USA Blows Out Slovakia
On Thursday morning, the United States began their Olympic tournament with an emphatic win over Slovakia. In the game, the US tied the country’s record for goals in a period when they scored six times in the second to blow a tie game wide open.
Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane had two assists and played a very good game for the US. Phil Kessel led the Americans with three points (one goal, two assists) and Paul Stastny scored two goals in the blowout. Kane started the game on a line with Ryan Kesler and Dustin Brown, and was credited with an assist on goals by both players.
For Slovakia, Marian Hossa was credited with the only assist on Tomas Tatar’s goal that tied the game early in the second period. Unfortunately for Hossa and his teammates, that was the total of their offense in the game. Michal Handzus was credited with two shots on net for Slovakia.
On Wednesday, Sweden defeated the Czech Republic 4-2. Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival was minus-two for the Czech team while Marcus Kruger, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Johnny Oduya were even. Hjalmarsson skated 18:16, Oduya was on the ice for 17:28 and Kruger received 10:14 for the victors; Rozsival was on the ice for 19:16 in the loss.
Great win for Team USA. Its awesome watching Olympic hockey with the NHL stars out there competing for their countries. I am so sick of a few greedy NHL owner complaining about the Olympics. I usually side with the owners, but on this one I am 100 percent with the players. Who cares if the season is interrupted for a few weeks every four years. The owners are being so short sighted its scary. Just like Bill Wirtz was short sighted about blacking out the home games. I love seeing the the players fighting hard for their respective countries. Can’t wait for USA vs. Russia on Saturday. If the USA makes it to the Gold medal game I would hope the President would attend. A USA vs. Russia Gold medal game would be HUGE.
Kesler’s stat line is going to be ridiculous when I can show it to everyone and not have it blacked out by the IOC. However at one point he was a +4 with a goal and assist. He was also 10/12 for draws at one point. I can’t believe I will say this, but he if it can’t be Toews, he is the best centerman for Kane.