In Siberia, hockey is a summer sport (IIHF, NHL, KHL, Europe, NCAAs)

Switzerland advanced to quarters over Finland despite less wins, more losses and losing the h2h matchup.

All Swiss losses were in OT/SO and they ended up with 1 more point.

 

Russia narrowly escaped losing to the Swiss. The latter lead with 90 second left biut ended up losing in OT. In the other game USA smoked the Czechs 7-0.

I think it'll be a Canada-Sweden final though. Russia has a a miniscule chance at winning this thing imo.

 

Yeah, this team is not impressing me in this tournament.

They pretty much got outplayed in every game, except for vs. Germany.

 

Sweden's going to put on a puck possession clinic tomorrow.

 

A couple of years ago Russia looked just as shaky as this year but won the gold in miraculous fashion. Lightning doesn't strike twice they say but if this team can put together a period of great hockey + solid goal tending then who knows.

 

Coaching of this team sucks.

Bragin was organized and knew how to get the best out of his players. 2 years ago, he had a team that were underdogs against Finland in quarters. They came back late in each elimination game, showing great character.

Varnakov has a Junior version of an All-Star team and it's completely disorganized, with individual players trying to do everything alone.

 

Sounds like Russia. At least the senior team is playing with a game plan under Bil, all be it a fairly conservative one.

 

USA ate Canada during that first period, delightful hockey by the imperialists.

 

In all seriousness just by watching the U.S. players' style you can tell that they try to imitate Russian players' mannerisms and habits.

 

No look pass in your own defensive zone...told ya.

U.S. styling on Canada.

 

They look pretty skilled to me and have awesome flair.

 

Canada gets put in their place by the obviously Russian influenced Americans.

 

Hopefully Russia can salvage a Bronze, but Canada will be extra motivated after today's debacle.