Since someone recently told me my blog was boring because it is all about football, even though this happens to be football season, I figured I would try something different. Consider the fact I am dating someone uninterested in all sports unless they are played on ice with a stick and a puck, I have decided to make this post about hockey. This winter, I have attended more professional hockey games than I ever have before. Two. That is also two more games than any other winter.
In high school, I used to go to every single hockey game because when you are sixteen years old, a Friday night hockey game and an after party in some kid’s mansion was the best deal in town. In college, because I went to UMass, I attended a handful of hockey games but having to walk to the Mullins Center in the freezing cold was not my idea of a fun way to kick off the weekend.
Anyways, I promised you guys a hockey post and that is what you’re going to get. I toyed with the idea of writing a post about the Winter Classic or about the Rangers resident hottie, Sean Avery, but when I heard that Canada and the United States would be facing off in the semi-finals of the World Junior Championships; could I really have found a better hockey rivalry to write about?
Let’s rewind to last year’s Juniors tournament. Canada and the United States played each other in the championship game and the U.S. won in overtime. This year’s game will prove to be just as exciting since it is a known fact that neither team really likes each other and they will by vying for a spot in the championships.
The United States has an edge in this game. First off, they have a better goalie than the Canadians. U.S. goalie, Jack Campbell, has been more solid throughout the competition than Canada’s goalie, Mark Visentin, who is coming off a shaky game against Switzerland.
Another important aspect of the game to look at is the powerplays. The Americans have scored seven of their fifteen goals in the tournament on the powerplay. This game will no doubt be a physical one so it is imperative for the U.S. to take full advantage of the powerplay scenario.
Canada will be the toughest opponent the United States has had to face this tournament, but with a better goalie and effective skating and shooting on the powerplay, the U.S. should be able to pull out a win. I will surely be sitting on the edge of my seat during this game with some spiked hot apple cider in hand.
