Three incredible games on the slate for today. Currently, the United States, Finland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic are holding onto the bye spots but that is all up for grabs today with such a tight race at the top.
Game One: Russia vs. Czech Republic, 3:00 p.m. ET
This is the first of epic games today and it shouldn’t disappoint. Pavel Datsyuk and the Russians take on Jaromir Jagr and the Czech Republic in a very important game. Russia, with a regulation win, could vault Slovakia (finished with group play yesterday) and tie the Czech Republic.for first in Group B. With a Russia win, the goal differential would end up in favor of Russia no matter the final score since both teams are at +5. This is a big game for the Russians and a very tough team stands in their way.
Game Two: United States vs. Canada, 7:30 p.m. ET
What a game this is shaping up to be. I strongly encourage all those in Seattle to build roadblocks to stop a Canadian invasion if the US takes this game in Vancouver. Canada started red-hot but then ran into a brilliant performance by Jonas Hiller. Things won’t get much easier for the Canadians with Ryan Miller in net for Team USA. Who do the Americans have to face at the other end of the ice? Oh, just the best goaltender in the modern era and the holder of nearly every record in that department, Martin Brodeur. Canada is loaded from top to bottom with talent and should be able to dominate this game. However, the US has been impressive in the two games played thus far and could “shock” the hockey world. The whole of North America will be tuning in for this game and they shouldn’t be disappointed.
Red Wings involved:
USA: Brian Rafalski
CAN: Mike Babcock and Steve Yzerman
Game three: Finland vs. Sweden, 12:00 a.m. ET
Nothing like this age-old rivalry between the Finns and Swedes. The Finns might have the edge this year though as the Swedes are struggling against the same teams that Finland is blowing out. It’s a shame that a game this good comes on so late (in the Detroit timezone at least) and consider it involves 5 of the Red Wings sent to the Olympics, it’s a good game to watch all the Detroit stars. Nevertheless, the game goes on regardless of timezone and should be one heck of a game.
Red Wings involved:
SWE: Nicklas Lidstrom (C), Niklas Kronwall, Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen
FIN: Valtteri Filppula
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