Eulogy of Team North America

When I found out that the NHL had decided to include Team Europe and Team North America in the World Cup of Hockey, I thought, this is a marketing ploy. Add on to the fact that I, like most NHL fans, was already annoyed that there were ads on the shoulders of the jersey. However, I soon changed my mind.

Team North America was supposed to be a team of under-23 talent from the United States and Canada, including so-called "generational players" such as Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. It didn't make sense to most people, because why would such a team field talent that could be used to give Team Canada and Team USA a large boost?

However, Team North America won the hearts of the crowd, and soon, I was one of their biggest supporters. I watched them beat Sweden in overtime on a SICK Nate Mackinnon goal, and that was it. I, along with Morgan Reilly (comment if you get the reference), thought that they were going to the semifinals. 

Look at those hands!

Except there was one problem. Team Russia was also battling for the final spot in the semis, and they had to have a loss to Team Finland the next day in order for Team North America to make the semifinal. That day, there were lots of Finland fans all across the continent, hoping that North America would win it. But what would've been a Cinderella story came to an abrupt end when Finland lost to Russia, allowing them to take the final spot.

Team North America was no more. They were a team that used dedication and determination, combined with skill, to get where they were. But they didn't go all the way. Next World Cup of Hockey, whenever that is, the same group of amazing young players will never get together again. And that is what saddens me the most. Team North America, you have come so far. 

Team Canada is In the World Cup of Hockey Final!!!

Canada has been dominating the World Cup of Hockey, right from the start until the end.

First, they went undefeated in the preliminary games, beating the Czech Republic, USA, and Europe. The USA game was the most anticipated of the tournament, and Canada ended up beating a team specifically designed to beat them 4-2 and knocking them out of the tourney.

Next, they faced Russia in the semifinal, beating them 5-3. Many players were outstanding during the game, and Brad Marchand had two goals.

The final series started yesterday, and Marchand continued his excellence, scoring once and being dominant on the powerplay. The final is a three-game series between Team Europe and Team Canada, and Canada took the first game 3-1. The next game is on Thursday, and if Canada wins, then they are crowned champions. If Canada loses, there will be a game next Saturday, and the winner will win the championship. 

Logan Couture Says Crosby is a Cheater -- and Most People Agree

The Sharks lost Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final to the Pittsburgh Penguins right after Sidney Crosby won a faceoff, passed the puck to Kris Letang, who passed to Conor Sheary, who put it past Martin Jones. Basically, Crosby won the faceoff that led to the goal. But Couture said otherwise. 

"He cheats. He gets away with that. He's Sidney Crosby," Couture said. When asked how Crosby cheats, Couture's response was: "He times them and yet they don't kick him out for some reason; probably because of who he is." 

Crosby won an absurd 71 percent of faceoffs in Game 2, which is nearly impossible to pull off, and 56 percent in Game 1. 

Here is the NHL rulebook's take on faceoffs:

Rule 54 - Face-Offs

(a) Conduct of any face-off commences when the Official designates the place of the face-off and he takes up his position to drop the puck. As soon as the line change procedure has been completed by the Referee and he lowers his hand to indicate no further changes, the Linesman conducting the face-off shall blow his whistle. This will signal to both Teams that they have no more than five (5) seconds to line up for the ensuing face-off. At the end of the five (5) seconds (or sooner if both centers are ready), the Linesman will conduct a proper face-off. If, however:

One or both centers are not positioned for the face-off,

One or both centers refrain from placing their stick on the ice,

Any player has encroached into the face-off circle,

Any player makes physical contact with an opponent, or

Any player is in an off-side position, the Linesman shall have the offending center(s) replaced immediately prior to dropping the puck.

If a center is not at the designated face-off area once the five (5) second time limit has elapsed, the Linesman will drop the puck immediately.

So, basically, Couture is calling for the referees to watch Crosby more closely in the faceoff dot, and I think they should, as lots of people think he gets away with too much.

World Cup of Hockey Power Rankings (6-8)

This is the second part of my World Cup of Hockey power rankings. 

6. Team USA

This team, other than Patrick Kane, is a ho-hum team, but they can have flashes of brilliance. Never underestimate the red, white, and blue.

7. Team Europe

Though not as dangerous as the young North Americans, Team Europe is still looking pretty scary. 

8. Czech Republic

Jaromir Jagr insists on not playing. That is all I have to say. 

World Cup of Hockey: My Power Rankings (Top 5)

1. Canada

Just because PK Subban was left off of this team does not mean it is not a dangerous team. They have home ice advantage, some of the greatest players in the world, and there are no obvious holes in Team Canada. Also, in the past few tournaments, they have dominated. 

2. Finland

Finland has been slowly but surely rising on the international hockey spectrum. Ever since Sochi 2014, they have been rising in rank. Not to mention that gold medal in World Juniors this year.

3. Sweden

Sweden has had a trend lately: win or bust. They either come off so high and win gold or silver, or they end up losing very early. Other countries have slowly caught up with Sweden and if there is any time to win gold, it is now. 

4. Team North America

All the rising youngsters that have been unnamed to a specific country team have been named to Team North America. Consisting of the likes of Brandon Saad and Connor McDavid, this team, although young, is looking dangerous. 

5. Russia

Just as with Sweden, Russia has also had the trend of medal or bust. They either finish so low in the standings or make it to the gold or bronze medal game. There is much speculation about Russia, especially since it is difficult to tell what team managers are thinking when they pick Slava Voynov.

To be continued.... Numbers 6 to 8 coming soon!

Let me know what you think in the comments, and whether or not you agree with my power rankings! Adieu and go Canada!

Sharks or Pens?

My prediction: Sharks in 5. Joel Ward scores the series-winning goal.

Go Sharks beat the Pens.

Comment below to let me know what team you are rooting for. 

Live Blog: Penguins vs. Lightning, Game 7, ECF 2016

Stamkos is in!!!!!!!! This will be epic, especially if he comes back and wins the game for them!!!! The #1 man!!!

Period 1:

So far, scoreless. But I did see a few missed calls that should've been called for the Bolts.

From the eye test it looks as is the Pens have the upper hand but don't worry, we will prevail. Let's go Lightning!!!!!

Yeah right. The shots are eerily almost equal. They are evenly matched right now

Period 2:

OK, this is bad.

1-0 Penguins, Bryan Rust scored.

1-1 because Drouin scored but this time it wasn't disallowed... but I am NERVOUS!

2-1 Penguins... Rust scored AGAIN!!!!

This is looking very very very very bad!!! Because the shots are 19-8 in favour of.. you guessed it!... the Penguins. Lightning need to pick up the pace if they want to win this!

Aaaaand the Penguins have yet another powerplay. Let the penalty kill raaage oooonnn... the Penguins never bothered me anyway!
The Lightning flurries through the air into the ground...Game 7 is spiraling in frozen fractals all around....and one shot crystallizes like an icy blast...they'll never score...the Cup Final is in the paasssst... LET IT GOOOO LET IT GOOOO...
See how nervous this game is making me?
Things are looking bad. Really bad.

Shots are now 22-8 in favour of the Penguins. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS TEAM?

Sorry, everyone I shouldn't have called this a live blog... I should've called it A LIVE RANT. BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT IS HAPPENING. THE LIGHTNING ARE COLLAPSING JUST ONE GAME AWAY FROM THEIR SECOND CONSECUTIVE FINAL. WHY, WHY, WHY????

PENGUINS GOT TWO MORE SHOTS. PUH-LEASE!!!

ANOTHER SHOT FOR THE PENGUINS. NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Period 3:

The Penguins are totally dominating. The Lightning have no chance now.

STAMKOS JUST MISSED A BREAKAWAY CHANCE!!!!!

It's over. 2-1 Penguins is the final.