First Day of Elimination Play Complete, U.S. Draws Czech Republic
Get the pucks ready! It’s Go Time!
The number two ranked Team USA will do battle with the Czech Republic tomorrow at 12PM EST. Third ranked Canada can thank the hockey gods for drawing 11th seed Latvia, who stunned a favored Swiss team 3-1. That game is set to face off at 12PM EST as well.
Rounding out the right to play for medals is number one Sweden versus eight ranked Slovenia who easily beat Austria 4-0. Get your coffee ready because that starts at 3AM. The toughest match up has number four Finland against five seed Russia at 7:30 AM.
OLYMPIC RANGERS WATCH
Mats Zuccarello did not play in Norway’s loss to Russia today due to heavy swelling in his hand. According to reports, Mats could not grip a stick at practice yesterday and was held out of the contest. According to the Associated Press, no further report on the injury is known and his ability to play versus Chicago on Feb. 27th is questionable.
Henrik Lundqvist and Carl Hagelin are good to go tomorrow according to reports. Lundqvist was injured in practice yesterday when Erik Karlsson bowled him over. Henrik shook it off and said he is “fine”. Carl Hagelin who was is also nursing some cuts and bruises is ready to go.
Rick Nash for Team Canada is in good health and should have plenty of energy. Rick has played less than 15 minutes a game for the star-studded Canadians, which should bode well going forward.
Team USA sports the most Rangers as Ryan Callahan and Ryan McDonagh are mainstays for the team. McDonagh continues to rack up the minutes as America’s top blue liner. Hopefully, all these extra games will not haunt him late in the season. At his young age, I don’t think it will. Derek Stepan has played less than 5 minutes for Team USA the entire tournament.
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