Well, we can congratulate Czech Republic for winning gold medals. I really wish to see gold medals on Switzerland neck. But... I dont really love to watch finals, as both teams are cautions all the time and try to catch when their opponent makes error. Exactly that has happened yesterday. The first goal was on the 11 minute of third period. And the last was in empty net. I dont even remember they had penalties in that game. Like I have said, stakes are to high and team prefer not play from defence and wait.
Games for third places are always much interesting. As one team get a medal, and other just diplomas
Sweden and Canada showed great game. 1-0, 0-1 and starting third period with even score. Now that is where real hockey starts. If I am not mistaken, this is the first time among many years when Canada goes home without medals.
It wasn't most beautiful final to watch - stakes is very high and teams preferred not to risk. But in general, Czech Republic were a bit better, they create more chances, it's shown by Expected goals stats. And yeah, there was penalties, IIRC in 2nd period both teams had power play few times.
I read on Twitter that 76% of Czech Republic population watched this final on TV, it shows how much this win means for them
It also proves that Czech always loved ice hockey. Back when I was a kid, Czech already were on elite level and they were always a real threat to team I supported
Jaromir Jagr always feared opponents. For me Czech Republic was always ice hockey and beer
Btw it is funny how team are
seeded for next year. The way they are not, that is the way they are going to advance to play-off next year. Screenshot this post and check it out
P.S. Like Switzerland gained during last 5-10 years, I think Kazakhstan is going to be on a higher level in 10 years also. They bid to host a tournament all the time. They want to learn and improve badly. Screenshot this also
