for Tonight's HS Playoff Games

I will be heading to the Farmers Branch Starcenter tonight for the Game 2's in the best of 3 Series between the Southlake Carroll Dragons and the Frisco ISD. Plus Dallas Jesuit playing Allen as the top 2 seeds will be looking to close out their series tonight and advance to the Semifinals.

Be sure to check out some of the best talent in the area with players like Marcel Toure, Connor Morrow and Drew Cossu looking to close out Frisco ISD tonight and advance to the Semifinals. The 1st Quarterfinal will be at 6:30 PM tonight.

Then in the late game will be Allen VS. Dallas Jesuit as the Eagles look to build on a strong late portion of the 2nd period after the 5-0 SO on Tuesday night. The 2nd game of the night will start at 8:15 PM tonight.

Can't make it to Farmers Branch? They's plenty of other great games including Game 2 of the Plano West Wolves VS. Coppell Cowboys after Game 1 got to a shootout after the Cowboys edged the Wolves on Tuesday night.

Here's the Full Schedule for Tonight's HS Playoff Games.


Gold Tier Quarterfinals (Game 2)

#1 Southlake Carroll VS. #8 Frisco ISD 6:30 PM @ Farmers Branch Starcenter (Southlake Carroll Leads Series 1-0)

#2 Allen VS. #7 Dallas Jesuit 8:15 PM @ Farmers Branch Starcenter (Allen Leads Series 1-0)

#3 Plano Senior VS. #6 Flower Mound 7:00 PM @ Plano Starcenter (Plano Senior Leads Series 1-0)

#4 Coppell VS. #5 Plano West 8:45 PM @ Plano Starcenter (Coppell Leads Series 1-0)


Silver Tier Quarterfinals

#1 Garland ISD VS. #9 Grapevine 6:30 PM @ Richardson Ice Training Center

#2 Keller ISD VS. #7 Richardson ISD 7:00 PM @ Euless Starcenter

#3 FM Marcus VS. #6 Plano East 8:45 PM @ Euless Starcenter

#4 Rockwall VS. #5 Midlothian 8:15 PM @ Richardson Ice Training Center


If any of the Gold Tier Quarterfinal Series' need a Game 3, it will be on Saturday.


Gold Tier Quarterfinals Game 3 (If Necessary)

#1 Southlake Carroll VS. #8 Frisco ISD 2:45 PM @ Euless Starcenter

#2 Allen VS. #7 Dallas Jesuit 6:45 PM @ Mckinney Starcenter

#3 Plano Senior VS. #6 Flower Mound 8:30 PM @ Mckinney Starcenter

#4 Coppell VS. #5 Plano West 6:45 PM @ Mckinney Starcenter



All of the Quarterfinal Winners will Advance to the Semifinals Which will be on March 22.

Gold Tier

#1 Seed VS. #4 Seed 6:15 PM @ Farmers Branch Starcenter

#2 Seed VS. #3 Seed 7:00 PM @ Plano Starcenter


Silver Tier

#1 Seed VS. #4 Seed 8:00 PM @ Farmers Branch Starcenter

#2 Seed VS. #3 Seed 8:45 PM @ Plano Starcenter

Kiprusoff, Team Defense Shutdown's the Czech Republic

With one of the most defensive showdowns of the enter tournament with the first goal not coming until Niklas Hagaman broke the deadlock in a game of chicken where despite the shot count being so high in this game, it was getting to the point where one goal could have been enough to win the game.

Thanks to Mikka Kiprusoff's great performance, that made the difference as the Finns were able to shut out the Czechs and the team will be back in the Semifinals and Medal Round for the 2nd straight Olympics after coming so close to winning their first ever Olympic Gold Medal in their team's history.

For the Czech Republic, this ends a streak where the Czechs will not for an Olympic Medal for the first time since 1994. Could be a major sign of the decline of Czech Hockey in recent years. Their Junior Team have struggled, they not producing more players to the NHL in recent years and the Czech Extraliga has been going downhill steadily over the last decade or so.

Also, they had one of the older rosters on the team that for some of these guys that this would most likely be their final International Tournament of their careers.

For Finland, it's a shot at redemption against the U.S.A. as the Finns are looking for the nations first ever Olympic Gold after winning Silver Medals in 1988 (Calgary) and 2006 (Turin, Italy) and winning Bronze Medals in 1994 (Lillehammer, Norway) and 1998 (Nagano, Japan). Finland's last senior international Gold Medal was back in 1995 when the IHWC was held in Stockholm.

Finland VS. Czech Republic Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/olympics-2010/pictures/page/0/game/FIN%20-%20CZE%20%28QF%29.html

Finland VS. Czech Republic Game Summary: www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/mens-play-offs-quarterfinals---game-25_ihm400303gi.html

Here's the Matches for the Semifinals on Friday. Both Games will be at the Hockey Canada Place.

U.S.A. VS. Finland 12:00 PM PST

Canada VS. Slovakia 6:30 PM PST

Risto Pakarinen of the International Ice Hockey Federation: www.iihf.com

Thanks to Mikka Kiprusoff's shutout and Niklas Hagman's power play goal, Finland stayed in Vancouver to play a semi-final game against Team U.S.A., after 2-0 win over the Czech Republic late on Wednesday night.

"Just another day at the office for "Kipper"." said Teemu Selanne.

Finland managed to get a bye by being the best 2nd place team, while the Czechs had to go the full rounds with Latvia in the 2nd round game on Tuesday night. Maybe it was the Czechs' slight fatigue that caused penalty trouble they were in early in the game.

"Often it's better to play on back to back days, but I don't know, maybe they were tired. Although, they all play in the NHL and they should be used to it," Finland's Tuomo Ruutu said.

"This was a huge improvement over our game against Sweden. We wanted to be active, and take initiate. It's easier to be aggressive and play with our emotion if you know that somebody will cover for you. The defensemen can pinch when you can pinch they can trust the forwards," he added.

Just 3:38 into the game, Finland had a two-man advantage, a golden opportunity to score. The power play was turned into a 4-on-3 special when Finland captain Saku Koivu was sent to the penalty box for tripping. Finland-who had scored six power play goals in the first 3 games of the tournament-couldn't capitalize on its chance, nor did it score on any of the other four power play chances it had in this game.

Not only did the penalties give Finland the upper hand in the period, they also kept the Czech superstar Jaromir Jagr off the ice, as coach Ruzicka went with other players in the penalty kill. Jagr played only 2:08 in the first period.

In the 2nd period, the Czechs stayed out of the penalty box, a recipe for success, and they managed to create some good scoring chances. Team Captain Patrik Elias had an empty net in front of him halfway through the period, but the puck bounced over the blade. In fact, the only penalty of the period was on Olli Jokinen delaying of the game at 15:41 after he moved the net during a Czech attack. The ensued power play unit with Elias, Jagr, and Tomas Plekanec and defensemen Marek Zidlicky and Tomas Kaberle created a couple of good chances, but Kiprusoff was perfected in the Finnish goal.

"The most important thing is how the goalie makes his team feel, if he gives them the extra confidence. He doesn't even have to be the best in the world, if he makes his teammates more confident," said Jaromir Jagr."

The game was as round as the goalless score after two periods indicated. The Finns out shot the Czechs out shot Finland 11-10. And it came down the wire. Both teams were very careful in their own ends, with the first goal simply getting the puck over the blueline, and then went looking for that one mistake. Or a Power Play chance to take advantage.

Finland got its chance at 52:17 when Martin Erat was sent to the box for delaying the game. With 6:26 remaining, the puck was played to Janne Niskala whose slapshot Niklas Hagman deflected to the back of the net through Vokoun's five hole.

"It was tough luck for us, because the defensemen lost his helmet and he had to go and pick it up. But, it's a part of the game," Jagr commented on the play that left Hagman in front of the net.

Finland will play the U.S.A. in it's semifinal on Friday

"It'll be a tough game, they have a couple of skilled lines, but also players that are physical. A little bit like our team," said Defensemen Kimmo Timonen.

Sweden Dethroned, Slovakia to play for first ever Olympic Medal

The Defending Olympic Gold Medal Winners were looking to be the first team to repeat since the Soveit Union Domination in the 60s and the 70s. After a slow start to the game where it was a bit of a sleeper in the first period, but the game came to life in the 2nd period when Marian Gaborik and Andrej Sekera helped the Slovaks go up 2-0 in just over a minute prior to the midway point of the game.

For Sweden, Henrik Zetterberg and Patric Hornqvist came back quickly to make it 2-2 as the game began to come alive. With some great PP's chances and some fast action. The Slovaks used Tomas Kopecky goal to go up 4-2, but just 40 seconds later the Swedes fired right back with the Ottawa Senators Superstar Daniel Alfredsson used a goal to back within 1. And provided a great challenge to get back in the game when Sweden out shot Slovakia 10-3 in the 3rd period and 29-14 for the game.

The Slovak shot output got lower as the game went on as they got 7 off in the 1st, just 4 in the 2nd and just 3 in the 3rd period. But the Slovaks made their power play count big time as they scored twice with the man advantage and provided a spark on defense to help fend off the Swedes and knock them out.

For Slovakia, this is the best result ever for the team since the split of the Czech Republic and Slovakia in the early 90s. The Slovaks will play the host Canadians in Friday's Semifinals. For Slovakia, they have 3 IHWC Medals to their credit in their pretty short history. Gold in 2002, Silver in 200 and a Bronze in Medal in 2003. This will also be their first ever shot at an Olympic Medal in Ice Hockey.

Going into the Semifinals, we have 2 teams in Finland and Slovakia who have never won Olympic Gold. As well as the U.S.A. who are looking to win their first Gold Medal in 30 years. That leaves Canada as the only team with a recent Olympic Gold that they won in 2002 in Salt Lake, City Utah.

Updated Brackets for Friday's Semifinals. Both games are at Canada Hockey Place.

U.S.A. VS Finland 12:00 PM PST

Canada VS. Slovakia 6:30 PM PST

From Lucas Aykroyd of the International Ice Hockey Federation. http://www.iihf.com/

Sweden VS. Slovakia Team Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/olympics-2010/pictures/page/0/game/SWE%20-%20SVK%20%28QF%29.html

Sweden VS. Slovakia Game Summary: www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/mens-play-offs-quarterfinals---game-26_ihm400304YU.html

Farewell Sweden, In the last Men's Quarterfinal, Slovakia advanced to a semi-final meeting on Canada on Friday, edging the 2006 Champs from Turin 4-3. Canada will face Canada, while the U.S.A. will play Finland.

Tomas Kopecky scored the third-period winner, and Pavol Demitra paced the Slovak Attack with a goal and 2 assists. Marian Gaborik and Andrej Sekera added singles, while Marian Hossa had two helpers.

"It is an awesome feeling, beating one of the favorites in the tournament," said Hossa of the 2010 biggest upset to date. "We played well defensively tonight."

Patrick Hornqvist, Henrik Zetterberg and Daniel Alfredsson replied for Sweden. "I don't really have an explanation," said Nicklas Backstrom. "They're a good team." We knew that, but we weren't ready. We didn't play as well as we could have."

"It wasn't a vintage outing for superstar Swedish Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, as Slovakia fired just 14 shots on goal to Sweden's 29. Jaroslav Halak got the win for Slovakia. Heading for it's first Olympic Semifinal appearance, Slovakia is guaranteed a top-four finish and a shot at it's first hockey medal at the games ever. The Slovaks came fifth four years ago in Turin, eliminated by the Czechs in the Quarterfinals after winning five straight in the Group Stage.

Slovakia will host the 2011 Ice Hockey World Championships in Bratislava and Kosice, has only three previous senior IIHF World Championship Medals to its credit, all from the Worlds: Gold in 2002, Silver in 2000, and Bronze in 2003. The game started slowly, but turned into a frenzy of trading chances as time wore on: however, the Slovaks never trailed.

"It's ideal when we get the lead and can play our game, but we weren't able to do that tonight," said Zetterberg. Marian Hossa and Tomas Kopecky nearly hooked up on a 2-1 in the opening minute, but there weren't many dangerous scoring opportunities as the team cautiously felt each other out. In the first period, the Slovaks failed to capitalize on three power play chances on Sweden's 1.

The Physical intensity increased just before the buzzer, as Slovak captain Zdeno Chara nearly put Henrik Tallinder over the boards with a big hit and Swedish defensemen Mattias Ohlund stood Marian Hossa up at the blueline with a solid-open ice hit.

In the 2nd period, the Slovaks got to Lundqvist in a big way, scoring three times on just 4 shots.

First the Swedes were caught with too many men on the ice, and paid the price. Slovakia opened the scoring at 7:34 with Marian Hossa fed a perfect cross-ice pass on the power play to Gaborik, whose one-timer along the ice beat Lundqvist. It ended the Swedish starter's tournament best shutout streak, which included wins over Belarus (2-0), and Finland (3-0).

Just 37 seconds later, the Slovaks opened up a 2-0 lead when Richard Zednik stepped away on a 2-on-1, feeding a nice backhand pass by the stick of Nicklas Lundstrom to Andrej Sekera, who made no mistake. Zigmund Palffy, who received the second assist, took a hit to make the play, as he was crushed in his own zone by Niklas Kronwall stepping up in vintage fashion.

The Swedes cut the deficit to 2-1 at 13:49 of the 2nd period with some magic courtsey of the suddenly-awakened Peter Forsberg line. From behind the goal line, "Foppa" got his first point of the Olympic Tournament with a perfect backhanded pass to Hornqvist, who in turn lifed a backhanded past Halak's right pad.

Just 37 seconds later, Foresberg bulled his way to the net and distracted Milan Jurcina as Zetterberg's 2-2 goal at 14:26 bounced in off the big Slovak defender. But the Swedish rally wasn't enough. With 48 seconds left in the 2nd period, Demitra put Slovakia up 3-2 on the man advantage with a screened slapshot that whizzed over Lundqvist's left shoulder.

"It was a huge goal by Demitra," said Marian Hossa. "When you score a goal with 3 seconds left in the period, it is a confidence-booster."

The 3rd period witnessed more dramatics. With 11 minutes left, Demitra busted down right wing, fed Marian Hossa on the other side, and Kopecky raced into convert the garbage into a 4-2 Slovak lead. The Swedes weren't done, though. Half a minute later, Nicklas Backstrom grabbed the puck behind the goal-line and fed a sweet centering pass to Alfredsson, who snapped it over Halak's glove to make it 4-3. That was as close as the Tre Kronor would come.

Sweden buzzed Halak's cage in the dying minutes but failed to get the equalizer. The Slovaks mobbed their goalie jubilantly at the final buzzer.

"We beat a quality team tonight," said Chara. "Sweden were outstanding throughout the tournament. We have to enjoy tonight, but great ready for the next one." (Mentioning Canada in the Semifinals).

The Slovaks played without forward Lubos Bartecko, who was concussed on a hit by Norwegian defensemen Ole Kristian Tollefsen in Slovakia 4-3 2nd round win on Tuesday.

Canada walks all over Russia 7-3, to play Sweden VS. Slovakia Winner Next

What a dominating performance for the Canadians. After a relativity easy game for the Host Team on Thursday night against Germany. The match a lot of people thought would be for the Gold Medal turned into a rout very quickly as the Canadians got goals from all over the ice from Corey Perry who had 2 goals and an assist, to Shea Weber and Sydney Crosby and everyone in between. For Vancouver Goalie Roberto Luongo, it was a retaliative easy night for him but was stellar when called upon.

Russia was just poor all over the ice, from taking to long to change goalies to not matching the Canadian Energy. This was a night where the Russians were sent home and knew it at different parts of the game.

For the most part, Russian Superstar Forwards Alex Ovechkin, Illy Kovalchuk were just disappointing all night and are going to get a mouthful from the Russian Media at home as the Russians were viewed as Canada's biggest challenger during this tournament. This needs to be a wake up call to Russia that performances like this won't be tolorated like this ever at any tournament, much less the Olympics against their biggest rival.

Canada was the better team all over the ice, no doubt about that and this is a highly energized team that has put the problems against Switzerland and the U.S.A. behind them from the Group Stage. This is a team that will put fear into the winner of Sweden VS. Slovakia which is the final game of the night coming up on Friday night in the Semifinals.

Update to Matches for Semifinals on Friday:

U.S.A. VS. Finland 12:00 PM PST @ Canada Hockey Place

Canada VS. Sweden/Slovakia Winner 6:30 PM PST @ Canada Hockey Place

Canada VS. Russia Game Summary: www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/mens-play-offs-quarterfinals---game-24_ihm400302ow.html

Canada VS. Russia Photos: www.iihf.com/channels10/olympics-2010/pictures/page/0/game/RUS%20-%20CAN%20%28QF%29.html

From Andrew Podnieks of the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

Canada beat Russia for the first time in an Olympics since 1960 (Last 8 Olympics) in dominating fashion, winning 7-3 in a game that was lighting fast although seldom close.

Corey Perry led the way with 2 goals and an assist. In all, six different players scored for Canada. Only in 1960 when Canada beat the Soviet Union by an 8-5 score in Squaw Valley has the nation allowed more goals. Canada will now play the winner in the semi-finals on Friday at 6:30 PM Local Time against tonight's winner of Sweden VS. Slovakia. For the Russians, the 2010 Olympic Tournament is over.

"It was an electric atmosphere", said goalie Roberto Luongo, who is sure to start in the semi-final game. "It was a really fun to play in. With the lead, it was a bit more comfortable."

Canada's strategy was simple: the game is being played on small ice, so play the small ice game. This meant hitting Alexander Ovechkin every time he was near the puck, hitting anything and everything in sight. By the midway mark of the first period, no Russian player wanted to hang onto the puck for very long.

"It was a very physical game on both sides of the puck," said Mike Richards. "Ovie is used to that in the NHL. He's a marked guy everytime he's on the ice."

The Physical play had the Russians reeling from the opening faceoff, and the double whammy was the top-speed creativity the big-banging Canadians displayed once they had possesion. Tic-Tac-Toe passes were the norm on every shift as Russian Goalie Nabokov was sliding east and west trying to figure out who was shooting and who was passing.

Canada opened the scoring at 2:21 when defensemen Dan Boyle tore down the left wing and backhanded a pass to the slot where Getzlaf one-timed it past goalie Nabokov after defensemen Slava Kozlov failed to check Getzlaf with any purpose. The Canadians kept pressing, moving the puck fluidly out of their own end and maintaining possession in the Russian end to create scoring chances. Nabokov looked nervous, and Canadians played Ovechkin with the same physicality as 2004 when he was in the U20 Gold Medal Game.

Alexei Morozov had a good chance on a one-timer on a Russian power play, but he fanned on the shot. Ilya Kovalchuk let go another one timer that made it through traffic, but Luongo came across to make a nice save as the penalty expired.

The frenetic pace continued. Crosby drove hard down the left side and was hauled down by Anton Volchenkov for a penalty. On the ensuing power play a Boyle point shot was deftly redirected by Patrick Marleau through the pads to make a 2-0 Canada lead.

At 12:55 a fast break gave Canada a 3rd goal, Nash finishing off a beautiful passing play up the ice with Jonathan Towes and Mike Richards. Nash lifted the puck over Nabokov just as the goalie sprawled to try the Johnny Bower pokecheck. The astounding and relentless assault forced Russian coach Slava Bykov to call a timeout to try to settle down the team and quiet the crowd.

Indeed, the crowd grew silent, comfortable with the lead, and that's exactly when the Russians got one back at 14:39. Dmitri Kalinin's wrist shot from the point fooled Roberto Luongo and gave the Russians some life. But Canada didn't surrender. The mostly Canadian crowd started up again, and the players continued to attack. The team got that crucial fourth goal late in the period. Brenden Morrow walked out from behind the goal and tried a backhanded wraparound that rolled up Nabokov's body and behind him into the net for a 4-1 lead at 18:18. Shots favored Canada 21-12 in quite possibly the fastest period of hockey ever played.

Canada made it a 5-1 lead at 3:10 of the 2nd period on a harmless looking play when Getzlaf skated in over the blue line surrounded by four Russians. He took a shot that was blocked, but Corey Perry banged home a loose puck past a surprised Nabokov. And still, Bykov left the goalie in the net.

Less then a minute later, Canada got another goal on a center ice turnouver. Shea Weber finished things off with a bullet drive along the ice, off the far post and in at 4:07 to make it 6-1. This forced Nabokov to the showers in favor of IIya Bryzgalov.

Just 39 seconds later, Iiya Kovalchuk from Maxim Afinogenov flying down the right wing. Afinogenov cut in around defensemen Duncan Keith and beat Luonog to the far side to cut the lead to 2 goals. Just when it seemed the Canadians was sitting back and protecting the lead with half a game to play, they struck again on another gorgeous passing play. This time Getzlaf carried the puck in over the Russian line, slipped a pass ahead of Staal who moved it across ice to Perry. Perry's Quick shot to the open side hit the net for his 2nd of the night.

Luongo was called upon to make his best save when Alexander Radulov was open in the slot. Radulov made a nice deke, but Luongo stuck out his left leg to make a great toe save.

A too-many-men penalty gave Russia a power play, and Sergei Gonchar beat Luongo with a long shot to cut the lead in this high scoring game to 7-3. That's how the period ended to the delight of the crowd. Canada killed off an early penalty in the third period and then lost Staal after he collided hard into the end boards chasing down a long pass. No penalty was called on the play, but on the ensuing rush Gonchar drew a hooking penalty. Iginla hit the post on one sequence, but the score remained the same.

Luongo made his mark on the game by stoning Evgeni Malkin on a breakaway at 15:44, kicking out his right pad and sending the crowd into a frenetic "Looo"!

"I thought our energy and execution right from the drop of the puck was phenomenal." Eric Staal noted. "We came out with a jump. We were slowly boiling, and once the puck dropped to start the game, we were ready and firing. We got that goal to get us started right away, and the atmosphere and passion was unbelievable in here. It was a lot of fun out here."

Said a beleaguered Nabokov: "The first goal came too quick. They scored and just kept coming, We were not able to stop them, the SOG (42-28) tells it all."

Zach Parise beats out Hiller, Sends U.S.A. to Semifinals

At times today, it seemed like Jonas Hiller was standing on his head keeping it scoreless through 2 periods despite the U.S.A. out shooting Switzerland 32-8 through 2 periods. But Zach Parise who after Ryan Miller, maybe has been the best player for Team U.S.A. during the Olympic Tournament to send them to Semifinals who will play the lowest reaming seed during Friday's Semifinals at Canada Hockey Place.

You have got to give Switzerland and Jonas Hiller in particular a lot of props from getting to 3 OT games including forcing Canada to a SO.

Also giving the U.S.A. two stellar games where they proved they have been one of the fasting improving teams in the world. It's only a matter of time before Switzerland I think will finally break through and win an International Medal. After a strong performance in the WJC as they got to the Semifinals, and a strong showing in the Olympics for the 2nd straight time.

Despite not getting the massive upsets like they did in 2006, they have succeeded in letting the world know that 2006 was no joke. If Switzerland can start getting more players in the NHL, watch out for the Swiss to contend for an Olympic Medal in the near future. One player to watch out for in the near future could be Nino Niederreiter who had a strong showing for the Swiss for the Junior Team at the WJC and has had a great season with the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League.

The Swiss have two more shots at hockey glory this season at the U18 World Championships which will be in Belarus in April. Then in May is the Ice Hockey World Championships which will be in the German Cities of Mannheim, Colonge, and Gelsenkirchen where a world Record Attempt will be look to be set during Germany's Opening game of the IHWC. Expect the Swiss to be strong at both events in the spring.

For the Americans, this game was big that they can play against a desperate team that was looking to pull off a big upset. The Young American Players, especially guys like Ryan Miller, Zach Parise and Brian Rafalski who are playing in their First Olympics are showing that they can get it done against the best in the world.

Next up will be either the Czech Republic or Finland who finished with the Silver and Bronze Medals in 2006, the Americans have shown that playing teams in the Prelims and Quarterfinals that these guys are that good. Now they await they toughest test yet as they look to take down teams that are looking to win Gold after coming so close 4 years ago in Turin, Italy.

Next up for the U.S.A. will be the lowest remaining seeded team in the Semifinals coming up on Friday afternoon. With the win today by Team U.S.A., they will be guaranteed a chance at a medal this year. The Bronze Medal Game is on Saturday Night at 7:00 PM PST, then on Sunday afternoon is the Gold Medal Game as it's the final major event of these Winter Olympic Closing Ceremonies on Sunday Night.

From John Sanful of the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: http://www.iihf.com/

From Vancouver: The Americans dodged a bullet on Wednesday afternoon. Switzerland threatened to beat the U.S.A. since the 1948 Winter Olympic Games, but Zach Parise's power play goal in the third period gave the U.S.A. a 2-0 win, moving into the Semifinals against the Winner of the Czech Republic VS. Finland Game later tonight.

This was not the ideal scenario for Team U.S.A. After coming off a big win over Canada to finish atop Prelim Group A, Team U.S.A. entered this game meeting an opponent they've already beaten on the opening day of the Men's Tournament.

Prior to this game these teams have played each other 6 times in Olympic play with the U.S.A. winning all 6 prior games. But the Swiss would have none of it, Switzerland has grown accustomed to playing closely contested games. Their last 3 games have gone into OT and two shootouts. They played like a team that had nothing to lose, taking the play to the Americans.

"It was good to go into the intermission with a 0-0 game," said Yannick Weber. "I think it would have been different if it was 1-0." I think it gave us some confidence. We went out in the third period to get the win." It was close, but it just wasn't our day."

Team U.S.A. started tentatively, turning over the puck their first pass out of their zone. In addition there were several individual efforts that were unsuccessful. Rather then dump the puck and go after it, a few skaters tried to stickhandle through Swiss players, which was hardly effective.

The Swiss was rentless in pursuit of the puck. They enjoyed several odd-man rushes. Despite only four shots in the 1st period, the Swiss would also threaten, including one shift where Raffaele Sannitz had exceptional chances to score and delivered a big hit.

It was the Jonas Hiller Show today. Ryan Miller had to be extra sharp today as he faced odd man rushes and high percentage shots from the Swiss, whe were playing with incredible confidence. Miller was poised in goal. Jonas Hiller also stood strong for his team in goal, making 18 saves in the first period alone and keeping the Americans off the scoreboard.

In the 2nd period, Phil Kessel had the best chance for the Americans for the Americans when he sent a shot that rang off the post and crossbar. With time running out in the 2nd period, the Americans through that Dustin Brown had scored near the end of the 2nd. Hiller made a save then as the puck was in the air tried to bat it upwards, which he did but it went over his shoulder and on the goal line with no time left on the clock.

The play was reviewed and the officials concluded no goal.

"I was upset about the disallowed goal more then anything," said Ryan Kesler. "I though it was in. I didn't hear the horn until afterwards."

After two periods of play the Americans and Swiss remained tied. It appeared the inexperience and nerves of Team U.S.A. may have gotten the best of them. Only a big 3rd period would change things.

"It was good to go into the intermission with a 0-0 game," said Yannick Weber. "I think it would have been different if it was a 1-0. I think it game us some confidence. We went out in the 3rd period to get the win. It was close, but just wasn't our day."

The American Power Play was out of sync until the third period when Zach Parise put his team on the board when Philippe Furrer was called for Tripping.

Parise tapped his stick on the ice in front of Hiller, expecting a good low shot could be redirected. Brian Rafalski's shot was deflected by Parise over Hiller's glove and slowly dribbled into the net.

Swiss Assistant Captain, Sandy Jeannin appeared to have tied the game a few minutes later. Instant Replay showed that his shot hit the post and roll across the goal line, but didn't cross over the goal line. Parise had another chance but hit the post. Team U.S.A. picked up things significantly in the 3rd period. They were skating much more effectively and creating quality scoring chances.

"It'd be a lot less nerve wracking [to win big]," said Rafalski. "But it's good for our guys. It's a sign of maturity that we didn't panic. We didn't sit back, we continued to create chances."

The Swiss would not let up. With less then two minutes remaining they called a timeout to pull Jonas Hiller, but Parise scored his 2nd on an empty net. Now the Americans can take a breath and watch tonight's game at the UBC Thunderbird Arena to find out who they will play in Friday's Semifinal.

"Right now, we sit back and watch the Finns and Czechs play," said Rafalski. "We've run into Finland a lot over the years in recent international events, the Czechs, not so much. The Finns have good, deep goaltending, and both teams have good forwards. "It'll be a tough night either way".

Look for the Canada VS. Russia Game Report Later Tonight, then the Czech Republic VS. Finland and Sweden VS. Slovakia Game Reports tomorrow.

Offical Game Report: www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/mens-play-offs-quarterfinals---game-23_ihm400301xK.html

Game Photos: www.iihf.com/en/channels10/olympics-2010/pictures/page/0/game/USA%20-%20SUI%20%28QF%29.html

Twitter Updates during Olympic Quarterfinals and Tomorrow's Women's Gold Medal Game

Just like for a part of the 2nd Round Games yesterday. I will be once again be doing Twitter Updates during the Quarterfinals of today's Men's Games, then tomorrow, it's the Women's Gold Medal Game as the U.S.A. & Canada will play for the Olympic Gold for the 3rd time in the Women's Hockey Tournament History.

Today's Quarterfinals

U.S.A. VS. Switzerland 12:00 PM PST

Russia VS. Canada 4:30 PM PST

Finland VS. Czech Republic 7:00 PM PST

Sweden VS. Slovakia 9:00 PM PST


Tomorrow's Women's Gold Medal Game

U.S.A. VS. Canada 4:30 PM PST

WJC Quarterfinal Preview: USA VS. Finland & Russia VS. Switzerland

Here's a look at what to expect later on today for the WJC Quarterfinals as we begin the knockout round brackets today.

For the USA, they have had a tendency to let down after big loses, the last 2 years especially. In the 2008 tournament, after going unbeaten in group play, the USA had a huge loss to Canada in the semifinals where the team never looked the same as they struggled against Russia to claim the Bronze Medal Game. Team USA later lossed that game to finish 4th that year.

Then last year, it was a loss against Canada in the final Group Stage game where they entered the Quarterfinal where Slovakia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent WJC memory where the Slovaks went on to almost beat Sweden in the Semifinal. Today, they will play Finland where they coming off a 7-1 thrashing of Sweden where despite the loss, they were still able to finish 3rd in Group B ahead of the Czech Republic to avoid being in the relegation round for the 2nd straight year.

About Finland

The Finns have a strong team that will throw everything it can towards team USA Goalie Jack Campbell. The trouble for the Finns has been getting the puck in the net where they are tied for 2nd in the tournament with 185 shots, but is converting only at a 8.11 scoring precent which is just 15 goals.

This failure could have turned losses against Sweden and Russia to wins. Against Group Winner Sweden, Finland out shot their rivals 26-3 in the first period, but didn't score. In fact, the Swedes scored the only goal of the period which eventually lead to a 7-1 win.

Expect the Finnish Offense to throw every shot possible here in this game tonight.

About Russia VS. Switzerland

Switzerland will play in the afternoon game today at 4:00 PM before the USA VS. Finland Game. The winner will play Canada in tomorrow's Semifinal. Switzerland is the heavy underdog here, but they have played much better since the USA Game back on December 27.

A strong top line, a great goaltender and have all the ingredients to rock the boat. Can they have enough to upset the Russians, my pick is no. It will be Sweden VS. USA & Canada VS. Russia as the top 4 Junior Teams in the World will round out the tournament to play for the Medals on January 5.

Relegation Round

It just became final just a little while ago as Slovakia improved their chances of staying in the WJC for 2011 as the Slovaks beat Austria 3-2 to put them in front of the relegation Round Standings with 6 points while Austria despite it's best game of the tournament faces relegation as they have no points and a -7 GD in the relegation round in this game and in the game against the Czech Republic where they lost 7-1.

Tomorrow, it will be Czech Republic VS. Latvia at 12:00 Noon in Saskatoon as a Czech Win would send both Latvia and Austria down to the 2011 U20 Division 1 Tournament.

12/31: USA Gets Edged in SO

The USA ended the Group Stage of the WJC with a game against Cross Border Rival's Canada for the top spot in Group A and an automatic spot in the Semifinals. After going up 4-2 late in the 2nd period, the USA seemed to be in control until Canada goals by Eberle and Pietrangelo helped the Canadians tie the game before Kozun clinched it in the SO.

Press Release from the USA Hockey Website. www.usahockey.com

The U.S. Junior National Team scored two shorthanded goals but fell to Canada, 5-4, in a shootout in it's final prelim round game of the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship. The US (3-0-1-0) will face Finland in the Quarterfinals on Saturday at 8:00 PM.

"Tonight was a great hockey game for these 2 countries," said Dean Blais, head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team. "It's tough to lose when a game goes to a shootout like tonight. But I thought both teams played great.

Team USA answered an early Canada goal with a power play goal 4 minutes into the opening frame. Phillip Macrea collected a rebound in front of the net and buried a quick wrist shot passed Canada goalie Jake Allen to tie the game 1-1.

The USA took a 2-1 2nd period lead while shorthanded. Tyler Johnson stripped a Canada Forward in the defensive zone and fed a streaking Jordan Schroeder at center ice. Schroeder fired a shot through Allen's pads for his 2nd goal of the tournament.

Following Canada's 2nd goal of the night, team USA regained the lead with 11 seconds left in the 2nd period. Shorthanded once again, Jerry D'Amigo broke in on a 2 on 1 rush and fired a shot on net. Johnson battled in the rebound to give the U.S. a 3-2 advantage.

Just one minute into the third period, Team USA took a 4-2 lead when Danny Kristo cut to the net, deked and beat Allen down low. But Canada tied the score with goals from Jordan Eberle and Alex Pietrangelo, sending the game into Overtime.

A scoreless extra frame sent both teams into a shootout. Despite goals by Team USA's Kristo and Jeremy Morin, Canada connected on all three shootout chances to come away with the victory. Canada, which received a bye into the semifinal, will await the winner of the Russia VS. Switzerland Quarterfinal game.

Team USA Goalie Jack Campbell turned aside 30 shots in the shootout defeat, while Allen made 24 saves in the victory. Team USA's Quarterfinal game will be against Finland can be seen in the USA on NHL Network and on www.FASTHockey.com

NOTES: Tyler Johnson was named Team USA's Player of the game. The 2010 IIHF World Junior Championships runs December 26 thru Jan. 5 in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. The NHL Network and www.fasthockey.com will every U.S. Game live from Saskatoon. In other tournament action Sweden beat Finland 7-1, to win Group B. Switzerland beat Slovakia 4-1, to advance to the Quarterfinals; and Russia knocked off the Czech Republic 5-2 to secure 2nd place in Group B. For complete results and stats from the tournament, visit www.iihf.com


Game Summary

Canada 5 U.S.A. 4 (1-1, 1-2, 2-1, 0-0, 1-0)

1st Period: 1, CAN, Della-Rovere (Adam, Caron), 2:03; 2, USA, Macrae (D'Amigo), 3:40.

2nd Period: 3, USA, Schroeder (Johnson), 7:08 (SH); 4, CAN, Eberle (Schenn, Scandella), 11:15, 5, Johnson (D'Amigo), 19:49 (SH)

3rd Period: 6, Kristo (Stepan), 1:01; 7, CAN, Eberle (Schenn, Mcmillan) 10:03; 8,CAN Pietrangelo (Unassisted), 15:45 (SH)

OT: No Scoring

SO: CAN, Eberle (Goal), USA, Kristo (Goal), CAN, Kadri (Goal), USA Morin (Goal), CAN Kozun (Goal), USA Schroeder (No Goal)

Shots on Goal

CAN: 10-9-9-6-1 35
USA: 9-11-7-1-0 28

Goaltenders

CAN, Allen 9-8, 11-9, 7-6, 1-1, 0-0 28-24
USA, Campbell 10-9, 9-8, 9-7, 6-6, 1-0 35-30

Power Play: CAN 0/6, USA 1/4
Penalties: CAN 4-8, USA 6-12
Att: 15,171

2010 Olympic Tournament Schedule

Here's the schedule for the 2010 Olympic Ice Hockey Tournament when it gets underway on Feb. 16 2010. Nearly all the games will be hosted at the GM Center in Vancouver which is the home of the Vancouver Canucks.

Tournament Format:

The 12 teams will start the tournament in 3 groups of 4 where each team will play in a 3 game group stage. Then after the groups finish up, the 3 group winners and the next best team will get automatic passage to the Quarterfinals will the rest of the teams will play in the 2nd round where they will be ranked from 5-12 and will be ranked on the number of points and the GD from the group stage.

The numbers in brackets next to the teams are the pre touranment seedings.

All 12 teams have to have the rosters offical by New Year's Eve.

Group Stage

Group A
Canada (1)
U.S.A. (6)
Switzerland (7)
Norway (12)

Group B
Russia (2)
Czech Republic (5)
Slovakia (8)
Latvia (11)

Group C
Sweden (3)
Finland (4)
Belarus (9)
Germany (10)

2/16
USA VS. Switzerland (A)
Canada VS. Norway (A)
Russia VS. Latvia (B)

2/17
Finland VS. Belarus (C)
Sweden VS. Germany (C)
Czech Republic VS. Slovakia (B)

2/18
USA VS. Norway (A)
Switzerland VS. Canada (A)
Slovakia VS. Russia (B)

2/19
Belarus VS. Sweden (C)
Czech Republic VS. Latvia (B)
Finland VS. Germany (C)

2/20
Norway VS. Switzerland (A)
Latvia VS. Slovakia (B)
Germany VS. Belarus (C)

2/21
Russia VS. Czech Republic (B)
Canada VS. USA (A)
Sweden VS. Finland (C)

2/22
Off Day

Qualification Round

2/23
5D VS. 12D (Winner will become E1)
6D VS. 11D (Winner will become E2)
7D VS. 10D (Winner will become E3)
8D VS. 9D (Winner will become E4)

If the USA plays in the Qualification Round, they will play the 12:00 PM Game
If Canada plays in the Qualification Round, they will play the 4:30 PM Game

Quarterfinals

The 4 teams that earned Qualification Round Byes will have Home Ice

2/24
1D VS. 4E
2D VS. 3E
3D VS. 2E
4D VS. 1E

If the USA is playing in the Quarterfinals, that game will be at 12:00 PM
If Canada is playing in the Quarterfinals, that game will be at 4:30 PM

2/25
Off Day

2/26
Semifinals

F1 VS. F4
F2 VS. F3

If the USA plays in the Semifinals, that game will be the early game
If Canada plays in the Semifinals, that game will be the late game

The highest seed will play the lowest seed and the 2nd seed while play the 3rd seed.

2/27
Bronze Medal Game

Semifinals Losers

2/28
Gold Medal Game

Semifinal Winners