Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
The shocking upset victory that the USA men's hockey team delivered to Canada on Sunday night means a lot more than just a boost to the ego of the scrappy Americans.
By virtue of their victory, the US will be either the number one or number two seed when elimination games begin later this week. That also means they get a bye to the quarterfinals while Canada is forced to play an extra elimination game.
With the loss, the home team has been bumped down to the sixth seed in the qualification round, meaning they will play the 11th seeded Germans on Tuesday. Should Canada beat Germany on Tuesday, they will play Russia on Wednesday in another elimination game.
You see where we're going with this? By winning on Sunday night, the Americans guaranteed that one of either the Canadians or Russians, the two gold medal favorites entering the Olympic tournament, won't even go home with a medal.
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How Sweden-Finland goes will determine US seed
As I understand it, the US will either get #1 (with a Sweden win by less than 6 goals or a non-regulation win by Finland or Sweden) or #2 (with a Finland win in regulation or Sweden win by 6 goals or more).
The difference? Playing the winner of Switzerland/Belarus (#1 seed) or Slovakia/Norway (#2 seed). Not that either will be easy but far, far, far more desirable than running into the Russians in the QFs. Can you say Turin, Canadian fans?
Of course, if I’m wrong, I do apologize.
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by John Fischer on Feb 21, 2010 11:33 PM EST reply actions
Great win for the USA
Easier path to the finals, more rest, confidence boost and sending either the Canadians or Russians home empty handed.
vr, Xei
by Xeifrank on Feb 22, 2010 12:01 AM EST reply actions
In a tournament with seven good teams, we get the 8/9
Switzerland’s a little scary because of their goalie and defensive style, but better that than Slovakia. Finland/Czech/Latvia (dream on if you’re hoping for the last of those three, though) in the semis, should we get there.
by SpartanDan on Feb 22, 2010 3:11 AM EST reply actions
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