Zach's deuce leads USA into Medal Round

The Zach Attack finally struck. All tournament, Devil sniper Zach Parise had come close. But when it mattered most, he delivered scoring twice in the third period to break a scoreless tie- leading Team USA past Swiss in the first Olympic quarter into the medal round. His nifty power play deflection of a Brian Rafalski shot held up in a wacky third that had some close calls before the Minnesota kid sealed it with an empty netter late.

Despite a 33-8 shot edge that included Ryan Kesler's turnaround which Jonas Hiller bobbled into his own net with the buzzer just beating the puck in, the No.1 seeded Americans were still knotted with pesky Switzerland, who played as expected. Solid skating, tenacious checking and relying on the Anaheim No.1 goalie to give them a chance at the upset. Not surprisingly, Hiller was sharper than yesterday's 3-2 shootout squeaker that ousted Belarus. Facing a US barrage, he stopped almost everything including an early Parise opportunity to keep it scoreless. The hot goalie also got some help from the crossbar on a wicked curl and drag by Phil Kessel that drew iron. He finished with 42 saves including 18 in a busy first.

Hiller's superb goaltending and his teammates' fine attention to detail, blanketing early American power plays that overpassed, allowed a pro-Swiss Hockey Canada Place crowd to think upset. But over on the other end probably bored to death, Ryan Miller was unflappable en route to the 19 save shutout, becoming the first Team USA netminder to record one since the Rangers' Mike Richter in the Olympics eight years ago in Salt Lake. That team went all the way to the gold medal game before falling to Canada. They'll get the winner between tonight's third game between Czech and Finland at 10 ET. Meanwhile, the main event gets going in a little while when gold medal favorites Russia and Canada battle at the bottom of the hour just to qualify for the medal stage. Incredible.

Ron Wilson's new top line of Parise, Paul Stastny and captain Jamie Langenbrunner generated plenty of chances but couldn't get one past Hiller. Bobby Ryan- who also was brilliant- had a couple of tremendous rushes but was stoned. Pesky play from Chris Drury, Dustin Brown and David Backes during one strong shift was snuffed out. Drury along with Ranger 'mate Ryan Callahan again were superb in a checking role, doing their usual diligent work on important penalty kills with the duo registering at least eight of the 23 or 24 blocked shots. Blueliners Tim Gleason and Erik Johnson also were instrumental with the Cane getting in the path of a one-timer while the younger Blue made a saving stickcheck breaking up a three-on-one late in the second which may have prevented the first goal.

Hometown Canuck Kesler was also effective in all facets, nearly tallying at the second's dramatic conclusion. But his turnaround prayer that Hiller bobbled into his own net didn't cross the line in time, which the review confirmed. The Swiss were literally Saved By The Bell. Go figure that a guy named Zach would then do them in in a hectic third that saw another American goal wiped out. After Parise somehow got his stick out to redirect Rafalski's shot for a PPG early in period three, a wild sequence took place with Switzerland coming oh so close to tying it. Off a nice set up, Sandy Jeanin went around a sprawling Miller and hit the right post. Team USA came the other way and appeared to score when Ryan Suter's left point blast beat Hiller. However, an involved Kesler high sticked a Swiss' helmet off negating it.

Despite the bad break, the focused Americans dug in killing off the power play. They would get tested all period but the defense was stellar and the last line of defense wasn't about to allow anything. When he was needed, he did the job stifling Julien Sprunger.

Desperate to tie it, the Swiss pulled Hiller for an extra attacker. A pass for an open Roman Wick missed connection in the slot. Eventually, Team USA worked the puck around to Parise, who then used his guile to sneak past a Swiss defender and deposit the insurance marker with 12 ticks left. He got congrats from who else but Langenbrunner. Switzerland had nothing to be ashamed of putting out another yeoman effort in an attempt at a monumental upset. They just fell a little short.

Canada-Russia faces off at 7:30 on CNBC followed by Czech Republic-Finland at 10 with Henrik Lundqvist and defending gold medalists Sweden taking on Zdeno Chara and Slovakia at midnight.

Swiss outshoots Belarus to setup quarter against USA

It wasn't pretty but the Swiss still pulled through. They needed a 10-minute four-on-four and a shootout before sneaking past pesky Belarus 3-2 in the first qualifier at Hockey Canada Place this afternoon. Thomas Deruns and Romano Lemm helped Switzerland set up a quarter versus Team USA tomorrow at 3 on NBC.

Favorite to advance, the Swiss got scored on in the opening minute when Aleksei Kalyuzhny snuck a trickler off defenders past a surprised Jonas Hiller. But Julien Sprunger responded with a power play goal, knotting the contest. For the day, the higher seed notched both their goals via the man-advantage. It would be a Hnat Dominichelli rebound past a sprawled Andrei Mezin which steered the Swiss ahead during a second they largely controlled. Islander defenseman Mark Streit got an assist on the tally. However, Belarus earned a power play and quickly tied it in the late stages of the second thanks to Konstantin Zakharov backhanding home a loose puck into a vacant net with Hiller off to the right.

Sensing an upset, many in the crowd began to root for the underdog who eight years earlier strung a much bigger one over Sweden, Belarus played more confidently, using their skating to generate chances. But most were misdirections which sailed wide. Hiller sharpened up in a seesaw third making a pair of tough stops to keep it tied. One instance saw Konstantin Koltsov with a great chance to shoot from the slot 15 feet away but instead, his pass down low missed connection. Each goalie was strong during sudden death pushing it to the skill competition.

In it, both Deruns and Lemm deked before picking high glove on Mezin sandwiched around a Hiller stop for a commanding 2-zip lead. But Dmitri Meleshenko extended it with a nice forehand deke finish off the bar and in with the Anaheim goalie on all fours. The Belarussian bench was given even more hope when Mezin stopped Swiss' third shooter giving Hab Sergei Kostitsyn a chance to force extras. However, the third-year NHLer made one too many moves allowing a sliding Hiller to get a pad on his forehand deke in tight, sealing it for the Swiss.

Switzerland must play better tomorrow against USA, whose size, speed and strength will test the feisty European nation. However, the Americans can't take it lightly as they only beat them 3-1 in prelims and know just how much of a trap game this is. Keep an eye on Roman Wick and Hiller along with Streit, who all must have strong games for a chance at the upset.

There are three more qualifiers taking place tonight. Canada and Germany are underway with a whole nation holding its collective breath. Also on tap later are Czech and Latvia (10 PM) and Slovakia-Norway at midnight. All three can be seen on CNBC.

Miller Time indeed as USA stuns Canada

Nearly thirty years to the day of the greatest hockey game ever played in our country, another batch of determined, gritty Americans gave a memorable performance of their own. With Miracle On Ice heroes Mike Eruzione, Jim Craig and Mark Johnson looking on in a hostile yet chaotic environment over in Vancouver, Team USA outworked tournament favorite Canada- pulling off a 5-3 upset in the final tuneup before the medal round. The stunning win allowed Ron Wilson's club to finish a perfect 3-0 winning Group A to advance automatically to the quarterfinals.

Though it was a preliminary match that pales in comparison to the remarkable American upset of world power Russia en route to winning Olympic gold over Finland, this was a huge victory for USA Hockey. Especially in a tournament few gave them a chance to medal. Maybe one thing overlooked was the kind of character architect Brian Burke opted for on a North American rink. Unlike wider rinks, the more traditional NHL sized ice is better suited to physical play. Thus far, it's been grinders Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Ryan Kesler, Dustin Brown, David Backes and skilled yet imposing Cherry Hill native Bobby Ryan who've made significant contributions. Facing one of the most talented rosters, they were instrumental last night. Especially down the stretch when a desperate Canada pressed for the equalizer, even holding the puck in for seemingly ever as our boys were out on their feet.

Thanks to heroic netminding from Ryan Miller, who was absolutely amazing- along with tremendous will from Callahan who atoned for a giveaway by reaching out with his right glove extended to block a shot before the puck was finally cleared after roughly 100 seconds, the hungrier Americans prevailed. Enough cannot be said about the Buffalo goalie who didn't wear trademark No.30 instead donning No.39 in special tribute to Dominik Hasek??? Something Sabres contributor Brian noted. Whatever the reason, in his third Olympic start, he emulated the Dominator with some def defying saves on his way to 42 saves, including a two-save sequence in the frantic final two minutes that featured a Hasek-esque twisting stick save followed by a glove committing highway robbery which shocked Canadian Hockey Place.

One of the front runners for the Vezina left little doubt that he was the better goalie, outplaying Martin Brodeur who was culpable on at least half the output- permitting four goals on 22 shots. His more talented team which featured the all-Shark line of Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton and goalscorer Dany Heatley plus finisher Sid The Kid, Rick Nash, Jarome Iginla, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and goalscorer Eric Staal helped outshoot Team USA 45-23. Canada's blueline also boasted vet tandem Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer, who jumped up in the rush generating chances as did younger tandem Duncan Keith and Drew Doughty late. Despite an edge that included Dan Boyle and Shea Weber, the Canadian D struggled defensively against the Americans' feisty forwards who pounced on their opportunities.

One of the keys to the great win was Brian Rafalski, who had a tremendous night tallying twice and assisting on team captain Jamie Langenbrunner's third period power play decider with less than 13 minutes left. The former Devil defenseman was brilliant scoring 41 seconds into the contest, setting the tone. It was vital for Team USA to get out quickly against such a lethal opponent who still had the majority of the support even if there were plenty of Americans cheering on their heroes. Rafalski one-timed a Ryan Suter pass off Sidney Crosby past Brodeur. It would be a hint of things to come with Crosby finishing minus-three in spite of his late power play goal that made the ending more dramatic. That both Zach Parise and Langenbrunner, who was a beast, would be out celebrating a goal from their ex-teammate was pretty cool.

Canada responded when Staal neatly deflected home a Brent Seabrook point shot tying it 8:12 later. But before the pumped up crowd could get back in their seats, Rafalski did it again scoring his fourth consecutive goal for Team USA. This from a guy who had the same amount in 57 games with Detroit this season. He got a little help from Brodeur, who apparently must've thought Raf was still on his side. MB30 made a careless blunder aggressively paddling a loose puck right to the former Wisconsin standout whose fanned shot snuck through only 22 seconds later.

Afterwards, the Americans couldn't muster much else as the ice tilted with the hosts pushing the pedal to the mettle, outshooting the red, white and blue 19-6. Trouble was they couldn't squeeze another by Miller, who by this point was demonstrating the 2009-10 form that carried Buffalo near the top of the conference before a late slump had them a point behind Ottawa. Nothing seemed to distract him. Still, Canada came back to tie a second time early in the second when Heatley banged home a Jonathan Toews rebound off a mad scramble. Toews- who faced Blackhawk teammate Patrick Kane- was easily one of their best players. His great skating and playmaking was on display.

Every time you waited for Canada to surge ahead, Miller stood in the path as did gritty 'mates who sacrificed by finishing checks, diving to block shots and winning battles in the trenches. The intensity of Team USA was apparent. They desperately wanted this game. In the words of hometown Canuck Ryan Kesler who wisecracked that he hated Canada even guaranteeing victory, their willingness to get dirty was a noticeable difference along with Miller's clutch play in net. With the game still knotted and the crowd enjoying the physical firewagon hockey that always is associated when these rivals play, the hitting picked up. Nash had a ferocious hit. Even if it didn't compare to Alex Ovechkin's highlight reel clean shoulder that took Jaromir Jagr off the puck, leading to the Russian winner in a 4-2 triumph over Czech Republic to win their group. To quote pal John who we were over in Old Bridge:

"He sent him back to the 80's."

That game was an enjoyable appetizer that included Evgeni Malkin's sweet finish on that huge turning point. Even if Jagr came back playing an inspired third, drawing three bodies to him on Petr Cajanek's goal that made it interesting before Pavel Datsyuk sealed it. Ironically, hated one-time Blueshirt Dmitri Kalinin saved Russia's bacon with a great defensive play might've resulted in the tying goal. But hey. It was a good day for Rangers with Henrik Lundqvist pitching another shutout (3-zip) this time over nemesis Finland to win Group C. Plus Drury, who scored a money go-ahead off a wild sequence that saw Brodeur flopping around with Backes and Ryan each getting whacks before the revived Ranger captain finished off his second at 16:46. Did we mention how good the controversial Burke selection was in his usual checking role alongside PK partner Callahan? Both were standouts, making key blocks late to preserve victory.

Remarkably, it was Team USA that took over late in the second and continued to push the action initially in the final stanza. Using a relentless forecheck to finally challenge Canada's D, they drew three consecutive penalties. After Canada killed off the first two including an undisciplined Crosby hi-stick in the offensive zone, they couldn't make it three-for-three. With Perry in the box for a slash, the former Devil combo went to work again with Rafalski sending another one-timer from the left wing towards the net which went off Langenbrunner's skate past Brodeur. While Parise celebrated by jumping up and down, the insurance that Suter also netted his second helper on gave the U.S. just enough margin.

From there, it was Miller Time. On a day where the team in front of him were very disciplined, they handed the Canadians two straight power plays. After killing off the first thanks to timely stops from their meal ticket along with splendid PK work, Erik Johnson was nabbed for a questionable trip. They nearly had it back to even strength when Crosby went to the net and nicely deflected home a Nash feed, sneaking it just through Miller's waffle, slicing to 4-3 with 3:09 left. Keith added a helper.

That's when it got hectic. Chaos ensued on the next shift as Canada threw the kitchen sink at Miller, trying to get it tied. For what felt like an eternity, they had Team USA pinned deep. Eventually, they got tired and Canada moved the puck quickly for pointblank chances. Somehow, Miller made the saves which ranged from a tough glove save with traffic that he turned routine to a one-timer in the slot that he got a toe on. Eventually, the puck came to a wide open Weber, who fired but Miller said no.With his dead team unable to get the puck out following a Callahan clear which was gloved down, the hardest working Ranger made up for it by making a sprawling block of a one-timer. Eventually, they cleared the zone finally getting a change.

The play-by-play from Doc Emrick was as good as it got, describing the furious action as only he can. It still wasn't over with Team Canada pulling Brodeur for an extra attacker with over a minute left. However, the American's fire won out, eventually with Parise wisely pushing the puck out off the boards to avoid icing. Then, the amazing happened as Kesler outraced Perry somehow getting his stick on it for the empty netter that sealed it with 45 ticks remaining. But down two, the Canadians still came forcing Miller to make one more save before it ended.

It's amazing to think that this was a preliminary round game. The way it was so highly contested spoke volumes about how much the players cared. It was exactly the kind of hockey which is why they must commit to 2014 in Moscow. Regardless what Gary Bettman says, this game was a homerun. Even if it wasn't on NBC. MSNBC still did a phenomenal job not screwing anything up and making it a must watch. These games matter. I don't care who you are. That was truly special.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Chris Drury, USA (2nd of Olympics for go-ahead tally)
2nd Star-Brian Rafalski, USA (2 goals and assist-leads all Americans with 5 Pts)
1st Star-Ryan Miller, USA (42 saves incl.13/14 in 3rd)

Olympic Hockey Sunday Preview

If you've been waiting for some big games, then today's terrific trio over in Vancouver should do the trick. Plenty is on the line in each.

First up at 3, Russia and the Czechs do battle with Group B hanging in the balance. A Czech Republic OT win clinches first as they'd be a perfect 3-for-3 in preliminary action. Russia needs it badly due to their shootout loss to Slovakia, who finished with wins in regulation and OT plus a loss to the Czechs for five points. If Russia loses, they finish third in the group and would be in a difficult position. They'll have Malkin reunited with Ovechkin in an attempt to boost offense against sizzling duo Jaromir Jagr and Cze captain Patrik Elias. We'll see if they can slow them down.

At 7:40 tonight, the main event takes place when Team USA takes on host Canada. It's the Americans and not Canada who's in the driver's seat. Ron Wilson's squad looks to make it a perfect 3-for-3 when they step up in competition against Crosby, Iginla, Shark trio Marleau, Jumbo Joe and Heatley, Niedermayer/Pronger and MB30 in net. Thus far, the favorites haven't looked sharp struggling mightily on the power play. Their overpassing almost cost them again against the pesky Swiss, who edged Norway yesterday 5-4 to finish third. If reunited Devil duo Parise and Langenbrunner can spark the offense, USA can win the group outright. However, if they earn only a point, it could come down to goal differential. It should be a thriller with Ryan Miller going face to face against Marty. We'll see if shifting Kane to Ryan Kesler's line gets him going in what will be an unreal atmosphere.

In the finale tonight at 9, a rivalry is renewed when Finland faces nemesis Sweden with Group C up for grabs. Both enter 2-0. So, something has to give. The Finns have been sharper with Teemu Selanne recording an assist for a new Olympic record 37 points (20-17-37). The Finnish Flash has participated in five Winter Games. Congrats to one of the classiest and best finishers the sport's had. Hope you keep playing. It should be great to see him and Saku Koivu team up against The Sedins, Lidstrom, Zetterberg, The Mule and Backstrom. Plus Foppa even if we feel he took Mikael Samuelsson's spot. The Finns will need good performances out of Olli Jokinen, both Ruutus, Joni Pitkanen and Jere Lehtinen. Plus there's the great match-up in net between Miikka Kiprusoff and Henrik Lundqvist.

Is Henrik playing hurt this year? If you go by this article back home, he might still be nursing a bad groin. How does one play 54 games and only miss a couple of starts? Plus play in the Olympics. He did rest for a shaky second game in which they held off Belarus. One thing we've noticed all year is his tendency to flop to the ice whenever the action is near his crease. Imagine if it's true? Yikes.

Anyway, the games should be great. Just one more thing. NBC. Don't screw this up!

Olympic prelims rolling along

Some random thoughts from my cocoon after almost five days of the men's Winter Olympic tournament:

-Who would have thought the US would be ranked #1 after two games (barring a four-goal Finnish win tonight against Germany)? They've certainly had a couple of workmanlike victories so far, beating Switzerland 3-1 doesn't look so ho-hum after the Swiss almost stunned Canada in two straight Olympics though, this time on home ice! Team USA wasn't quite as good as the 6-1 score against Norway and if anything was trying too hard to roll up the score, giving the Norwegians too many opportunities in the second, but put up a few goals late to pull away from a Norwegian team that's pretty much looked hapless so far.

And I'll admit I was wrong for questioning why Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan were both selected to the team, Drury despite his rep was just having such a terrible year and I thought someone like Brian Gionta, for example, deserved the nod over Callahan but taking both gives Team USA one of the best penalty-killing units in the tournament, something Brian Burke no doubt took into consideration. Especially since chemistry is an issue for teams that have just come together this week.

-O Canada, they certainly are good for melodrama aren't they? Jarome Iginla being benched provides instant controversy...and you just know the critics who want the hometown boy to start were sharpening the knives there after Roberto Luongo got a yawner of a shutout while Martin Brodeur gave up two goals (oh, the horror!) against the Swiss. Of course, Brodeur did what he usually does when the game goes to a shootout, by stonewalling four straight Swiss shooters and giving Sidney Crosby time to convert on a second penalty shot attempt, which would be just enough for the winner in the most dramatic game of the Olympics so far.

-Nothing against Jamie Langenbrunner, who is doing a fine job for Team America as well as with the Devils...but it is nice to see Patrik Elias run with the C again for the Czech Republic. He's played inspired, with three goals thus far. Despite Team USA's start, it's the Czechs who look the best of all the teams to this point. After a 3-1 win over a tough Slovakia team, the Czechs jumped out on Latvia early 4-0 but had to withstand a late surge by the underdogs after giving up a couple of goals late in the second period and wound up winning 5-2, with Elias sealing the deal on an empty-netter from his own end of the ice.

-For years I've been hearing about how Slovakia was going to be a darkhorse and really they should be with players like Zdeno Chara, Marian Gaborik, etc. However it never seemed to materialize in past Olympics. This year it might be, after a tough loss to the Czechs where two goals in the final couple minutes of the second period was the difference they stunned Russia, who was riding high after an 8-2 win over Latvia. After a 1-1 tie through overtime, Pavol Demitra got the best of Alexander Ovechkin in the sudden-death shootout and showed the Slovaks might have some teeth this year after all, especially with Jaroslav Halak continuing his good play this year.

-The other Scandinavian countries seem headed for the inevitable showdown with the group (and an automatic bye) at stake after Finland's convincing win against Belarus in their opener. For their part Belarus continued to give the Swedes headaches, especially with Henrik Lundqvist taking a seat after his opening shutout against Germany in favor of the shaky Jonas Gustavsson. Sweden nearly blew a 3-0 lead before Daniel Alfredsson finally sealed up a 4-2 win with seconds to go.

As far as the coverage goes, I have a couple of bones to pick with NBC. First of all I get wanting to show team USA in any sport (even if it is curling) over two foreign teams playing, at least in a vacuum but MSNBC, CNBC and USA Network delaying hockey coverage for curling time and again has become a running joke. However, why is curling cutting into the start of a Team USA game?! Maybe I'm wrong, but I think people would rather see some of the world's best hockey players over a sport nobody's ever heard of, prelim games or not. The curling matches seem to take five hours and there's little going on there. And it would be nice if you are going to delay the start of every game in favor of curling to put the start of the game on another of your 9324 networks and flash something at the bottom of the screen of the curling to go to this channel for coverage of the game. God forbid Dick Ebersol misses an opportunity to shoehorn a commercial in though, routinely missing faceoffs in the process.

Speaking of the coverage can we just get Jeremy Roenick and Mike Milbury in a steel-cage match and get it over with? And I love Doc Emrick, if you don't you're not a hockey fan. That said, there is such a thing as too much...when I heard he was going to be doing in the neighborhood of 28 games in 16 days I rolled my eyes. With that kind of schedule the poor guy's going to be seeing double by the end of the tournament. It's already started as he called #10 in the Czech uniform Gaborik twice (problem being Gaborik plays for the Slovakians). I mean it's bad enough he has to call two men's games per day, did they really have to have him doing a few of the women's prelim games as well before the men got there?

There are some things about the Olympic format itself I like...for instance the point system is kind of what it should be in a post-shootout world. Three for a regulation win, two for an OT/SO win, one for an OT/SO loss and zero for a regulation loss. The only reason the NHL isn't changing to that is (ha!) the sanctity of points records. So the sanctity of goalies' won-loss records or team winning streaks affected by the new rules don't count? Or having some games worth two points and others three?

Of course it's nice to see no trapezoid of doom, but the shootout format is kind of warped. After picking three shooters apiece like they do in the NHL you can basically hit reset and send Zach Parise out ten times in a row. If the game's going to come down to a skills competition at least make it a team activity. Maybe in the prelim rounds I can understand it since you don't want Canada throwing out ten All-Stars against the Swiss' ninth and tenth shooters (not that their first four were anything to write home about) but still, when you use the whole team in a shootout you get moments like Marek Malik nearly embarrassing Olaf Kolzig into retirement.

And speaking of the shootout...can someone send a memo to the Russian coach that Viktor Kozlov's actually better than his stars at the skills competition?

USA/Swiss thoughts

Well, Game One of three on the first day of Olympic Men's Hockey is in the books. As we noted in our previous entry, Team USA defeated Switzerland 3-1 on goals by Bobby Ryan, David Backes and Ryan Malone. Some quick thoughts on it as host Canada battles Norway in the Crosby love fest...

-As noted a few times already, Backes was USA's best player. He was all over the ice during shifts skating, finishing checks and scoring an awesome end-to-end goal deking Jonas Hiller. He played mostly with Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan, who also had a whale of a game just missing his first goal and coming close to setting up Ryan's second.

-Speaking of Ryan, the 22 year-old Duck was tremendous splitting time on the fourth line while also getting some work with Joe Pavelski and Malone, who both were very effective. I've always been a huge fan of the Jersey kid who was selected second overall in the '05 Draft behind Sid The Kid. In Year Two, the super soph has 28 goals or a couple better than more well known 'mates Zach Parise and Patrick Kane. Not bad company. He uses his size well and possesses a lethal shot like the halitzer he blew past Hiller from the slot. Really liked the physicality he showed along the wall. Think the kid was pumped?

“Once I scored, I was able to settle down and come back into my own a little bit. You definitely don’t want to come from behind early. To get the lead, I think it settled the game down quite a bit for us."

-The aforementioned Pavelski and Malone were strong in front with the Sharks' much overlooked second line pivot helping screen Hiller, allowing Malone to get to the loose change. Each were rock solid on the forecheck doing good things. Nice to see Malone get an early one as he'll be a key player if Ron Wilson's underdog squad is to medal.

-The checking line of Dustin Brown, Ryan Kesler and Captain America Jamie Langenbrunner were decent, putting together a few strong shifts early. They can be a good cycle line that can match-up against top scoring lines. Kesler's one of the most underrated two-way centers in the league and Langenbrunner has always been a solid overall player who complements linemates well. Brown was the only shaky one guilty of a couple of turnovers. He did get better in the third, playing a more straight line game.

-Kane, Parise and top center Paul Stastny were fairly quiet with the Avs' playmaker trying to do too much. What we mean by that is too much skating and passing. Sometimes, simple is better. He had a great opportunity to shoot the puck on a three-on-two but didn't, possibly costing his team a fourth goal. Of the super fast trio, Zach Attack was the best generating a couple of chances with his speed and shot, forcing Hiller to make two tough stops.

-The blueline was okay but must tighten up. The Johnson & Johnson pair consisting of LA's Jack Johnson and the Blues' Erik Johnson were the best doing some stellar work in their end while jumping in when the chance presented itself. In particular, Jack's ability to rove and then recover reminded us of Brian Leetch or Canada's Scott Niedermayer while partner Erik's physical presence meshed well. Ryan Suter assisted on Malone's power play tally but also struggled in his end with one dangerous turnover that nearly resulted in a goal if not for Ryan Miller. Oddly enough, the player traded for Jack Johnson Tim Gleason, worked with Brian Rafalski, who was too quiet and must get more involved as the tournament unfolds. Paired up with former Pen 'mate and Paul Martin replacement Ryan Whitney, Brooks Orpik made his presence felt with a few crunchers in a hard fought third.


-Only facing 15 shots, Miller was good with the exception of admittedly being a little too aggressive on Roman Wick's centering feed which resulted in SUI's lone goal. But when called upon, the Buffalo netminder was there to bail out sloppy teammates.

-Phil Kessel didn't do much in 11-plus. He saw time both with Pavelski and Stastny. The Toronto sniper must shoot the puck. The idea of subbing him with Stastny and Parise while shifting Kane to Pavelski's line might make sense because it would give the top unit a dangerous right-handed shot opposite Parise on the left side. Just a thought.

-On the Swiss side, Hiller finished with 18 saves in defeat. He could hardly be faulted but was beat high by Ryan and wasn't aggressive enough on Backes' breakaway where a pokecheck might've worked. He was a little too far back in his crease. The Malone rebound was tough because of traffic.

-Hnat Domenichelli was the Swiss' most effective player, assisting on Wick's tally while also being in front to distract Miller. The former NHLer who played for the Whalers, Flames, Thrashers and Wild who stars for HC Lugano was visible, creating his country's best chances. He always had good speed and certainly displayed it.

-Julien Sprunger and Vito Wuthemann also had opportunities but couldn't finish with Sprunger blowing a three-on-one point blank chance while Wuthemann was denied by Miller.

-Swiss captain and Isles' defenseman Mark Streit helped set up Wick's PPG, logging the most minutes (22:33) of any skater with no USA player going over 20:00.

-Former Ranger products Philippe Furrer and Andres Ambuhl were decent with Furrer showing off his puckhandling skills that never even got a look here while Ambuhl played with edge.

-D prospects Luca Sbisa (Ana) and Yannick Weber (Mtl) also played with Sbisa not really noticeable while Weber was for the wrong reason, getting victimized on Backes' highlight reel goal.

-Swiss world vet Romano Lemm saw plenty of ice but didn't register a shot.

-Switzerland played their usual pesky tight checking style, finishing every check and taking away the neutral zone, which caused problems for the Americans. Trailing by three, they opened it up in the third and easily could've had more than one goal. But the necessary skill required wasn't there. I also would've pulled Hiller to get that second goal.


Both teams are off tomorrow before returning to the ice Thursday. Team USA faces Norway while the Swiss have to deal with Canada in primetime. Yikes.

USA holds off Swiss for first Olympic win

 
It was far from perfect. But Team USA did what they had to, holding off a feisty Switzerland team for a hard fought 3-1 win on Day One of Olympic Hockey in Vancouver. Bobby Ryan, David Backes and Ryan Malone scored the goals for the Preliminary Round win, allowing the Americans to earn three points. Somewhat predictably, Ryan Miller didn't have a ton of work but turned aside 14 of 15 Swiss shots earning the victory.

After a sluggish start probably due to all the travel, Ron Wilson's group got on the board first when Cherry Hill, Jersey native Ryan whistled one home from the slot past Anaheim teammate Jonas Hiller with 1:01 left in the first. On with Ranger duo Ryan Callahan and Chris Drury, the 22 year-old kept a play alive with a hit along the boards, eventually getting to a loose puck and rifling home his first Olympic goal. He sure was pumped, raising his arms emphatically as teammates congratulated him.

Even though they didn't get a ton of shots, the Swiss had opportunities to tie it in the second with former NHLer Hnat Domenichelli and Julien Sprunger combining for a stuff try which Miller snuffed out. Another close call from Thierry Paterlini saw Miller kick out the puck, leading to a brilliant goal by Backes who went coast to coast for his first of the tournament. On the play, the St. Louis Blue blew past Yannick Weber in the neutral zone going around the Hab product before deking Hiller and finishing off with a brilliant forehand at 5:52. As both Doc Emrick and Ed Olczyk noted on USA Network, Miller should've been credited with an assist.

Less than three minutes later, Malone increased to 3-zip when he tallied on the power play. Following a quiet shift from the top line of Patrick Kane, Paul Stastny and Zach Parise, the Tampa power forward who entered without a goal in his last 11 had no trouble getting to a Ryan Suter rebound with Joe Pavelski in front, steering the puck home for his first. A nice read by Suter, who wisely took the shot with plenty of traffic distracting Hiller enough to let out a rebound that Malone finished.

Despite being up three, Team USA wasn't sharp turning over the puck numerous times leading to a few odd-man rushes the Swiss failed to capitalize on, including a gaping net for Sprunger set up perfectly on a three-on-one, that he fired over the top. A couple were the result of bad pinches while a few others were just careless mishandles like a Suter turnover that Miller had to be ready for. That kind of carelessness can't continue when they face powers Canada and Russia after Norway Thursday.

Credit Switzerland for hanging in there, changing their physical trapping style to more attacking late in the second and third with good results. In fact, they controlled a large majority of the final stanza staying on USA and generating chances. As clashing analysts Jeremy Roenick and Mike Milbury alluded to, some were missed wide while others Miller got or a US defender blocked. Pretty evident on a couple of penalty kills where Ryan Kesler sacrificed his body on a point shot. The Americans didn't get much in terms of chances with Kesler ringing the post and a Callahan/Drury shorthanded rush forcing Hiller to make a save, allowing his teammates to come the other way and finally score their first of the Olympics when a Roman Wick backhand centering feed went in off a pokechecking Miller. The PPG cut it to 3-1 with under nine minutes to go.

Swiss continued to be aggressive coming dangerously close a couple of more times but ultimately couldn't draw closer. Finally, Team USA strung together a couple of good shifts with their best player Backes doing solid work along with Pavelski and Dustin Brown, who otherwise had an ineffective day. With a couple of minutes left, veteran Switzerland coach Ralph Krueger opted not to pull Hiller due to Pierre McGuire referencing goal differential as a key tiebreaker. Still, we felt he should've as his team deserved a better opportunity to make it closer. What if they'd scored to make it 3-2? Isn't two goals and a potential one-goal defeat better in the long run? Oh well.

Time finally ticked down as the Americans emerged victorious in their first Olympic game of the tourney, with 1980 Miracle On Ice hero and former captain Mike Eruzione lending support from the stands.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Hnat Dominichelli, SUI (assist, SOG in 10:23)
2nd Star-Bobby Ryan, USA (scored first goal of Olympics)
1st Star-David Backes, USA (1st of tournament)

USA-Swiss 2nd Period Thoughts

At the end of two periods of play, Team USA leads Switzerland 3-zip. Second period goalscorers for the Americans were David Backes with a great end-to-end rush culminating in a forehand deke, and Ryan Malone banging home a rebound for a power play goal. USA's first of the tournament. Some second period thoughts:

-Backes has been USA's best player, noticeable every shift and on for two of three markers. He's really throwing his weight around and utilizing his size and speed. Can he develop into a power forward in St. Louis? The Blues hope so.

-Disappointed in Paul Stastny, who's overskated and passed up a great opportunity from 16 feet away in the slot, messing up a 3-on-2 by passing to Patrick Kane on a bad angle. Stastny's the No.1 center on this team but he's slowed down both 20 cent and Zach Attack.

-USA has been guilty of two poor pinches leading to odd-man rushes against, including a dangerous 3-on-1 that should've been converted. However, Julien Sprunger couldn't cash it shooting over the top with Miller down and out. He also had a quality chance in first but his wraparound was stuffed by the Buffalo netminder.

-Like what I see from Joe Pavelski, who's wearing No.16. He was doing some excellent work in front distracting Hiller enough so Malone could get to the rebound and steer it home. However, as much as I like him, he's not a "poor man's Joe Sakic" yet Pierre McGuire. But certainly a guy the Sharks must lock up this summer. If they don't, I'd love the Rangers to go after him.

-Nice work also by Phil Kessel on one shift, creating a chance for linemates. He's seen some top line duty and time with Pavelski.

-Drury and Callahan continue to impress along with Ryan. All three have been real noticeable.

-Nice read by Ryan Suter on the PPG seeing the traffic and getting the shot through for a helper. Erik Johnson's also looked strong on the blueline.

-Third period's on. We'll be back to wrap up hopefully a Team USA victory.

USA vs Swiss 1st Period Observations

They finally dropped the puck in British Columbia. With the 30-Year anniversary of the greatest Olympic hockey game less than a week away, another bunch of gritty Americans not expected to medal have begun their journey against a pesky Swiss team that was a huge story four years ago in Torino upsetting mighty Canada thanks to Martin Gerber. The first period was pretty competitive with the pesky Swiss playing a physical, tight checking game which gave our boys trouble. Especially in neutral zone. Ryan Miller even had to make a couple of big saves before a sweet finish with 61 ticks left by our breakout player Bobby Ryan for the period's only goal. Other observations:

-great work by David Backes on Ryan's goal hustling in the corners as did the Duck, who as Doc Emrick duly noted, beat a Duck in Jonas Hiller.

-Ryan Callahan was one of USA's best players playing his usual physical game, finishing checks. He and Ranger 'mate Chris Drury nearly hooked up for a goal thanks to a strong Ryan takeout of a Swiss along the boards. Dru made a nice dish across for Cally, who patiently waited but fired off the side of the net.

-Not much heard from the top line but Zach Parise did get a quality chance from the right circle, rifling a high riser off Hiller's mask.

-former NHLer Hnat Domenicelli impressed for SUI generating a couple of chances including one dangerous one. Former Ranger property Phillippe Fuhrer was also good.

-no commercials speeds up the game so much. My Dad's right.

Game is already back on. Here are lines from what we gather:

Kessel/Kane-Stastny-Parise
Brown-Kesler-Langenbrunner
Malone-Pavelski-Ryan
Backes-Drury-Callahan

Olympic Puck Later Today

Later today, Olympic Hockey drops the puck with six countries in action on Day One in Vancouver. Team USA faces off against Switzerland at 3 ET on USA Network. It'll be our first chance to see how the Jamie Langenbrunner captained American bunch featuring Devil teammate Zach Parise, Buffalo's Ryan Miller, Patrick Kane, Bobby Ryan, Joe Pavelski and Ranger PK duo Ryan Callahan and Chris Drury look. Islander defenseman Mark Streit leads the Swiss along with Jonas Hiller in Ralph Krueger's final swan song as national team coach. Something he's done for 13 years.

Strong host favorite Canada also gets underway against Norway in primetime on CNBC at 7:30 ET. A star studded roster features Devil netminder Martin Brodeur, who'll get the day off due to "playing a lot." Haha...Roberto Luongo gets the first start with MB30 in for Game 2 against the Swiss. While much of the attention will be on the two goalies, it'll be hard not to keep our eyes glued to All-Star talents Sidney Crosby, Rick Nash, Jarome Iginla, Ryan Getzlaf, Mike Richards and Shark trio Dany Heatley, Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton. Did we mention a D that includes Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer along with Norris hopefuls Duncan Keith and Drew Doughty? Scary to say we didn't list everyone which is why Canada has to be the favorite. Especially playing on home soil. Look for them to get strong competition from defending champion Sweden, Russia and Finland. USA, the Czech Republic and Slovakia could fly under the radar.

In the late game, the mighty Russians take on Latvia. Sometimes, the super skilled Rycckuc take lesser opponents lightly. But does anyone seriously see that happening against a roster loaded with high end skill. A look at Russia's five-man units per Bob McKenzie is enough to make you drool in envy:

Ovechkin-Datsyuk-Semin
Grebeshkov-Korneev

Kovalchuk-Malkin-Afinogenov
Tyutin-Gonchar

Fedorov-V. Kozlov-Radulov
Kalinin-Volchenkov

Zaripov-Zinovyev-Morozov
Markov-Nikulin

Nabokov
Bryzgalov

Does Latvia have any shot? About as much chane as we do with Brooklyn Decker. If anyone wants to see the onslaught, 11:55 ET on CNBC.

Here's a look at the rest of the schedule. We'll take our shot at predictions later.

Team USA Announced-Our Breakdown

As part of the Winter Classic, Team USA was also announced at Fenway with each kid wearing our colors along with the player's number. Cool stuff. Here's the official roster:

Goalies

Ryan Miller

Tim Thomas
Jonathan Quick

D

Brian Rafalski

Paul Martin

Brooks Orpik 
Ryan Suter

Erik Johnson
Jack Johnson
Mike Komisarek

 

Forwards


Patrick Kane

Zach Parise

Phil Kessel
Paul Stastny
Bobby Ryan
Ryan Malone
Ryan Kesler
Dustin Brown

Joe Pavelski

Chris Drury

Jamie Langenbrunner

Ryan Callahan

David Backes



The best part was when Thomas got announced, he came out from the Red Sox dugout donning his USA jersey. As for the 23-man roster, it's solid. Only a couple of surprises with Drury still making it despite a poor season. Komisarek is Burke's boy but is he really better than Tim Gleason? I know who I'd rather have. The Johnson & Johnson boys made it. But no Keith Ballard, Alex Goligoski, Keith Yandle or Andy Greene. Is Zach Bogosian eligible or considered too young? Also found out from Steve Lepore that Tyler Myers is ineligible due to playing for Canada in the WJCs. So much for that. Will Martin play? Hopefully. If not, at least there's decent replacements to choose from.

On which forwards got passed up, the Isles' Kyle Okposo and Sabres' Jason Pominville were on the outside along with Dustin Byfuglien, R.J. Umberger, Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta, Brian Rolston and Bill Guerin, who I probably would've put on due to his grit and leadership. Guess Burke feels Drury will fare better in international play. I know Gomez fell off but wasn't he pretty good along with Gionta in Torino? Kesler probably centers the second line with Pavelski and Drury anchoring checking ones. I'm left wondering if we got enough playmakers to get the puck to Kane, Kessel, Ryan and Zach Attack. A few on Twitter weren't keen on Malone but I'm opposite cause I see this guy a lot and he's real good in front of the net and plays with the required edge necessary if our boys are to have any chance versus high powered Canada, Sweden and Russia with Finland not too far behind.

I'm happy for Cally because he deserved the selection. His energy should be a real plus. He can play a checking/PK role along with Backes, who bangs everything. A crash line featuring both is ideal. I can't disagree with good Islander friend Angie (islesrebelangel) on Okposo's omission. I understand how she feels as KO is still doing alright with 21 helpers to go with the six goals, which probably is why he didn't make the cut. Truthfully, he's better than both Backes and Callahan. But you can't have everyone. Many including us liked Byfuglien but he's not on either. And Umberger would've been ideal for a checking line over Drury. Unfortunately, whenever these rosters come out, there are going to be snubs.

As for the goalies, it was a no-brainer taking both Miller and Thomas as the top two. Quick's had a decent season helping LA into the playoff picture. Both Craig Anderson and Jimmy Howard were passed up. I would've liked to seen Anderson get rewarded for his stellar work in The Rocky Mountains. But get the logic of choosing a younger kid to ride shotgun behind our dynamic duo. Howard has been great for Detroit and is keeping them afloat even with all the injuries. If the NHL is still in for 2014 in Russia, he'll be a lock.

Before we finish, a brief look at potential lines:

Kessel-Stastny-Parise
Malone-Kesler-Kane
Brown-Pavelski-Ryan
Backes/Callahan-Drury-Langenbrunner

Martin-Rafalski
Orpik-Komisarek
Suter-E. Johnson
J. Johnson

Miller
Thomas
Quick

Given that this is a very young roster with few returnees, this is how we see the captaincy and alternates:

'C'-Drury
'A'-Langenbrunner
'A'-Rafalski