At The Games – Thu. Feb.25th

Thirteen games now through the chute…and the final few days upon us. Here is a run-down of the Wednesday:

CLARA HUGHES

– Like Cindy Klassen before her, Hughes was supposed to be at these Games to provide some experience and support for our other long-track skaters. Despite the fact that she is a former medallist, many were predicting some of the younger guard to pick up some of the hardware, but, in the ladies 5,000, it was Hughes who surprised all, and was able to snag a bronze. Her accomplishments leave her as the only Olympian to ever medal TWICE in both the Summer and Winter Games. One of the great Canadians of all time? Scratch that. One of the great Olympians of all time!

BOBSLED DOUBLE

– It was the two woman event, and it was the 2 medal event for Canadians. What a performance as Kallie Humphries & Heather Moyse were the quickest through 4 heats and delivered a Golden finish for Canada. Many thought that the threat for Canada would be from German and American sleds…but, it was another Canadian tandem that had that shot. For Helen Upperton and Shelley-Ann Brown, an expected podium finish in the form of Silver!

THE SHORT-TRACK GALS

– For Canada’s short-track relay team, a Silver lining to up and down week or so. For the most part, these Games were disappointing for Kalyna Roberge, who was supposed to snag a medal at some point individually, but, that did not happen. On the flip side, a surprise medal for Marianne St. Gelais, a member of the team who many figured wouldn’t be a factor for another 4 years and the Russian Games. To place second, and pick up Silver, was a nice end for these ladies, especially considering that it would take a miracle to knock off the South Koreans. The miracle here was that the Chinese were disqualified for an early bump, and that bumped up Canada from Bronze to Silver!

MEN’S HOCKEY

– The quarter final round, like qualifying the day before, provided a couple of surprises. Let’s review:

GAME ONE – UNITED STATES 2, SWITZERLAND 0.

– This game was an odd one for sure. Jonas Hiller once again stood on his head, and a mistake of his nearly cost the Swiss a 1-0 deficit in the last second of the second period. The goal didn’t count, but, then a puck had a mind of it’s own, and turned 90 degrees to give the Yanks a third period lead…and the win.

STARS 1. Zach Parise, U.S. (2 goals)

2. Brian Rafalski, U.S. (1 assist)

3. Jonas Hiller, SWI. (42 saves)

GAME TWO – CANADA 7, RUSSIA 3.

– This was the game everyone was talking about, and afterwards, they were still talking about it. Canada’s pressure on the Russians was relentless from the get-go, and proved to be a lopsided win, and provided a momentary sense of calm and relief across the Nation! As for the Sid the Kid – Alex the Great 8 showdown…it was a non factor as both players were almost invisible.

STARS 1. Dan Boyle, CAN. (goal and 2 assists)

2. Ryan Getzlaf, CAN. (1 goal and 2 assists)

3. Corey Perry, CAN. (2 goals)

GAME THREE – FINLAND 2, CZECHS O.

– Like the U.S./Swiss game, this was one was scoreless and tight, but, obviously a little more evenly played. In the end, the Finns struck with under 10 minutes to go, and bounced the Czechs.

STARS 1. Miikka Kiprusoff, FIN. (31 saves, shutout)

2. Niklas Hagman, FIN. (game winning goal, 7 shots)

3. Tomas Vokoun, CZE. (29 saves)

GAME FOUR – SLOVAKIA 4, SWEDEN 3.

– The stunner of the quarters as the Slovaks discarded the defending Gold medal champions. The shocking part was that Slovakia connected for 4 goals on just 14 shots! Jaroslav Halak proving to be on the stories of the tourny so far in leading Slovakia to their first ever medal chance, and top 4 finish.

STARS 1. Pavol Demitra, SLO. (goal and 2 assists)

2. Henrik Zetterberg, SWE. (1 goal)

3. Jaroslav Halak, SLO. (26 saves)

The semi-final showdowns:

1. United States vs. 4. Finland

6. Canada vs. 7. Slovakia

– Could another Canada / U.S. showdown be on it’s way?

FRONTRUNNERS

– Still a two horse race, as the U.S. is ahead of Germany in the total medal count 28-24.

THE CANADA METER

Medal expectations so far: 20

Medals: 15

– A great day for our athletes, as we picked up bonus, and suprise medals in the ladies 2 woman bobsled, and the Clara Hughes bronze in long track!

…Today, another U.S. Canada battle in ladies hockey, and a Canadian medal guaranteed! That’s Geespotting at the Games!

At The Games – Wed. Feb.24th

A dozen days now in the past, the Winter Games move into the home stretch. Just as you think you have heard Nikki Yanofsky’s “I Believe” a thousand too many times…you yearn to hear it again with the slow motion depictions of a Canadian celebrating a medal win. Here is how we saw things:

THE CURLING

– The playoff round is next, and between our 2 Canadian rinks, just one loss. Is it possible to win Gold on both counts? Based on how many close games there were, it won’t be easy, but, it is near! Hurry hard!

ASHLEY McIVOR

– First of all…when it comes to the darlings, the sweethearts, the hotties of the games…shut it down! For Lindsey Vonn lovers, please give me Ashley! She is a cross between Rebecca De Mornay, Jewel and a 21 year old Janet Jones. Oh yeah…she can ski cross too! She dominated from qualifying and through all her races, finishing with the Gold Medal. Number 6 too!

KELSEY SERWA

– With Summerland having Kristi Richards and Justin Kripps, and Penticton laying claim to Duncan Keith, Kelsey is from down the road in Kelowna. She performed admirably in ski-cross, and should have been in the final, and standing along Ashley McIvor for a medal. It was just another, in a long line of too close for comfort for finishes…meaning utter discomfort for Canadians everywhere.

JOANNIE ROCHETTE

– After the short program, this is the one time where Canadians won’t care so much about a medal contender winning. In an already emotionally packed coliseum, and in a sport that demands so much of it’s competitors, the tears that followed Joannie’s skate were tears of joy, tears of relief, tears of grief, tears that every Canadian felt. For this young lady to keep it together almost the entire time, and to skate with such grace and maturity, it was a moment for the Games, and not just Canada.

KIM YU-NA

– She is young, and early in what will be a great figure skating career, but, it may be safe to say that she could go on to be the best ever? This girl doesn’t make mistakes, and isn’t fazed by anything. Who is Brian Boitano coaching these days? No Brian Battle this time.

MEN’S HOCKEY

– 4 qualifying games and surprises every game but one. For Canadians, hope that the one game is the start of no more suprises!

GAME ONE – SWITZERLAND 3, BELARUS 2 (SHOOTOUT)

– Actually, despite Belarus losing in a shootout to the favored Swiss, this one played out close, and close to what a lot of people had predicted. Instead of Jonas Hiller stealing the show, it was Andrei Mezin for Belarus.

STARS 1. Andrei Mezin, BEL. (40 saves)

2. Romano Lemm, SWI. (Shootout winner)

3. Jonas Hiller, SWI. (2o saves)

GAME TWO – CANADA 8, GERMANY 2.

– For Canada, a big win, and big because they were able to take hold of the game early, and then focus on gel-ling, coming together, and putting forward some much needed momentum for the Russians, and hopefully, the rest of the tourny!

STARS 1. Eric Staal, CAN. (3 assists)

2. Jarome Iginla, CAN. (2 goals)

3. Mike Richards, CAN. (goal and assist)

GAME THREE – CZECHS 3, LATVIA 2 (OVERTIME)

– The Czechs had the early lead, then lost Jaromir Jagr, and their good buddy ‘mo’. The Latvians hung around and hung around, and scored, and scored again, and almost pulled off another Olympic miracle before David Krejci ended it in OT.

STARS 1. Edgars Masalskis, LAT. (47 saves)

2. David Krejci, CZE. (goal, assist, ot winner, 7 shots)

3. Thomas Fleischman, CZE. (goal and assist)

GAME FOUR – SLOVAKIA 4, NORWAY 3.

– This game started on an ugly note as Slovak Lubo Bartecko was nailed by Norway’s Ole Kristian Tollefson with a vicious elbow. Bartecko fell to the ice, and with his helmet already knocked off, he hit his head on the ice, and was lying in his own pool of blood. It was a game misconduct for Tollefson, and for Bartecko, a probable end to this tourny. On the ensuing 5 minute PP, the Slovaks scored twice, and looked to be on their way to a whitewash. Not the case, as another unheard of goalie almost stole another game. Not to be.

STARS 1. Marian Gaborik, SLO. (goal, assist, 9 shots)

2. Pal Grotnes, NOR. (36 saves)

3. Richard Zednik, SLO. (goal, assist)

– Up next the quarters, and these matchups:

1. U.S. vs. 8. Switzerland

2. Sweden vs. 7. Slovakia

3. Russian vs. 6. Canada

4. Finland vs. 5. Czechs.

…there may be a few folks watching, talking, breathing, and living that Canada game. It’s at 4:30 for those just awakening from comas.

FRONTRUNNERS

– Yankee Doodle Dandy still leading the hit parade at 26-23 over the Germans. Another field goal, and we got a horse race!

THE CANADA METER

Medal expectations so far: 18

Medals: 11

– 1 for 2 this day as Canada was expected to nab a pair in ladies ski-cross.

…Time for the Tim Horton’s trip, and then watch a hockey game. Hope my blood pressure can stand it. That’s Geespotting at the Games…c’mon back now!

At The Games – Tue. Feb.23rd

11 down, and here is the latest from the Games, that are on in Vancouver. There is snow in them there hills today too. Here is the rundown:

VIRTUE & MOIR

– Ahh, yes, a sight to see as a pair of young Canadians make Olympic history, and do so at the expense of the U.S. For the first time ever, a North American pair have won Gold at ice dancing. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir were virtually flawless as they skated past their buddies from the U.S. to achieve the feat last night. In addition to that little piece of history, they are also the youngest couple to ever win this event. So, without looking too far ahead, it is possible that this team is around to win in 4 years in Russia, and then 4 years after that too!

CANADA VS. U.S.

– No upsets this Olympics in women’s hockey as the showdown for Gold features the 2 bitter rivals. The U.S. were bounced 4 years ago in the semis by the Swedes, but, not this time as they rolled to a 9-1 win. For Canada, the Finns were a stronger opponent, thanks in part to their goaltender, but a 5-0 win vaults them into the Gold medal game Thursday afternoon.

MEGHAN AGOSTA

– In the short history of the women’s hockey event, no other player has scored more often than Canada’s Agosta. That may be a suprise based on some of the lopsided scores from previous games, and some of the stars that have graced the ice from the U.S. and Canada. Agosta has scored an incredible 9 times so far, and I guessing she will be the first to hit double digits when she will score on Thursday, and will score a goal that will be key to a Canadian victory. That’s what I am guessing anyway.

MEN’S HOCKEY

– I don’t expect any suprises in the qualifying games today as the Swiss, Czechs, Slovaks, and Canadians should all advance to the quarters. I don’t expect a close one between Canada and the Germans, but, then these Games haven’t been what we have expected…at least here in Canada. That being said…a Canada-Russia quarter will once again put hockey at the top of the Olympic headlines. The limb I am going out on is rather big…stunning, isn’t it?

FRONTRUNNERS

– For all but one of the days of these Games, the U.S. has led the charge. That hasn’t changed, but, the Germans are marching back. The Yanks now have 25 medals, while Germany sits 4 back.

THE CANADA METER

Medal expectations so far: 16

Medals: 10

– As expected Virtue and Moir medalled for Canada, although, many thought maybe a Silver was coming their way. Ski cross for the ladies should garner another one, and possibly two today!

…Off to watch the hockey…and back tomorrow for geespotting! Oye til then.

At The Games – Mon. Feb.22nd

A full 10 days in the book…here’s the loop da scoop from the Games. I thought I saw Boner at the Cecil…but, then I thought…’why would a washed up former child star be at a strip club?’ It just doesn’t happen anymore…

CHRIS DEL BOSCO

– His story is an odd one indeed. From Vail, Colorado, Del Bosco was a part of the U.S. ski team until he was given the boot off of the team. He loved to party and was found passed out in a ditch with a broken neck after a bender. He tested positive for pot, and that ultimately led to his demise with the Yanks. Marijuana use? Hey…no problem…we will pick him up here in Canada. It didn’t go exactly like that, but, Del Bosco (at the urging of his Sister) hit rehab, and hit the slopes again for Canada. His comeback story is one of the big ones of the Games, and he had a chance for Gold in ski-cross. He started off slowly in the Final, and was sitting in 3rd spot before the 2nd to last jump…but, took a spill, finished 4th, and lost out on a much anticipated medal. That just sounds too familiar these Games for Canada.

KRISTINA GROVES

– Another medal for Groves, a Silver in the ladies 1,500 long track. She has been easily the most consistent of our skaters in any discipline. Here is hoping that she can help our ladies in the team pursuit garner another medal. As for Christine Nesbitt, she started out very well, but, couldn’t hold it for the last lap, and placed 6th.

VIRTUE/MOIR

– The best Canadian story of day ten was the original dance of figure skating. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir were in second spot, but, their dance was spot on, and vaulted them into the top position, and a chance for a Gold medal later today! Considering that 2 American pairs are also in the running, it would be a nice change to beat the Yanks!

JOANNIE ROCHETTE

– I had mentioned previously the best Canadian story of the day. This one is easily the worst of the Games for Canada, as Joannie’s Mom passed away upon arriving in Vancouver to watch her daughter compete. Within hours of being in Vancouver, Therese had a massive heart attack that would claim her life. Within hours of that tragedy, Joannie announced that she will compete in ladies figure skating. Just to see Joannie on ice, at the Games, could be the moment for Canada, regardless of how many medals we acquire the rest of the way.

MEN’S HOCKEY

GAME SIXTEEN – RUSSIA 4, CZECHS 2.

– The first of 3 games on a day described as Super Sunday. Each of the matchups would determine top spot in each group, and determine who would get a bye into the quarter-finals. Also interesting that each game represented a re-match of the last 3 Gold Medal Games. In this one, the Russians avenged their 98 loss to the Czechs with the win, and top spot in the group.

STARS 1. Evgeni Malkin, RUS. (2 goals, 1 assist)

2. Pavel Datsyuk, RUS. (1 goal, 1 assist)

3. Tomas Vokoun, CZE. (28 saves)

GAME SEVENTEEN – UNITED STATES 5, CANADA 3.

– The aftermath of this game has been the fact that the Canadians lost at home to the U.S. It was the most watched event ever on Canadian TV, and everyone is in a state of shock after this one. Not so fast folks. We had 45 shots on goal, and still had plenty of room to improve on. Their goalie won them the game, and our goalie made a couple of costly mistakes. It doesn’t matter that Canada will play an extra game, and it doesn’t matter that we may play the Russians in the quarters. At this point of the tourny, any of the teams in the quarters are worthy opponents. That was Canada’s mulligan. If we lose again, then we can start the finger pointing, and the ‘what’s wrong with our game?’ statements. For now…I still like our chances!

STARS 1. Ryan Miller, U.S. (42 saves)

2. Brian Rafalski, U.S. (2 goals, 1 assist)

3. Jonathon Toews, CAN. (2 assists)

GAME EIGHTEEN – SWEDEN 3, FINLAND O.

– This battle for top spot wasn’t really much of a battle. Unlike the first 2 games of the day, this score was flattering for the Fins, who had a great performance from Miikka Kiprusoff to keep them in the game. Despite the loss, the Finns nail down a bye into the quarters by finising 4th. The U.S. gets the number one seed, followed by Sweden, and then the Russians. Canada gets the 6th spot, and a game tomorrow against Germany.

STARS 1. Nicklas Backstrom, SWE. (1 goal, 2 assists)

2. Loui Eriksson, SWE. (2 goals)

3. Henrik Lundqvist, SWE. (20 saves, shutout)

FRONTRUNNERS

– The U.S. continues to lead the way with 24 medals, but, a good day for the Germans have moved them up to 18, and just 6 back.

THE CANADA METER

Medal expectations so far: 15

Medals: 9

– We went 1 for 3 with the Groves Silver yesterday…but, also expected medals from Chris Del Bosco & Christine Nesbitt. A win by Canada’s womens team today will guarantee as a medal for the final, and a medal (hopefully Gold) on track for the figure skating team of Virtue & Moir.

…At the Games in Vancouver, that’s Geespotting. Rick Rock, sheet shot, Faux Rox.

At The Games – Sun. Feb.21st

9 Days done at the Winter Games in Vancouver. Thank you Tim Horton’s for the caffeine motivation.

CANADA CURLERS

– I wouldn’t normally start talking curling ’til the medal rounds…but, it should be pointed out that our men & women are rolling. Neither has lost yet. It hasn’t been easy with some close games…but, great to see Canada pull through when the pins are down.

HAMELIN BROS.

– More heartache on the short-track, and more for Charles Hamelin. This time, Charles and his brother Francois quailified for the men’s 1,ooo final, along with 2 Korean skaters and Apolo Ohno. The result…OH NO…for Canada. The Hamelins jumped out to the early lead…but, in the final 2 laps the Koreans overtook them, followed by one quick sprint from Apolo…and we are left out in the cold, missing 2 more medal chances.

LADIES SHORT-TRACK

– Once again, Kalyna Roberge failed to make the final. It has been a tough games for her. The final featured an unprecedented 8 skaters, including a Canadian Tania Vicent. The 34 year old Vicent was a surprise to make the Final, yet, she had skated amazingly to get to the Final. Sadly though, the field was too tough, and resulted in an 8th place finish for Tania.

DENNY MORRISON

– The men’s long track 1,500 provided another chance for the Ft. St. John native to medal, but, once again, he finished out of the top 5 in 8th spot. Morrison actually blamed the “Own the Podium” campaign for Canadian Olympians stating that he missed out on a chance to train with the best, his bud Shani Davis. Davis by the way, lost a chance for a double Gold, and settled for Silver. Both the long and short track events have proved to be a surprising let-down for out athletes so far.

MEN’S HOCKEY

GAME THIRTEEN – SWITZERLAND 5, NORWAY 4 (OVERTIME)

– Based on how well the Swiss played the Canadians and U.S., this overtime win was a surprise. The win for the Swiss means a finish close to the top 8, and a chance to avoid any of the ‘big 7’ in the qualification round.

STARS 1. Roman Wick, SWI. (1 goal, 2 assists)

2. Tore Vikingstad, NOR. (3 goals)

3. Raffaele Sannitz, SWI. (1 goal, 1 assist)

GAME FOURTEEN – SLOVAKIA 6, LATVIA 0.

– With the win, the Slovaks can still finish in 2nd spot in their group…but, will actually be cheering for their rival Czechs to beat the Russians today. Upon doing that, the Slovaks will get a bye into the quarters.

STARS 1. Jozef Stumpel, SLO. (1 goal, 2 assists)

2. Michal Handzus, SLO. (1 goal, 2 assists)

3. Jaroslav Halak, SLO. (21 saves, & shutout)

GAME FIFTEEN – BELARUS 5, GERMANY 3.

– A bit of a surprise, considering that the Germans have more NHL star-power than the Belarussians. But, then, not much of a suprise based on how poorly the Germans have played through their first 2 games. The story however was goaltending, as Vitali Koval made 37 saves for Belarus.

STARS 1. Sergei Kostitsyn, BEL. (1 goal, 3 assists)

2. Vitali Koval, BEL. (37 saves)

3. Marcel Goc, GER. (1 goal, 1 assist)

FRONTRUNNERS

– The U.S. keeps on rolling, scoring another 3 yesterday, and up to an incredible 23.

THE CANADA METER

Medal expectations so far: 12

Medals: 8

– Misses by Charles Hamelin, and Denny Morrison have dropped our meter. Hopefully, today will be better with ski-cross, and more skating!

…That’s the skinny from Geespotting at the Games!

At The Games – Sat. Feb.20th

Now 8 days under the belt…heading for the home stretch. Saw Dustin Diamond…how odd was that?

BODE MILLER

– Seriously…did anyone really think that this blast from the past would be battling Lindsey Vonn for skiing supremacy? He has 2 medals now, and has skiied incredibly so far.

MELISSA HOLLINGSWORTH

– She wanted the Gold medal in women’s skeleton, and had to take a couple of risks. Sadly, those risks cost her not only the Gold…but, a medal in general. A finish out of the top 3 didn’t cut it as far as her ability goes. Was it the pressure of competing…or the pressure of WINNING in Canada? Needless to say, within minutes of her ‘loss’ she was in tears and talked about letting her country down. Maybe our ‘Games’ will be in 4 years.

JON MONTGOMERY

– Montgomery was in the same boat as Hollingsworth as far as expectations were concerned. His approach was dead opposite however, as the free wheeling Canuck won Gold in men’s skeleton. His laid back, free spirit was certainly a big reason why he was able to stay calm, yet focused in winning our 4th Gold. He celebrated by guzzling a jug of beer along the trails of Whistler. That sounds more like it for a Canadian!

MEN’S HOCKEY

GAME TEN – SWEDEN 4, BELARUS 2.

– It wasn’t going to be an upset like 8 years ago when Tommy Salo took an Ikea break , and cost the Swedes a shot at a medal. The Swedes dominated, but, the Belarussians stayed in the game long enough to give Sweden a taste of bad meatballs.

STARS 1. Daniel Alfredsson, SWE. (2 goals)

2. Daniel Sedin, SWE. (goal and assist)

3. Dmitri Meleshko, BEL. (2 goals)

GAME ELEVEN – CZECHS 5, LATVIA 2.

– Another strong performance from the Czechs, who moved into a 2 and o spot, and a chance to win the group if they can beat the Russians on Sunday. No real problems in this one, despite the closer score.

STARS 1. Marek Zidlicky, CZE. (3 assists)

2. Tomas Kaberle, CZE. (goal and assist)

3. Patrik Elias, CZE. (goal and assist)

GAME TWELVE – FINLAND 5, GERMANY 0.

– Surprisingly, the Finns may be the best team through 2 games so far, while the Germans may be the worst. Finland has outscored their opponents 10-1, while Germany has yet to score. The Sweden-Finland game on Sunday night may decide the top seed heading into the playoff rounds.

STARS 1. Kimmo Timonen, FIN. (2 goals)

2. Niklas Backstrom, FIN. (24 saves for the shutout)

3. Niklas Hagman, FIN. (2 assists…and now 4 points in the tourny)

THE FRONTRUNNERS

– I honestly thought that a number of countries would battle it out for this honour, and the battle would continue the whole 2 plus weeks of the Games. Not the case, as the Yanks are the first to hit 20!

THE CANADA METER

Medal expectations so far: 10

Medals: 8

– It was supposed to be a double medal day in skeleton, but, Canada went 1 for 2 with the Montgomery win, and the Hollingsworth 5th place finish.

…Speed skating should warrant some hardware tomorrow. From the Games, it’s Geespotting!

At The Games – Fri. Feb.19th

Seven days in the bag…here’ s the loop da scoop:

CHRISTINE NESBITT

– She is expected to be one of the Canadian stories of these Games, and did not disappoint in winning the ladies 1,000 in long track speedskating. Another very humble, and worthy winner, Christine was all smiles and tears after taking home the Gold. More could be on the way for Nesbitt with the team pursuit and the 1,500.

THE UPSET

– It may have been fitting that Evgeni Plushenko lost the Gold in men’s figure skating after his comments earlier stating that ‘men have no business competing unless they can complete the quad’. I think American Evan Lysacek may have changed that statement with ‘men have no business competing unless they can bring a full program to the board’. Of course, he didn’t say that, but, he is complete final program was what eventually gave him the deserved Gold, while Plusenko ran out of quads and took the Silver.

PATRICK CHAN

– Another Canadian athlete expected to “Own The Podium”, Patrick skated well enough to move up in the standings, but, also gave us some indicators that he is still new to competition at the tender age of NINETEEN! Give him a break, and let him hone his skills for 2010 in Russia.

MEN’S HOCKEY

GAME SEVEN – UNITED STATES 6, NORWAY 1.

– Like the Canadians before them, the U.S. were too strong for the Norwegians. They hung in there for awhile, but, the speed of the Yanks was too much as they moved to 2 and 0.

STARS 1. Brian Rafalski, U.S. (2 goals)

2. Phil Kessel, U.S. (goal and assist)

3. Ryan Malone, U.S. (goal and assist)

GAME EIGHT – CANADA 3, SWITZERLAND 2 (SHOOTOUT)

– It turned out to be a lot tougher for the Canadians who had a 2-0 lead, and couldn’t put away the Swiss. Jonas Hiller was the star, as the Swiss goaltender almost stole them the upset win…AGAIN! Martin Brodeur was strong for Canada, who will have to be a lot, lot better if they are to win this thing. Too many times, Canada was caught for odd man Swiss breaks…and their d-men caught backing in and backing in. Back to the basics for Sunday and the U.S.

STARS 1. Jonas Hiller, SWI. (45 saves)

2. Patrick Marleau, CAN. (goal and assist, 8 shots)

3. Dany Heatley, CAN. (goal and assist, 5 shots)

GAME NINE – SLOVAKIA 2, RUSSIA 1 (SHOOTOUT)

– The Slovaks proved that they can compete with anyone in this surprise shootout win over the Russians. Both goalies were awesome, and the Russians quest for the perfect play cost them the extra point. Too many show-boaters, and not enough of the teamwork needed to win this short tourny.

STARS 1. Jaroslav Halak, SLO. (36 saves)

2. Ilya Bryzgalov, RUS. (32 saves)

3. Pavol Demitra, SLO. (shootout winner, and 1 assist)

FRONTRUNNERS

– The United States are starting to run away with this thing…now up to 18 medals…7 more than 2nd place Germany.

THE CANADA METER

Medal expectations so far: 8

Medals: 7

– Christine Nesbitt was the Canadian star of the day in winning her Gold. A medal expected from Patrick Chan, dropped our medal count one back of where we should be.

– Down and out in Vancouver, that’s Geespotting…watch for Rick Rock on the Coast.

At The Games – Thu. Feb.18th

Here is the scoop from the Games, after the sixth day:

AMERICA DAY

– The 3 highest profile athletes from the U.S. were all in action, all dominated, and all won Gold. After complaining of a shin injury leading into the Games, Lindsey Vonn won the ladies downhill after an impressive performance. Shani Davis picked up his first Gold with a huge skate in the men’s 1000, and it was even easier for snowboarder Shawn White, who had the Gold wrapped up before his final performance, which turned out to be for show.

MARIANNE ST. GELAIS

– It was her 20th birthday, and the ladies 500 short-track was to be a chance to gain some experience. Watch some of her team-mates, and take something from these Games for her trip to Russia in 2014. Not the case, Marianne was one of 2 Canadians to make the Final, and she skated good enough for Silver, which has to be a Gold for any skater considering that Wang Meng of China is the ‘Gretzky’ of her sport. She wasn’t favored to even make the final…and not even among the best in her country, but, as always the case in short-track skating…you never know what will happen. For Canadians, just another daily hero in these Games!

KALYNA ROBERGE

– She was to be the face of the Canadian women’s short-track team, but, failed to make the final. The B final saw Kalyna win rather easily, giving her a 5th place finish. 3 Canadians in the top 5, but, only one medal. With other distances still to come, the hope is that she can surprise ala Marianne St. Gelais, and maybe win a medal when not expected to. There is still redemption for Kalyna in the 3,ooo metre relay, where Canada will skate off with China, Korea, and the U.S.

MEN’S HOCKEY

GAME FOUR – FINLAND 5, BELARUS 1.

– A dominating performance for the Finns, a team lead by veterans for the most part. The Belarussians had just 12 shots on goal, and Teemu Selanne had an assist to tie the all-time Olympic mark for points. It’s a feat that will be his before the Games are done.

STARS – 1. Mikko Koivu, FIN. (3 assists)

2. Niklas Hagman, FIN. (2 goals)

3. Valtteri Filppula, FIN. (1 goal)

GAME FIVE – SWEDEN 2, GERMANY O.

– For the defending Olympic champs, a good test to start the tourny. The Swedes couldn’t muster up too offence, thanks in part to the aggresive play of the Germans. Germany should be one of the teams vying for a top 8 finish.

STARS 1. Henrik Lundqvist, SWE. (21 saves for the shutout)

2. Matthias Ohlund, SWE. (game winning goal)

3. Thomas Greiss, GER. (23 saves in losing cause)

GAME SIX – CZECHS 3, SLOVAKIA 1.

– The first ‘big 7’ battle of the tourny, and the rivalry that is Czech o Slovakia. As in previous tournaments however, it was the Czechs who were better. In any given year, no matter how talented and dominant the Slovaks may be, beating Team Czech has always been almost impossible.

STARS 1. Tomas Vokoun, CZE. (34 saves)

2. Jaromir Jagr, CZE. (Goal and assist)

3. Marian Gaborik, SLO. (1 goal)

FRONTRUNNERS

– The United States is back out in front after giving up the lead for one day to the Germans. After multiple Golds through the day, the Yanks now have 14 total medals to lead the way.

THE CANADA METER

Medal expectations so far: 6

Medals: 6

– Denny Morrison was favored to win a medal (Bronze or Silver) in the men’s 1,000 but, had a poor skate. Kalyna Roberge was favored in short track 500 for the ladies, but, also failed. Marianne St. Gelais made up for it with her Silver win.

– From the Games in the ‘Couv, that’s Geespotting.

At The Games – Wed. Feb.17th

Latest from the Games, after a 5th day there:

MAELLE RICKER

– Canada’s 2nd Gold Medal winner is crowned as Maelle outlasts all the ladies in the snowboard cross. Unlike Mike Richardson the day before, Maelle was favored to be among the medal contenders…but, it almost didn’t happen. In her first qualifying run, Maelle took a spill and placed 17th. In her 2nd run, her time was among the fastest, and she was able to qualify. Maelle’s strong suit is her start, and that is evident in each race she did…and for the most part, coasted in each round, including the final one where she won Gold!

PATRICK CHAN

– Canada’s hope for a medal in men’s figure skating struggled in his short program. Chan had a couple of stumbles, and then had a point deducted for not finishing on time. He placed 7th, and will need a perfect finale in a couple of days for a shot at a medal.

EVGENI PLUSHENKO

– The defending Gold medalist from Russia started his short program with a bang, and that’s only his comments, and not his on-ice performance. He stated that if anyone doesn’t have a quad as a part of their program…then they don’t deserve to be in men’s figure skating. He did his quad, and is the front-runner after the short program. The Nikolai Khabibulin look-a-like is one ice session away from becoming only the 2nd skater to win back to back Gold. Ole Dickie Button was the last.

MEN’S HOCKEY

GAME ONE – UNITED STATES 3, SWITZERLAND 1.

– The first game of the men’s tourny saw the Swiss hang in tough against a young American team. They couldn’t pull of the upset like 4 years ago when they shut out Canada, but, served notice that they will be tough.

STARS – 1. David Backes, U.S. (game winning goal)

2. Ryan Malone, U.S. (scored one goal)

3. Roman Wick, SWI. (scored lone Swiss goal)

GAME TWO – CANADA 8, NORWAY 0.

– Canada’s first game started slowly as the Norwegians played a tight game like the Swiss did against the Americans. At least Norway kept Canada scoreless through the first, but, then the Canadians scored 3 in the 2nd, and exploded for 5 in period three. In the end, it was Canada’s size and speed that wore down Norway.

STARS – 1. Jarome Iginla, CAN. (3 goals)

2. Sidney Crosby, CAN. (3 assists)

3. Dany Heatley, CAN. (2 goals)

GAME THREE – RUSSIA 8, LATVIA 2.

– The Russians started off strong and had a 3-0 lead after they first. They lead 4-0 through 2, and then added another 4 in the third as they coasted past the Lats.

STARS 1. Alexander Ovechkin, RUS. (2 goals)

2. Danis Zaripov, RUS. (2 goals)

3. Ilya Kovalchuk, RUS. (1 goal, 1 assist)

FRONTRUNNERS

– Germany are now the new front-runners after winning 4 medals, including a pair in luge. They lead the Olympics with 9, one more than the U.S., who were shutout!

THE CANADA METER

Medal expectations so far: 4

Medals: 5

– Canada still one up after Maelle Ricker’s gold medal win. She was projected to win a medal…and did exactly that!

…At the Winter Games, and recently chillin’ with Peter Stastny, that’s Geespotting!

At The Games – Tue. Feb.16th

On the Games, after Day Four:

MEN’S DOWNHILL SKIING

– It was a day that started with great promise, as many Canadians were pumped at the prospect of Gold from Manuel Paradis-Osbourne. Unfortunately, the tiniest of tiny mistakes can not only cost you a medal in this sport…but, can actually leave you right out of the leaderboard entirely. That was the case for Paradis-Osbourne. He was obviously disappointed in his finish out of the top ten…but, seemed relatively satisfied with the fact that in a one-shot deal, you might just not have the race you wanted. The course held up despite the fact that it had been slick and icy in training. Up next, the ladies downhill, and the potential of a much anticipated Lindsey Vohn run. Hmmm…wonder if she will suffer the same fate as Paradis-Osbourne.

MIKE RICHARDSON

– Another Canadian star is born as Mike Richardson takes Silver in the very exciting men’s snowboard cross. If you haven’t seen this sport, watch it tomorrow when the ladies take part. You head down the course, the top times are put into groups of four. You race down the hill, and the top 2 advance from each group. You go through the quarters, semis and then into the final. It’s a sport where wipeouts are often, and a sport where the front-runners can be eliminated in mere seconds. That happened in this sport, and Canadian Richardson has a hearbeat away from Gold when American Seth Westcott (not favored after winning 4 years ago) came from behind and won Gold. In accepting his honor, Richardson was calm and cool, and seemingly non-chalant. Another win, and we get set for the ladies where a Canadian is favored to win in a medal with Maelle Ricker.

JEREMY WOTHERSPOON

– Sadly, it wasn’t the performance to be for Wotherspoon. Jeremy is one of the greatest long track skaters of all time…yet has never won Gold at the Olympics. I really didn’t think he had a shot, but, if you were to watch CTV/TSN, the buildup would have brainwashed you into thinking that he was the 2nd coming of Goliath. They compared him to American Dan Jansen, who came back at an Olympics from yester-year to win Gold when he wasn’t favored. Those movie scripts only happen once…unless it’s a movie script. If he had just skated on his own terms, it may have been a tad more satisfying than the garbage lead-in that our tv stations aired. Canadians weren’t a factor in this race, but, Denny Morrison of Fort St. John should have a shot in the days to come.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

– Some concern for Team Canada after a dismal 10-1 win over the Swiss. After setting records in an 18-0 blitzing of Slovakia earlier, a 9 goal win is cause for anxiety. Here is hoping Canada can get back to it’s routine, and get back to really, really, really, really pummeling it’s opponents!

FRONTRUNNERS

– The U.S. continue to lead all countries with 8 medals…and this still with some of their super-stars still to compete in Lindsay Vohn, Shani Davis, and Shaun White.

THE CANADA METER

Medal expectations so far: 3

Medals: 4

– Canada still one up on it’s projections after Mike Richardson’s unexpected Silver at the snowboard cross, while, Manny Paradis-Osbourne failed to reach the podium in downhill skiing.

…It’s all about the hockey today…and Canada’s quest for Gold.

…At the Winter Games in Vancouver, that’s Geespotting!