… you should try watching some other sport. I’ve said for years that this is the best hockey of the year and this year’s tournament has proven me right. The NHL playoffs are great, but if your team lays an egg today they always have tomorrow. In the single-elimination medal round of the WJHC, there’s no such luxury.
While Canada has looked sloppy in its come-from-behind wins over the Americans and Russians, fans could hardly ask for more exciting games. The Canucks will have their hands full with Sweden tonight. The Swedes have eased through the tourney and would love to exact revenge for last year’s overtime loss in the Gold Medal game. Canada’s defence corps, in particular Captain Thomas Hickey, are going to have to show a lot more composure and smarts than they have so far. I think the home side will edge a close one for their 5th gold in a row, but it won’t be easy.
Canada played a solid game tonight and deserved to win its 5th straight gold medal. The defence played much more soundly than it had in its past 2 games and Dustin Tokarksi avoided the soft goals that plagued him against the U.S. and Russia.
Cody Hodgson had another outstanding game – creating chances offensively, potting 2 goals and doing an excellent job on the penalty kill. Hodgson looks like a mirror image of the Flyers’ Mike Richards. He’ll make an excellent pro, bringing a terrific 2-way game to the Canucks.
I also really like what Tyler Myers brings to the table. He showed a lot more composure throughout the WHJC than many of his more ballyhooed counterparts on the blueline. At 6′7″, his reach and physical style make him a nightmare to match up against and Myers is only going to get tougher as he fills out physically and gains strength. The Buffalo Sabres are going to love this guy.
Captain Thomas Hickey had a real shaky tournament, turning the puck over and failing to move his feet, but he was more sound in the final. I’m not sold on Hickey as the Kings #4 pick; he’s got a lot of work to do to be a solid NHL contributor.
All-in-all, another great WJHC. Canada hosts the next one in Saskatoon, starting Boxing Day, 2009.