IIHF World Championship 2023

[LTU_btc]

C'mon, guys, where is comments about semifinals. It's really worth few words. I would call that Latvia against Canada was game of wasted opportunities. In 2nd period Latvia had powerplay 5 on 3, but didn't managed to make something dangerous. Few minutes later similar situation happened again, but then Bukarts got stupid penalty for boarding and it was just 4 on 3. In 3rd period Canada already dominated and there weren't many chances for Latvia.
Seems that my post about Germany didn't aged bad and they won against USA after extra time. Another great game and I think they have chances against Canada in the final. While USA probably is cursed in World Championships. No USA, Finland, Sweden or Switzerland in the final and only Canada reaching it almost each year. I'm not sure, does it shows that other countries improved or simply leaders aren't looking with right attituted into World Championship.

[bakasabo]

I wish Latvia to make a victory over USA and get their first ever medals in ice hockey. And I also wish Germany to win Canada and get their gold medals finally. This would be a nice two historical moments for both national teams. Seeing Canada vs USA finals would be boring, as it will be as if we would be seeing another NHL game, but with less famous and competitive players. Because NHL stars usually dont participate in IIHF tournaments, because they are busing during their play-off games.

My opinion on IIHF World Championships - we dont see much of an interest and competition here, as players are busy in play-off and focus more on winning gold medals during Olympic games. Countries (those who have strong teams) use such championships to train their rookies, second (not strongest) line ups, or as a testing field in general. Players focus more on Olympic games, as its medals are more precious.

[LTU_btc]

Final disappointed me a bit. Yes, Germany gave good fight, they were leading twice, but Canada showed who is who in 3rd period where Germany wasn't real threat for them. So many empty seats in arena and no atmosphere made by fans - it didn't looked like final. Canada continue their dominance, while for Germany it's first medal in World Championship since 1953 - finally.
3rd place game was very exciting. Latvia played another very solid game, honestly I never seen such good Latvia team. Game went to overtime and it didn't took long for Latvia to score goal which brings first ever bronze for them. While for USA it's another tournament that they want to forget.

My opinion on IIHF World Championships - we dont see much of an interest and competition here, as players are busy in play-off and focus more on winning gold medals during Olympic games. Countries (those who have strong teams) use such championships to train their rookies, second (not strongest) line ups, or as a testing field in general. Players focus more on Olympic games, as its medals are more precious.

I don't agree fully because in Olympics teams also don't have their best players. In 2022 and 2018 Olympics NHL didn't released their players as they didn't made window for it in regular season. Last time when there was NHL players was 2014 Olympics in Sochi. So, actually in IIHF World Championships teams have better squads than in Olympics because at least some of their NHL players who laready ended their season is available.
Canada reached final 4th year in a row, but they have just few players from previous tournaments. Probably they are able to make 10 different squads who would be contenders to win championship.

[BitcoinAccepted]

Canada doesn't have a great tournament anyway, I don't remember exactly who it was against but they already lost a game. I thought that was only Denmark or Norway. Then they lost after overtime or penalties. Of course the USA is the huge favorite to win this tournament, but many stars in the American league also come from other countries, so the differences may be smaller than most people think. I just think that little attention is paid to this tournament on the internet.

[TopTort777]

Canada now holds the record of most wins in World Championships. They have now 28 gold medals. Even though getting gold medals is a huge achievement, I dont like their performance during this years tournament. They have lost to Switzerland (and finished second in group), barely won Slovakia, hardly won Latvia in semi finals, were even with Germany in game for gold during two periods. Congratz anyway.