Canada Captures Gold
Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith now have as many gold medals as they do Stanley Cup rings.
Toews scored the game-winning goal at 12:55 into the first period. Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz added goals in the second and third periods as Canada won the final game of the tournament 3-0. Carey Price made 24 saves in the shutout.
Keith skated 20:32 in the gold medal game, while Patrick Sharp found himself at the end of the bench; he got only five shifts. But all three Canadian Blackhawks will come home healthy with gold medals.
For Sweden, Marcus Kruger played a very strong game. He won 11 of 22 faceoffs against a group of all-world centers and his line provided most of the offensive chances early in the game. With Niklas Backstrom out of the game, Kruger skated 17:46 in defeat.
Niklas Hjalmarsson skated 18:03 and Johnny Oduya was on the ice for 12:21 in the gold medal game. All three Blackhawks that represented Sweden will return to Chicago healthy with silver medals.
Shit sandwich truck never showed up. Best team won the gold. The Cpt was all world again on the big stage. Krugs played very well, and continues to develop as a smart, effective hockey player.
And now,
LETS GO HAWKS!
Thank God its over…reminds me of soccer with everyone going around in circles and lots of 1-0, 2-0 games…bigger ice surface not as entertaing as the NHL rinks…anyway I have a severe case of Blackhawks withdraw and cannot wait for the action to start up again….of course it was Toews that scored the winning goal for Gold, …man we got to be happy with our Blackhawks!
In Toews handshake line, Kronwall shook and said good game, then Sedin shook and couldn’t even look at him. Hilarious.
I can’t believe I blew it. I thought the game was at 11am this morning. I turn on the TV a little before 10am just to be sure it wasn’t 11am EST … and … feverishly checking channel guide … and … oh oh … better check the website and it’s over. I have no idea when the game was played – I’m bummed. I kinda wanted Sweden to win because my dad was born there and my mom’s parents were born there but the only thing I really wanted was to see the 6 Hawks players playing. Oh well …
Too bad both teams couldn’t have been at full strength although I gotta think Canada was better equiped to handle the loss of Tavares than Sweden was trying to fill in for Sedin, Zetterberg and Backstrom (alergy medicine? As a hay fever sufferer, either that’s bogus or the rule needs to be changed).
I enjoyed the Olympic hockey immensely, but I’m happy it’s over so we can get back to seeing our team surging toward what will hopefully be a very exciting and satisfying playoffs.
Yes, it was great hockey all through the tournament…the best team won and deservedly so…Toews was amazing all tournament for Canada…he didn’t score a lot, but that’s not the only aspect to this wonderful game…his checking, skating, FO’s, corner work, net work, back checking, etc was superb…I said this 4 years ago and I repeat it now, he’s the best player in the world…if you are building a franchise you start with Toews…
Kruger was outstanding in defeat…the Hawks Mgt. must have been thrilled watching his performance on the biggest stage…I can’t believe Bowman signed Kruger in the offseason for what he did…top notch…
Keith and Hammer had great tournaments as well…how many DMen in the world are better than Hammer??? Not many…Sharp and Oduya had decent tourneys as well, and everyone is healthy and no one was horribly over worked…
Hopefully Kaner will shake off the Bronze medal game quickly…that was his worst game in a LONG time..
Practise is today in Chi town, and games this week…here we go…
Mo, the respect that Toews has around the world is amazing…players, coaches, Mgt. all know his value and character…I think the greasy characteristics of the Canuckleheads has rubbed off on the Sedins…
Disappointed Canada won, but their talent overwhelmed the second best team in the world that severely missed the two Henriks.
Kruger moved up several notches in my book. Great respect for this warrior.
“Disappointed Canada won, but their talent overwhelmed the second best team in the world that severely missed the two Henriks”
Did Sweden miss the Henriks more than Canada missed Tavares and Stamkos, then arguably Giroux, Hall, etc etc etc.
Dude when it comes to depth on the world stage there just is no comparison. Keep inventing lame excuses though.
Brad, I was asking myself the same question. Hammer is the best 3D in the league, obviously should be in top pairing on most teams
I agree JC…
How nice was it that Seabrook got to rest the whole time and Hossa’s team was the first knocked out of competition? Here’s to hoping the Hawks come out firing this week.
Great win by Canada. Really guys, this Canadian team was very impressive. The Captain was all world today and had a great tourney, like he always does. If there is a big stage, it brings out the best in Johnny Toews. Unfortunate that Sweden had some key players out, as the game was really not that competitive, however it wouldn’t not have made much difference, Canada was too deep and executed Babcocks’s game plan to perfection. Haven’t said that I was tres impressed with Kreuger’s game today and thank god all of our Blackhawk Olympians are coming home healty. GHG!
Gentlemen,
First time checking in in a long while although I’ve tried to read as much as possible…
Olympic hockey is a great watch and in my opinion the league has to bite the bullet every 4th year and send their best. The drama and nationalistic slant adds so much IMO. Nothing else can get me up at 5 frickin’ 30 on a Saturday/Sunday morning.
I will be interested to know of the experts reads on why Sharpie got so little play. Hoping that serves to be a catalyst for him.
Hoping Kaner is pissed off as well.
Agreed about JT…an absolute superstar’s superstar. Look at his achievements starting with his Junior’s resume. Who has more decoration between Cups, Oly’s, Junior’s?
Also agree on Hammer…he’s a fabulous D and is another gem that Stan locked up.
Kruger played great…the kid, pound for pound, is tough as nails.
Oduya had a nice tourney run as well.
Keith played so damned well it was barely noticeable…so steady, reliable. Another Norris is on the horizon.
Good that The Hoss went out early so he can get some extra rest.
Now like everyone I’m ready for the push…Soldier Field will be fun to watch Saturday.
Most important…LETS GO HAWKS!
Congrats to Canada, they were the best team on ice in Sochi. If only there would not happen the controversial things off the ice – 3 of 4 Canadian referees for the final and strange timing of informing team Sweden about positive testing of Nicklas Backstrom (about 2 hours before the game start).
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