Stanley Cup of Chowder - Bruins at the 2016 World Cup of HockeyDavid Pastrnak is legend.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/11233/stanley-fave.jpg2016-09-30T08:00:13-04:00http://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/rss/stream/127149152016-09-30T08:00:13-04:002016-09-30T08:00:13-04:00World Cup of Hockey Final RECAP: All Bruins score!
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A valiant effort, but the Canadians take their plastic trophy and go home.</p> <p>And that was how the World Cup of Hockey happened.</p>
<h4>First Period:</h4>
<p>The game started bizarrely for Canada, who looked....sluggish. Really sluggish. Bizarrely sluggish.</p>
<p>Europe was dominating, sluggish. Canada brought a less than stellar effort to just get this over with. Even the goaltender wasn't playing at 110%.</p>
<p>And that's when the first Bruin scored.</p>
<p>Zdeno Chara scores from a very skillful shot on the rush with Canada sorta...kinda...somewhat defending and Carey Price kind of being...there, I guess. He put Europe ahead 1-0, and would start off one of the longest times Canada has ever trailed in this tournament.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/chara-roofs-opening-goal/t-281231948/c-44958303?autostart=false" width="540" height="360"></iframe></p>
<p>It was...really weird, to say the least. But not unwelcome to those who were rooting for Team Europe.</p>
<h4>Second Period:</h4>
<p>No scoring, but it was increasingly clear that Canada really didn't have much in the tank for the first 40 minutes, playing uninspired hockey. Europe, sensing this, basically was allowed to do whatever they wanted, putting tons of pressure on the Great white north and looking like the stronger team.</p>
<p>That's not to say Halak would end up doing nothing this period, because he was called upon to be <u style="font-weight: bold;">HUGE</u>.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/caneur-2nd-period-highlights/t-281231948/c-44961303?autostart=false" width="540" height="360"></iframe></p>
<p>And he was. Canada would definitely like to have that chance work out for them. Corey Perry and Tavares would especially would like to have another chance at that. But otherwise, Europe came up strong and the score remained 1-0.</p>
<h4>Third Period:</h4>
<p>I did say all the Bruins in this game scored, right? Well....</p>
<p>The period went on just as previous, only this time Europe was on the defensive, not putting on so many shots, and Canada doing whatever they could to end the WCOH as soon as possible. But as time grew short, it genuinely seemed like Europe was going to bring on a Game 3. And then Anze Kopitar took a penalty.</p>
<p>And then who else to save the day, like so many other days for the Boston Bruins... Like Patrice Bergeron:</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/bergerons-deflection-evens-game/t-281230378/c-44963503?autostart=false" width="540" height="360"></iframe></p>
<p>...And Brad Marchand.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/marchands-late-go-ahead-goal/t-281230378/c-44963203?autostart=false" width="540" height="360"></iframe></p>
<p>By the skin of their teeth, Team Europe was shellshocked. They had done everything right...and were promptly out-talented by two of the best players in the game. Who happen to be linemates. Marchand's goal definitely showed the kind of player he truly is. Yeah sure he gets under your skin, but shorthanded? There is nobody...<b>nobody</b>...you'd rather have to help pull ahead and kill off the penalty.</p>
<p>The game ended, and everyone passed around the vase.</p>
<p>Congratulations to Team Canada, and to our boys Patrice Bergeron:</p>
<p><img src="http://thumb.usatodaysportsimages.com/image/thumb/650-650nw/9575752.jpg"></p>
<p>And Brad Marchand:</p>
<p><img src="http://cache2.asset-cache.net/gc/611481884-brad-marchand-of-team-canada-carries-the-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=9QMziWNtBI6whP66vhs4oY9UI7hKrrN45XcORw98CMuijZvxOLwjIp84YInaHGcF&b=NDU="></p>
<p>Who were the MVPs of the game, who it actually went to be goddamned. Don't worry, we'll set <i>that</i> record straight soon.</p>
<h4>Bruins at the WCOH Final:</h4>
<p>Make no mistake here, Bergeron and Marchand are <b>120% the reason Canada won these finals.</b> Both games. Bergeron and Marchand are, in my opinion (and the fact that they made themselves definitely more valuable than a certain #87) Canada's MVP. They both had goals in last night's game that ended up being the difference makers for the Red and White.</p>
<p>Zdeno Chara was also scoring, and taking pretty decent shots. He was just as big a part of getting Europe to the final as any defenseman (especially since most of their defense is kind of broken and old), and had a goal in last night's game.</p>
<p>With that said, the Bruins are most likely going to be a complete unit once these gentlemen return to the Boston area. Will they play? Good question.</p>
https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2016/9/30/13117548/world-cup-of-hockey-final-recap-all-three-bruins-score-canada-winsSkyonAir2016-09-29T07:30:09-04:002016-09-29T07:30:09-04:00World Cup of Hockey Finals: Canada vs. Europe II
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<figcaption>Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This should be it. Time to bust out the plastic trophy.</p> <h4>World Cup of Hockey Finals: Canada vs. Team Europe</h4>
<p><b>Where: </b>Air Canada Center in Toronto Ontario, Canada</p>
<p><b>When:</b></p>
<p>8pm Thursday</p>
<p>7pm Saturday (if needed)</p>
<p><b>Where to Watch:</b></p>
<p>ESPN2, CBC, TVASports on Thursday</p>
<p>ESPN2, CBC, TVASports on Saturday (if needed)</p>
<p><b>Bruins Playing: </b>Zdeno Chara for Team Europe, Brad Marchand & Patrice Bergeron for Team Canada.</p>
<p><b>Should You Watch?:</b></p>
<p>I'm not sure, to be honest. I say if you want to see Bergy and Marshy pass each other another trophy by all means.</p>
<p>Canada handled Team Europe as brutally as one can in the first game of this best of three. Europe fought back as well as they could...and in the end it just didn't matter. This was a foregone conclusion of a hockey game. It was such a forgone conclusion that nobody really lined up to see it.</p>
<p>Nobody.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">And the fans go...mild. <a href="https://t.co/S6rQWMAtz2">pic.twitter.com/S6rQWMAtz2</a></p>
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcPDumont/status/780955719193493504">September 28, 2016</a>
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<p><i>Nobody.</i></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Standing room only. Lots of it. Maple Leaf square. <a href="https://t.co/M0Lh2oj4aS">pic.twitter.com/M0Lh2oj4aS</a></p>
— Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) <a href="https://twitter.com/joe_warmington/status/780937587913523200">September 28, 2016</a>
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<p><b><i>Nobody.</i></b></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lot of empty seats/boxes at World Cup of Hockey final. Not a great look. <a href="https://t.co/l8YuNRQdw2">pic.twitter.com/l8YuNRQdw2</a></p>
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) <a href="https://twitter.com/mirtle/status/780925193460080641">September 28, 2016</a>
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<p>But hey, this is an International tournament. All Europe has to do is win again. And again. Against the best team in Hockey...probably ever. Stranger things have happened both in this tournament and tournaments like it.</p>
<p>Maybe Europe has a shot. Maybe.</p>
<p>But they only have 60 minutes of hockey tonight to prove it.</p>
https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2016/9/29/13103974/world-cup-of-hockey-finals-preview-canada-vs-team-europe-game-2SkyonAir2016-09-27T08:00:09-04:002016-09-27T08:00:09-04:00WCOH Finals Preview: Canada vs. Europe
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<figcaption>Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The NHL's alternative to an IIHF tournament only has two teams left that have Bruins in them. Let's take a quick look.</p> <h3>World Cup of Hockey Finals: Canada vs. Team Europe</h3>
<p><b>Where:</b> Air Canada Center in Toronto Ontario, Canada</p>
<p><b>When:</b></p>
<p>8pm Tuesday</p>
<p>8pm Thursday</p>
<p>7pm Saturday (if needed)</p>
<p><b>Where to Watch:</b></p>
<p>ESPN, CBC, TVASports on Tuesday</p>
<p>ESPN2, CBC, TVASports on Thursday</p>
<p>ESPN2, CBC, TVASports on Saturday (if needed)</p>
<p><b>Bruins Playing:</b> Three Bruins enter the finals. Zdeno Chara for Team Europe, Brad Marchand & Patrice Bergeron for Team Canada.</p>
<p><b>How we got here:</b></p>
<p>Canada is/was/remains the odds out favorite in an international hockey tournament. I'm sure this shocks you.</p>
<p>The only interesting thing about Canada's overarching success is that how much of a bar Canadian hockey has effectively been used. It's conquests and talents are respected, their skills were (unsuccessfully) attempted to be offset by something other than skill, they happily trampled every team that entered their domain and the most amount of consternation the Canadian public got watching this squad was being down a goal for half a period to Russia. The hometown team in this tournament was effectively a write off and probably had a bunch of people decide to tune out and wait for their oncoming game against sweden.</p>
<p>Except that didn't happen.</p>
<p>And that's what makes this preview so intriguing.</p>
<p>Team Europe, by all accounts, played hockey eternally from behind. Nobody assumed they had a prayer going into this tournament. And yet, after the jitters of the prelims, Scrapping and scraping to fantastic victories both in keeping pace with Sweden and eventually getting to where they are, to keeping the game close enough that they could overpower both USA and Czech Republic in stunning fashion. They are in the finals. This hodgepodge group of gentlemen from across the European Union (and Switzerland) decided that they would make their gimmick of journeyman europeans more than just a gimmick. It would be a gimmick with a habit of surprising you by somehow, someway, playing <i>really</i> good hockey. Even if it meant sometimes leaning on goaltender Jaroslav Halak like a man without a foot might lean on his cane. Even if it meant waiting in agonizingly long defensive sequences for <i>just</i> the right moment to spring a forward out to try and beat both defense and goaltender. Whatever they had to do, they did it with the dramatic flair only an underdog team could. And they should be proud of themselves. The ride was supposed to end yesterday. And yet...</p>
<p><iframe height="360" width="540" src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/tatar-wins-it-for-europe-in-ot/t-281231948/c-44847003?autostart=false"></iframe></p>
<p>...They punched their ticket, paid their money and said "I wanna see how far this goes."</p>
<p>This tournament by all accounts is mostly the NHL telling the olympic committee that they can shove their two week tournament right up their collective wazoo. It is a cash grab with goofy jerseys, a dumb shoulder logo sponsor, and the trophy is made out of urethane plastic that looks like your mother's third favorite vase. The one she keeps out way too long. And right now, if you're wondering how to actively shock the world? Team Europe winning this best of 3 would be it. It is the seinfeld of tournaments. It means nothing, it acheives basically nothing, and it will be carted out when the owners complain too much if/when players start getting too hurt for a gaudy hunk of plastic.</p>
<p>Right now? It would probably mean the world to Team Europe. And I can't wait to see them give it a shot.</p>
https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2016/9/27/13052504/world-cup-of-hockey-finals-preview-canada-vs-team-europeSkyonAir2016-09-24T13:00:09-04:002016-09-24T13:00:09-04:00World Cup of Hockey Semifinals GAMETHREAD
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<figcaption>John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The weekend thread for all your semifinal needs as the World Cup of Hockey heads to it's final two!</p> <h4>Semifinals and Finals at the WCOH work like this:</h4>
<p>If you lose, you're out. Winners go on to play a best of three series of games that will bring us right to the beginning of preseason.</p>
<p>Now that that's out of the way, it's time for the info you came here for.</p>
<h4>Russia vs. Canada</h4>
<p><b>When: Saturday,</b> 7pm EST</p>
<p><b>Where:</b> Air Canada Center, Toronto, Ontario</p>
<p><b>Where to Watch:</b> ESPN2, Sportsnet, TVASports</p>
<p><b>Bruins Playing:</b> Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand will be playing on a line usually alongside Sidney Crosby as per usual.</p>
<p><b>Preview:</b></p>
<p>Russia got into this semifinal largely by beating Finland and by shocking Team North America to it's bones. The real defining factor of Russia's play so far has been their youth stepping up and creating depth scoring from nearly every line they've played so far in the tournament. The fact that Sergei Bobrovsky has also been pretty darn good even in their losing efforts meant that Russia has had an easy time of it throughout the round robin. One issue they've had is that if they don't get into the scoring rhythm early, or if they encounter the right defense, they'll probably spend their time doing...well...not really all that much. This presents a real scary problem for them as they currently go against the Tournament favorites.</p>
<p>Team Canada, meanwhile, has basically waltzed through the tournament without any real competition worth mentioning. They ran over the czechs, they sent a despondent USA packing, and they made short work of Team Europe. There are no glaring flaws in Team Canada because I'm not sure there is one. If they play this game 20 times Russia might win twice. That said, Canada tends to clam up against Russia in some tournaments, and while their opponents may not be a real favorite, this really can't be a game they take off. This tournament is single elimination at this stage, after all. If they take care of business, there should be no problem.</p>
<p>They just have to take care of business, is all. Then they play whoever wins the next game.</p>
<p><b>Lines:</b></p>
<p>Canada's lines are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.espn.com/i/infographics/20160901_wchlinecombos/nhl_linecomboscanada8_1296x7000.png">here</a>. The starter will be Carey Price.</p>
<p>Russia's lines are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.espn.com/i/infographics/20160901_wchlinecombos/nhl_linecombosrussia6_1296x7000.png">here</a>. The starter will in all likelyhood be the hot hand in Sergei Bobrovsky</p>
<h4>Team Europe vs. Sweden</h4>
<p><b>When:</b> <b>Sunday</b>, 1pm EST</p>
<p><b>Where:</b> Air Canada Center, Toronto, Ontario</p>
<p><b>Where to Watch:</b> ESPN2, SN, TVASports</p>
<p><b>Bruins Playing:</b> Zdeno Chara will be playing in the top or second defense pairing. His partner is usually Roman Josi or Andrej Sekera</p>
<p><b>Preview:</b></p>
<p>It wasn't supposed to be like this.</p>
<p>Team Europe was supposed to suck. Badly. Every inch of that team smelled of the suckage that was to come and then...it never happened. The blowouts, the badness we expected...it just didn't come. Sure, they got outshot to hell in every game, but it's not like they didn't play to their strengths. They got a player loose and that player took care of business. Jaroslav Halak played a man possessed. Leon Draisaitl looked like a complete superstar. The only matchup they didn't look like a superstar squad was against Canada, which...y'know. Can be forgiven. It's Canada. The two-toned team managed to find a rhythm and have been riding it to a near perfect record. This will definitely be their toughest test, but if we know anything about this team, it's that stranger has happened.</p>
<p>Namely, that they beat Sweden once.</p>
<p>Sweden meanwhile, went undefeated in regulation, but didn't have the same kind of luck that the Russians did against the North Americans. Otherwise, they were every bit as good as Canada, if not better. Legitimately the only thing that kept some Swedes from assuming the team was a lock for the Best-of-three final was a sudden case of the flu Henrik Lundqvist came down with. And he didn't even need to be at 65% to be part of a winning effort. But while they've looked good, they occasionally have looked a little careless. And that ended up creating a godawful 6-2 loss to Team Europe in the exhibition games.</p>
<p>That has to be stuck in their craw somewhere. And if they're planning on taking this semifinal seriously, what better way to point at Canada menacingly from the entrance ramp than to get back that embarrassing loss from the Exhibition games.</p>
<p><b>Lines:</b></p>
<p>Team Europe's lines will be <a target="_blank" href="http://www.espn.com/i/infographics/20160901_wchlinecombos/nhl_linecomboseurope5_1296x7000.png">here</a>, and Jaroslav Halak will likely start</p>
<p>Team Sweden's lines are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.espn.com/i/infographics/20160901_wchlinecombos/nhl_linecombossweden5_1296x7000.png">here</a>, and Henrik Lundqvist will probably start</p>
<p>The semis are here! NHL hockey is almost here! We will be handing out a plastic trophy to <i>one</i> of these teams!</p>
<p>What's on tap?</p>
https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2016/9/24/13039176/world-cup-of-hockey-semifinals-gamethread-previews-lines-Europe-Canada-Russia-SwedenSkyonAir2016-09-23T07:00:03-04:002016-09-23T07:00:03-04:00World Cup of Hockey Day 6 RECAP
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<figcaption>Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The semifinal picture shakes out, and Team USA goes out on a hissy fit on live TV.</p> <h4>Russia vs. Finland</h4>
<p><b>First Period</b></p>
<p>The Russians knew that if they didn't take advantage of Finland's tired and young roster in this game they'd be going home empty handed, and they decided to make the most of themselves early.</p>
<p><iframe height="360" width="540" src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/finrus-1st-period-highlights/t-281232980/c-44796603?autostart=false"></iframe></p>
<p>As the period went on, it became abundantly clear that Finland's spirit was not in this game. Russia spent the majority of the period trading shots with them as they went about the first period letting Rask and Bobrovsky get comfortable with themselves and with their defense's capabilities. The period would end with no score.</p>
<p><b>Second Period:</b></p>
<p>And that's when things started going poorly for the Finns. The scoring was opened by Vlad Tarasenko off of a beautiful pass to get behind Rask. 1-0 Russians</p>
<p><iframe height="360" width="540" src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/tarasenko-taps-in-ovechkins-feed/t-281231950/c-44797203?autostart=false"></iframe></p>
<p>Tarasenko got into a real hurtin' spot. And the defense of Finland? Nowhere to be found. This would become a theme for Rask's home country as they did their best "2015 Bruins in a losing effort" impression.</p>
<p>The next goal would be even more eerie as it resembled goals the Bruins gave up frequently last season. Defense falls on top of him, he has to overcompensate, gets beat, Ivan Telegin scores to put Russia up 2-0.</p>
<p>At this point, Finland's spirit was broken pretty badly. They basically packed it in and let Rask do the rest of the defensework for them. Don't get me wrong, they had plenty of good chances as a team...</p>
<p><iframe height="360" width="540" src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/bobrovskys-big-stop-on-granlund/t-281231950/c-44798103?autostart=false"></iframe></p>
<p>..But Bobrovsky was ready for all of them. The Russians had official control of this game by the time Granlund's attempt got blocked away. The Russians walked out of this period with a 2-0 lead.</p>
<p><b>Third Period:</b></p>
<p>Playing for pride sometimes means you have to get sloppy in order to get a result. Sometimes that means turnovers you have to defend.</p>
<p>Other times it means a complete breakdown in your defense and your goalie freezes.</p>
<p>This was the dagger goal that sent Finland packing.</p>
<p><iframe height="360" width="540" src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/malkin-beats-rask-short-side/t-281231950/c-44798903?autostart=false"></iframe></p>
<p>In retrospect, it seems as if Finland is currently in transition. They have a bunch of <i>very</i> talented youngsters and still a very talented goalie core that just happens to be getting a little older now. In four years? Finland could be a real contender. Not this year. They have too many marginal players that need to retire and too many players who need some NHL experience first. It's not that they were bad (most of the time), it's that their real stars have yet to blossom into the superstars most analysts say they will be. Russia completely took over the period and left this game going to the Semifinals, leaving Team North America and Finland in their dust.</p>
<p>And now...schadenfreude.</p>
<h4>USA vs. Czech Republic</h4>
<p><b>First Period:</b></p>
<p>Team USA was pretty clearly trying to win this game from every step of it, and it was clear they had gotten sick of the constant mockery they'd received. They came out flying. They were shooting every which way, they were definitely keeping the Czechs <span>on their toes and keeping Petr Mrazek busy. Unfortunately for them things would go south as the Czechs finally managed to mount a scoring opportunity. One that they'd get because instead of defending, most of the forwards were kind of listing about and Dustin Byfuglien was too busy shoving David Pastrnak into the net. 1-0 Czechs.</span></p>
<p><iframe height="360" width="540" src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/z-michalek-opens-the-scoring/t-281232726/c-44802703?autostart=false"></iframe></p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, this put the Americans in a rather unhappy mood, and so they brought the thunder on the next few plays, drawing a penalty and getting a goal from their captain: Joe Pavelski.</p>
<p><iframe height="360" width="540" src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/pavelskis-power-play-tally/t-281230922/c-44803003?autostart=false"></iframe></p>
<p>The period would end with the Americans taking a huge shot and hit lead over the Czechs, but the score still tied at one. There's hope for Team USA, though right?</p>
<p><b>The Second Period, where everything went to hell for Team USA</b></p>
<p>I wonder what Peter Laviolette coaching the Americans would've been like...it certainly wouldn't have looked like this.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Early in the period, the Czechs rushed Ben Bishop and managed to squeeze the puck past him as every available stick was poking at a loose puck, but it would put them ahead 2-1.</p>
<p><iframe height="360" width="540" src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/m-michaleks-fluke-goal/t-281232726/c-44803603?autostart=false"></iframe></p>
<p>Justin Abdelkader would respond about 7 minutes later, with a beautiful feed from big Dustin Byfuglien. Tying the game as he flew in from a change. 2-2. Well after that kind of crisp passing and good forechecking, things have to be looking up for the USA now right? I mean, they've beaten them in everything but the sco-</p>
<p><iframe height="360" width="540" src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/sustr-scores-from-sharp-angle/t-281232726/c-44803703?autostart=false"></iframe> <br><iframe height="360" width="540" src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/m-michalek-beats-bishop-up-high/t-281232726/c-44803803?autostart=false"></iframe></p>
<p>...Fer Chrissakes, USA. So yeah. At the end of this period, Team USA had allowed three goals. Two within the span of seconds.</p>
<p>And if you think Team USA had started to give up on this game, they don't use the ESPN broadcast for highlights in this case not because the call was bad, but that at this point it just flat out didn't exist. They had called up Brett Hull and Chris Chelios and Barry Melrose and whoever else they could, and every single one of them was taking turns just shitting on Team USA's management, coaching staff, and their overall philosophy of hockey. The Czechs were praised, of course, they were ahead. But after awhile it just felt like they had tuned in to a couch with all of these legends and broadcasting personalities MST3k-ing the organizational philosophy of the United States hockey program. It made for an interesting, if sometimes not exactly informative experience.</p>
<p>When was that culture of winning supposed to be taking root, exactly? Because it seems like winter's come early on that particular patch of land. This would end Ben Bishop's night as he was replaced by Cory Schneider.</p>
<p><b>Third Period:</b></p>
<p>The third period was Team USA trying desperately to avoid having what happened in the second happen again. They limited the Czechs to about 7 shots, which was improvement over the 14 they allowed, but they were only able to generate one goal, from Ryan McDonagh who scored early.</p>
<p><iframe height="360" width="540" src="https://www.wch2016.com/video/embed/mcdonagh-scores-shorthanded-goal/t-281230922/c-44803903?autostart=false"></iframe></p>
<p>From then on, it was up to Petr Mrazek to shut the door and keep Team USA out, and Mrazek for all the weird goals he's let up, looked pretty darn good for the Czechs as they outlasted Team USA for a 4-3 result. USA did not go out in a bang, but with a petulant fight started by Ryan Kesler who managed to draw the entire Czech team to bury the US players in a pile by the end. A fitting metaphor for Team USA: Trying to start shit, and being completely shocked when their opponents weren't buying into it.</p>
<p>Most brutally, another gold medalist weighed in on Team USA's performance.</p>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have great respect for USA hockey but not win a game is very disappointing and makes me wonder where we are heading</p>
— MIKE ERUZIONE (@MERUZIONE) <a href="https://twitter.com/MERUZIONE/status/779152961293385728">September 23, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p><u style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">ouch.</u> That's not a guy you want to disappoint.</p>
<p>Team Finland and Team USA will be sending their players to their respective training camps and prospect camps as both go without wins in the tournament, and are eliminated. Czech Republic is also eliminated, but leaves with a win, a loss, and an overtime loss.</p>
<h4>Bruins at the WCOH:</h4>
<p>Tuukka Rask was in on a losing effort yesterday. He put up a pretty un-Rask performance, but he had relatively little to play for. Here's hoping he bounces back in training camp.</p>
<p>David Pastrnak was the highlight of many Czech opportunities on goal, though he was never able to get a goal off of this tournament. Witchcraft I say. He leaves the tournament with an assist. He'll likely be heading to camp with the rest of the Bruins prospects. I for one am ready to see him and Cehlarik on the same line!</p>
<p>David Backes sat out the final Team USA game and will likely be heading to camp. He had no points.</p>
https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2016/9/23/13026036/world-cup-of-hockey-recap-day-6-north-americas-out-russia-team-usa-finlandSkyonAir2016-09-22T13:00:08-04:002016-09-22T13:00:08-04:00World Cup of Hockey: Day 6 GAMETHREAD
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oxWRcApSS6OdpPP5RELYQjMLH5k=/0x7:3176x2124/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50972513/usa-today-9554258.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The final day of the Round Robin portion of the tournament is here! And there are a lot of eyeballs on at least one of these games.</p> <h4>Finland vs. Russia</h4>
<p><b>Where:</b> Air Canada Center, Toronto, Ontario</p>
<p><b>When:</b> 3pm EST</p>
<p><b>Where to Watch:</b> ESPN, SN, TVAsports</p>
<p><b>Bruins Playing:</b> Tuukka Rask could be in net for Team Finland</p>
<p><b>Preview:</b></p>
<p>Finland is out. They have nothing really to play for.</p>
<p>...Unless they like Team North America. In which case they have everything to play for.</p>
<p>See, Team Russia, while having been trounced once, was able to bounce back to make a game out of playing Team North America, and now they're stuck. They need to win this game. Anyway they can. Doesn't matter how. Finland meanwhile has been knocked out already, but they enjoyed how they played and believed that both Teuvo Teravainen and Patrick Laine are the guys that could put them over on Russia. And make no mistake. While Finland doesn't like Sweden, they <i>really</i> don't like Russia, and the idea of torpedoing their chances of <strike>winning a plastic trophy going</strike> to the semifinals sounds like a great final middle finger to Russia as they leave the tournament. If you happen to like Team North America, this is <i>the</i> game to watch.</p>
<p><b>Lines:</b></p>
<p>The Finnish lines are<a target="_blank" href="http://www.espn.com/i/infographics/20160901_wchlinecombos/nhl_linecombosfinland3_1296x7000.png"> here</a>, with Teravainen expected to take a more active role. Their starter should be Tuukka Rask.</p>
<p>The Russian lines are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.espn.com/i/infographics/20160901_wchlinecombos/nhl_linecombosrussia6_1296x7000.png">here</a>, and the expectation is that Sergei Bobrovsky will be their starter.</p>
<h4>USA vs. Czech Republic</h4>
<p><b>Where:</b> Air Canada Center, Toronto, Ontario</p>
<p><b>When:</b> 8pm EST</p>
<p><b>Where to Watch:</b> ESPN2, SN, TVAsports</p>
<p><b>Bruins Playing:</b> This will be the last time before preseason or training camp that you will be able to see David Backes or David Pastrnak, who will be playing for USA and Czech Republic respectively.</p>
<p><b>Preview:</b></p>
<p>USA needs this, man.</p>
<p>The USA went from possible unlikely favorite to laughingstock of the tournament within a week. Everyone has been clowning on them:</p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Is that so? <a href="https://t.co/YN39ptO9Sy">pic.twitter.com/YN39ptO9Sy</a></p>
— Draglikepull (@draglikepull) <a href="https://twitter.com/draglikepull/status/778398427726184448">September 21, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Everyone:</p>
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/xHggn2X.png"></p>
<p><i>Everyone:</i></p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just sitting around the house tonight w my dog. Felt like I should be doing something important, but couldn't put my finger on it.</p>
— Phil Kessel (@PKessel81) <a href="https://twitter.com/PKessel81/status/778426548651163648">September 21, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Which is not to say the Czechs are any better off. The Czechs came into this underdogs and they sure didn't make it seem like they were going to be doing anything else this tournament. They need a win, USA needs a win, and either side who makes it out will have serious questions about themselves regardless.</p>
<p>If you like schadenfreude? This is the game for you.</p>
<p><b>Lines:</b></p>
<p>The Czech lines are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.espn.com/i/infographics/20160901_wchlinecombos/nhl_linecombosczech3_1296x7000.png">here</a>, and the starter is expected to be Petr Mrazek</p>
<p>The USA <a target="_blank" href="http://www.espn.com/i/infographics/20160901_wchlinecombos/nhl_linecombosusa7_1296x7000.png">players are here</a>. Don't bother assuming there will be a stable lineup. The starter will be Jonathan Quick because John Tortorella will ride this horse until it dies out in the middle of the sahara.</p>
https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2016/9/22/13012648/world-cup-of-hockey-day-6-gamethread-previews-lines-usa-czechs-finland-russiaSkyonAir2016-09-21T13:00:06-04:002016-09-21T13:00:06-04:00World Cup of Hockey Day 5 GAMETHREAD
<figure>
<img alt="Don't talk to me or my son ever again" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QVDAdyOJsvrBt2ymsZntVwJbDms=/1105x0:3868x1842/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50952751/usa-today-9545915.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Don't talk to me or my son ever again | Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The undefeated teams try to stay undefeated today!</p> <h4>North America vs. Sweden</h4>
<p><b>Where:</b> Air Canada Center, Toronto, Ontario</p>
<p><b>When:</b> 3pm EST</p>
<p><b>Where to Watch:</b> ESPN, SN, TVAsports</p>
<p><b>Bruins Playing:</b> None, only former bruin Loui Eriksson is involved.</p>
<p><b>Preview:</b></p>
<p>Sweden beat Finland yesterday to remain undefeated. There's not a whole lot Sweden could do at the moment other than stay undefeated in round robin play. They look to be the strongest team in the tournament at the moment.</p>
<p>Their competition, on the other hand, is the most fun in the tournament. While NA lost against Russia, they played one of the most competitive and interesting games during that night. Playing with fire, vigor, and almost tying it multiple times. It's this that will bring Team North America into this game, and now into facing their toughest challenge yet. Sweden plays an entirely different style of hockey than their opponents. They are better defensively, they have a better goaltender, and play all three zones well. If Team NA wants to stick around, this is the game they'd want to win out in. Regardless of the result: it's gonna be good.</p>
<p><b>Lines:</b></p>
<p>Team Sweden's roster is <a href="http://www.espn.com/i/infographics/20160901_wchlinecombos/nhl_linecombossweden5_1296x7000.png" target="_blank">here</a>, and the starter is expected to be Henrik Lundqvist.</p>
<p>Team NA's roster is <a href="http://www.espn.com/i/infographics/20160901_wchlinecombos/nhl_linecombosna6_1296x7000.png" target="_blank">here</a>, and the starter is expected to be Matt Murray, but due to an injury it may be John Gibson.</p>
<h4>Europe vs. Canada</h4>
<p><b>Where: </b>Air Canada Center, Toronto, Ontario</p>
<p><b>When:</b> 8pm EST</p>
<p><b>Where to Watch:</b> ESPN2, SN, TVASports</p>
<p><b>Bruins Playing:</b> Zdeno Chara will be playing for Team Europe. Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron will be playing for Team Canada.</p>
<p><b>Preview:</b></p>
<p>If you told me I might be excited for this game a week ago I'd have told you that you were crazy.</p>
<p>And yet, one week later...almost to the day I said they were doomed? They have a berth in the semifinals. Against everything does this team have an undefeated streak. Against every single scrap of evidence. They have overcome so much to be here and it's inspiring to see them doing so well.</p>
<p>That said...the ride to this game currently includes Canada. Who is also undefeated to the surprise of nobody. Canada may finally be the clock not just turning midnight and ending Europe's cinderella run, there's a good chance the clocktower actually falls on the palace. Team Europe will have to play beyond 110% of their power if they can pull off what will be the upset of the tournament.</p>
<p>You should watch this game. You should <i>definitely</i> watch this game.</p>
<p><b>Lines:</b></p>
<p>Team Canada's lines are <a href="http://www.espn.com/i/infographics/20160901_wchlinecombos/nhl_linecomboscanada8_1296x7000.png" target="_blank">here</a>, and the starter will be Carey Price</p>
<p>Team Europe's lines are <a href="http://www.espn.com/i/infographics/20160901_wchlinecombos/nhl_linecomboseurope5_1296x7000.png" target="_blank">here</a>, and the starter is expected to be Jaroslav Halak</p>
<p>As always, lines are subject to change. What's on tap?</p>
https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2016/9/21/12997778/world-cup-of-hockey-day-5-gamethread-na-vs-sweden-and-europe-vs-canadaSkyonAir