I suppose this week long hiatus (is the circus in town or something?) is a good opportunity to rest some of the more tired bones in getting through the meat of the schedule but.... it also gives the BJ'S an opportunity to continue pulling away. They have played 2 fewer games than the Pens as of today...I really think it's gonna be imperative coming out of this break the Pens have some serious jump in their game otherwise...it is bloody difficult in this current points structure (which for the record drives me apoplectic) to make up ground!
I suppose one good thing about it is I can concentrate on the WJHC and hopefully a final of USA/Canada...I was not overly impressed with the Canada effort vs Czechs and conversely have been pretty darned impressed with the American efforts thus far. I can see NO weaknesses on the USA team, whereas Canada seems to have the usual solid D (Ottawa draft Chabot looks really adept at skating and puck handling for example), forwards seem adequate at best (where the hell is Strome), and goaltending looks quite weak imo. I have a funny feeling that after this afternoon/ tonight it will be the Swedes taking on USA in the final, as I see very little weakness in their game too. The Russians are capable as always of attacking in waves but I see way too many holes on the backend to compete vs this American squad....good luck gentlemen.
I suppose one good thing about it is I can concentrate on the WJHC and hopefully a final of USA/Canada...I was not overly impressed with the Canada effort vs Czechs and conversely have been pretty darned impressed with the American efforts thus far. I can see NO weaknesses on the USA team, whereas Canada seems to have the usual solid D (Ottawa draft Chabot looks really adept at skating and puck handling for example), forwards seem adequate at best (where the hell is Strome), and goaltending looks quite weak imo. I have a funny feeling that after this afternoon/ tonight it will be the Swedes taking on USA in the final, as I see very little weakness in their game too. The Russians are capable as always of attacking in waves but I see way too many holes on the backend to compete vs this American squad....good luck gentlemen.
....Congrats Team USA on winning one helluva hockey game! I'll hop on my soapbox again however and ask...what in the hell is the point in watching 2 amazing teams decide it in shootout fashion? Did we all have somewhere to go? Grrrrr! I could have easily withstood another period or two of entertainment no matter who won!
