IIHF: Canada vs Latvia - 10:15am EST - Thu. May 7th, 2009

Canada isnt lucky to win this game, they are a better tea, BUT they should be very aware of how many holes are in their game and will be exposed against the better teams.

Should have been evident against Finland but maybe this will wake them up a little more...

Back to even strength... and game over!

Canada wins!!!!!!

Canada will need to bring a better game in the semi's or they'll be out before you know it.

agreed, better shape up or you will be playing for Bronze.

So do we know who Canada faces in the Semi's yet?

Yup, they need to be waaaaay better. If Latvia had any kind of PP that game would be totally different too.

Cap'n Clutch wrote:So do we know who Canada faces in the Semi's yet?

whoever wins the Swedes/Czech game.

Neely4Life wrote:Canada isnt lucky to win this game, they are a better tea, BUT they should be very aware of how many holes are in their game and will be exposed against the better teams.

Should have been evident against Finland but maybe this will wake them up a little more...

The good news is that they were good enough to beat Finland (even though they didn't) and Sweden isn't any better than Finland in this tournament... Also, the Russians don't exactly have the same contingent they did last year, either...

SensFan71 wrote:

Cap'n Clutch wrote:So do we know who Canada faces in the Semi's yet?

whoever wins the Swedes/Czech game.

OK thanks.

Russians step it up against Canada though, all the time. Kovulchuk can win a game by himself and against this Canada team, I can def see it. Russia also has players in the KHL like Morazov (sp?) that can play in any league in the world at the highest level.

Canada is good enough to win this tournament, whether or not they have the character to is a totally different story.

hey all, just returned from lunch. What was the damage?
(I'm too lazy to go back and read through)LOL

Cronie wrote:hey all, just returned from lunch. What was the damage?
(I'm too lazy to go back and read through)LOL

4 - 2 Canada. They also killed off a late surge where Latvia was up 6 on 3 with the goalie pulled obviously.

I dunno if I would call that a "surge" haha, that PP was pretty bad. But Canada hung on which in the grand sceem on things is all that matters I guess.

Sweet... Thanks Clutch.

Geez, I just read some posts above and I REALLY hope Lindy rips into them and ensures they come out for the semi's ready and willing to play... Sheesh...

Neely4Life wrote:
Canada is good enough to win this tournament, whether or not they have the character to is a totally different story.

I think thats the main question for any team led by Spezza and Heatley... I think you'll agree when I say that thats yours and my biggest issue with them: character.

Always has been... we'll see I guess. Anything less then a gold is a failure, anything less then the finals is just plain embarassing.

That's been a concern for a while now when it comes to Heatley and Spezza: when the chips are down, can they be counted on?

It is indeed the 64K dollar question...

Neely4Life wrote:Always has been... we'll see I guess. Anything less then a gold is a failure, anything less then the finals is just plain embarassing.

Agreed. Plus, I'd like to think the boys will play hard not just for their country and such, but also for Lindy, as it's his first ever international gig. It would be nice if he had something to show for it IMO.