tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632758143254386483.post8697943249077612287..comments2024-03-26T05:44:12.379-03:00Comments on Ultimate Hat Trick: Looking at the bigger pictureAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06713029480428878839noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632758143254386483.post-34005722222734189422008-05-23T12:03:00.000-03:002008-05-23T12:03:00.000-03:00Michael - The Russians are certainly in chaos and ...Michael - The Russians are certainly in chaos and looking at what is wrong with their hockey program after last summer's Super Series, but this win at the WC helps to boost their self-esteem. <BR/><BR/>A lot of the good Russian players refused to play for their country in the past, but you are starting to see a new wave of players come up. Young guys like Ovechkin love to play for Russia and they bring an energy to the bench that hasn't been seen in a good, long time. Things are changing with the Russian team and they will be tough to beat in Vancouver (especially with Malkin, Gonchar, and Datsyuk..wow).<BR/><BR/>Sweden is one team that had me scratching my head a bit this year. They had very few big names on their team - Backstrom and Lundqvist were it - because 25+ Swedes turned down the opportunity to play at the WC. It's something that I definitely don't understand. My opinion is that, unless you are injured or you have a close relative with a serious illness, you pick up your stick and play for your country if you are asked. They are more than willing to play into June for the Stanley Cup, but they suddenly have no interest in playing hockey once that dream is over for the season.Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06713029480428878839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632758143254386483.post-38847387022966460412008-05-20T16:03:00.000-03:002008-05-20T16:03:00.000-03:00I haven't heard too much lately from the IIHF, but...I haven't heard too much lately from the IIHF, but is the Russian hockey federation management still in chaos and all the good Russian NHL players refuse to play for them?<BR/><BR/>I think this Team Canada loss seems like is has to be the mirror image to the Penguins vs Senators only with the opposite result.HockeyKnighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10554602049763238040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632758143254386483.post-63128321067620422752008-05-20T08:10:00.000-03:002008-05-20T08:10:00.000-03:00That's the way to look at it...go for the REAL gol...That's the way to look at it...go for the REAL gold!DaBichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17526399549691822851noreply@blogger.com