who do you want USA to face?

Finland or Czech Republic?

I am leaning more towards the Czech team. I think we could handle them a lot better.

I think the Czechs have more scorers... but I think Finland plays with more chemistry. I also think the Czechs have better goaltending.

I think we could handle the Czechs better, but I gotta admit I'm still rooting for the Finns to medal. Just not a higher podium position than us.

Agreed. I "like" the Finns better... That's due to Koivu and my Finnish heritage.

lol, right. i am torn between the two teams in that game.

I'll root for Finland, but only because I like the squad, not because that's who I would prefer the U.S. team to face on Friday. They'll face who they face, and will have to play their A-game either way, so just let that part take care of itself.

I like matching up against either of these teams. They're both not that good IMO.

Halfway through the first, the Czechs have yet to register a shot on goal. Now they're going on the PK...

I think Switzerland would've beaten either of these teams...

Finland held Sweden to 3, so it's not like they are completely overmatched by the rest of the teams in the tourney.

TaLoN wrote:

Finland held Sweden to 3, so it's not like they are completely overmatched by the rest of the teams in the tourney.

Despite what you say, I watched a fin team that was completely overmatched against sweden in that one game at least.

Germany held Sweden to two...were they really competitive? No, they just collapsed near the crease and played for a 2-1 game...it was inaugural season of the Wild redux. Neither Finland or Czech Republic look like teams that will handle Team USA's physicality very well.

Finland didn't play it the same as Germany either though. They didn't drop 4-5 to their own blue-line the instant Sweden got the puck. Finland defeated that same German team 5-0.

Now that last part I do agree with, the U.S. has the advantage over either team physically.

I am really interested to watch sweden vs slovakia later. I think sweden wins it and then exposes luuuuus glaring elevated shot weakness like the wild do all the time. LUuuu sucks against elevated shots, Russia was floating wristers over his shoulder...

Nothing nothing after 1, Finns outshot the Czechs 11-7.

Finns completely controlling the play ATM.

Well, I've been rooting for USA followed by Finland. So a matchup between them would be awesome! It'd be a win-win situation. I never expected Team USA to get this far, therefore I wouldn't be crushed if they don't make the finals. Plus, that'd mean Finland moves on. Either way, works for me.

Still see Canada getting the gold.

Hagman with the only goal... 5mins left in the game. Finland up 1-0.

Annnnd it will be US vs Finland....going to be a fun one that I'm confident the US can win.

The Finns have some skill though, I think the teams are evenly matched skill-wise, but the U.S. takes it due to the physical edge and goaltending edge.

My logic is that we can beat any team that needs to have Antti Miettien on it

SWEET MOTHER OF PEARL!!! YES!!!!

GREAT ODINS RAVEN

Dee Oh Cee wrote:

My logic is that we can beat any team that needs to have Antti Miettien on it

Hasn't he been riding the pine quite a bit this tourney? How does that equate to "needs"?

It was more of a joke...I'm sure it will be a close game since both sides have their fair share of talent...once again come down to the goaltenders...and I agree with you saying the US has an advantage physically and that could help us gain the edge.

Regardless I'm excited for 2 great semi final games