Team Canada needed some shootout heroics from Sid the Kid as Sidney Crosby finally got one by Swiss goaltender Jonas Hiller to win the shootout and the game by a 3-2 final. Reaction in Canada does show the kind of overwhelming pressure being heaped on this team, reaction ranged from a few “Eh, no big deal’s” to quite a few “OMG the sky is falling’s!!!!” The biggest concern for Team Canada needs to be how this team showed obvious frustration throughout the third period, their lack of patience cost them a point in the group standings.

Team USA posted a solid 6-1 victory over Norway yesterday in the men’s side of the Olympic hockey tournament, a game the Americans blew open with three third period goals. Patrick Kane and Zach Parise seemed to get on track in this game, Paul Stasny still seems to be struggling a bit. Brian Rafalski is sure showing well on the blueline.

The biggest news from yesterday's hockey action was Slovakia’s stunning upset of Russia in a seven round shootout by a score of 2-1. Pavol Demitra scored the game winner and had an assist on the tying goal in the third period.

The United States finds themselves leading Group A with 6 points, Team Canada is in second with 5. Group B just got real interesting as Russia has 4 points, Czech Republic has 3 and Slovakia is in the mix with 2. Finland and Sweden are leading Group C with 3 points each, all of Group C have their second games today.

So… Showdown Sunday is set up. The schedule makers did it right as the first two games scheduled for Sunday are crucial and game three has the potential to be. At 2pm central, Russia plays the Czechs (who play Latvia today and should be leading the group by then)… then, the Border War begins at 6:40pm, it’s Canada vs. the United States in what should be a thrilling game. The late game may decide Group C as the Swedes and Finns take the ice.

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Hmmm, let me get this straight, on Wednesday the mainstream hockey media was saying how a 3-1 win over Switzerland was a sign of trouble for Team USA. OK… now I’m just a silly blogger that lives in a non-traditional market, but if a 3-1 regulation victory over Switzerland means trouble… I wonder what a 3-2 shootout win over the plucky Swiss means?

I’m just sayin’…

And another thing… why is it that the “almighty hockey media” is just discovering what we in Nashville have known all along? Shea Weber is a beast! He is quite possibly the best defenseman in the game of hockey today. The fact that the mainstream hockey media didn’t know that until now shows how clueless they are. Attention hockey reporters… it’s your job to cover this stuff, it's your job to report this no matter where great players play.

I’m just sayin’…

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Another good day for the USA in the medal count as the Americans took four more to extend their lead in the overall count. Evan Lysacek thumped defending goal medalist Yevgeny Plushenko in the free skate to take the first American gold in men’s figure skating in 22 years. Julia Mancuso medaled in her second consecutive event, taking the silver in the super combined. Hannah Teeter and Kelly Clark took silver and bronze in the women’s Halfpipe.

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Preds in the Games

Ryan Suter – Another good game for Ryan as he got his second assist of the games, going +1 and leading Team USA in ice time.

Shea Weber - Weber uncorked a slapper that caught teammate Dany Heatley in the arm in last night’s game… the rest of the Preds dressing room knows how you feel Dany. Weber posted his second assist last night, is +2 for the tournament and is rapidly solidifying his reputation as one of the most dangerous d-men in hockey.

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Today’s Hockey Schedule (all times central)

2:00pm – Belarus vs. Sweden
6:30pm – Czech Republic vs. Latvia
11:00pm – Finland vs. Germany

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COMING UP ON HOCKEYBUZZ RADIO…

For the most updated guest information go to HockeyBuzz Radio's website. You can check out our podcasts atHockeyBuzz Radio’s podcast page.

Wed 2/24 - Due to broadcast conflicts, we will not have a show this week.

Wed 3/3 - HBR hits the road to Dave and Buster’s at Opry Mills for our trade deadline spectacular!

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