The Czech Republic loses to Switzerland, the Americans skate to a tie with Latvia, the Russians lose to the Slovaks then thrub the Swedes -- what the heck is going on in the Olympic hockey tournament?!?!?!
Less than two full days into group play, the Olympic hockey tournament is shaping up to be a doozy. Olympic hockey has historically had one storyline -- is it going to be Canada, the US or Russia? But in the 1990's things got interesting with the Swedes taking gold in '94 and the Czechs winning in '98. The way this year's tournament is shaping up it could be anyone's game. So far the Slovaks look strong with two wins under their belts. The Canadians are just getting under way with Germany and should have no problem dispensing them. Although the struggled early against Italy, so who knows what could happen.
Some key injuries could further impact the way the tournament shakes out. Czech Slinky Dominik Hasek left yesterday's game with a hamstring pull. Peter Forsberg is in Turin but has yet to skate for Sweden due to a groin strain and may not play at all. Much to the chagrin of NHL executives back home, more injuries are sure to occur as play goes on.
So far this tournament has more drama than anything NBC has tried to shove down viewers throats. While the games are being broadcast during the day on MSNBC, it's sad that primetime viewers aren't at least being treated to highlight reels. After all, if we're being subjected to roller derby on ice, couldn't we at least get 10 minutes of highlights of a sport most viewers know and possibly care about?
The hockey has been fantastic. The bigger international ice really opens things up. It's a shame we can't get a re-broadcast in the evening on any of the neworks. You would think that NBC would have more interest in at least showing highlights of the NHL stars. What a waste.
Last edited by Grandstanding on February 16th at 1:05 PM.
I agree that they should rebroadcast in primetime. I haven't watched much Olympic coverage so far. But, I'd really love to watch some Olympic hockey. I think I've seen parts of two or three games so far. That's pretty weak. Alot more people are interested in hockey than most of these other sports. NBC is really losing alot of viewers by not rebroadcasting the games.
Arturs Irbe of Latvia is a solid goaltender. We had him down here in Carolina for a few years and he made alot of fans. I think so much travel in so short a time period took away the US team's skating legs.
He's a good goalie. This tournament always comes down to who's got the hot goalie. Should be interesting to see if he can keep it up and they can muster enough fire power to stay competitive with other teams.
After just watching the US women lose in a shootout to the Swedes I think anything is possible.
I cannot understand why Fox does not put an Olympic Category under the blogging as well as a Golf one and then move NFL to the bottom for now. Post it anywhere you like DC until they fix these problems. You already know I don't follow hockey, but I do read your posts regularly and I always cheer for the American Team. In the winter O, hockey is about all their is to follow for me.
The Olympics is in my second five, and to me it is a fascinating study of geography, economics, determination and luck.
More so than other sports, because of odd ball sports like curling. I think I understand it now. Like I learned chess four years ago. Always good to expand the mind and the understanding, step outside of the purely American "box".
It's a big world out there. Someday Nigeria will have a cool NFL team, and poverty will decline there, too.
I am a chick who lives for sports -- football, hockey, college basketball, lacrosse, you name it.
As a girl from Baltimore married to a guy from Pittsburgh, my football loyalties and love for my husband are put to the test every weekend. Fortunately, he's an understanding guy.
As is our dog, who loves his football, and my beloved Irish.
