After this weekend’s first round of games, Teams Canada, Europe, Sweden, and North America find themselves at the top of their respective tables in the World Cup of Hockey. Teams USA, Finland, Russia, and Czech Republic face varying levels of desperation after losing this weekend, with perhaps Team USA facing the most daunting task ahead.
After being expected to dispatch Team Europe on Saturday and then most definitely not doing that, Team USA probably has to beat both Canada and Czech Republic in the next two games if they want to make it out of the 1st round.
Yeahhhh, they’re not doing that.
Hockey News
Finland vs. North America – 09/18/2016
Poor Pekka Rinne found himself on the wrong end of a shooting gallery. He let a couple dribblers through, but he certainly didn’t get much help from his defense. Anyways, go Team NA!
N. America of the chart vS. FinLand pic.twitter.com/deN2DRkqrg
— Feeble Math (@FeebleMath) September 19, 2016
Rinne’s mood pic.twitter.com/BCaSKCzDKq
— Stephanie (@myregularface) September 19, 2016
World Cup Day 2: Team Sweden wins opener
Ovechkin nearly sent the game to OT, but the Swedes held on for huge opening win in group play. Raise your hand if you saw Jacob Markstrom stealing a game for Sweden.
Lundqvist scratched from Sweden opener – Article – TSN
This is quite peculiar. King Henrik hasn’t been himself recently and now he’s just listed as “sick” with no real explanation. I’m not trying to generate rumors here. It’s just… odd.
Team North America unveils goal song
I’m all in on Team North America, but man I hate this song.
Torts: Tuesday vs. Canada is “our championship game” – Article – TSN
When John Tortorella is the 4th or 5th most hated person on Team USA, you know you’ve got to start rooting for Team North America. N-A, ALL THE WAY!
Canada built almost entirely of players who only know winning – Sportsnet.ca
Interestingly, Babcock borrowed the “live scared and get better tomorrow” motto from a tattered notebook labeled “K Hitchcock” in a dumpster behind Nationwide Arena.
Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen Will Miss 2-4 Weeks With Injury
This is the danger with these pre-season rookie tournaments. For Colorado’s sake, I hope the injury isn’t any worse than what has been initially reported.
Predators training camp preview: Goaltenders
Our buddy Adam Vingan breaks down what should be a fascinating camp battle. The question is, will the backup position even matter when Rinne plays 70 games including all the back-to-backs?