jk

NHL teams do sometimes release young players to the WJC. Not Crosby types, but lesser players.

The radio said Price top goalie, EJ top D, and Cherepanov top forward. Toews was robbed. I think it's because he's a Sioux player. Also, Price MVP.

I hope it doesn't get too out of hand because the Russians aren't exactly the classiest bunch around. They were terrible when they built big leads the last two years against the US; I'd hate to see how they get when they're on the downside of the score. ... I guess it is the 20-year anniversary of the Piestany brawl.

I had just read the "man among boys" post, then saw JT's PK shift and was trying to think of how to tie them together. You did it perfectly. This is the JT that Brad predicted would win the Hobey this year.

He has appropriately been praised on most every board I've seen.

Since this is of course the Sioux board and we are of course here to note the role played by Sioux players in their teams' victories, let it be noted that Toews also drew the first two Russian penalties. I think he's looked as good as he has all tournament. Toews' goal came after a very nice pass from Downie (I think).

Canada looked very dangerous on their PP, better than they did all day Wednesday.

The US team got awfully good over the two weeks. I'm glad the boys get to bring a medal home. For the people who hate the way Lee plays defense, he was out for the bulk of the 3-on-5 with the game on the line late in the third.

Holy cow, I'm glad Okposo is OK. His head got pounded into the boards.

Especially since everyone in Canada with an interest in hockey (which is to say, everyone in Canada) was watching.

I'm proud of the US effort in this game. Even when the Parise group won the gold, Canada pretty well carried the play in that game. I thought this was the best I have seen the US play against Canada in the WJC. I can't cheer against Toews in a shootout, but I was hoping the US would win with a different Canadian faltering. Toews definitely burned himself into Canada's collective memory with that performance. Very happy for Toews, but I see no point in bashing his draft-mates, one of whom is one of his best friends.

JT is super-smooth.

Not good for Carman. Selfish to take an elbowing penalty late with a 1-goal lead. They survived that one but not the next.

Toews saw who was on him and thought, I can beat this guy. Nice job by Lee.

Nice first period for the U.S. The early PP was excellent, but it looks like Canada's PK started to find their legs later in the period. I thought the US carried the play in that period, but they may regret not scoring when they had the edge.

Anyone know what happened to two events that usually take place around this time? - the U-17 Challenge that has four Canadian teams (Pacific, West, etc.) and others, including a US team. - the Viking Cup, that included a USHL team. Thanks.

No offense, but it's tough for me to agree when they're tied 1-1 with Germany in the third.

Heard Chorney a lot. Lee not so much. Also, Chorney has played on the first PP unit (I think), but the second has been staffed with 4 forwards and 1 defenseman. Lee has had PK time though.

I tried watching on tsn and they said I appear to be trying to watch from outside of Canada. Listening to this game is like listening to the Sioux. I have an idea: score a f'in goal.

I should have qualified it to say that "generally" they focus on the NHL perspective. You're right that they did talk about BC's smurfs, which is a theme for them. I also expect Trupp to have more of an impact than Malone next year.

Trupp doesn't mean anything to RedLine. They are an NHL draft ranking service, so they really only make note of players who look to have NHL futures.

No, I think people would like to see a goalie who led his team to the USHL title and was named the USHL's top goalie. Oh wait, that was Lamoureux. He had as good a junior hockey resume as you could ask for, and he still may be a good college goalie. That said, it's nice to see a promising goalie lined up for the future.

I'm pretty sure all the current problems stem from Hakstol's facial expression behind the bench. I wish people would quit making other excuses. What he needs is a snarl, or a scowl. Snarl or scowl, either one would work. Maybe he could jump up on the dasher and hop around while snarling, or scowling.

The rink ads are for businesses in Windham, Maine and Portland, Maine. For whatever that's worth.

I'll be astounded if either gets drafted. But I think they're both fine players.