Yesterday was a great day if you wanted to drink from a skull
Game 1: Czechia holds Kazakhstan’s still beating heart to the skies in 14-2 sacrifice, chanting ever on; “Krev. Krev. Krev.”
Jesus Christ, Czechia.
Game Notes
- I think the worst part of this game for the Kazakhs is that, unlike the Latvians who had to get buried in an avalanche of shots, the Czechs mostly kept it to a pretty reasonable amount; only putting 36 on them and most of them looked horrendously dangerous. The Relegation round awaits; Kazakhstan. I’m sorry they had to do this to you.
- Voytech Hradej and Jakub Stancl shot directly to the top of the tournament leaderboards on this game alone. They made mincemeat of the Kazakh game and it was very impressive to witness.
- The Czechs scored on almost 40% of their shots, which feels ridiculous. They won’t be facing a foe nearly as hapless as the Kazakhs today, so one hopes they understand that while they’ve got the wins to get into the knockouts, the real tests begin now.
Game 2: USA gives visions of bodies being burned in 5-1 Win over Latvia
Look, these US kids have to medal in order for their tournament to mean something. Latvia’s already won where it mattered.
Game Notes:
- I will give the Latvians all the credit in the world; in spite of getting the dam broken on them multiple times, they never quit. They got on the board, and they also kept this game much closer than it had any right to be for over a period of game time. That on it’s own against a US team that seems poised to steamroll the entire tournament is impressive.
- Latvia’s penultimate game against Germany is on Monday, and frankly it’s the other game they stand a reasonable chance of winning. That means it is now appointment viewing.
- That said, Team USA mostly just had to keep their pressure at a finely tuned, even application before they finally broke Latvia. There are no heroes to be made on this day; simply goals-against to be processed. I really do not know what team has a realistic chance of beating the US at this rate. I mean, if Latvia couldn’t beat them, what chance do smaller, less important programs like Canada’s have?
Today’s Games:
Game 1 – Switzerland vs. Sweden – Noon EST
Gonna be real, if Switzerland can’t find another goalscorer, this is gonna put them in some dangerous territory. Sweden isn’t playing around this tourney.
Game 2 – USA vs. Finland – 2:30pm EST
Given how the Finns have been struggling with giving up a ton of shots, even in victory, I don’t love their chances. They’re gonna need to lock all the way in to beat the Americans, and then some.
Game 3 – Czechia vs. Slovakia – 5pm EST
The Slovaks played an extremely tight game against Switzerland in order to get some points. They’re gonna need to hope that Sam Urban can hold the door if Czechia’s coming at them looking like Season 1 Brock Sampson.
Game 4 – Canada vs. Germany – 7:30pm EST
Hey Germany.
Do you want a chance to do the single funniest thing that could happen this tournament with an injured Canadian roster?
Just think about it, okay?