2010 Winter Olympics: USA Eliminates Switzerland, Moves on to Semifinals
by Nick Montemagno on Feb 24, 2010 6:56 PM EST
in 2010 Winter Olympics
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PrintIt took over 40 minutes of hockey for this game to have any points on the board, but an excellent effort by both clubs kept all viewers entertained and on the edge of their seats. Zach Parise may have been the lone scorer in the game, but it was a team effort that earned Team USA their fourth win of the tournament and now a guaranteed medal game. Defense, offense, and goaltending were all strong this afternoon for the Americans, which has not always been the case in the past.
The U.S. certainly had their chances in the first and second periods. However, there was a man in net for the Swiss by the name of Jonas Hiller. If you remember, I mentioned his name a few times in the pregame; I’m assuming you now know why. Hiller was incredible in the game, making saves on 42 of the 44 shots the United States threw his way. The Americans thought they had the early lead several times in the first period, but each time were stoned by Hiller.
In the second period, Team USA’s Ryan Kesler came extremely close to burying that first goal, when his shot deflected up of Hiller’s skate, onto his shoulder, and eventually batted in by his swinging stick. Luckily for the Swiss, after reviewing the goal, it was determined that the puck crossed the goal line after the buzzer had sounded to signify the conclusion of the period. Instead of looking at this in an angry matter, I think the U.S. used it to their advantage and motivated the rest of the group heading into the final stanza.
Zach Parise finally found the back of the net for the first time in the tournament to open the third, burying a rebound right around the crease. The United States would score again, this time Ryan Suter, but the goal was waived off as Kesler was called for interference against a Swiss defenseman in front of Hiller. On the same sequence, USA goaltender Ryan Miller was beat for the first and only time all night, but the post was there to preserve the shutout.
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Parise would end up depositing the empty-netter in the final minute of regulation and well deserved at that. Parise has been criticized by many that have followed the team, including myself, regarding his dormant offense. There is no question that head coach Ron Wilson and his squad needed more out of Parise, and boy did he deliver against Switzerland. Right from the opening faceoff, Zach was physical, he crashed the net, and created numerous opportunities for himself.
Miller’s shutout was one of the easier ones he will capture in his career, as the Sabres starter only faced a total of 18 shots in the game. I also though Miller had a lot of help from his defense, which began in Sunday’s match-up with the Canadians.
Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan both played great once again today. They are constantly being put onto the ice in key defensive positions and each and every time they execute to perfection. Both players, as we know, are not afraid to sacrifice the body, as could be seen when Drury took a Mark Streit slapshot to the chest while on the penalty-kill.
With this victory, Team USA ispretty much guaranteed to go home with a medal, but what color will shine on that medal is still to be determined. The winner of Czech Republic versus Finland later tonight will move on to be USA’s opponent in the semi-finals. Russia/Canada, followed by Sweden/Slovakia will also be played later tonight.
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Slight correction
We are guaranteed a medal game. But we could still end up in 4th overall.
Sucks that I missed the game, but I am settled in for Canada-Russia
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Feb 24, 2010 7:36 PM EST reply actions
Will there be an open thread, or will we hijack this one?
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by George E. Ays on Feb 24, 2010 7:41 PM EST up reply actions
we can hijack this one, I didn’t want to bump the USA recap so soon
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Feb 24, 2010 7:42 PM EST reply actions
Howd they get the first one, just tuned in?
by IAMARANGER16 on Feb 24, 2010 7:43 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Getzlaf, beautiful goal
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Feb 24, 2010 7:44 PM EST up reply actions
I think rumors of Canada's demise were greatly exaggerated
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Feb 24, 2010 7:57 PM EST reply actions
It must have something to do with playing a 5th game together. Chemistry has shown up, trouble for the opposition.
by IAMARANGER16 on Feb 24, 2010 7:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
A tremendously tremendous goal
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Feb 24, 2010 7:58 PM EST reply actions
Wowzers
Russia has come out sooo flat I thought the Ranagers were playing for a second. Canada came to play tonight.
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They are playing like its not owed to them jus cuz theyre Canadian
unlike sunday night
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 24, 2010 8:00 PM EST up reply actions
You don’t get a point for jabs at your own team. Can’t resist even on the break. Unfortunatly I understand.
by IAMARANGER16 on Feb 24, 2010 8:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I was waiting to see who made the Kalinin joke
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Feb 24, 2010 8:02 PM EST up reply actions
First Drury plays well, now Kalinin scores...
Why do these players suck when they play for the Rangers?
by bluecheese999 on Feb 24, 2010 8:07 PM EST up reply actions
LETS GO RUSSIA. Toots is our boy!
by IAMARANGER16 on Feb 24, 2010 8:03 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Getzlaf scored, Parise had two today............whats Hugh Jessiman doing right now?
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 24, 2010 8:21 PM EST reply actions
I signed him for my NHL10 team. Just for fun.
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by George E. Ays on Feb 24, 2010 8:31 PM EST up reply actions
Which is ironic, because I bought NHL 10 from him, he was working at Gamestop
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Feb 24, 2010 8:32 PM EST up reply actions
Well played sir, well played.
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by George E. Ays on Feb 24, 2010 8:39 PM EST up reply actions
Ok when do you pull Nabakov?
This is ridiculous
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 24, 2010 8:33 PM EST reply actions
But you know whats amazing?
If any team has the firepower to come back its Russia……………..not that it will happen, of course.
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 24, 2010 8:35 PM EST reply actions
if they can get it to say 6-4 by the end of the period you never know.
by Michael Gleich on Feb 24, 2010 8:36 PM EST up reply actions
even worse than if Iran build a bomb….well….from a hockey stand point of course….can I get an amen from the congregation?
i really dont want canada to win.. just cause of crosby..
and nabakov really blew it. those last 2 goals were terrible.. they should have taken him out after 4
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
I would have taken him out at 2-0
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Feb 24, 2010 8:40 PM EST up reply actions
There will be way too much emphasis on Nabokov after this game. He was down 3-0 before he broke a sweat. The 4th goal (Morrow) was horrible for sure, but he also made two outstanding robbing saves just before that. You can ask your goaltender to steal a game for you, like Miller did, but you gotta have some help from the skaters in front of you. Lots of people talked about the Russian defense being its weak point, but ALL the Russians have been horrible defensively.
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Well that seemingly has always been Russia’s game. They were so scary offensively that many teams were afraid to attack them for fear of getting lit up. The Americans went completely against that mantra in 80 when they won, and you’re seeing it more and more. Not that they haven’t had good defensive players. Guys like Fetisov, Volchenkov, Gonchar etc. are all well schooled defensemen.
They’re also comprised of a lot of KHL types (I think they have 40% or so KHL?) in a league where defensive play isn’t exactly top priority (think of some of the players who have left the NHL to go the KHL..not exactly big effort guys who liked backchecking…which is a staple of the current NHL).
Canada woke up folks. I think Sweden is a much better matchup against Canada, but really, the Americans probably have the best overall chance to win it because they can match up physically with Canada. But the U.S. needs a few things improved dramatically before that can happen.
Right now I’m just rooting for a frustrated Ovechkin to take an instigator against Crosby.
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now, now boys...........I can really sense your frustation
that can be a killer…….lol
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 24, 2010 8:41 PM EST reply actions
OK.......7-2. Is it too soon to start singing the Canadian national anthem?..............lmfao!!!!!
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 24, 2010 8:42 PM EST reply actions
well they wont win gold anyway..
sooo… if u havent noticed.. russia doesnt have a defense. and many of their offensive players dont play defense either.
just wait till you play sweden ;)
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
Ok Moshe, whatever makes you feel better....lol.
Even you really dont believe what you just said
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 24, 2010 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
This Hot Tub Time Machine looks like it could be funny, Cusack is pretty funny, and so is the kid with glasses from “Sex Drive”
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Feb 24, 2010 8:46 PM EST reply actions
Ok all you guys got your rally caps on?
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 24, 2010 8:47 PM EST reply actions
While I would prefer Russia to win from a USA hockey standpoint, I just wanted to see a good hockey game, to me that is what the Olympics are all about. This ain’t it.
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Feb 24, 2010 8:49 PM EST up reply actions
I agree....from a hockey fan standpoint. I would of liked to see a close, competetive game
but from a Canadian standpoint……loving it!!!
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 24, 2010 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
boyle should not be allowed to compete for that..
semins hit was dirty to.. but slew foot? come on now..
this is why i really dont want the canadiens to win.. at all…
ill make sure to root against them just as hard as a root for the americans..
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
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