The NHL has shut down for 2 weeks while the players play for their countries in the olympics.I'm looking forward to the games and with no GB in it I have adopted Finland for the next couple of weeks but I think the final will be Canada/Russia with the big red machine ruining it for the hosts with Russia winning 4-2.Finland for the bronze beating the suprising Slovakians.

Personally I'm going for the Yanks, think semi's is as far as they'll get though. Think Canada will be the ones to beat if I'm honest. Talking with my Finnish work mate (who plays) he doesnt see Suomi doing well as he reckons they are in a transtional period from where they were 3 or 4 years ago, he also thinks the Slovaks could be a suprise finalist!! But says the Swedes are rank!!!

I wonder why

Wins for the USA 3-2 Switzerland, Canadia 8-0 Norway & Russia 8-2 Latvia.

Easy wins in the end for the top teams last night.The 1st game between 2 medal prospects is tonight with the Czechs playing Slovakia.

Should be a great with quite a bit of physical stuff as well as flair, can see the Slovaks edging.

You sure about that Swiss score?

Oops typo should have been 3-1



Finland 5-1 Belarus, Sweden 2-0 Germany & Czechs 3-1 Slovaks

Not suprised that Finland or Sweden got a win, thought the Slovaks would have pinched the game and would have been right if Jagr hadn't produced a top performance as he proved the difference in a good contest.

Good to see my Fins get of to a good start but the harder games in the group are still to be played.

The Canadians needed a shootout to beat the Swiss last night and the Russians lost to the Slovaks in the SO.Maybe the dream final might not yet happen.

Tonights the biggy Team Canadia take on Team USA, beers in the fridge chilling, cant wait

Canada goes into meltdown as the Yanks beat the Canucks

With the loss last night Canada are now scheduled to play the Russians in the QF's so the big final will not be happening.

USA/Finland Canada/Slovakia are the semi finals.I managed to predict 3 of the 4.I was dissapointed in the Russians but until they start developing better D men they aren't going to win the gold in the future.When Grebeshkov,Kalinen and Tyutin are 3 of your top D men then you know your in trouble.

It's USA/Canada in the final.I hope the Americans win as HNIC will be unbearable for the rest of the season if the Canucks win.You can bet that Cherry win up the 'Europeans are no good' rants that he does now that none made the final.

NHL season started again last night with the RedWings beating the Avs 3-2.12 games tonight and after ESPN changed their 360 service while the olympics were on I hope the ESPN Player works as good as 360 did.

....and things carry on pretty much as they were before the break. The Leafs lose 5-1 to the Canes

The trade deadline passed without any major name traded.I think if either Washington or the Blackhawks had traded for Roloson they'd have been my favourite for the cup but now I have my doubts that both teams N/M are good enough to win 16 games in the playoffs.

Just been to see the Avs v Panthers and I have now seen all 30 NHL teams play at the Pepsi .

Follow the NHL far less than I ought to, but I notice Chris Chelios is still playing. He's not far off 50!!

Ovechkin last night ended Brian Campbell's season after pushing him into the boards head first..Now will the NHL have the guts to suspend him for at least 5 games,i doubt it.

Ah well at least we're going on our usual end of season resurgence. 8-1-4 for March with 6 of those wins coming in OT.

Chicago have finally stumbled over the 100 point barrier after beating the Wild last night.They've not played well since the olympic break but hopefully they are keeping their best form for the playoffs.

and it wasn't too long ago that you'd have got good odds against that

Bruins beat the Leafs 2-1 in OT

Looks like (hopefully) thats exactly what they are doing with wins against Devils 2-1, Flames 4-1 & The Stars 5-2.

Pat Kane seems to have ended his points drought too, plus Niemi playing some good stuff and seemingly has played his way to be the No.1 at present. Hopefully the Hawks can trade Huet for somebody a little more solid and consistant, think Mason wouldn't be a bad guy as a guy to pair with Niemi allowing time to see if Crawford will make it as times running out for him, is he going to be another Jimmy Waite, promised so much early on then failed to develop.

May even try and twist the Habs arm for Halak but leaves us a little light in experience. Question is, will any team be daft ebnough to take on Huets stupid contract? I doubt it but we live in hope.