Reporting in from the Olympic (HOCKEY!!!) Games (part one)

Hey Leafs Nation,

My beautiful coastal city of Vancouver has been turned upside-down by the 2010 Olympic Games - it's a completely different city than it was two weeks ago, and I for one am right in the eye of the hurricane with tickets to 9 preliminary mens hockey games, a mens quarterfinal, a mens semifinal, and the gold medal game. That's right. I know.

Yesterday I saw Phil Kessel skate beside Joe Pavelski as the USA beat Switzerland 3-1, then I saw Ovechkin and the Super Russians beat down a heavily supported Latvia side 8-2. A little instant analysis after the break. 

USA vs. SUI

Switzerland actually played quite well in this one, although their puck control, or lack thereof, ultimately killed them. You could argue that they actually had more scoring chances than the heavily favoured yanks, who seemed kinda disorganized for most of the game. Our boy Kessel didnt have a great game, ripping a few shots high and wide and not really getting much ice time. It seems like the US will be leaning more heavily on the Kane-Stastny-Parise line.

CAN vs. NOR

Didn't get into GM Place for this one unfortunately, but the post game celebrations along Robson street were awesome. 

Robson Street Post-Game via i859.photobucket.com

RUS vs. LAT

The Latvians actually had some great chances, but they were just way too soft on the puck and had a lot of "two-thirds of a good play" moments. It was great when the Latvians scored to open the third period - the Latvian contingent at the arena were very boisterous the entire night. However, the Russians can score with the blink of an eye. They are scary, but by giving up two goals, they have showed that they are not flawless.

 
Here's a pic of Ovechkin juggling a puck.

Anyways, I'm out the door for two more games...got a date with Peter Forsberg at 4pm, and then a nightcap with Jagr and Kaberle at 9pm Pacific. I'm wearing my Kaberle jersey and holding a Leafs flag if you see me on TV.