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Once again, the USA comes to the WJC with a talented squad, and quite possibly once again, they will go home empty-handed. This poorly coached, individulistic squad had the talent to win this tournament, but instead turned in lackluster performances in games that should have been easy wins. They could still come away with bronze; but, if you are a true competitor, you don't come to these tournaments to be happy with a third place finish. Truly one of the great chokes in the history of this tournament.

A couple thoughts on some US players:

Phil Kessel is overrated, and may have severely damaged his chances of being selected first overall in the NHL Draft. Yes, he picked up some points, but he was almost totally ineffective after the shinny game vs. Norway. If I were an NHL GM with an opportunity to select Kessel 1st overall, I would have serious doubts about doing so.

The guy I would look at with that pick would be Erik Johnson, the big d-man who played a ton as a 17-year-old. Very impressive, and he will only get better.

Other players that showed well include defenseman Jack Johnson, who was probably the best player for the US (the Carolina Hurricanes must be drooling right now- great pick for them), and forward T.J. Oshie, whose effort was strong over the entire tournament.

As for Coach Walt Kyle, he should never be behind the bench for one of these tournaments ever again. He clearly was in over his head, and was outcoached in nearly every game (including the Swiss, no less). Truly pathetic.

Also pathetic were the Canadians in attendance at the games. Booing Johnson was one thing, but they also booed the American national anthem, and generally behaved like idiots at the US games. Granted, they paid their money and can root for whomever they want. But there was a definite nasty undercurrent that had much more to do with relations between the countries, in general, than it did with the outcome of games in this tournament. Woe Canada, Vancouver is certainly not a town I will be visiting anytime soon.

1 posted on 01/04/2006 11:27:51 AM PST by Major Matt Mason
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To: Major Matt Mason
Also pathetic were the Canadians in attendance at the games. Booing Johnson was one thing, but they also booed the American national anthem, and generally behaved like idiots at the US games.

I fully agree ... it's embarrassing.
2 posted on 01/04/2006 6:06:43 PM PST by NorthOf45
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