The 23 and under team assembled is a who's who of the youngest NHL stars from the US and Canada. Florida defenseman Aron Ekblad who logged the most ice time in their win over Finland was kept out of the line up listed with an "upper body injury". I'm not sure if this is cause for concern yet but he was sorely missed. A lapse of attention in the second period in the D zone proved fatal as the Russians scored four times and squeaked out a 4-3 win over the upstart kids. My guess is that if Aron played they would have either scored the game tying goal or at least prevented one of the goals against.
It's clear the North American team has become the team to watch. They are fast, fearless and fun to watch. They stood toe to toe with team Russia and nearly beat 'em. If not for BOB the goalie, they win this game outright, warts and all. I'd swear Team NA hit the post in the closing seconds as they had pulled the keeper and were on a power play. The resulting 6 on 4 was fun to watch even though they couldn't get one past BOB.
The kids now sit at 1-1 with two more games to play. I'm not counting them out just yet.
The U.S. team is a different story. They have a must win game vs Canada tonight. The voice can be recorded, sorry girls we are watching this one. I hope for a win but I'm not betting on it. It should be interesting to see coach Tortorella figure out his line up. Dustin Byfuglien was scratched in the loss and I expect him to play.....but not sure who comes out and if he'll play forward or defence. If it's a physical contest and I expect it will be I'd want Buff out there in any capacity. It's do or die tonight for these guys so anything can happen with a desperate team. Get the beers cold for this one!
----}- Bird
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