Team USA (M) Hockey game 1 vs. Slovenia
Olympic hockey is live now on NBCSN, NBC Sports App, CBC, etc. For some primer, take a look at this thread where we discused the tournament and no NHL players. Of course it's the first time since 1994 with no NHL-ers in the Olympics. We've got one former Wolverine to watch on the team in Chad Kolarik. There's nothing like Olympic hockey...this doesn't really feel like a "Miracle" team, but let's hope for a great tourney.
Game 1: USA vs. Slovenia
Other games on now: Slovakia vs. OAR
Future USA games: 2/15 10:10 pm EST vs. Slovakia, 2/17 7:10 am EST vs. OAR (Russia)
Group A: Canada, Czech Republic, Korea, Switzerland
Group B: OAR, Slovenia, Slovakia, USA
Group C: Finland, Germany, Norway, Sweden
Friendly reminder to thank Gary Bettman by boycotting the NHL during this tournament!
Update after game 1 from group B:
TEAM | Pts | Wins | Losses |
---|---|---|---|
Slovakia | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Slovenia | 2 | 1 | 0 |
USA | 1 | 0 | 1 |
OAR | 0 | 0 | 1 |
February 14th, 2018 at 7:33 AM ^
USA is buzzing a little bit in the first period. Going to their second PP here.
February 14th, 2018 at 7:39 AM ^
And we're on the board! Brian O'Neil with the goal. 1-0 with 2 min left in the first.
February 14th, 2018 at 7:43 AM ^
1-0 after one
February 14th, 2018 at 7:53 AM ^
Lots of speed out there. Good cohesiveness too, especially after only half a dozen practices together under their belt.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:01 AM ^
Yeah this is a pleasant surprise. Probably a bit lucky with our scheduling to start with Slovenia and work our way up to OAR too.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:12 AM ^
how many times have the announcers mentioned the larger olympic ice?
February 14th, 2018 at 8:23 AM ^
These guys sound conflicted. It's the same crew who covers NHL on NBC.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:02 AM ^
Aren't Slovenia and Slovakia the same place...lol
February 14th, 2018 at 8:09 AM ^
on the internet - so it has to be true - that these two countries spend millions a year swapping mail wrongly addressed to each other.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:12 AM ^
NO, seriously...you can't be serious so I will not go into full mockery mode.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:15 AM ^
I was actually in Slovakia for the first time a few months back...but I suppose I can't prove I wasn't also in Slovenia at the same time...hmm
February 14th, 2018 at 8:53 AM ^
I was on a train that went through Slovakia in '98 during a study abroad program. It was the only place where we were warned not to joke with the border guards, as Slovakia still held on to autocratic communist ways and were not to be messed with. Apparently they've opened up significantly since then and are now flourishing somewhat.
Anyway, that's my Slovakia/Slovania story.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:45 AM ^
Yes, and so is Austria and Austrailia.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:10 AM ^
If I wanted to watch a bunch of borderline pros play defensive hockey in a half empty arena, I would go to the NCAA Regionals.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:13 AM ^
that Korea was a courtesy bid given they are the host country? Is that a thing? Doesn't seem like a country that would make the Olympics in ice hockey without it.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:17 AM ^
Yep, this has been the case in prior Olympics. Maybe always? From my memory Japan and Italy both did. USA, Canada, Russia, all would've qualified anyway.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:59 AM ^
Dafuq? That a real picture (ie: not photoshopped)? LMAO!!
February 14th, 2018 at 9:37 AM ^
5'5" vs. 6'9" !
February 14th, 2018 at 9:36 AM ^
An American, a Slovakian, and a Finn. Actually Gerbe probably could've been on this team since I think he was playing in Switzerland for a while, but looks like he's back in AHL.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:18 AM ^
Also the Korean women have scored 1 total goal in their 3 games. Could be just as ugly for the men.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:19 AM ^
Pretty much...same reason Qatar will have a team in the World Cup in a few years
February 14th, 2018 at 8:46 AM ^
That Qatari team will be able to smoke the US team. They are basically paying good players to change their nationality. They will have a competitive team.
February 14th, 2018 at 1:22 PM ^
because the U.S. team won't be there . . . .
February 14th, 2018 at 9:20 AM ^
Host team always automatically qualifies. They do it in virtually every sport. FIFA does it for the World Cup for example
February 14th, 2018 at 9:18 AM ^
The host country gets an entry into EVERY event whether they actually qualify or not.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:14 AM ^
A little careless here in the 2nd in the neutral and defensive zone. I’d also like to see them use all their speed more with the puck and carry it more in the offensive zone on rushes or just really up and down the wall while trying to find the open man.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:16 AM ^
Goal! 2-0 with 7 left in second. Greenway puts in the rebound
February 14th, 2018 at 8:17 AM ^
I just can't get into it this year. At least before when it was no NHL it was young guys striving to make it into the League. Now most of those young guys have NHL contracts, so we're kind of left with the leftovers.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:27 AM ^
Slovenia isn't even in the same league as the US in this game... Should be closer to 5-0 my god.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:36 AM ^
The US “only beat” Slovenia 5-1 in Sochi with the likes of Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel and 21 other NHL players, I’m fine being up 2-0 after 2, playing together for the first time.
February 14th, 2018 at 9:18 AM ^
Well this aged poorly...
February 14th, 2018 at 8:44 AM ^
Slovakia and OAR tied at 2, after 2.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:48 AM ^
Come on Slovakia!
February 14th, 2018 at 9:10 AM ^
Slovakia up 3-2 with 11 left.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:47 AM ^
This is a good test of how us college hockey stacks up the khl and other national development leagues. This Olympics will be interesting.
February 14th, 2018 at 8:50 AM ^
There are actually only 4 college players on team USA. Lots of guys from European leagues. Or in the case of our captain Gionta, a retiree haha
February 14th, 2018 at 11:28 AM ^
There are only four college players on this team... so not really sure why this is a good test of how college compares to pro leagues around the world
February 14th, 2018 at 8:51 AM ^
Ton of pressure from Slovenia leads to a goal and it's 2-1. 14 min left
February 14th, 2018 at 9:11 AM ^
Too much sustained pressure, only a matter of time until Slovenia tied it.
February 14th, 2018 at 9:12 AM ^
Oh god. Former Red Wing Mursak tied it with 1:37 left...
February 14th, 2018 at 9:19 AM ^
Lose in OT 3-2.
February 14th, 2018 at 9:19 AM ^
Mursak again...Slovenia wins. Guy had a massive game.
February 14th, 2018 at 9:24 AM ^
USA as a whole in the Olympics seems to be under performing a lot.
February 14th, 2018 at 10:43 AM ^
Strongly disagree with this take.
February 14th, 2018 at 11:15 AM ^
Highest finishes ever in Luge and in Cross-Country in the past 48 years, as well.
February 14th, 2018 at 11:36 AM ^
Men's figure skating is also having a resurgence. So yeah, nice hot take. It does suck when one of our best men downhillers injures his ankle in a practice run and pulls out of the games.