Men's Olympic Tournament Final Scores, Standings and Ranking

Here's a look at how the teams finished the Men's Olympic Hockey Tournament. This tournament will widely be regarded as one the best Olympic Hockey Tournaments ever as you had just an amazing final between the 2 North American Teams which resulted in the Canadians winning on home soil. For the U.S.A., they beat all expectations to win the Silver Medal for the 2nd time in 8 years (Salt Lake City 2002).

As for the Finns, they finished with the Bronze Medal where they have medaled in their 2nd straight Olympic Tournament. After would could have been a horrible ending with a loss against Slovakia after the crushing against the U.S.A. in the Semifinals, the Finns showed the fight back to win another medal for Finland's most successful group of players ever.

Other teams who didn't do as well but were able to give the tournament a good show. Switzerland showed that 2006 was no fluke as they were able to challenge both the Americans and the Canadians. They beat a tricky Norway team in OT and beat Belarus in a SO.

Slovakia had they best Olympic Showing ever by finishing 4th and were in a great position to win their first ever Olympic Medal before Finland came back to win the Bronze.

Also despite not winning a single game, Norway got better as the Olympic Tournament went on, being able to push Switzerland to OT, and giving both Slovakia and the U.S.A. a pretty good scare.

Even Latvia who despite getting demolished in the Group Stage, they almost brought back memories of 2002 where Belarus upset Sweden. After going down 2-0 going into the 2nd intermission.

Latvia used late 3rd period goals by Martins Cipulis and Mikelis Redlihs scored 4 minutes apart to tie the game at 2-2. But the Czech Power came through as David Krejci scored the game winner to win the game 3-2 and avoid what would have been easily this year's biggest upset.

Perhaps the only major disappointment was Germany where only a 2-0 loss for Sweden was the only major success as keeping a game close. The Germans regressed as the tournament went on with a 5-0 loss against Finland and a 5-3 loss against Belarus in which that could have helped them get at least a more favorable 2nd round matchup.

Then an 8-2 loss for Canada ended a very bad showing internationally as the Germans finished 11th. Following a 15th place showing at last year's IHWC Tournament, This does not bode good news for the Germans as they host the IHWC coming up in May.

Group Stage Scores and Standings

Group A

1. U.S.A. 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 14-5

2. Canada 1-1-0-1 5 PTS 14-7

3. Switzerland 0-1-1-1 3 PTS 8-10

4. Norway 0-0-1-2 1 PTS 5-19


Group A Scores

U.S.A. 3 Switzerland 1 (1-0, 2-0, 0-1)

Canada 8 Norway 0 (0-0, 3-0, 5-0)

U.S.A. 6 Norway 1 (2-0, 1-1, 3-0)

Switzerland 2 Canada 3 (SO) (0-1, 2-1, 0-0, 0-0, 0-1)

Norway 4 Switzerland 5 (OT) (1-1, 2-2, 1-1, 0-1)

Canada 3 U.S.A. 5 (1-2, 1-1, 1-2)


Group B

1. Russia 2-0-1-0 7 PTS 13-6

2. Czech Republic 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 10-7

3. Slovakia 1-1-0-1 5 PTS 9-4

4. Latvia 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 4-19


Group B Scores

Russia 8 Latvia 2 (3-0, 1-0, 4-2)

Czech Republic 3 Slovakia 1 (1-0, 2-1, 0-0)

Slovakia 2 Russia 1 (SO) (0-0, 0-1, 1-0, 0-0, 1-0)

Czech Republic 5 Latvia 2 (3-0, 1-2, 1-0)

Latvia 0 Slovakia 6 (0-3, 0-2, 0-1)

Russia 4 Czech Republic 2 (1-1, 1-0, 2-1)


Group C Standings

1. Sweden 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 9-2

2. Finland 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 10-4

3. Belarus 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 8-12

4. Germany 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 3-12


Group C Scores

Finland 5 Belarus 1 (2-0, 1-1, 2-0)

Sweden 2 Germany 0 (0-0, 2-0, 0-0)

Belarus 2 Sweden 4 (0-2, 1-1, 1-1)

Finland 5 Germany 0 (1-0, 2-0, 2-0)

Germany 3 Belarus 5 (1-1, 0-1, 2-3)

Sweden 3 Finland 0 (1-0, 2-0, 0-0)


Knockout Round Games


2nd Round Games

#8 Switzerland 3 #9 Belarus 2 (SO) (1-1, 1-1, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

#5 Czech Republic 3 #12 Latvia 2 (OT) (2-0, 0-0, 0-2, 1-0)

#7 Slovakia 4 #10 Norway 3 (3-1, 0-2, 1-0)

#6 Canada 8 #11 Germany 2 (1-0, 3-1, 4-1)


Quarterfinals

#1 U.S.A. 2 #8 Switzerland 0 (0-0, 0-0, 2-0)

#4 Finland 2 #5 Czech Republic 0 (0-0, 0-0, 2-0)

#3 Russia 3 #6 Canada 7 (1-4, 2-3, 0-0)

#2 Sweden 3 #7 Slovakia 4 (0-0, 2-3, 1-1)


Semifinals

#1 U.S.A. 6 #4 Finland 1 (6-0, 0-0, 0-1)

#6 Canada 3 #7 Slovakia 2 (2-0, 1-0, 0-2)


Bronze Medal Game

#4 Finland 5 #7 Slovakia 3 (1-0, 0-3, 4-0)


Gold Medal Game

#1 U.S.A. 2 #6 Canada 3 (OT) (0-1, 1-1, 1-0, 0-1)



Final Tournament Rankings

Gold: Canada

Silver: U.S.A.

Bronze: Finland

4th: Slovakia

5th: Sweden

6th: Russia

7th: Czech Republic

8th: Switzerland

9th: Belarus

10th: Norway

11th: Germany

12th: Latvia

Sidney Crosby Fights off USA comeback, Canada wins Gold in a game for the ages

In what was truly a game for the ages between the North American Powers and Neighbors. The U.S.A. and Canada faced off for Olympic Gold for the 2nd time in less then decade. However, like in 2002 in Salt Lake City, the result was the same as the Gold Medal that Canadian Hockey Fans wanted the most of all the Medals that Canada could have won in the Olympics.

This was the big one and the most important one of these games. The game started out with a very physically presence with both teams bringing out the hits like in the Group Stage game, the Canadians went up 2-0 midway through the 2nd period.

The U.S.A. Came back with Zach Parise who had a fantastic tournament and definitely had a great case for Tournament MVP, especially if the U.S.A. had won the game. In the 3rd period, both teams were playing their hearts and proving that both nations wanted this gold so badly.

For the U.S.A., it would have been revenge for Canada winning gold on American Ice in 2002 by winning gold on their ice. For Canada, it would have been their 2nd Gold Medal in less in a decade and getting revenge for the early matchup.

In the end, Pittsburgh Penguins superstar finished off on what was a surprisingly quiet tournament by scoring the game winner nearly 8 minutes into the extra period. After that, the Canadian fans went into a frenzy across the country as it was the most watched sporting event in Canada's history.

It also put an extra spark into the Closing Ceremonies later that night and fans were celebrating across the country long into the night to celebrate the end of a very successful Olympics in all parts from winning the most golds to creating one of the best atmosphere's of any Olympics, winter or summer in recent years and will give upcoming host cities, mostly London in Summer 2012 and Sochi in Winter 2014 in the near future.

For the U.S.A., finishing with the Silver Medal was painful for right now, they will realize that they have successfully turned the page in U.S.A. Hockey. Out are players like Mike Modano, Keith Tkachuk and Jeremy Roenick who gave the U.S.A. numerous great moments, in are players like Ryan Miller and Zach Parise who look to create many more moments and to help out and inspire the youth and junior players to help compete to make the team even better in the future.

This is Canada's biggest national success in a nation where Hockey is a religion and that is saying something when your team wins on home ice and the player that a lot of people are hyping as the next Wayne Gretzky who's already won an Olympic Gold, and a Stanley Cup the last few months. He's legacy is only going to grow. I should mention that he was the youngest captain in NHL History to win the Stanley Cup as well.

And to bring home the nations first Olympic Hockey Gold Medal since the Miracle on Ice Team. Also with the U.S.A. claiming both the U18 & WJC Championships right now, the future of USA Hockey is certainly is just amazing right now.

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

Sidney Crosby scored at 7:40 in OT off a lovely pass from Jarome Iginla to give Canada gold on home ice. Crosby's quick low shot beat Ryan Miller to give Canada a 3-2 win.

Likely the single-most anticipated game since the game was brought indoors in 1875, this remarkable contest lived up to and exceeded its buildup.

"Every kid dreams of this opportunity (to score the game winning goal in the Olympics)," said Crosby, "and any guy in the room could have done it. Doing it in Canada is the opportunity of a lifetime. You dream of that moment a thousand times growing up."

Crosby had been quiet all game long-the past 3 games in fact,-but as usual he elevated his game to extraordinary heights at the exact moment required. In retrospect, who else could have scored the game winning goal? Jonathan Toews and Corry Perry scored for Canada and Ryan Kesler and Zach Parise for the United States in regulation before teams came back out for the 20 minute sudden death 4-on-4 hockey.

The game featured two teams with almost identical styles of play, but on this day was a twist. Both teams like to get the puck deep into enemy territory, chase it down, and cycle the puck to generate scoring chances.

The twist was that American coach Ron Wilson clearly told his players before the game to shoot wherever the chance to presented itself. In other words, make Canadian goalie Roberto Luongo handle the puck as much as possible. As for the two NHL refs-Bill Mcceary and Dan O'Halloran-they let the North Americans play a physical game, knowing that these quality players, appearing in the game of their lives, would not resort to cheap shots. "Let'em play" and with gold on the line, rightly so.

Canada opened the scoring at 12:50 on a harmless-looking play. The Americans won a faceoff deep in the own end and had a puck behind the net when Mike Richards checked Eric Johnson off the puck. Richards came out in front with a shot which Ryan Miller saved, but the goalie didn't control the rebound. Jonathan Toews snapped it home early for the critical 1-0 lead. It was exactly the kind of play for Richards was named to the team by executive director Steve Yzerman.

The period was marked by good scoring chances at both ends but also by many whistles and sometimes nervous play, and it ended with Canada with a slim lead.

Canada got an early power play in the 2nd period off a sloppy high sticking penalty by Ryan Malone at the Canadian blueline but although there was good puck possession. there was no score on the power play. Moments later, Eric Staal was called for interference, and the Canadians had their first penatly-killer situation.

They passed with flying colors-and then got that vital second goal. Getzlaf came down the left side and tried to throw the puck in front, but the puck caromed off Ryan Whitney back to Corey Perry who had a whole open side as Miller was playing for an initial pass. He made no mistake, and at 7:13 it was a 2-0 game.

The Americans got another power play moments later and came close with an open play to the net, but Patrice Bergeron and Rick Nash led the penalty killers. After that, it was end-to-end action, heart throbbing for fans of both teams.

And then it happened: At 12:44 the Americans got one back after a simple shot along the boards by Patrick Kane was redirected past Luongo who got a piece of the shot, but not all of it. On the next shift, Zach Parise took a stretch pass down the left side and had another great chance. The Canadians invincibility so far in the game was now in doubt, as was the game.

As in the first, there were great scoring chances, huge amounts of action around the crease of the two goalies, and no more goals. Canada was now 20 minutes away from gold with a 2-1 lead, but it was a tenuous lead. The Americans speed to the outside was obvious, but Canada's strength up the middle was also very much in evidence. The best chance in the later part of the period came when Staal took a long pass from Dan Boyle and shot over the net on a clear breakaway.

One shot, one bounce would ensure victory for Canada or start an American comeback. That shot nearly came early in the 3rd period when a Chris Pronger point shot rattled off the post while Miller was screened. But still, the score remained the same at 2-1.

Canada sat on the lead for the rest of the period, and it almost worked. But with Miller on the bench, Parise knocked in a loose puck in front of Luongo's crease to force OT.

"With 24 seconds left, we were obviously celebrating," Getzlaf admitted, "but our guys did a great job of believing and staying poised."

Said Staal: "We've got so many guys that have been through the Stanley Cups, Game Sevens situations like that. We knew we just had to get it back. There's nothing you can do. It's the past. Obviously it was tough to give up that goal. At the end of the 3rd, we just said: "It's going to feel even better when we win it in overtime." "I"m sure it did for every Canadian out there."

Captain Scott Niedermayer agreed: "Lots of guys stepped up, and everybody kept their composure. We knew what we had to: continue to go out there and play our game, and just believe that it was going to happen."

Canada dominated the OT, and when Crosby and Iginla came out they worked the puck along the left-wing boards. Crosby got the puck in the corner to Iginla and went to the net, shouting for the puck. "There was a certain urgency in his voice," Iginla said later, "so I just tried to get it him before it was too late." Crosby's quick one timer beat Miller cleanly, and an entire nation ran into the streets to celebrate the greatest goal since Paul Henderson defining score in 1972.

"A few years down the road we will be proud of it but not right now." said Dustin Brown. "We had good momentum and had one breakdown and they capitalized."

Twitter Updates during Men's Olympic Semifinals

The first of the Semifinal Games will be starting in a few minutes as the U.S.A. will take on Finland while at 4:30 PM PST it will be Canada taking on Slovakia with both games taking place at Canada Hockey Place. It's very simple today, win and your in the Gold Medal Game on Sunday afternoon, lose and you will play for the Bronze Medal on Saturday Evening.

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

Canada VS. Slovakia 4:30 PM PST


Bronze Medal Game: Saturday at 7:00 PM PST

Gold Medal Game: Sunday at 12:15 PM PST

Finland Edge Nordic Rivals for Women's Bronze In OT

Finland was looking for their first Women's Olympic Hockey Medal since the first ever tournament in 1998 while Sweden was coming their best performance in 2006 with the upset over the U.S.A. to win the Silver Medal.

For Finland, a back and fourth game where the Finns got the Finns and Sweden to OT before Erika Holst's skate blade a quarter of the way through OT to clinch Finland the Bronze Medal. This is the big goal that Finland was looking for after a couple of sub par performance's in the Women's Olympic Tournament. However, they have made up for it with Bronze Medals in the last 2 World Women's Championship Tournaments.

One of the biggest parts of the Bronze Medal was Finnish Goalie Noora Raty was easily the best player for Finland, and helped keep Finland stay in the Semifinal against Canada earlier in the week. After ending the Olympic Medal Drought, hopefully it will help the Women's Program from getting more money support and more young players to play the game.

Also for Sweden, this ends a medal streak that goes back to 2002 where they won Bronze in 2002, and one of the biggest upsets in Women's Hockey History as the Swedes beat the U.S.A. in the Semifinals to help win the Silver Medal. After the North American Powers, the Northern European Rivals is the next big rivals and are in the always in the hunt for a Medal in the Olympics and Women's World Championships.

Hopefully this can help the sport in Finland and Sweden as hopefully sometime soon that either Finland or Sweden can have a team that can win Gold in both events. And in the newly created World Junior Women's Championships in the near future that made its international debut in 2008.

Both teams should be honored for a job well done as the are the 2 European Teams that want the Women's Game to do well by creating Women's Development Programs, getting to play for College Teams in North America and eventually help create Women's Pro Leagues around the world.

Finland VS. Sweden Bronze Medal Pictures: www.iihf.com/de/channels10/olympics-2010/pictures/page/0/game/FIN%20-%20SWE%20%28B%29.html

Finland VS. Sweden Bronze Medal Game Summary: www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/womens-bronze-medal-game---game-19_ihw400102qy.html


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

Finland and Sweden went full rounds in the Women's Bronze Medal Game. Karoliina Rantamaki got the game winning goal 2:33 into the Overtime Period when the puck bounced in Erika Holst's skate blade,

"This is a huge medal for women's hockey in Finland. It will help us get better financial support, and obviously, when girls playing hockey in Finland to see that we won a medal in the Olympics, they may want to be here, too," said Finland's goaltender Noora Raty.

"We expected the game to be like it was, it was a tight game, and not a lot of goals, but it was great," said Finland's Mariia Posa.

"Our goalie was great, and the whole team defended well", she added.

Finland has won the last two bronze medals at the Women's World Championship-beating Sweden in the tournament in 2009-but haven't medaled in the Olympics since 1998. But the Finns stayed out of the box for just 43 seconds as defensemen Rosa Lindstedt for a hooking minor. The Finnish penalty kill, and Raty, had little trouble with the Swedish power play, though.

"We were a little nervous in the beginning, and it's hard to lay out your best game when your nervous. We're happy to win, though." Raty said.

The Finns were given their chance to grab control of the game, when Jenni Asserholt Nevalainen took a slashing minor at 8:11. Unfortunately for the Finns, their power play was also an ineffective as the Men's had been just 15 hours prior, in their game against the Czechs.

With about 7 seconds to go, Raty robbed Sweden's Mariah Rooth by making a quick glove save on Rooth's shot from the slot. Keeping the Swedish still goalless forwards still goalless in the tournament.

In the 2nd period, Sweden gave Finland another power play-Frida Nevalainen, tripping- but Shara Grahn in the Swedish Goal was just as impressive as Raty had been for the Finns earlier. However, seconds after Nevalainen got back on the ice, Finland's Heidi Pelttari got the puck on top of the left faceoff circle, she took a couple of steps in and fired a wrist shot from the faceoff dot, and beat Grahm high on the glove side to give Finland the important 1-0 lead.

And given multiple chances, Sweden finally converted one. At 31:11 Mariia Posa was sent to the penalty box for tripping. Isabelle Jordansson fired up a slap shot from the blue line, and Maria Rooth netted her first goal of the tournament, by deflecting the shot from the slot, beating Raty high on her glove shot at 32:24, and tied the game.

Just 36 seconds later, the Finns were down a player again, but managed to kill the team penalty off. In the next shift, Michelle Karvinen got the puck in the Finnish Zone, and she came flying down the ice on the right lane, beat a Swedish Defensemen on the offensive blue line, and cut to the front of the net, went around Grahn and then slammed the puck to the back off the net to give Finland a 2-1 lead at 36:02.

Another penalty would prove to be costly. Pelttarit took a hooking penalty, and the Swedes got to work. Elin Holmlov played the puck to Gunilla Andersson on the point. She onetimed it to the net, Raty made a pad save but Danijela Rundqvist got the rebound. Raty made another save. Rundqviust was the first to grab the second rebound and she put the puck in the net with a backhander, at 45:09.

Sweden got another power play opportunity when Mari Saarinen took a body checking minor, but is slipped through the fingers when Pernilla Wineberg took a penalty for high sticking 43 seconds later. The game went to OT tied at 2-2.

"Before OT, our coaches told us we were the stronger team and we just had to keep believing in our ourselves. If we did, we'd eventually win," said Sweden's Maria Rooth. Faith just wasn't enough, Especially since the other team had some of that, too.

"I never thought we'd get to a penalty shootout, I believed we'd win the game in OT. We were the better team, we moved better. I wasn't with the team so I don't know what he said, but I think he'd just tell the players to get some pucks out of the net," said goaltender Raty.

A little over two minutes into it, Karoliina Rantamaki sent a pass towards the Finnish net, trying to reach Sara Tuominen at the far post. Unfortunately for the Sweden, Erika Holst, trying to keep Tuominen from scoring, deflected the puck into her own net, ending the game. and the tournament, in Finland's Medal Celebrations.

"It's really really, tough" said Swedens goaltender Sara Grahn.

"Losing this game really sucks," added Erika Holst.

"It was a really close game which when we played Finland is pretty a one goal difference in the game." When they went up 1-0 we just had to keep the puck back on the net and determine to tie the game," she said.

Finland's head coach Pekka Hamalainen were all smiles. "This is the highlight of my career. We've made a fantastic journey together, and I'm proud of the commitment the team has shown" he said.

Twitter UPdates during the Women's Gold Medal Game

As the U.S.A. and Canada prepare to take the ice, I will be doing twitter updates during tonight's Women's Gold Medal Game as the game will get under in just a few minutes from Hockey Canada Place in Vancouver. The U.S.A. will look to end the Olympic Drought that has last since the Americans won the first ever Women's Hockey Gold back in 1998, while Canada is looking to make it 3 straight. Who will take the gold tonight. Find out as the game will be on MSNBC in Vancouver.

Here's my Twitter Account: www.twitter.com/tanman9

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."

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

2nd Round Olympic Match Previews

The Knockout Rounds of the Men's Olympic Tournament begin today with the 4 2nd Round Games where the winners will advance to play the Quarterfinal Teams as Team U.S.A., Sweden, Russia and Finland earned 2nd Round Byes by winning the Groups and having the best 2nd Place Team.

The Quarterfinals are tomorrow, the Semifinals are on Friday. And then the Medals will be awarded out on the Final Weekend of the Olympics, as the Bronze Medal Game will be on Saturday, then the Gold Medal Game will be one of the final big events of the Winter Olympics before the Closing Ceremonies on Sunday Night.


#8 Switzerland VS. #9 Belarus, 12:00 PM @ Hockey Canada Place

The Swiss have been a very tricky opponent in these games giving the U.S.A. all it can muster in the tournament opener and forcing Canada in a SO before beating Norway back on Saturday.

For the Swiss, Anahiem Ducks Goalie Jonas Hiller have given teams all it can handle while trying to help a team that is mostly European Based, espeically from the Swiss NLA which has been one of the biggest improving leagues in Europe over the last decade.

Just one player has scored mulitplie goals and thats Roman Wick who has 4 points (2G 2A) during the Group Stage where he scored at least 1 point all 3 games and where he will need to be a spart in the Swiss Offense to help them advance to the Quarterfinals.

Among the defensemen for the Swiss are players like Mart Streit and Luca Sbisa who's one of the youngest players in this tournament at 20 years old has provided to be a spark on the physicality aspect of the game and could bully the small Belarus forwards around.

Belarus like Switzerland came back from a bad start against Sweden and Finland. However, the offense of Belarus has been more steady. For Belarus, look for Dynamo Minsk forward Dmitri Meleshko who has been easily the best player for Belarus where he has been giving opposing teams defenses headaches as he scored both goals in their game against Sweden and has been one of the top scores in the tournament with Sergei Kostitsyn who's leading the team with 5 points (2G 3A).

Their team defense has been questioned at times, but if you look at the results. They have been getting better, starting out with a 5-1 loss to Finland, then a 4-2 loss where they made it very tricky for Sweden as they were down 3-2 at one point with just 8 minutes left in the game. Sweden didn't secure the game till the final 10 seconds when Daniel Alfredsson scored an empty netter to win the game 4-2.

Then you have the Germany game where the defense could come into question where Belarus was up 3-1 midway through the game, but the Germans were given hope as Marcel Goc and John Tripp scored goals just under a minute apart to tie the game at 3-3. Then in the final 6 minutes, Aleksei Kalyuzhny and Ruslan Salei scored to win 5-3 for Belarus. Expect this game to be one of the more exicting 2nd Round Matchups and look to give the Americans fits in the Quarterfinals.

Bottom Line: These teams are probably the best of the non powerhouses in this tournament. But with the experience in goal and a stronger team defense. I think the Swiss Experience will help in this game where the Swiss will advance to set up a rematch with the U.S.A. in the Quarterfinals.


My Pick: Switzerland 4 Belarus 2



#6 Canada VS. #11 Germany 4:30 PM PST @ Hockey Canada Place

After a dissapointing Group Stage, the Canadaians will look to put the opening round behind them as the Host Canada will take on Germany. For Germany, the only reason they not the last seed is because Latvia got blown out in their games while at least the Germans were able to keep it close. Don't expect to see very much out of this game as the Canadains have some anger to work out after the loss against the U.S.A. on Sunday night where the Russians could await them in tomorrow's Quarterfinals.

If the Germans are going to have any hope in this game, expect Thomas Greiss of the Worcester Sharks (AHL) to be in the game and he will need to play the game of his life to have any kind of a chance to advance to face Russia in the Quarterfinals.

For Canada, they need to regain focus, have their veteran talent comeup and Roberto Lugano needs to take over this game and prove to Martin Broduer who didn't have a great match against the U.S.A. that he can take over the goaltending duties for the rest of the tournament.

Bottom Line: It will be another end to a very disapointing tournament and a blow to Germany's hopes as they get ready to host the Ice Hockey World Championships coming up in May. Canada is just simply to fast, to strong and to experienced to allow someone like Germany to knock them out. They will need to crush the Germans and get ready for Russia most likely in the Quarterfinals tomorrow.

My Pick: Canada 6 Germany 1



#5 Czech Republic VS. #12 Latvia 7:00 PM @ UBC Thunderbird Arena

After just missing out on a 2nd round bye because the Czechs weren't able to get a full leged blowout that Slovakia and Russia were able to get. This will be the only rematch of the 2nd Round as the Czechs were able to beat Latvia 5-2 back on 2/19. On the contry, Russia was able to win 8-2, while Slovakia put up a 6-0 shutout victory to help them stay in the race to win the group.

Of the last 3 Olympic Winter Games that Latvia has been in. This has cleary been the weakest of the 3 as they have just 1 full time NHL'er as Karlis Skrastins of the Dallas Stars have been doing his best to work on the tournament, but hasen't been able to step up his game to help his less experienced teammates (Many of whom play in the KHL). 4 years ago, they were at least able to pull a tie from the U.S.A. and keep their other games at least close. Latvia has had 3 blowouts and given up 19 goals in the 3 games.

The Czechs bring a powerhouse of talent that is looking to get back on the podium after finnishing with the Bronze Medal back in 2006. With NHL Talent like Milan Michalek, Tomas Plekanec and Tomas Vokoun in net.

This veteran group, esepically the talent that's been in the NHL for well over a decade and been in several Olympics, for some, this could be their last chance to bring home an Olympic Medal in their careers. They would look to find the magic that helped them win Gold in 1998 when the Olympic Games were held in Japan.

Bottom Line: Like the CAN VS. GER Game, expect this one to be a big blowout as the Czechs have already played the Latvians. However, unlike the 1st game, Latvia looks fatigued and just dosen't have the talent to stay in this game. This one won't be close and I would expect the Czechs to have a big first period in this one, so they can give their top players more of a rest and to get them ready for tomorrow's Quarterfinal Matchup.

My Pick: Czech Republic 9 Latvia 1



#7 Slovakia VS. #10 Norway 9:00 PM @ Canada Hockey Place

After being outscored 14-1 in the first 2 games against the U.S.A. & Canada. Norway came back with a nice performance against Switzerland in a back and fourth game where Switzerland won in OT. Despite the losses (8-0 against CAN, 6-1 against USA), they have been able to keep games close through the 2nd intermission as players like Tore Vikingstad, Patrick Thorsen and goaltender Pal Grotnes have fustrated oppoents and the stragtey they have used has been working as the team is back in the Olympic Tournament for the first time since 1994.

If the Norwigaens are going to look for an upset, Tore Vikingstad will need to have an encore performance where he had the tournaments only hat trick so far. Other guys that will need to help set up Vikingstad and hopefully get involved in the scoring themselves are Patrick Thoresen who has 3 assists.

However, it's the defense that's playing better with every game in this tournament with players like Jonos Holos and Mats Trygg have been fantasitic in playing in nearly every situation imiagable as both players played over 25 minutes in their game against Switzerland.

Expect Pal Grotnes to start in net as he as played all but 15:31 of this tournament for Norway, the only game he got pulled in was 4 minutes into the game against Canada when Canada was up 4-0.

Slovakia missed a chance to improve their seeding situation with a 3-1 loss against the Czechs to open the tournament. They were able to beat Russia in a SO, but that loss has put them in a tough situation as they could have gotten at least a 5 or 6 seed if they were able to take advantage of when Alexander Ovechkin and Fedor Tyutin got penalites late in the 2nd and early in the 3rd where they could have taken the lead after trailing 1-0 at the 2nd intermission. Marian Hossa was able to to score SVK only goal of regulation midway through the 3rd period.

Then in the SO, SVK was able to win the SO 2-1 with goals by Pavol Demitra and Jozef Stumpel scored. Alexander Ovechkin was the only Russian player to score in the SO, but it came to little to late in the as Stumpel scored on his next turn, goalie Jaroslav Halak was able to turnaside 6 of 7 shots to win the game.

SVK will needs to be able to get through the Norway Gridlock early on to break away from the Norway's tough defense. If not, this could be the best of the 2nd Round Showdowns and will need to increase their offensive output from their star players like Zigmund Palffy and Richard Zednik. In goal, expect SVK to go with the young 24 year old Jaroslav Halak who's been enjoying a nice run for the Montreal Canadaiens this season. But if he has problems, they can go with Peter Budaj to help them out in a possible secarnio.

Botton Line: This could be the best of the 2nd Round Games. If Norway can contuine to put the fustrations into their oppostion like they did against Switzerland. And if someone like Tore Vikingstad or Patrick Thorsen can come alive, this could be the big upset of the 2nd round. I think SVK will win this game, but don't expect NOR to make it easy and they will give them a challenge to advance to the Quarterfinals.

My Pick: Slovakia 3 Norway 2 (OT)



My Projected Quarterfinal Matchups.

#1 U.S.A. VS. #8 Switzerland

#2 Sweden VS. #7 Slovakia

#3 Canada VS. #6 Russia

#4 Finland VS. #5 Czech Republic

U.S.A. Women's Blow's Out Russia

For the 2nd straight game, the American Women have taken another strong step towards getting back to the Olympic Gold Medal with their 2nd straight Double Digit Victory. In their opener against China, they won 12-1, this time against Russia, it's a 13-0 win over a Russian Team that was hoping to win the Bronze Medal. Next up is Finland that will determine who the Americans Semifinal Matchup will be, it will either by Sweden or Canada whose the top 2 in the other group in this tournament.

From the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Website. http://www.iihf.com/

In 1980 Mark Johnson helped make life difficult for the Soviets in helping Team U.S.A. to one of the biggest upsets in sports history. Today as Women's Team Head Coach, his U.S.A. Women's team was equally unkind, beating Russia in a rout.

For the second straight time, Team U.S.A won in a blowout, by defeating Russia 13-0 in the Women's Prelim Round. Led by Jenny Potter's hat trick and Natalie Darwitz's two goals, the Americans remained undefeated. Russia has not won a game yet.

Today, the American Women put on an offensive display that rivals what the Canadians have done so far at the UBC Thunderbird Arena. Team U.S.A. has scored 25 goals in the 2 games so far.

"We wanted to focus on a few things, but mostly winning and keeping the puck out of our net." Said Jenny Porter.

Monique Lamoreaux scored the only goal the Americans needed at 2:19 of the first period. Lamoreaux intercepted a clearing attempt and weaved through the defense and let go of a wrist shot that beat Goaltender Anna Prugova between the pads.

At 5:48 Holly Knight blocked a shot and sent an outlet pass up to Potter in stride. Potter's wrist shot beat Prugova. The goal was shorthanded with :43 remaining on a penalty to Caitlin Cahow who was called off the interference.

In the third period Prugova was busy facing seventeen shots. Karen Thatcher, Cahow and Potter once again would add goals to comfortably put the U.S.A. up 5-0. While the Americans were dominant, the Russians did not help their cause by taking some penalties. Six of the 13 goals scored on the PP. Head Coach Valentin Gureev could only watch from the bench as his team was overmatched in every aspect the game.

When Natalie Darwitz scored his 2nd goal of the 2nd period, Gureev lifted Prugova from the game and inserted Mariya Onolbaeva. Potter greeted Onolbaev :46 later by scoring her third goal of the afternoon.

By the third period the Russians were visibly frustrated. Matters were not helped when Alena Khomich deflected a Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej shot into Russia's net. Zaugg-Siergiej received credit for the goal, her first of the Olympic Tournament.

Russia showed some signs of life late in the 2nd period and in spots over the third but could not sustain any pressure on Jessie Vetter who faced just 7 shots in the game. When they did the crowd, a mix of Canadian and American Fans, cheered loudly in support of Russia's effort.

"They played their hearts out," said Anglea Ruggiero, who scored a 2nd period goal. "I respect them deeply and hope the Russian Federation sees the potential for the Women's Program.

The Americans are firing on all offensive cylinders and getting important production from key players. Potter has been an offensive force here in Vancouver. She's recorded six goals, which leads all scorers. Holly Knight added four assists in the game giving her 5 so far in the tournament.

They will close out Group Round play on Thursday against Finland. Russia will be looking for it's first win against China.

"Our goal is to get through this round," said Darwitz. "We have an important game against Finland and that is what we are now concentrating on".

Game Report:
www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/womens-preliminary-round---group-b-game-7-_ihw400b03WE.html

U.S.A. VS. Switzerland 2nd Period Intermission Update

The Americans followed a strong end of the 1st with a great 2nd period with goals by David Backes and Ryan Malone to make it 3-0 at the 2nd intermission. Everything looked better in that 2nd period, and they may start getting Switzerland on the run right now. In addition to the goals, the U.S.A. were able to outshot the Swiss 14-6 in that 2nd period and by limiting the number of Swiss scoring chances.

On the 2-0 goal, a great save by Ryan Miller helped set a great counter attack where David Backes was able to slip it through Jonas Hiller's pads to make it 2-0. It looked for a moment that Hiller was able to make the save, but with some great hard work. And Backess being able to slip through, the Americans were able to put them up 2-0 just a couple of minutes into the 2nd period. Then midway through the 3rd period, then Ryan Malone helped make it 3-0 to put the Swiss on edge.

Right now, the Swiss are playing to conservatively and seem to afraid to attack right now. If the Swiss are going to make this game, the attack will need to faster and crisper; also the Swiss will need to pick up the physically like they did early in the game.

For the U.S.A., they need to shore up the odd man situations as the Swiss will look to comeback from the 3-0 hole they in right now.

2nd Period Goals

2-0: David Backess
3-0: Ryan Malone


SOG: U.S.A. 14 SUI 6 Total 22-11