One can only hope that the performances of the LA Kings thus far continues and carries over when the teams return.
First off, Jonathan Quick will get the start for Team USA in what should be the group decider against Russia tomorrow morning at 4:30AM PST, 7:30 EST.
Many had wondered after Quick started game one against Slovakia if Miller would get the nod for the game against Russia. However that isn't the case and Dan Bylsma is sticking with Quick, who stopped 22 of 23 on Thursday. Can't say I disagree with Bylsma at all here. In the short amount of games you have to play to decide your fate, you get a hot goalie and you ride em til the end. If Quick falters against Russia no doubt we will see Miller take over. It's that competitive and that important. Quick showed no signs of being a liability or less than capable in the game against Slovakia, so he should and will get the nod.
In the poll posted, posted in the previous blog almost 60% voted that Ryan Miller should have got the start. However, Quick is going to be the main guy yet again here in game two. Agree or disagree? Count me in the agreement column.
Meanwhile, Team Los Angeles Ki....errr Team Canada is 2-0 in group play with a dominant 6-0 performance against Austria that came after a tentative 3-1 victory against Norway. Of Canada's nine goals so far, five have come off the sticks of King players.
Drew Doughty had goals in both the Norway and Austria games, and Jeff Carter slammed home a natural hat-trick versus Austria. Doughty also recorded an assist in the Norway match.
Carter was relegated from the top line after game one by coach Mike Babcock but he looked strong in game two, living up to the challenge placed before him. Starting the game out on the fourth line, Carter was being rewarded with extra ice time by Babcock by the end of the night.
Brown and Kopitar have also contributed to the scoring by King players at the Olympics. Brown had a tip in for the final goal of TEAM USA's 7-1 rout of Slovakia on Thursday, while Kopitar notched an assist for Slovenia as they fell to Team Russia 5-2 in their opener.
Voynov remains the only King player who has been held off the score sheet.
Overall I have been impressed with Team Switzerland, who won a tight 1-0 game against Latvia and fell to Sweden 0-1 on a howler of a goal in the third period against powerhouse Sweden. USA was impressive against the Slovaks but the real challenge is the next game against Russia. A lot will be on the line for that game in terms of medal favorites and knockout rounds. Canada haven't been as powerful as I anticipated but the game against Austria was strong. Still, maybe I expected a little more from Canada. There seem to be a few players here and there that aren't contributing all that much. It is only two games though.
Sweden looked monstrous in their opener, and that Oliver Ekmann-Larson and Erik Karlsson pairing is amazing. However the injuries that have piled up for this team are unreal. Zetterberg is now out with a back injury, and that is on top of not having Franzen and Henrik Sedin.
Finland, while they do have some strong offensive contributors, I worry about the defensive side of their game. Same could be said for the Slovaks and Czechs after having watched games from each.
The big players still are Russia, the US, Sweden, and Canada. Two of which play tomorrow morning. I know I'll be up watching it. The Olympics only come around every four years so I don't mind losing a little sleep to catch probably the best game that will be played in group stages.
And finally, here is your fun olympic photo of the day.
A woman attempting to take a picture at a hockey game in Sochi today. This may be one of my favorite pics ever. pic.twitter.com/x2X20ebCdq
— Bryan Wood (@bryanwx) February 13, 2014Follow me on twitter for news and notes about the Kings and the NHL
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