A tough loss « LA Kings Insider

A tough loss

Posted by Rich Hammond on 28 February 2010, 6:03 pm

Jack Johnson, as quoted on the Twitter account of The Sporting News’ Craig Custance after the United States’ loss to Canada: “You win a gold. You win a bronze. You lose a silver.”

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147 Comments

Decker says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:07 pm

Sad to see them so beat up about losing. However, let’s be honest here… if they were anything other than devastated, they wouldn’t have been worthy of playing on the team in the first place. That hunger to win is what makes them great.

[Reply]
Surly Jacob (JDM) says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:11 pm

Can’t blame him. Its true. Selanne said the same thing.

The silver will be nice later, but for now, its the loser’s medal.

Hopefully Jack can push this to the back of his mind starting on the plane ride to Dallas.

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BRIAN SIMMONS says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:15 pm

WE ONE THSILVER LETS CELEBRATE

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Liza says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:18 pm

Incredible quote. They should be very proud, but it’s hard to be happy about it right now.

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Linda M says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:22 pm

Nobody in Canada expected USA to be in that game. All the talk was about Canada playing better and the USA didn’t stand a chance. Going to overtime meant the gold medal was going to be decided on a lucky bounce. Unfortunately, Canada was lucky today. But lets not forget, our guys skated with them, exceeded expectations and played a brilliant tournament. It still sucks they didn’t win. *sigh*

The positive thing for the Kings is that all our players played great in this tournament. Now is time to take that energy and momentum into a playoff spot! GO KINGS!

[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
@Linda M,
I am a USA rooter, by the way.
No lucky bounce was involved whatsoever. Truth be told, Crosby outplayed Rafalski to get the opportunity by beating him from the boards to the net. Then Crosby got the shot off more quickly than Miller expected.
Also, I have no hard feelings for Rafalski. He played, he got beat, he tried but failed. He played out of his mind for most of the tournament and was a huge contributor to an excellent result.

[Reply]
roadtripper Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
agreed. what I liked about the game is that it wasn’t decided by the ref’s, a cheap/lucky bounce, or anything like that. either team could have won it.

I just think that canada’s 4-lines were able to sustain more offensive pressure than our 4-lines… just a little more depth that through 60+ minutes made the difference…

[Reply]
Christian T (AK) Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 1:51 am
@Player-X,
I agree that Rafalski got beat but isn’t that why Sid is great. Great play as opposed to a bad play by Rafalski.

[Reply]
Danielle Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:54 am
@Player-X,

I don’t entirely agree. True, Rafalski got beat. But there was a “lucky bounce”, so to speak, when the puck got tangled up in the ref’s skates. Rafalski was playing the boards where he expected Crosby to go (and where he would have gone but for the ref’s feet getting in the way of the puck).

[Reply]
tantrum4 Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 11:41 am
@Danielle,

Wow you’re reaching pretty hard for an excuse. USA lost, get over it.

Cristobal Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 2:52 pm
@Danielle,
Danniele is spot on that it was a lucky goal, as Miller was reaching for the poke and Crosby was just “putting it on net”. No separation between these teams at all. What is maddening, however, is that the teams were playing 4 on 4 on the opposite side from their benches and the USA got caught tired after back-checking for a couple shifts.
I don’t get why they’d set up overtime like that (pretty stupid, as it’s likely going to be decided on an odd play like that), but both teams had to play that way, so no excuses.
In the end, though, any 4th line NHL player may have scored a goal like the winner. Canada was just the one to get it. I can’t take away from their play in overtime, but the 4 on 4 took away team USA’s physical approach. Wilson should have continued with the banging and Suter should have hammered Iginla.
I’m happy for Doughty and charachter guys like Iginla, but Crosby is a cocky jerk who never said good things about the hard fighting swiss effort OR the tough American team.
There’s nothing to get over. Team USA played brilliantly and losing in overtime like that is tough, but nothing to hang our heads over. PLUS, we still outscored team Canada head to head, and jerks like Tantrum are still shaken that we beat them at home and pushed them to the limit last night!
USA! USA! USA!
Simarosa says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:23 pm

Saw JJ, Ryan Miller and Tim Thomas walking in the closing ceremony, they looked much better than they did after the game. I was quite surprised to see any hockey players, would have thought they would headed out of Vancouver after the game.

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Naturallawyer says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:29 pm

JJ: keep that chip on your shoulder and make sure to stick it to Getzlaf and Perry next time you see them.

Also, try to get the loss out of your system by piling up some wins for the Kings in the playoffs.

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Shakes Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
@Naturallawyer,

Also it’s weird/neat to see JJ next to Gleason…the announcers never picked up on the fact that Tim was basically traded for JMFJ. small world it is…

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Rabidhockeyfan Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
@Shakes,

I’d sure love to see Gleason come back this way and play for the Kings again. I really liked him when he played here and hated to see him go!

[Reply]
Chris Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
@Rabidhockeyfan,
But don’t you think that Scuderi is just a tad better than Gleason, and maybe should have made the team instead on that injury?

Dan H. Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 8:42 am
@Rabidhockeyfan,

In a word…No. Gleason is a great defenseman. Scuderi is good but he hasn’t been lights out here IMO.

Moondoggie Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 9:09 am
@Shakes,

Hey Shakes, how ya doin? Yes, I agree…I’d like to see Gleason come back to LA as well. He was a very good defenseman when he was here. I doubt however if Carolina would trade him…..

Take care dude!

[Reply]
Nitrohockey says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:34 pm

JJ should be proud. He silenced alot of his critics in this tournament. He played with grit, showed his skill and showed he can be physical and get under the skin of opposing players. I’m really hoping he takes this with him moving forward. Him and Doughty on our blue line will be AMAZING!

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Marty's Knuckles says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:35 pm

What a game! I don’t blame them for feeling down. I’m bummed too. I was going to celebrate a Gold Medal Victory with class. I had some Skoal and Pabst all ready to go. Oh well. Here’s to the US Team and silver! Great game.

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vindogla Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
@Marty’s Knuckles, Pabst is horrible beer, just a bit above Lucky or Brew 102 but you’re right, it is the Blue Ribbon Beer. Is it still around where you live? I remember it from Ohio, but it’s not in SoCal anymore I don’t think. Am I wrong?

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Nick in 318 Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 6:22 am
@vindogla,
believe me.. you can get PBR in SoCal… any store… or any teenager party, trust me

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KingsFan in OC Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 9:41 am
@vindogla, Goat Hill Tavern in Costa Mesa has PBR on tap!

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jet says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:36 pm

It is great to see JJ’s enthusiasm for the olympics. He is still young enough to be completly emotionally invested. The loss will sting for a while

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uknojata Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
@jet, and still young enough to be around in four years for another shot at it. That goes for all our usa olympians. all of our boys that went to “The Couv” can hold their heads high.

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macdup says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:46 pm

I liked Ron wilson’s comments here:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=519340

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Player-X Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
@macdup, cool macdup, ty

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lasask says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:46 pm

Quote is so true.

This is great “playoff” experience for the young king players and should pay off when LA heads into the playoffs (knock on wood).

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vindogla says:

February 28, 2010 at 6:47 pm

Although it is difficult for me to admit, I certainly didn’t expect the US to be in the Gold Medal Game these Olympics. That being said, the pride I felt with our team today was incredible.

When they tied the score in absolute frantic last minute hockey style passion, it was just WOW! How big was that? They went 5-0 to get the first seed in the Olympics Mens Hockey 2010!!! They almost won the Gold Medal!!! The US made it entertaining!!

No, Jack. You didn’t lose the Silver, you didn’t lose anything. All of you are Champions to your fans. Congratulations to you and your entire team, you deserve it.

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3Bcrown says:

February 28, 2010 at 7:02 pm

I hope all the kings win more silver this year! Nobody expected USA to even medal and they get silver.

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jpizzle313 says:

February 28, 2010 at 7:05 pm

I thought that was the greatest game i have ever seen a team i was rooting for loose! having said that! I am VERY proud of all the kings players who played in that tourny! JMFJ you have nothing to be upset about! and i will be the first person to tell people who talk smack about jack to stfu! Now its gona be hard to swallow that result no matter what. but today I am just as proud to be an american as i have ever been! GO USA and GO KIngs! I cant believe being a hardcore kings fan that i am! that i listened to 2 weeks of NBC anouncers Licking on kings nuts! that was awsome! Now the only thing i can hope for is a Stanley cup! oh and no more NBC coverage of hockey ever! NBC sucks! Hockey needs to be shown live!

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Player-X says:

February 28, 2010 at 7:39 pm

Today the Americans took a huge step forward. I am thrilled with the result. Canada had the better team, but not by much. Not much at all. Clearly, OT proved that. I do not expect many Canadian fans to admit it, but we all know, or at least should know, that the Americans were much, much better than given credit to be, and the Canadian team was much, much less as good as they were made out to be.

Even with the scale-down, Canada still was better; they had to be, they won the game. But to be honest, the teams were mostly equal, and the difference was Sidney Crosby being better than Brian Rafalski on one play. (No hard feelings for Rafalski, btw, he tried, but failed, honorably).

This was not the “mashing”, or the “crushing of the Russians”, or any other of the hyperbolic self-convincing diatribe material most Canadian fans used to make their predictions. This was an even game, a contrast of styles, an ebb and flow of two teams with various weapons and defenses, both playing their “A” game.

No one can logically say that the Americans were correctly projected 5th or 6th. Sure, that was where they were projected, but the projection was wrong.

As well, nobody can now logically say that the Canadian team was unavoidably destined to win, or that they were so much better than any other team as to make it “Canada’s gold to lose”, etc. They will say that, but they will not be supported by any logic or reason.

As I said, even with the scale-down, Canada still was better; they won. But, for me, the smug entitlement has been dashed. Or, at least it should be… The reasoning behind the entitlement has been exposed as wrong.

[Reply]
RJC76 Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
@Player-X,

I just find it amusing that you mentioned “self convincing diatribe” all the while kind of going on one.

I’m just saying.

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The Jumping Shrimp Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 6:43 am
@RJC76,

I kind of picked up on that myself.

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The Jumping Shrimp Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 6:42 am
@Player-X,

Wasn’t it you who said……

“Chumpy Shrimp-
You can watch the game and find ways to fool yourself into thinking Canada outplayed America, but you cannot look at the scoreboard and say it. Like I said earlier, Canada was all flash, going for hits and the intangibles that are deemed to have CONTRIBUTED when looking back at a win. However, all of Canada’s hits, and passes, and outside shots, and whatever else that fool Shrimp thinks qualifies as “outplaying” didn’t contribute to goals in this game. America won, we were better, and there will probably be a rematch for gold. Since when does anything but goals make a win anyway…”

So, based on your earlier post I assume you’re ok with me saying that WE were better today. Not equal with the exception of one play as you’ve pointed out a couple of times. After all, since when does anything but goals make a win anyway.

I know you hate it but we can say we were destined to win. Why? Because we did. If we had lost you could say that Canada being destined was wrong. You cannot logically say that Canada wasn’t destined to win the gold and to say that we are not THE best team is also logically incorrect as we are the ones with the gold medal.

Do you even read what you write?

We will say it’s our gold to lose but it can’t be supported by any logic or reason. Then what in the name of god do you call the gold medal hanging around Doughty’s neck this morning. That’s pretty much concrete evidence that Canada backed up their pre-tournament billing as favorites to win it all.

I’ve been pretty gracious about this win. I could have easily come out say I told you so to a select couple of guys who let me have it pretty good after the US win. But I didn’t. I’ve given full props to the US team for a great game while you still come here with the same old song and dance about not liking Canada’s divine right to the gold medal. Get use to it. The Canadian team will be twice as strong in 2014.

Couldn’t you just have said congratulations and moved on like 98% of your fellow Americans who post here.

In saying that, I do respect your passion. Nobody can ever say you didn’t go down without a fight.

[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 7:44 am
@The Jumping Shrimp,
I have no idea why you can’t understand my point.
Count how many times I did say you guys were a better team.
My point is that you guys walk around acting like god’s gift, even when you lose in early rounds.
Winning by one goal in OT is winning. Congratulations. Winning by one goal in OT was close enough to say that you were better, but just a little bit better.
I know you are looking for a fight, and you found one; in your own head. The battle between being the only possible winner and being the fortunate ones that won in a very tough, and NEARLY even match.
I am truly done with you. Think what you want, but this is like arguing with cement.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 8:27 am
I argued with cement once. It was really hard. (rim shot)

slappin Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 8:26 am
@The Jumping Shrimp, pretty gracious isnt gracious.

until you can accept that you were one goal better in OT, that we let one go and canada just made it out of the building with one, the one you HAD to, there is nothing to say.

did you not notice canada only scored on our mistakes? and you can probably say the same about ours? that is as evenly matched as it gets.

team canada’s celebration was pretty muted i’d say. the players knew it, that it was a coin toss at that point, i don’t know what you can’t see.

enjoy gold medal, enjoy canada’s destiny, or myopia or whatever it is.

[Reply]
RJC76 Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 9:03 am
@slappin,

Whether we were one goal better or 5 goals better doesn’t matter. All I know and accept is that Canada is the Olympic Champion. I don’t believe in destiny or anyone being entitled to anything. You have to earn everything you get and Canada earned that Gold Medal plain and simple, the final score tells us that.

slappin Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 9:50 am
@RJC, you are the only canadian commenter i’ve seen that doesn’t believe in your country’s destiny. (ok, not the only one, but a whole bunch of you do…)

yes, you won. congratulations. and if you don’t think it matters that you didn’t blow us out like you expected, like you talked about, like grapes went on about, you aren’t honest with yourself.

so many canadians and commentators and coaches talked so much and behaved like you were entitled. that is the issue, and why i’m pushing it.

a little bitter? yes i am. moving on with life, yes i am. want to discuss over a beer at staples, anytime.

The Jumping Shrimp Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:01 am
@slappin,

Did you watch the game? I’d hardly call that post game celebration muted. Did you get the feeds from Canada where they showed the crowds out in the streets?

If the US was as good as Canada they wouldn’t have made mistakes. It’s not our fault you guys make mistakes. That’s what truly seperates good teams from great teams. Cut down on the mistakes and you may get another shot at Canada in four years time.

It’s been a blast but the party is still going on here. Time to get back at it.

Dan H. Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:50 am
@slappin,

lol. Canada has a worse record and we’re supposed to admit how dominate they were. Lost to the US, won in a shootout with the SWISS?, Slovakia came within an inch of taking that game to OT.

You got the gold and you won the game but for Pete’s sake guys…there was no domination.

tantrum4 Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 11:47 am
@slappin,

You Americans can never lose gracefully. Suck it up and quit whining. You did better than anyone ever imagined but, once again, you lost the game that mattered to CANADA!!!! GOLD MEDAL OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!

wavesinair Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 11:52 am
@tantrum

lol, you’ve revealed yourself man. I won’t say all canadians (because many on here are classy as are many americans) but you for one certainly don’t WIN gracefully! talk about calling the kettle black.

RJC76 Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 4:11 pm
@slappin,

Anyone who thought that game was going to be a blowout by Canada is lying to themselves. After watching the Round Robin no sane individual could think the final wouldn’t be close. Sure we hoped it wouldn’t be close because who really wants to watch a game tied up 24 seconds from gold..lol.

You have every right to be bitter, you’re team had an amazing tourney and was an OT goal away from Gold. I would have been the same had the roles been reversed. Dude I’d love to chat over a drink with my fellow fans at Staples, but Manitoba is too far of a drive lol. Maybe one day.
jet says:

February 28, 2010 at 7:56 pm

This is funny. Dallas has better Goalie play?

http://dallasnews.sportsdirectinc.com/hockey/nhl-preview.aspx?page=/data/NHL/matchups/g2_preview_11.html

[Reply]
rick says:

February 28, 2010 at 8:07 pm

No loser in this game. The U.S. team reminded me of the Kings – perhaps not at the talent level of the best, but with tremendous grit, guts and determination. Must have been an unbelievable experience for the Kings who played in it, and here’s hoping that experience takes them to greater heights. It really was unbelievable to see three of our guys with so much ice time in this epic game, especially when all 3 are still so young. Can’t wait for the season to get started again!!!

[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
@rick,

I had the same thought

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kennynakamoto says:

February 28, 2010 at 8:24 pm

anyone notice the Kane and Brown line in my opinion played the best in the gold medal game?

[Reply]
YOACH Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 4:40 am
@kennynakamoto, Best line in the game period . Kessler was on a mission and IMHO best player for US in this game .

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Bobby Scribe says:

February 28, 2010 at 8:31 pm

Love Jack but he screwed up the quote. The expression is you don’t win a silver, you lose a gold.

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KingsFan in OC Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 9:51 am
@Bobby Scribe, that’s what I thought! I knew something about the quote didn’t make sense. His intent was right, but the quote was off.

[Reply]
Darrell Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 1:51 pm
@KingsFan in OC, Would he have gotten it right if he had gone to BC instead?

[Reply]
KingHal says:

February 28, 2010 at 8:32 pm

Thanks you USA …. It takes 2 teams to create the best game in the HISTORY of olympic hockey!

Candada ia a happy nation tonitgh, and I am just one of 35 million who is estatic.

The true north strong and Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reply]
KingHal Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
@KingHal, Sorry …. i’m hammered of whiskey & man love for Doughty!

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I'm Just Saying" says:

February 28, 2010 at 8:37 pm

I am glad to see that he did not like settling. I hope that fight continues on a night by night basis. That is what true winners emit. I think the game was exciting and unfortunately there had to be a loser..

Congrats to all Olympians (Except Latvia for snubbing Drago)

On to the Playoffs boys..

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
@I’m Just Saying”, I really wanted to say what you said, that he didn’t like the end result, that he wanted more, that he wanted the win. Sure, the Americans played their hearts out; the victory over Canada last week was in my opinion the best hockey game I’ve ever seen. For a team as young as the USA is and the way they played…..WOW! I’m as disappointed as anyone that Team USA didn’t put away Canada like they did last week but you do have to put it in perspective. This team wasn’t picked to be even in the top 5, yet they came within one goal of being the best team in the world.

I totally agree with JMFJ, you don’t win a silver, the silver is a consolation prize for not winning it all. The Americans, kneeling on their sticks before the Canadians while they celebrated the victory was so reminiscent of the Russians watching the USA celebrate their victory in Lake Placid 30 years ago, it was truly that painful to watch.

I think this game will serve for Team USA to build on; they had the youngest team in the tournament and will be a force to recon with for years to come. They won the world juniors against Canada in January. Team USA is loaded for years to come.

Best of all, our Kings are headed into the final 21 games of the season in 5th overall in the Western Conference. The future is bright for both clubs. The best is yet to come!

GO KINGS!

[Reply]
Dayman says:

February 28, 2010 at 8:52 pm

In about 8 minutes we can start rambling about trades

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Moondoggie Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
@Dayman, LOL!!! I was wondering when that thread would pop up!

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Jason V says:

February 28, 2010 at 9:07 pm

I bet Handzus would be loving the hell out of that Silver…

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Jim S. says:

February 28, 2010 at 9:09 pm

What a great tournament!

The next one starts in six weeks! =)

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KC23 says:

February 28, 2010 at 9:15 pm

I was a big JJ critic, but no more. He was amazing and can you imagine if he would of scored on the end to end rush he did?

Great stuff.

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mattmonforton says:

February 28, 2010 at 9:17 pm

PROUD TO BE CANADIAN!!!! GO CANADA GO!!!

–great game by the US, though. Good work.

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Jammers says:

February 28, 2010 at 9:17 pm

JMFJ showed that he can play with the best of them. He did such a great job (as did all the Kings) and the fact that he made this quote shows how much this loss hurt. I hope he brings that fire back with him for the rest of the season.

And I hate Ryan Getzlaf, just like JMFJ. Great hit at the end of the first period.

[Reply]
Dayman says:

February 28, 2010 at 9:23 pm

Don’t forget last week when neidermayer slammed JJ last week at the end of the 2nd

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Gayle says:

February 28, 2010 at 9:30 pm

This country should have won the gold. When a country whose President has a lowest approval rating, Government is at odds and there is no hope in this country, a Gold medal win would have been an accomplishment and it would have people in this country feel good that there are Americans who are “the best.”

I feel for JJ that this was a disappointment.

The U.S. deserved better. A silver, like the last one is just a consolation prize, like being second best in the world.

But congratulations to our boys anyways for just being there and playing in what may be their last Olympic game, if Bettman and the owners both have their way.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 5:32 am
@Gayle,
Ha??????

Forget the political nonsense.
This is not 1980 all over again. They were a bunch of no-name college kids going up against a USSR squad of seasoned veterans. Times and circumstances were completely different than they are today.
These are professional athletes competing at the highest level against other professional athletes.
whether the US won or lost will have no impact on how our country feels about itself.
I woke up this morning still over-taxed and under-served by my government. If we won, you think that was going to change?
Let’s stick to hockey and what this tournament was all about. It was watching the best athletes in the world competing against each other to the enjoyment of all fans….not a political statement!

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 8:36 am
I heard that if the US won the Gold, there would have been a cure for cancer.

Thanks Canada. Thanks a lot.

[Reply]
KC23 says:

February 28, 2010 at 9:35 pm

Bettman won’t be able to stop the NHL going to the Olympics after this. No way, no how. For what the Olympics just did for the NHL, he now owes the a lot to the Olympics. Hockey is back on the map after that stupid greed lock out crap several years back.

[Reply]
Gayle Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
@KC23,

What I’m hearing that the owners losing or lost money during the two week break. And the owners does not want the players going to the Olympics.

Remember in the CBA, the Olympics will be the bargaining chip. But can’t wait to see hockey now in a few days.

[Reply]
Brent Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
@Gayle,

That seems terribly short sighted. I’ve heard a lot of talk radio today where people are excited to go and watch hockey. I agree with KC23.

I guess we’ll all see when they negotiate.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 3:34 am
@Gayle,

Lost money? They thought they were going to lose money until they had a dream Olympics which brought hockey back into the minds of millions who figured it was dead with the lock out.

I bet they change their tune once the season starts back with season seats sales up and advertising $$$ coming back.

[Reply]
YogaPhart Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:01 am
@KC23,

I personally would like to see the NHL players back in 2014, but Brian Burke made a good point the other day: Sure this is a storybook ending with USA facing Canada, but would there be this much interest if the final had been Finland vs. Slovakia, for example?

[Reply]
holly Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:05 am
@KC23, I highly doubt that the players will agree to a CBA that doesn’t include the ability to play in the olympics. The last thing that management wants is another lock-out.

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HawKings says:

February 28, 2010 at 9:47 pm

Congrats to all of the King’s Olympians. It was great watching the best play against the best all while doing it for the love of the name on the front of the jersey.

Now on to Kings news. I watched parts of the practice this morning. I knew that Williams was skating but I was surprised that he was not skating in a Red Jersey (although I did not see him in any drills where he would have been exposed to contact). Is this an indication that he may be returning sooner than most thought?

[Reply]
Real7 Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
@HawKings,
Williams — four weeks at least, don’t try and hurry it…

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 5:34 am
@Real7,
I didn’t hear that timetable from TM or JW when he was back out on the ice. I think the timetable has been moved up considerably.
The quciker he comes back, the better chance for him to play his way into shape for the playoffs.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 8:39 am
There’s a little ole’ post just a bit down the main page that sums it up…

http://www.lakingsnetwork.com/hammond/?p=4225

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

February 28, 2010 at 10:04 pm

I still feel the down from that game, and I likely will for some time.

Most of my extended family watched that game. My daughter even called me when the USA tied the game. That result–even as it uplifts Canada–will have a hangover effect in the U.S., with a loss of interest, lack of energy and diminished crowds at first. It’s a shame, really, because the country’s interest in hockey was poised to take off.

So–unlike with the Miracle On Ice, when the USA only had to beat the U.S.S.R. ONCE to win the gold–the partially interested and occasional hockey fan likely will go back into hibernation. It won’t matter that this U.S.A. squad is much, much closer in talent to the cream of the crop, the Canadians, than the wildly overachieving college boys thirty years ago.

It won’t matter that there are more young people interested in hockey inside the U.S. than there were thirty years ago. It won’t matter that this Olympic Gold may be the apex of the Canadian hockey empire, that the rest of the world is catching up to them (like to the U.S.A. in basketball). For the moment, all there is for that gutsy team of U.S. boys playing more like a team than any other team in the tournament is their Silver medal.

For the moment, the only tribute to Dustin Brown and Jack Johnson will be a subdued mention in the late night Sunday sports report.

I have a dream, though… That dream centers around a style of play–relentless high pressure forechecking centering around an outstanding goaltender and a solid, steady defense corps–taking charge in this year’s NHL playoffs. This 2006 U.S.A. Olympic squad played truly inspirational hockey. They reminded me of a certain young NHL team, growing with every game, becoming more and more successful, far beyond the expectations of the pundits who were ever-so-wrong again.

Yeah, the 2006 U.S.A. Olympic team reminded me of our team, the good-old Los Angeles Kings, and I hope that the disappointment of DB and JJ and JQ, wedded with the success of DD and of an equally disappointed Michal Handzus, will culminate in a season to remember, one where a certain style of hockey will finally get a chance to prevail.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

Bako….That was pretty well said. Yes, I’ve got to agree with you, this defeat will hang for some time. While I am thrilled for Dewey who truly was the best defenSeman the Canadians had, I feel for the young Americans. I love what JMFJ said, it shows fire, it shows a lot of heart and leadership. It also shows desire, something that will translate into winning for years to come, hopefully for the Kings.

After what the Canadians did to the US in Salt Lake, I really wanted to return the favor in Vancouver with this team. It us truly a sad day in the ol USA; I’m kinda at a loss right now but we will be back for sure. For now it’s on to Dallas, 21 games to go, Quickie is back in goal (you have been missed dearly) and the rest of our Olympians are back with the team. Welcome back to LA boys, on to the playoffs……GO KINGS!

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 3:37 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

I disagree and I have no such hang over. Can’t wait for the NHL games and I’m as excited as I have ever been.

[Reply]
Kings Fan In Idaho Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 7:42 am
@KC23,

I’m with you KC. Even though USA fans are hugely disappointed that USA didn’t take the gold, I do not believe the disappointment is going to have a hang-over effect with any true hockey fans. And with the excitement level and skill level of the Olympic hockey games, I believe the sport of hockey will have more USA fans than ever.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:11 am
@KC23, @ Kings Fan In Idaho:

Sorry, people.
Still down about that result.
Great effort put out by the U.S.A./I’m too much of a fan to let it go so easily…

Oh, well.

[Reply]
Steve McQueen says:

February 28, 2010 at 10:58 pm

Jack Johnson:
“The way hockey is, in time I’m going to be very proud of this and what we did, but just the way hockey is, you lose the silver medal. You don’t win it. You win a gold or you win a bronze,” he said.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/la-spw-olympics-kings-ducks1-2010mar01,0,5189027,full.story

[Reply]
uknojata says:

February 28, 2010 at 11:13 pm

So I’m watching the NHL network’s (post olympic) western conference preview. Every top ten place team had a pre-taped segment on them, as well as in studio analysis…except for the Kings. LA got a Dan Pollard interview with Jim Fox where Pollard asked him about Doughty being tired after the olympics, Kopi’s consistency and our lack of veteran leadership. Nothing about our scoring depth or consistent goaltending. The Kings were only one of two teams in the entire conference not to get an in studio analysis.

WHY DO I STILL PAY FOR THIS CRAP?!

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 5:35 am
@uknojata,

Saw the same thing and was equally as disappointed.

[Reply]
BRIAN SIMMONS Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 8:21 am
@nykingfan, who cares all we have to do is win and shut up thi lame ass critics

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 8:48 am
@BRIAN SIMMONS,
you always like to hear good things about your team being said on a national level. We’ve been bad for so long.
In the end, you’re right..it doesn’t matter.
Real7 says:

February 28, 2010 at 11:49 pm

The announcers didn’t pick up on it, but when you see the replay you can clearly hear Sid scream “IGGY”! for the pass.

[Reply]
goldielocks says:

March 1, 2010 at 12:58 am

So it was that close to win a gold medal this year. Imagine how good US can be 4 years from now with all those young players in the team and developing programs have been going so well. US is now no doubt the power house in hockey.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 9:51 am
@goldielocks,

And just imagine how good Canada will be in 4 years… and then you might see a powerhouse. Doughty, Weber, Keith, Toews, Stamkos, Crosby, Staal, and I could go on and on

[Reply]
Darrell Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 1:57 pm
@VanKingsFan, And Russia will be pissed and highly motivated.

[Reply]
Cristobal Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 3:32 pm
@VanKingsFan,
And we’ll have Bogosian, Okposo, and some of the WJC gold winners like Schroeder to choose from.
Heck, maybe even Patrick O’Sullivan.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 3:58 pm
@Cristobal, And the previous 5 straight World Junior Gold Medal winning Canadians??

America will have a strong team, no doubt, but Canada will be better (on paper).
Darrell says:

March 1, 2010 at 1:08 am

LOL watching the closing ceremonies – there’s nothing more welcoming than a creepy looking Alex Ovechkin leering, “Cooommmmee to Soooooccccchhhii!!”

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 3:39 am
@Darrell,

Yeah, something about that guy I just don’t like. If someone said pick either Pairse or Alex I’d take Pairse in a heart beat.

[Reply]
Steve says:

March 1, 2010 at 1:14 am

Was I the only one to notice that Canada switched from Martin Brodeur to Roberto Luongo in net after their loss to the US in the prelims? Canada would be silver medalists if they stuck with Brodeur. Luongo was playing in his home stadium, and had a multi game winning streak.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 3:38 am
@Steve,

Don’t know of anyone who didn’t notice it actually.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 5:37 am
@Steve,
Luongo wasn’t a world beater out there either. He had his shaky moments.
Brodeur had an off game. He’s still one of the best goalies in the NHL and all time.
He certainly was capable of getting Canada the gold.

[Reply]
nykingfan says:

March 1, 2010 at 5:41 am

Here’s a thought on the NHL players playing in Russia in 2014…
What times are these games going to be shown on TV?
If they are going to be shown live, I would assume the games will be starting around 1:00am EST…who the hell is going to be able to stay up to watch these games?
I refuse to watch hockey on tape delay. It will be almost impossible not to know what the final scores are.

So what benefit will the NHL be able to get from sending our players over there to compete?

Somehow the NHL needs to do waht basketball did….get these games moved to the summer olympics. Basketball is a winter sport and moving them to the summer had no negative effect whatsoever.

[Reply]
PakiFro Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 7:46 am
@nykingfan,

If they held the Winter Games in the southern hemisphere, the NHL would be in heaven. It’d be summer here!

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 8:53 am
Basketball switched from the winter to summer olympics in 1936. Quite a while ago.

Ice hockey actually used to be in the summer olympics but they stopped that nonsense after 1920. Oh yeah, figure skating was also a summer olympics sport! Go figure.

I would imagine the games wouldn’t be live here in 2014. Too many time zones away. DVR the bitch, wake up and watch the game. No biggie.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 9:41 am
@wavesinair,
Serioyusly? I didn’t know that about basketball..thanks for the info.

It won’t work DVR’ing the game. By the time I get home from work, I’ll know the score from about a million different sources.
I think moving the sport to the summer games is still the best way to maximize the sport without hurting the NHL season.
The owners are the one’s taking the risk with absolutely no reward. If a star player gets injured, who’s screwed?

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 3:15 pm
@nykingfan, The Winter Olympics NEED hockey though. The summer games have basketball and football (soccer) and the nice weather all the time (even though Vancouver felt like summer half the time lol). The Winter games really NEED ice hockey
RJC76 says:

March 1, 2010 at 7:33 am

Little side note

Congrats to the US athletes for bringing home the most medals in one Winter Olympics. Also Congrats to our Canadian Athletes for bringing home the most gold by a country in one Winter Olympics. While the Own the Podium didn’t really come about in that we didn’t own the whole podium…we owned the top of it. Well done!

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 8:59 am
Those golds in the short track where brilliant. I figured South Korea or the US would have won most, if not all the ones Canada did.

[Reply]
slappin Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:12 am
@RJC76, one other bitter note where i do feel strongly that the canadians handled poorly… not letting other countries access to facilities before the games. the bobsled/luge/skeleton track being the clear example. my understanding is that it wasn’t handled like this in past games and canada viewed this as a positive thing to give them an advantage. poor sportsmanship in my eyes.

but honestly, congrats to canada for their success. we hate you, but you know it is hate like we hate our brother. we’ve got your back and we’ll love you again next week…

[Reply]
NOW IMPRESSED says:

March 1, 2010 at 7:49 am

I’m not a Ducks fan at all, but the Ducks had 7 players in the Olympics, which is more than any other team, and all of them got metals! That is quite an accomplishment.

[Reply]
PakiFro Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 7:59 am
@NOW IMPRESSED,

Actually they had 9 olympians.

ryan
getzlaf
perry
hiller
whitney
neidermeyer
selanne
koivu
sbisa — in juniors.

[Reply]
RJC76 Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 8:00 am
@NOW IMPRESSED,

While watching the Canadian team celebrate, while I was happy, I couldn’t help but hope that Getzlaf would aggravate his ankle sprain in the mob…is that bad?

[Reply]
YogaPhart Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:03 am
@RJC76,

I was just hoping he would put his helmet back on. Good grief! That peach fuzz is frightening.

[Reply]
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 11:20 am
@RJC76, LOL not at all!

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 8:03 am
@NOW IMPRESSED,

Hiller didnt get a medal

[Reply]
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 11:19 am
@Sebastian, you’re right, my mistake

[Reply]
32Eggum says:

March 1, 2010 at 8:43 am

i hope we can give Jack Johnson å long term deal next year. Look at his game for Team USA in the olympics and World cup last year.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 9:01 am
Jack Johnson is starting to remind me of Kobe.

[Reply]
AZ King says:

March 1, 2010 at 9:29 am

Off topic-

Couple of articles written about RJ and Smyth. Apparently Jones still had some lingering health issues after he came back from his non-concussion. Sounds like everything is good now. Hopefully we’ll see the RJ we saw when he first came to the Kings.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=519399

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=519404

[Reply]
Goring 19 says:

March 1, 2010 at 9:43 am

That gold game was tough to take, but the old cliche, the USA has nothing to be ashamed about, especially since the USA wasn’t even expected to be in the medal round. We played that well and almost won? And our team is extremely young? Imagine what it will be like in 4 years.

Happy for Doughty, a little bummed for our silver guys, but it is what it is. A little upset that the cheap shot punk Cory Perry got the gold.

[Reply]
Danny says:

March 1, 2010 at 9:44 am

Anybody else offended by Robyn Regehr’s comments?

“If the Americans win, they’ll probably make another movie about so we don’t want to see that happen”

[Reply]
Old Codger says:

March 1, 2010 at 9:51 am

I’ve forgiven a good Canadian team for beating our USA team. I’ve forgiven a good USA team for losing to a good Canada team.
Now that it’s over, let’s all of us, good Canadians and good USA Kings fans get back to rooting like hell for our team. Most of us here do share that fact.
Go Kings

[Reply]
VanKingsFan says:

March 1, 2010 at 9:52 am

Congrats Canada! and Congrats to the US, it was a hard fought effort and it made for one hell of a story book finish to the greatest olympics of all time

That gold in hockey allowed Canada to break the all time record for Gold Medals in a winter olympics. I cant remember who I was talking to before the games about Own the Podium… but I think it seems to have worked… somewhat

[Reply]
VanKingsFan says:

March 1, 2010 at 9:55 am

On another note… you would not believe the amount of hate in this city for Ryan Kesler right now lol.. He used to be the poster boy for the Canukes but since his anti Canadian comments and how pissed he looked last night … man the hate for him right now is unreal .. hope it dies down before the next home game lol

[Reply]
The Jumping Shrimp Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:49 am
@VanKingsFan,

He should zero class in the second intermission interview. What’s up with him? Is he always such a tool?

[Reply]
R.T. says:

March 1, 2010 at 10:06 am

bring on dallas

[Reply]
WWAMD says:

March 1, 2010 at 10:08 am

To all my American friends. It was a hard fought game and nothing to be ashamed of. As a Canadian I knew going into this tournament that it was going to be a hard one to win with teams like Slovakia, Russia and the USofA. As a Canadian, I can appreciate the hard work and dedication the US team put in, and you guys were definitely hard competitors. But, as a Canadian, it would of hurt to lose the most important game in the history of our country. I hope the best for USA in Sohis 2014. Secretly I want to see a USA vs. Russia final in Russia, and I hope to see USA win it all! Good Luck USA. You guys do not understand how important that game was to all of us Canadians, and thank you for making it memorable. From this point on, I will cheer for USA, and you guys can beat us all you want, because I’ve had my cake, now its time for you guys to enjoy some of this glory. GO USA GO!

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

March 1, 2010 at 10:13 am

This is a test…

The last time I used the happyface icon, my browser page switched from the Regular presentation to the Mobile presentation.

[Reply]
slappin says:

March 1, 2010 at 10:18 am

@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, im in mobile now, something must be broken.

[Reply]
raunq12 says:

March 1, 2010 at 10:20 am

Tough one to swallow man

[Reply]
VanKingsFan says:

March 1, 2010 at 10:33 am

How great is it for North American hockey that both mens and womens finals were Canada vs. USA.

Please tell me they showed the Canadian women celebrating on the ice in the states. Half hour after the game was over a few of our girls went back to the ice with giant beers, champagne and cigars LOL. They are getting in Sh** but I still think its amazing!

[Reply]
WWAMD Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 11:37 am
@VanKingsFan,
Jon Montegumory grabbing a pitcher of beer on the way to the podium was classic! That puts the teeny boopy girls team to shame!

p.s I drink with Meghan Agosta all the time, she can drink me under the table

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 12:04 pm
@WWAMD, I met Jon the next night while Volunteering at the Can Fund athlete house. What an experience!
And please tell me you got to go to whistler yourself? I was there on the 21st weekend… just EPIC

[Reply]
WWAMD Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 2:27 pm
@VanKingsFan, No I wish I got to experience Whistler/Vancouver/BC! However, I’m stuck here in Ontario watching in jealousy! Thats awesome I would love to meet Jon, he seems like a cool cat.
goldielocks says:

March 1, 2010 at 10:35 am

@VanKingsFan

I believe what Kesler meant was he hates team Canada so much not people in Canada. Don’t they hate each other? So chill people. If you guys don’t like him that much trade him to Kings. We love to have a player like Kesler, don’t we?

[Reply]
The Jumping Shrimp Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 10:40 am
@goldielocks,

To tell you the truth, the interviewed Kesler between the second and third periods and he seemed like a bit of a tool. Didn’t show very much class IMO.

[Reply]
Cristobal Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 2:57 pm
@The Jumping Shrimp,
Kinds like you saying team USA beat the better team, were outplayed, and stood no chance in the gold medal game?
Or Crosby saying after last nights game that they didn’t feel it would be that close?

[Reply]
The Jumping Shrimp Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@Cristobal,

You’re not allowed to talk about Crosby like that now. As of today, he’s a national treasure.

BTW….I don’t know what you’re trying to say in your first line “Kinds like you….”

kingsxstevenxkings Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 11:05 am
@goldielocks,

Kesler was awesome in the olympic games these last couple weeks. Its always a pleasure to watch someone who loves the game and works his @$$ off every shift. So I agree, we’d love to have someone like him…

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@goldielocks, Honestly I didnt really see much of it myself from him. I am just going by what I am hearing on the radio and in the papers today in vancouver. Calls to trade him to Toronto as punishment LOL

[Reply]
SillyShelly says:

March 1, 2010 at 11:54 am

Its not whether you win or lose…
Its how you play the game that matters!
USA is all class!

[Reply]
D B COOPER says:

March 1, 2010 at 2:43 pm

for Canada, they had to win. it is their Major sport. it is our 4th or 5th.

we beat them once and lost in Overtime, in the 2nd. Matthew Barnaby said they were both winners, and that’s how i see it.

it is a BIG achievement for us playing what to us is not the first of several sports, or even available, to most Americans, male and female, to do as well as we did. Who in the hockey tournament could beat the US in football, basketball, or baseball, our 3 top sports that the majority of our athletes participate in.

i am proud of the effort our guys did, and I wish, Rich, there was a way to send them a note.

[Reply]
The Jumping Shrimp Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 4:40 pm
@D B COOPER,

Seeing how you asked.

Nobody is going to beat you in football. Except for Canada (and it’s not that big here), nobody else plays it. And I’ll admit you guys would kill us.

I don’t know why you’d want to know who in the hockey tournament would beat you as basketball and baseball are both summer olympic sports. You guys have never even come close to winning the World Baseball Classic. Seems a little odd seeing how it’s America’s pastime.

Another fact that might surprise some of you. Canada and the US have about the same number of registered hockey players.

[Reply]
Chris P. Bacon says:

March 1, 2010 at 3:31 pm

I laugh at posts like “so proud of our team, blah blah blah etc etc etc”

You dont hear that sort of thing here in canada or in europe (sweden, Russia)

look at Rafalski. He had that stupid attitude back in 02 when he “won” silver. Fast forward to now, theres no such thing as silver to him. He wanted the gold.

I love Johnson’s attitude towards all this. Definition of a winner. He “gets” it. He’s pissed at silver.

and so should YOU, the fans here.

My overall thoughts on the tournament..

-The Gold was destined for Canada.

-Russia needs some philosophy changes.

-USA played their best and were most consistant. Still not good enough for GOLD. MILLER carried that team. Delete Miller off the roster and your left with a significantly worse team.

-Switzerland…wow HILLER. Thats what a HOT goalie can do for a team. See the USA.

-Sweden/Finland underperformed, plus they are old.

-Slovakia’s last hurrah was fun to watch. Thats the last time we’ll see most of those players in the Olympics. Former Kings!

-CANADA will always be #1
-Doughty is the franchise
-I have the worst headache ive ever experienced

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 3:38 pm
@Chris P. Bacon,

Agree this was Slovakias last hurrah for a long time. Too many retirements coming up and their world junior team is almost a disgrace. There is nothing in the pipeline anymore.

Finland performed well except for one game and earned a hard fought bronze. I understand USA being proud of their team, the same way I am proud of all the Silver medalists from Canada. But at the same time every single person who says they are proud.. would have been prouder with Gold!

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 3:59 pm
@Chris P. Bacon, I’m so tired of this Canada was destined for Gold BS. Canada was the better team on Sunday, but enough with this crap about this being the only way things could have ever worked out. Canada should thank the US for slapping them around and waking the up in the prelims, and then realize they dodged a bullet against Slovakia. Canada WASN’T #1 4 years ago, and may not be #1 4 years from now.

IMO to say things like “The Gold was destined for Canada” actually takes away from the work that the team did to win the Gold.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 4:20 pm
@AZ King, We say it was destined just because its “our game” and it was in Vancouver, and we were embarrassed in 2006.

Trust us, we’re Canadians, we KNOW how to win hockey games and that it was all about their heart, hard work, and talent all rolled into one, not destiny.
It just sounds good as a headline when you look forward to a tournament for four years, and then everything you dreamed would happen… comes true.

[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 5:23 pm
@VanKingsFan, I absolutely agree with and appreciate what you said. Like I said, I just think it takes away from all those things you mentioned when words like destiny are thrown around.
Squareburger says:

March 1, 2010 at 6:11 pm

Nobody outworked the us they won but didn’t outwork us

[Reply]

A tough loss

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