At the end of the day its sports, anything can happen. Slovakia nearly beat us in 2010, yet they are not in this tournament. I don't care about seeing more competitive hockey in global tournaments if it means adding gimmicks. I'd rather see a blowout, as long as it's nation vs nation, with passionate fans on both sides who would kill to see their team win. It's about seeing which country is the best at the sport, not to watch a competitive hockey game. We have the NHL for that.

And imagine, for example, Team Europe wins. Are there gonna be celebrations in every country in Europe? Of course not, nobody will care. Same with NA-U23. These are gimmicks plain and simple.
- domi_legend

oh yeah, you are right. But I am also right. It's just about preference. It always bothers me how many great players never get in olympics. I believe Canada should have a B team. It'd still be one of the top 4.

At the same time, my grandpa moved here from Denmark when he was 18. When you see a Nielsen or a Hansen they are likely distant relatives. I always cheer for Denmark as my 2nd country in any international tourney - and they have some great young players and a goalie or too now.

Shouldn't Damien Cox be on a tennis panel or something?
- ErectileReptile

Forsure..

Although I didn't disagree with him on the hit.

oh yeah, you are right. But I am also right. It's just about preference. It always bothers me how many great players never get in olympics. I believe Canada should have a B team. It'd still be one of the top 4.

At the same time, my grandpa moved here from Denmark when he was 18. When you see a Nielsen or a Hansen they are likely distant relatives. I always cheer for Denmark as my 2nd country in any international tourney - and they have some great young players and a goalie or too now.
- Njuice

Oh yeah Denmark has been moving up, have some promising young pieces...but they still have a long way to go.

I've always wondered why Finland and Sweden are traditionally so much better than Norway and Denmark, when they all have *roughly* the same population.

Either way, I'd have preferred to see Denmark in the world cup instead of NA-U23. Even Canada B would be better... still would be a gimmick, but at least it's still Canada, a nation. And Canada A vs Canada B would actually probably be kinda fun to watch.

Marner is going to have a tough time adjusting to the NHL

Marner is going to have a tough time adjusting to the NHL
- Leafland

He probably realizes he won't get 100+ points in his rookie season.

He probably realizes he won't get 100+ points in his rookie season.
- ErectileReptile

he will be lucky to break 40 even with top minutes imo... poop he does isn't going to work in the NHL right now....

Pu best player on the ice.

he will be lucky to break 40 even with top minutes imo... poop he does isn't going to work in the NHL right now....
- Leafland

You're just saying stuff now. poop he does is read the play and make the right play. They aren't all ridiculous dangles against underskill OHL'ers. In fact they are mostly just beautiful plays and passes he can do because he keeps his head up - keeps his 'head on a swivel' and has great hockey sense.

If anything the majority of his awesomeness is actually not based on his sick skills. It's hockey sense and positioning.

A lot of Leafs will struggle next year because we are kind of forced to bring in between 6-10 rookies at once.

Next year on the Leafs Marner will get more points than Nylander by far. He will be a far better defensive and all around player. And I'm a fan of Nylander.

He probably realizes he won't get 100+ points in his rookie season.
- ErectileReptile

HOLY (frank) ENOUGH WITH THE (frank)ING PENALTIES!!!

HOLY (frank) ENOUGH WITH THE (frank)ING PENALTIES!!!
- Arctic_AARDVARK

These refs are garbage.

You're just saying stuff now. poop he does is read the play and make the right play. They aren't all ridiculous dangles against underskill OHL'ers. In fact they are mostly just beautiful plays and passes he can do because he keeps his head up - keeps his 'head on a swivel' and has great hockey sense.

If anything the majority of his awesomeness is actually not based on his sick skills. It's hockey sense and positioning.

A lot of Leafs will struggle next year because we are kind of forced to bring in between 6-10 rookies at once.

Next year on the Leafs Marner will get more points than Nylander by far. He will be a far better defensive and all around player. And I'm a fan of Nylander.
- Njuice

Well said.

That's 4.

That's 4.
- ErectileReptile

No assist for Marner on that goal

Marner is going to have a tough time adjusting to the NHL
- Leafland

Oh

No assist for Marner on that goal
- Steven_Seagull

BUST!!

BUST!!
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Good thing we had Dzierkals

did he say 12th PP. I'm calling a shorty snipe for marner here.

Marner, Nylander, and Matthews should rent a rink out for the summer somewhere and practice together everyday. Get acquainted

No assist for Marner on that goal
- Steven_Seagull

Bad call.

did he say 12th PP. I'm calling a shorty snipe for marner here.
- Njuice

I called it when the game started..

(frank)in he passes it why he had a wide open shot... they still scored

Marner, Nylander, and Matthews should rent a rink out for the summer somewhere and practice together everyday. Get acquainted
- Arctic_AARDVARK

THat's a great idea. ANd they call all attend Gary Roberts' workout camp at the same time.

This game is (frank)ed.....

Worst reffing ive ever seen...

Well, that's a twist.

Perron is outclassing marner in this game no debate on who is better

Perron is outclassing marner in this game no debate on who is better
- xXwagzXx

Was there ever any doubt that would happen?