The Winter Olympics 2014 in Sochi, RUS

[North Star]

*The hit from behind in OT by Finland on Jamie Benn of Canada.  That was a major penalty.

I'd say this was much more so, and of course Canada didn't get a penalty here


But in any case, Canada was the better team and deserved to win. The Finnish team had their chances, and didn't score from them. Perhaps we'll meet again.

[Sergeant Rock]

This combines two of my passions: downhill skiing and violin babes 



"Violin virtuoso Vanessa Mae, Thailand's first ever female skier at the Olympics, came last in a rainy giant slalom on Tuesday but was still bubbling with joy after finishing the slushy course.

The Singapore-born British former child prodigy came through the finish line in 67th place after two runs, a massive 50.10sec behind winner Tina Maze of Slovenia.

Hesitantly out of the starting gate, she clocked 3min 26.97sec down the course, 11.35sec behind her closest rival Xia Lina of China.

But at least, she finished both runs -- unlike 22 others who failed to make it down." --Sim Sim Wissgott (AFP)

[springrite]

The only problem I have with Vanessa Mae's participation is that it is such an over-dressed sports, necessitated by the cold temperature. Maybe next time we will see some violin babes in the summer games, possibly in beach volleyball?

[North Star]

And Russia isn't playing for medals! Finland beat them in the quarterfinals
Todays Lesson: If your team has a goalie who's just won the Vezina trophy, for the love of all that's good and beautiful, don't put him in front of the net in an important game...

[springrite]

Does this make the US-Canada semi a final now?

[North Star]

Does this make the US-Canada semi a final now?

Only if the winner would win Finland in the final after they beat Sweden, and that won't happen. 

[springrite]

Only if the winner would win Finland in the final after they beat Sweden, and that won't happen. 

If Finland does win gold and Teemu score the winning goal, he'd be a top top tier hockey legend.

[North Star]

If Finland does win gold and Teemu score the winning goal, he'd be a top top tier hockey legend.

Indeed, and he already scored the winning goal against Russia.

Tuukka Rask's saves were pretty important too



I hope Ray is enjoying the hockey games, even if that CAN-FIN game warmed the discussion here. 

[springrite]

Now watching Curling, China vs Canada. Talk about newcomer against the giants of the sport! 4:4 so far through 6.

I'd settle for Bronze, but these boys are sure trying for more.

[North Star]

Finland also won two cross-country skiing medals today, with the Niskanen siblings in both teams - gold from Men's Team Sprint Classic (Sami Jauhojärvi & Iivo Niskanen) and silver from Women's Team Spirit Classic (Aino-Kaisa Saarinen & Kerttu Niskanen)

[Brahmsian]

And Russia isn't playing for medals! Finland beat them in the quarterfinals
Todays Lesson: If your team has a goalie who's just won the Vezina trophy, for the love of all that's good and beautiful, don't put him in front of the net in an important game...

Congratulations to Finland, for defeating Russia and moving on to the semi-final against Sweden.  Well done!! 

[springrite]

Congratulations to Finland, for defeating Russia and moving on to the semi-final against Sweden.  Well done!! 

I knew you'd show up to cheer a former Jets legend!

[Brahmsian]

I knew you'd show up to cheer a former Jets legend!

Teemu Selanne will forever be my all-time favourite Winnipeg Jet, alongside Dale Hawerchuk.

Selanne is one of the greatest of all-time, and also a great ambassador of the game of hockey, and great sportsmanship.  A class act! 

[springrite]

Teemu Selanne will forever be my all-time favourite Winnipeg Jet, alongside Dale Hawerchuk.

Selanne is one of the greatest of all-time, and also a great ambassador of the game of hockey, and great sportsmanship.  A class act! 

He may have played so many years in Anaheim, but in my mind he is a JET as well. But you are right. He is a great ambassador and that goes beyond club or country.

[The Six]

I get excited when Team USA scores a goal, but then am disappointed when I find out it was the awful Dustin Brown.

[North Star]

Selanne is one of the greatest of all-time, and also a great ambassador of the game of hockey, and great sportsmanship.  A class act! 

Absolutely!

Congratulations to Finland, for defeating Russia and moving on to the semi-final against Sweden.  Well done!! 

Congratulations for Canada too, for making it through the Latvia game. Good to see that there aren't any easy games at this level.
The semis and finals ought to be great hockey, with neighbours fighting each others in the semis, and all teams playing fast-paced hockey.

[Brahmsian]

Absolutely!

Congratulations for Canada too, for making it through the Latvia game. Good to see that there aren't any easy games at this level.
The semis and finals ought to be great hockey, with neighbours fighting each others in the semis, and all teams playing fast-paced hockey.

Oh my goodness!!  What a game by the Latvian goaltender.  Canada outshot Latvia 57-16!!! Yet only beat them 2-1.  WOW! 

They'll have to find their scoring touch very soon, against the mighty Team USA!

[Brahmsian]

Absolutely!

Congratulations for Canada too, for making it through the Latvia game. Good to see that there aren't any easy games at this level.
The semis and finals ought to be great hockey, with neighbours fighting each others in the semis, and all teams playing fast-paced hockey.

I hope we meet the Finns again in the final.  I am rooting for Finland over Sweden.  Good luck!! 

The way the Americans are playing right now, I'm doubtful of Canada able to defeat them, especially since Canada is having such a hard time scoring goals!

[North Star]

I hope we meet the Finns again in the final.  I am rooting for Finland over Sweden.  Good luck!! 

The way the Americans are playing right now, I'm doubtful of Canada able to defeat them, especially since Canada is having such a hard time scoring goals!

Splendid, thanks!

Yes, Team USA has looked very dangerous indeed. But then, there are plenty of scorers in Canada's team who might just warm up for that game. I'd certainly prefer facing Canada over USA.

[lescamil]

I'm picking USA and FIN in the final. Why, you ask? I believe chemistry trumps talent in a short competition, and USA and Finland have that over Canada and Sweden. Also, personal bias. I am an American and I have a soft spot for Finland, hehe.