Jack & The Americans
Jack Hughes put on a show in Thursdays USA win over Latvia. Dancing through all zones, both Jack and Quinn Hughes' skating ability outclassed that of a lower level, but feisty Latvia team. Seeming unbothered by the lower body injury that enraged much of a Devils' fanbase, 86 was on the ice for four USA goals, of which just two counted. With beautiful primary assists on both Brock Nelson tallies, Jack set a nice tone for his line which also alternated between Vincent Trochek and JT Miller. The four players in any combo were arguably the most productive unit in the Americans first tilt. The staff seemed to lean towards Trochek and away from Miller as the game wore on. Curious to see what the next game brings on Saturday.
While it's nice to see Jack back and thriving, most will only judge him and every player/team in Milan, on their final three contests. In a group with Denmark, Germany, and Latvia, the Americans cannot get comfortable as competition is sure to ramp up significantly in the subsequent elimination rounds. Either way, a good start for the USA.
The Tkachuk line was buzzing as always. Brady had chance after chance.
Auston Matthews is a frustrating player to watch...get's the PPG which makes it seem better from afar. However as a bigger player, he got bullied and was not very noticeable. That's our Captain?
Bratt Benched
In game one it was Filip Forsberg who took just one shift before a turnover had him riding the pine the remainder of the way. Earlier today it was a second period abandonment off assignment by Jesper Bratt that saw him bolted to the bench.
Sweden had a 3v1 advantage on the boards for a puck battle, Bratt expecting the puck to be won by his fellow countrymen, circled out towards the neutral zone. As soon as Bratt headed in the opposite direction, the lone Finn(Erik Haula of course!) poked the puck free to Bratt's now all alone man(Joel Armia), who buried it and perhaps Sweden medal aspirations, as the Finns went up 3-1.
That Bratt shift that ended at 12:47 of the second, was his second to last. Despite the Swedes struggles to score, Bratt saw just one more shift early in the third period. I like it. Hope this lights a fire under a guy who has been a shell of himself all year.
The Olympic Hockey Coverage For Lack Of Better Words, Sucks
This is right up there with some of the most anticipated and highest level hockey we have seen in decades. Why do we have no one between benches with any analysis? No intermission coverage? No pregame? No postgame? They've made it difficult to watch highlights, or even get a box score...
During the intermission they're showing the Zamboni cut the ice...the entire time!? Just Zamboni and crowd noise... You're telling me Chipotle wouldn't pay some money to sponsor an intermission segment? There's not even a commercial at intermission! Not even a "2nd period starts in xx:xx" with a little "sponsored by Hertz" logo at the bottom...
Oh yea, and the Gold Medal game will be at 2pm Milan time a week from Sunday...Otherwise known as 5am in Western Canada and 8am here in New York...
Awful...
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