I woke up this morning earlier than usual having just gone to bed at 3am. But today is different. Today, a nation awaits for a game time start at 1pm MST. Team Canada vs Team USA for the Olympic Gold Medal. Who would have thought we would be uttering those words just one week ago. USA, and the media, Canadian fans were all discussing the demise of Team Canada.
The demise of Team Canada has been greatly exaggerated. Yes, we had difficulties and lost to a great US team lead by Ryan Miller. Am I concerned with Miller who is the hottest goalie in the Olympics? Of course, I wouldn't say I wouldn't but remember we still got 3 goals past him. We just couldn't stop anything. But, I LOVE American Propoganda. Americans don't care about hockey. OH wait they do when their country is in it and are doing well. They love it when they upset Canada and are the best at something. *CLAP CLAP*
Seriously, Team USA I hope Canada comes at you like a blitzkrieg.. wave after wave after wave of offense and hitting. Wearing you down. Pompus Ron Wilson who hasn't won anything to save his career and Brian Burke who thinks he's the messiah. Btw, good job in Toronto.
Canada there's nothing wrong to be proud, to be owning the podium.. is it proper in sports? HELL YA!! You think Gretzky didn't know he was the greatest player in his era? He knew it and made sure you knew it. Is it the Canadian way? No. But screw that.. this USA team cares less about Canada they are just happy to collect the cheques we pay them. Btw, Kesler I hope you get ROCKED by Shea Weber.
Remember Canada you don't have just a nation supporting you but u got each other. Play your game. Cycle down low and create offsense from the chances you generate. Shoot SHOOOT SHOOOOOT and have traffic in front of Miller. Get in his kitchen and just wear them down. 60 minutes of hockey boys.
Sid, you got to step up. We are looking at you to dominate and control this game. We need you to do so. Canada needs you. People will remember these games as a success if Canada wins Gold. Myself, I agree. Today I am proud to be Canadian and will be more Proud if we can put one more win and one more GOLD.
Let's go out there and win. This is for Gold, this is for Canada.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Step 2) Canada Vs Russia - Who says the Cold War is dead?
Last night Canada did what it had to do. It finally got some momentum and the team is starting to look better. Now is this going to be enough. Is getting better going to be enough to play the Russians. Team Canada needs to up the physicality and create havoc with a cycle game down low. Generate offense by getting into the tough dirty areas. That's how Canada has always played and should continue to play that style. Press the action and have the defencemen join up on the rush to generate more offense. But here's the one big thing they have to ensure they don't get caught by the stretch pass. Russian teams have been notorious in using that as a big big weapon.
Canada needs to realize we are here to win, but Russia they are here to conquer. No Russian team has won since they were the Soviet Union and hopefully it will stay that way.
Keys to the game tonight:
1) Sidney Needs to outplay Alex. That's quite simply how it has to be. Your best player has to step up and welcome the olympic world to YOU!
2) Team defense you will need Niedermayer and Pronger to continue playing well and have guys like Doughty lay the hits on the Russians. Create the tempo and physical pace and don't get lulled into slow spots.
3) Roberto Luongo - You need to step up. Serious. This is the biggest game of your career. You can't come in and have a stinker like you did against Chicago last year in game 7.
4) Have fun Canada. SHOOT the puck and get dirty. Score them garbage goals and crash the net. Get inside Nabakov's kitchen!
Boys, the Russians don't like us and the cold war is dead but for one night they are in OUR HOUSE. THIS HOUSE. SO PROTECT IT and WIN! Go Canada GO!
Canada needs to realize we are here to win, but Russia they are here to conquer. No Russian team has won since they were the Soviet Union and hopefully it will stay that way.
Keys to the game tonight:
1) Sidney Needs to outplay Alex. That's quite simply how it has to be. Your best player has to step up and welcome the olympic world to YOU!
2) Team defense you will need Niedermayer and Pronger to continue playing well and have guys like Doughty lay the hits on the Russians. Create the tempo and physical pace and don't get lulled into slow spots.
3) Roberto Luongo - You need to step up. Serious. This is the biggest game of your career. You can't come in and have a stinker like you did against Chicago last year in game 7.
4) Have fun Canada. SHOOT the puck and get dirty. Score them garbage goals and crash the net. Get inside Nabakov's kitchen!
Boys, the Russians don't like us and the cold war is dead but for one night they are in OUR HOUSE. THIS HOUSE. SO PROTECT IT and WIN! Go Canada GO!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Germans are coming! - Step 1. It begins tonight Canada.
Step 1) Our journey to gold begins. Germany vs Canada to qualify for a quarterfinal match up with the Russians. Wow did we ever get ourselves into a jam. Who are the Americans facing? the Swiss? in the Semi's? Seriously, I don't know and don't care. Today we must take care of business.
Mike Babcock told the world last night.. " We are in the wins business " well that's a great statement and he made a substituition moving Martin Brodeur off the starting goalie spot in favour of Roberto Luongo. Now don't get me wrong. Loooooooo as he is fondly called in Vancouver is a top 5 goalie in the NHL. But he hasn't won a big game. He hasn't come through under big pressure. But maybe there is a first time?.. He has to play sensational for a 4 game stretch. I just don't want to see a relapse of Game 7 vs the Chicago Blackhawks. Ya dig!?!?!
Step 2) Iginla reunites with Crosby and adding in Eric Staal to the left side. Nash moves down a spot with Getzlaf and Perry. I hope they make defensive changes and has Pronger with Neidermayer then Move Doughty and Boyle as the third pairing. What Team Canada really needs tonight is to set the tone. Come out physical and lay some hits. The fourth line of Richards, Toews and Morrow need to create a spark and give some energy for this team. They need them to produce and chip in a goal or two.
Step 3) Winning breeds confidence. Don't worry about Russia tomorrow. Win today.. when you win today things seem to be a bit easier. Play tight defence and more man on man. Be willing to fight for every inch of ice and win the small puck battles along the boards. The crowd will get you energized but remember you score first the crowd stays in your side.
Remember, everyone wants Canada to lose except the players and it's fans. People don't like us and they want to see us fail. Tonight is the start, a simple reminder of why Hockey is Canada's game.
Let's get it on!
Mike Babcock told the world last night.. " We are in the wins business " well that's a great statement and he made a substituition moving Martin Brodeur off the starting goalie spot in favour of Roberto Luongo. Now don't get me wrong. Loooooooo as he is fondly called in Vancouver is a top 5 goalie in the NHL. But he hasn't won a big game. He hasn't come through under big pressure. But maybe there is a first time?.. He has to play sensational for a 4 game stretch. I just don't want to see a relapse of Game 7 vs the Chicago Blackhawks. Ya dig!?!?!
Step 2) Iginla reunites with Crosby and adding in Eric Staal to the left side. Nash moves down a spot with Getzlaf and Perry. I hope they make defensive changes and has Pronger with Neidermayer then Move Doughty and Boyle as the third pairing. What Team Canada really needs tonight is to set the tone. Come out physical and lay some hits. The fourth line of Richards, Toews and Morrow need to create a spark and give some energy for this team. They need them to produce and chip in a goal or two.
Step 3) Winning breeds confidence. Don't worry about Russia tomorrow. Win today.. when you win today things seem to be a bit easier. Play tight defence and more man on man. Be willing to fight for every inch of ice and win the small puck battles along the boards. The crowd will get you energized but remember you score first the crowd stays in your side.
Remember, everyone wants Canada to lose except the players and it's fans. People don't like us and they want to see us fail. Tonight is the start, a simple reminder of why Hockey is Canada's game.
Let's get it on!
Monday, February 22, 2010
I am taking a STAND! - Team Canada will win GOLD! I said it and Believe it!
WoW, is all I have to say as Canada as a country has gone into PANIC mode after a loss to the Americans. Ok, let's be honest here. Who really thought the Olympics were going to be this cake walk? Come on, the Canadians have a target on their back since 2002 Salt Lake when they took home gold. Let's not forget they are in Canada playing for GOLD and expected to win. But, in the last 3 olympics Canada, Czech, Sweden have all won the gold medal.
Other countries were not just going to come to Canada and let them take the gold like some sort of coronation ceremony. What gets to me is the fans of this country are pathetic. I am angry and upset at how they are knocking the team and Canadian Hockey. Give me a break.
Let's get something straight. The rest of the world hates Team Canada just look at Ryan Kesler he was so happy to win but made it known he hates Canada. Hey Ryan, don't forget who signs your paychecks. Guess you are a moron and didn't realize you play for Vancouver. GOOD JOB!
Secondly, it's time to up the physicality. We need some game changers out there and start taking the body. It's the olympics guys and no offense it may be the last kick at it for some of these players. I would definitely make some critical adjustments for the next game. Move Keith and Seabrook as your top pairing. Reunite Pronger and Neidermayer and have Boyle and Doughty take the 3rd pairing. I would move Iggy with Crosby and move Nash in the open win. I don't care if you can't play on LW.
Thirdly, they are playing scared. They need to find that confidence and need someone to galvanize the team. In 2002, Wayne Gretzky made the infamous speech that rallied the troops and got the pressure taken off the Canadians. Well Steve Yzerman we need you to step it up for the team. Take the heat for the team and defend them. Their egos are getting rocked right now and somehow you have to remind them they are the best players Canada has produced. The pressure they are playing under is immense. Time to rally the troops and remind them it's US vs THEM.
Fourthly, Sidney this is your team. This is Team Canada. Like Mario did in 2002 and Wayne before him it's time for you to carry this team on your back and get them through. Legends and all time greats find a way to win. This time for 4 games you have to find ways to win. The road got a lot harder than we had anticipated but it's nothing hard to overcome. In 2005, remember Grand Folks? remember 9 or so players on this roster played in that WJHC. It's time to lay it on the line. It's gold or bust kid.
I am standing on my soap box because I will support Team Canada. 4 wins , Germany, Russia, Sweden and them Team USA. That's my predicition. The road is long and perhaps tedious. Just remember this Olympics will be defined by whether or not Team Canada can win GOLD. My feeling is the party is going to get started really fast.
GO CANADA GO!
Other countries were not just going to come to Canada and let them take the gold like some sort of coronation ceremony. What gets to me is the fans of this country are pathetic. I am angry and upset at how they are knocking the team and Canadian Hockey. Give me a break.
Let's get something straight. The rest of the world hates Team Canada just look at Ryan Kesler he was so happy to win but made it known he hates Canada. Hey Ryan, don't forget who signs your paychecks. Guess you are a moron and didn't realize you play for Vancouver. GOOD JOB!
Secondly, it's time to up the physicality. We need some game changers out there and start taking the body. It's the olympics guys and no offense it may be the last kick at it for some of these players. I would definitely make some critical adjustments for the next game. Move Keith and Seabrook as your top pairing. Reunite Pronger and Neidermayer and have Boyle and Doughty take the 3rd pairing. I would move Iggy with Crosby and move Nash in the open win. I don't care if you can't play on LW.
Thirdly, they are playing scared. They need to find that confidence and need someone to galvanize the team. In 2002, Wayne Gretzky made the infamous speech that rallied the troops and got the pressure taken off the Canadians. Well Steve Yzerman we need you to step it up for the team. Take the heat for the team and defend them. Their egos are getting rocked right now and somehow you have to remind them they are the best players Canada has produced. The pressure they are playing under is immense. Time to rally the troops and remind them it's US vs THEM.
Fourthly, Sidney this is your team. This is Team Canada. Like Mario did in 2002 and Wayne before him it's time for you to carry this team on your back and get them through. Legends and all time greats find a way to win. This time for 4 games you have to find ways to win. The road got a lot harder than we had anticipated but it's nothing hard to overcome. In 2005, remember Grand Folks? remember 9 or so players on this roster played in that WJHC. It's time to lay it on the line. It's gold or bust kid.
I am standing on my soap box because I will support Team Canada. 4 wins , Germany, Russia, Sweden and them Team USA. That's my predicition. The road is long and perhaps tedious. Just remember this Olympics will be defined by whether or not Team Canada can win GOLD. My feeling is the party is going to get started really fast.
GO CANADA GO!
Monday, February 1, 2010
ROYAL RUMBLE
My Top 3:
1. Shawn Michaels - He is my RIC FLAIR of my generation. Perhaps, one of the greatest performers of all time. Forget the ladder match, but watch every Wrestlemania match he has ever been in and trust me you almost always have the best performance coming from HBK. Check out last year's Undertaker vs HBK performance and you would be in awe. Considering UT is now so much older HBK got the best performance from him.
2. The Rock - In any era of Sports Entertainment no one and I say no one was as charismatic, could work the mic and had cross over appeal as THE ROCK. I remember cheering for him before THE ROCK was cool. An episode of Monday Night Raw when he faced Kane in a match and gave him a People's Elbow and Mankind came in to help him for the win was when you could see THE ROCK was getting a push.
3. EDGE - Oh man the Rated R Superstar shocked the world last night and came into the ROYAL RUMBLE at number 29 and get a title shot at WrestleMania. How can you not like Edge, from his debut back a decade ago. This is how superstars are built and made. Years of paying their dues, winning Intercontinental Championships, Tag Championships and having fantastic matches in TLC vs the Hardy Boyz and Dudley Boyz.
Anyhow, last night's Royal Rumble match was short but entertaining. HBK coming utterly close to winning his 3rd RUMBLE and HHH getting elminated early via SuperKick from HBK. John Cena in the Final Four with Batista and we can't forget the shocking return of Edge. Guy has to get back into Ring form but he looked fantastic and for me is a breath of fresh air.
As his entrance theme says.. " On this day, I see clearly.... "
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