TOP 10 INDIVIDUAL OLYMPIC PERFORMANCES
10. Simon Ammann (Ski Jumping- 2 Gold Medals)
9. Shaun White (Snowboarding- Gold Medal)
8. Julia Mancuso (Alpine Skiing- 2 Silver)
7. Apolo Anton Ohno (Short Track- 1 Silver, 2 Bronze)
6. Bode Miller (Alpine Skiing- Silver, 2 Bronze)
5. Steve Holcomb (Bobsled- 4-Man Gold)
4. Johnny Spillane (Nordic Combined- 3 Silver)
3. Marit Bjoergen (Cross-Country- 5 Total Medals)
2. Ryan Miller (Hockey- Tournament MVP- Silver Medal)
1. Joannie Rochette (Figure Skating Bronze days after mother's death)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
College Hoopla- March 1
This week started a normal week in college basketball and ended with the top three teams in the nation all losing. Kansas, Kentucky, and Purdue all lost to conference rivals. Kansas lost in Stillwater to Oklahoma State, the Wildcats went to Knoxville and lost to Tennessee and Purdue lost at home to Michigan State. With mid-major conference tournament starting this week, College Hoopla will be back with a preview later in the week but for now, there are the week's best.
Player of the Week:
Greivis Vazquez, G, Maryland
Vazquez is one of the most underrated players in the nation and proved why he should be noticed more on Saturday. Vazquez and the Terps went into Blacksburg to take on Virginia Tech in a game that essentially decided the number two team in the ACC. The game went into double overtime and was won 104-100 by the Terps thanks a career-high 41 point from Vazquez, who was 10 of 10 at the free throw line. Vazquez leads Maryland into a crucial home game against Duke on Wednesday.
Team of the Week:
Notre Dame
Mike Brey's Fighting Irish are truly fighting their way back into tournament contention. After the loss of star senior Luke Harangody to injury, most experts had the Irish down and out, but two big wins over Pitt and Georgetown put them back on the bubble. After losing three straight games by less than three, the Irish came back from adversity and beat Pitt at home on Wednesday, four of five starters scored in double digits. On Saturday, on the road at Georgetown, Notre Dame pulled off an upset 78-64. Both of these wins strengthen their tournament resume and has seen the production of Ben Hansbrough, Tyler's brother, step up in absence of Harangody.
Game of the Week:
Maryland 104, Virginia Tech 100 (2OT)
As mentioned above, this game had seeding implications for the ACC tournament. The number two seed would be all but locked up for the Terps with a win, and they did just that. With a career performance from Vazquez, the Terps got a big conference win.
Upset of the Week:
Oklahoma State 85, (1) Kansas 77
The Jayhawks were not expecting a challenge from the Cowboys at Gallagher-Iba Arena but they did and were out shot. Led by Keiton Page and James Anderson, who both made four three pointers, Travis Ford's Cowboys took over the game leading 45-29 at halftime and then matched the Jayhawks shot for shot from behind to arc to halt a comeback attempt from the Jayhawks.
Games to Watch This Week:
Monday: Georgetown @ West Virginia (7, ESPN)
Tuesday: Georgia Tech @ Clemson (8:00)
Wednesday: Kansas State @ Kansas (8:00)
Thursday: Seton Hall @ Rutgers (7, ESPN)
Friday: Bradley vs. Creighton (3:35)
Weekend 6-Pack to Watch:
West Virginia @ Villanova (Sat, 12:00, CBS)
Richmond @ Charlotte (Sat, 2:00)
Texas @ Baylor (Sat, 4:00, ESPN)
North Carolina @ Duke (Sat, 9:00, ESPN)
Wisconsin @ Illinois (Sun, 12:00)
Clemson @ Wake Forest (Sun, 2:00)
What the Top 10 Should Be:
(1) Syracuse
(2) Kansas
(3) Kentucky
(4) Duke
(5) Kansas State
(6) Ohio State
(7) Purdue
(8) Villanova
(9) West Virginia
(10) Butler
Check back later this week for the Hoopla mid-major conference tourney preview.
Player of the Week:
Greivis Vazquez, G, Maryland
Vazquez is one of the most underrated players in the nation and proved why he should be noticed more on Saturday. Vazquez and the Terps went into Blacksburg to take on Virginia Tech in a game that essentially decided the number two team in the ACC. The game went into double overtime and was won 104-100 by the Terps thanks a career-high 41 point from Vazquez, who was 10 of 10 at the free throw line. Vazquez leads Maryland into a crucial home game against Duke on Wednesday.
Team of the Week:
Notre Dame
Mike Brey's Fighting Irish are truly fighting their way back into tournament contention. After the loss of star senior Luke Harangody to injury, most experts had the Irish down and out, but two big wins over Pitt and Georgetown put them back on the bubble. After losing three straight games by less than three, the Irish came back from adversity and beat Pitt at home on Wednesday, four of five starters scored in double digits. On Saturday, on the road at Georgetown, Notre Dame pulled off an upset 78-64. Both of these wins strengthen their tournament resume and has seen the production of Ben Hansbrough, Tyler's brother, step up in absence of Harangody.
Game of the Week:
Maryland 104, Virginia Tech 100 (2OT)
As mentioned above, this game had seeding implications for the ACC tournament. The number two seed would be all but locked up for the Terps with a win, and they did just that. With a career performance from Vazquez, the Terps got a big conference win.
Upset of the Week:
Oklahoma State 85, (1) Kansas 77
The Jayhawks were not expecting a challenge from the Cowboys at Gallagher-Iba Arena but they did and were out shot. Led by Keiton Page and James Anderson, who both made four three pointers, Travis Ford's Cowboys took over the game leading 45-29 at halftime and then matched the Jayhawks shot for shot from behind to arc to halt a comeback attempt from the Jayhawks.
Games to Watch This Week:
Monday: Georgetown @ West Virginia (7, ESPN)
Tuesday: Georgia Tech @ Clemson (8:00)
Wednesday: Kansas State @ Kansas (8:00)
Thursday: Seton Hall @ Rutgers (7, ESPN)
Friday: Bradley vs. Creighton (3:35)
Weekend 6-Pack to Watch:
West Virginia @ Villanova (Sat, 12:00, CBS)
Richmond @ Charlotte (Sat, 2:00)
Texas @ Baylor (Sat, 4:00, ESPN)
North Carolina @ Duke (Sat, 9:00, ESPN)
Wisconsin @ Illinois (Sun, 12:00)
Clemson @ Wake Forest (Sun, 2:00)
What the Top 10 Should Be:
(1) Syracuse
(2) Kansas
(3) Kentucky
(4) Duke
(5) Kansas State
(6) Ohio State
(7) Purdue
(8) Villanova
(9) West Virginia
(10) Butler
Check back later this week for the Hoopla mid-major conference tourney preview.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Feb. 28 Olympics Preview
Today is all about what every final day of any Olympics is about: the marquee events. The Summer Olympics have the marathon, the winter version is the men's cross-country 50k mass start classic. But, no one in North America is looking forward to the cross-country race, today is all about the men's hockey gold medal game between the U.S. and Canada. With a win in hockey, Canada set the record for most gold medals at a Winter Olympics and regardless of the result of the hockey game, Team USA will have the record for most total medals at a single Winter Olympics with 37.
Cross-Country: Men's 50k Mass Start Classic
The marathon of the Winter Olympics takes place at Whistler today with Petter Northug of Norway looking to win the elusive individual gold he has yet to win in five races (Northug did win the gold in the team sprint). The same contenders from the first five cross-country events are the favorites to win today. The Swedish team would love to win this event over the Norwegians since the two are bitter rivals and Sweden has an impressive streak of golds in two Norwegian sports, cross-country and biathlon.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Giorgio Di Centa (Italy)
Top American Hopeful: Kris Freeman
Top Canadian Hopeful: Ivan Babikov
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Petter Northug (Norway)
Silver: Lukas Bauer (Czech Republic)
Bronze: Marcus Hellner (Sweden)
Men's Hockey Gold Medal Game: USA vs. Canada
The gold medal that Canada wants the most is within reach today at Canada Hockey Place but will face stiff competition from the young Americans. After a dominant six goal first period against Finland in the semis, Team USA took the foot off the gas winning 6-1. Canada faced a scare from Slovakia in the third period of their semi but won 3-2.
The key to today's matchup will be the same for both teams from last Sunday's prelim matchup which the USA won 5-3. The Americans need to use their speed and forecheck early and often. This was very successful against an experienced Finnish team. Speedsters like Phil Kessel need to cause pressure and open up space for the other forwards to score. The top line of Paul Stastny, captain Jamie Langenbrunner and Zach Parise has been the best for the Americans all tournament and will need to get on the board early like the prelim game. Patrick Kane also needs to have the performance he had against Finland to help the other lines gain momentum. In goal, Ryan Miller has been stellar for the whole tournament ans expect nothing less today. Miller had 42 saves in the prelim game last Sunday against the Canadians and only let up three goals.
Team Canada has defied all odds after having to play an extra game in the playoff round after their loss to the Americans. They handled Germany easily and put a beatdown on Russia 7-3 in the quarterfinals and were able to stave off giantkillers Slovakia in the semifinals. Today means everything to the team and their fans, a silver medal will be seen as failure, especially if they lose to the Americans for the second time in a week. The scoring outburst like the one against Russia would be welcomed but that will most likely not be the case. Like their opponents, Canada needs to use their speed and forecheck to create chances for players like Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Sidney Crosby. In goal, Roberto Luongo, playing in front of his hometown fans, will be counted on to not let up an early goal like Marty Brodeur did on Sunday. Luongo also needs to match and better Miller's performance in the American goal to win gold.
Prediction:
USA 3-2
Cross-Country: Men's 50k Mass Start Classic
The marathon of the Winter Olympics takes place at Whistler today with Petter Northug of Norway looking to win the elusive individual gold he has yet to win in five races (Northug did win the gold in the team sprint). The same contenders from the first five cross-country events are the favorites to win today. The Swedish team would love to win this event over the Norwegians since the two are bitter rivals and Sweden has an impressive streak of golds in two Norwegian sports, cross-country and biathlon.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Giorgio Di Centa (Italy)
Top American Hopeful: Kris Freeman
Top Canadian Hopeful: Ivan Babikov
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Petter Northug (Norway)
Silver: Lukas Bauer (Czech Republic)
Bronze: Marcus Hellner (Sweden)
Men's Hockey Gold Medal Game: USA vs. Canada
The gold medal that Canada wants the most is within reach today at Canada Hockey Place but will face stiff competition from the young Americans. After a dominant six goal first period against Finland in the semis, Team USA took the foot off the gas winning 6-1. Canada faced a scare from Slovakia in the third period of their semi but won 3-2.
The key to today's matchup will be the same for both teams from last Sunday's prelim matchup which the USA won 5-3. The Americans need to use their speed and forecheck early and often. This was very successful against an experienced Finnish team. Speedsters like Phil Kessel need to cause pressure and open up space for the other forwards to score. The top line of Paul Stastny, captain Jamie Langenbrunner and Zach Parise has been the best for the Americans all tournament and will need to get on the board early like the prelim game. Patrick Kane also needs to have the performance he had against Finland to help the other lines gain momentum. In goal, Ryan Miller has been stellar for the whole tournament ans expect nothing less today. Miller had 42 saves in the prelim game last Sunday against the Canadians and only let up three goals.
Team Canada has defied all odds after having to play an extra game in the playoff round after their loss to the Americans. They handled Germany easily and put a beatdown on Russia 7-3 in the quarterfinals and were able to stave off giantkillers Slovakia in the semifinals. Today means everything to the team and their fans, a silver medal will be seen as failure, especially if they lose to the Americans for the second time in a week. The scoring outburst like the one against Russia would be welcomed but that will most likely not be the case. Like their opponents, Canada needs to use their speed and forecheck to create chances for players like Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Sidney Crosby. In goal, Roberto Luongo, playing in front of his hometown fans, will be counted on to not let up an early goal like Marty Brodeur did on Sunday. Luongo also needs to match and better Miller's performance in the American goal to win gold.
Prediction:
USA 3-2
Olympics Day 16 Wrapup
The final Saturday of the Winter Olympics was a celebration of Canadian gold. Not one, not two, but three gold medals were won by the Canadians tying the all-time Olympic best with 13. Outside of the Canadian winners, other winners included a sprint finish won by Justyna Kowalcyzk in the cross-country 30k race, a surprise win by Guiliano Razzoli of Italy in the slalom and Steve Holcomb driving USA I to the four-man bobsled gold.
The women's cross-country sprint started the excitement of the day with a 30k classic race coming down to a sprint finish between Justyna Kowalcyzk and Marit Bjoergen. Kowalcyzk barely beat Bjoergen and by doing so gave Poland its first ever cross-country gold medal. For Bjoergen, she earned her fifth medal in five events becoming the most decorated Olympian in Vancouver. Aino-Kaisa Saarinen of Finland won the bronze medal.
The men's parallel giant slalom in snowboarding started the winning spree for Canada. Jasey Jay Anderson overcame a seven tenth deficit in the second run by a whole second to win the gold medal from Benjamin Karl of Austria, who unwilling took the silver. In the bronze medal race, Mathieu Bozzetto of France beat Russia's Stanislav Detkov.
At the Richmond Olympic Oval, two dramatic finishes were needed for the German women to take gold. In the semifinal race against Team USA, Anni Freisinger hit the wall and slid across the line right before the third American to send the Germans to the final, where they defeated Japan by two hundreths of a second. In the bronze medal race, the Americans ran out of gas and lost to Poland.
The men's team pursuit had the same fate for the American team like the women's bronze medal race, they just ran out of gas in the gold medal race. After a monumental upset of the favored Dutch team, Chad Hedrick and Team USA could not keep up with Team Canada. The Dutch did redeem themselves slightly by winning the bronze medal race.
The Italian ski team pulled a shock win at the men's slalom event when Giuliano Razzoli took the gold medal. Razzoli held off challenges from Croatia's Ivica Kostelic and second run best Andre Myhrer of Sweden.
Andre Lange had never lost an Olympic bobsled race until Saturday night when Steve Holcomb and USA I's sled named The Night Train beat Lange's Germany I. Holcomb's sled set two track records in four heats and gave the Americans their first bobsled gold since St. Moritz in 1948. Lange's sled did take the silver by beating Lyndon Rush's Canada I in the fourth and final heat. Rush was able to claim bronze for the host nation.
Canada's national sport had the most attention from the home fans Saturday night and for good reason, the men's curling team was fighting for a gold medal with Norway. With two points in the seventh end, going ahead 5-2, the medal was all but theirs and unlike the women's team, the men's team held on to win gold by a score of 6-3. Switzerland beat Sweden with two points in the tenth end to win 5-4.
In the bronze medal men's hockey game, Finland came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat Slovakia. Sami Salo opened the scoring for the Finns in the first period. Then, in the second period Slovakia found the net three times thanks to Marian Gaborik, Marian Hossa and Pavol Demitra. The third period was all Finland, starting with a power play goal from Niklas Hagman then the equalizer from Olli Jokinen making it 3-3. Jokinen scored the go ahead and game-winning goal on the power play with eight minutes left. Valtteri Filppula added an empty-net goal to make the final 5-3.
Today Gold Medalists:
Justyna Kowalcyzk (Cross-Country- Poland)
Jasey Jay Anderson (Snowboarding- Canada)
Giuliano Razzoli (Alpine Skiing- Italy)
Canada (Speed Skating)
Germany (Speed Skating)
USA I (Bobsled)
Canada (Curling)
Medal Count after Saturday:
USA- 36
Germany- 29
Canada- 25
Norway- 22
Austria- 16
Russia- 15
Korea- 14
China, France- 11
Sweden- 10
Switzerland- 9
Netherlands- 8
Czech Republic, Poland- 6
Italy, Japan, Finland- 5
Australia, Belarus, Slovakia, Croatia, Slovenia- 3
Latvia- 2
Great Britain, Estonia, Kazakhstan- 1
The women's cross-country sprint started the excitement of the day with a 30k classic race coming down to a sprint finish between Justyna Kowalcyzk and Marit Bjoergen. Kowalcyzk barely beat Bjoergen and by doing so gave Poland its first ever cross-country gold medal. For Bjoergen, she earned her fifth medal in five events becoming the most decorated Olympian in Vancouver. Aino-Kaisa Saarinen of Finland won the bronze medal.
The men's parallel giant slalom in snowboarding started the winning spree for Canada. Jasey Jay Anderson overcame a seven tenth deficit in the second run by a whole second to win the gold medal from Benjamin Karl of Austria, who unwilling took the silver. In the bronze medal race, Mathieu Bozzetto of France beat Russia's Stanislav Detkov.
At the Richmond Olympic Oval, two dramatic finishes were needed for the German women to take gold. In the semifinal race against Team USA, Anni Freisinger hit the wall and slid across the line right before the third American to send the Germans to the final, where they defeated Japan by two hundreths of a second. In the bronze medal race, the Americans ran out of gas and lost to Poland.
The men's team pursuit had the same fate for the American team like the women's bronze medal race, they just ran out of gas in the gold medal race. After a monumental upset of the favored Dutch team, Chad Hedrick and Team USA could not keep up with Team Canada. The Dutch did redeem themselves slightly by winning the bronze medal race.
The Italian ski team pulled a shock win at the men's slalom event when Giuliano Razzoli took the gold medal. Razzoli held off challenges from Croatia's Ivica Kostelic and second run best Andre Myhrer of Sweden.
Andre Lange had never lost an Olympic bobsled race until Saturday night when Steve Holcomb and USA I's sled named The Night Train beat Lange's Germany I. Holcomb's sled set two track records in four heats and gave the Americans their first bobsled gold since St. Moritz in 1948. Lange's sled did take the silver by beating Lyndon Rush's Canada I in the fourth and final heat. Rush was able to claim bronze for the host nation.
Canada's national sport had the most attention from the home fans Saturday night and for good reason, the men's curling team was fighting for a gold medal with Norway. With two points in the seventh end, going ahead 5-2, the medal was all but theirs and unlike the women's team, the men's team held on to win gold by a score of 6-3. Switzerland beat Sweden with two points in the tenth end to win 5-4.
In the bronze medal men's hockey game, Finland came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat Slovakia. Sami Salo opened the scoring for the Finns in the first period. Then, in the second period Slovakia found the net three times thanks to Marian Gaborik, Marian Hossa and Pavol Demitra. The third period was all Finland, starting with a power play goal from Niklas Hagman then the equalizer from Olli Jokinen making it 3-3. Jokinen scored the go ahead and game-winning goal on the power play with eight minutes left. Valtteri Filppula added an empty-net goal to make the final 5-3.
Today Gold Medalists:
Justyna Kowalcyzk (Cross-Country- Poland)
Jasey Jay Anderson (Snowboarding- Canada)
Giuliano Razzoli (Alpine Skiing- Italy)
Canada (Speed Skating)
Germany (Speed Skating)
USA I (Bobsled)
Canada (Curling)
Medal Count after Saturday:
USA- 36
Germany- 29
Canada- 25
Norway- 22
Austria- 16
Russia- 15
Korea- 14
China, France- 11
Sweden- 10
Switzerland- 9
Netherlands- 8
Czech Republic, Poland- 6
Italy, Japan, Finland- 5
Australia, Belarus, Slovakia, Croatia, Slovenia- 3
Latvia- 2
Great Britain, Estonia, Kazakhstan- 1
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Feb. 27 Olympic Preview
With two days left of the 21st Winter Olympics in Vancouver, a slew of medals are still needed to be given out. Events today include the women's cross-country 30k, men's and women's team pursuit in speed skating, men's slalom, curling and bobsled. The Americans have a great chance of reaching forty medals. Needing only six more to reach forty, three or four medalists are expected today.
Cross-Country: Women's 30k Mass Start
Marit Bjoergen of Norway will look to win her fourth gold and fifth overall medal today. Bjoergen will face competition from Justyna Kowalcyzk and Petra Majdic, who have both won a mass start event this season in the World Cup. Look for Anna Haag and Charlotte Kalla of Sweden to also be a factor.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Katerina Neumannova (Russia)
Top American Hopeful: Kikkan Randall
Top Canadian Hopeful: Sara Renner
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Marit Bjoergen (Norway)
Silver: Justyna Kowalcyzk (Poland)
Bronze: Anna Haag (Sweden)
Speed Skating: Men's Team Pursuit
After shocking the team from the Netherlands in the semifinals yesterday, Team USA led by Chad Hedrick will face Team Canada in the final. For the Americans to have a chance at most gold medals in Vancouver, Hedrick and company will have to win this race. Norway races the Dutch in the bronze medal race.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Italy
USA vs. Canada in Final
Projected Medalists:
Gold: USA
Silver: Canada
Bronze: Netherlands
Speed Skating: Women's Team Pursuit
Four teams competing for three medals today in this event. The semifinals occur close to an hour before the final. The two semifinals feature Poland vs. Japan and Team USA vs. Germany. Germany is the clear favorite but Team USA will have something to say about that with a team that is desperate to medal.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Germany
USA in semifinals
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Germany
Silver: Japan
Bronze: USA
Snowboarding: Men's Parallel Giant Slalom
It is Canada vs. Austria in the men's PGS event today. The two countries boast the top four snowboarders in World Cup competition. In the women's competition yesterday, three of the four finalists were in the top five of the World Cup standings. Look for that trend to continue for Austria's Benjamin Karl and Andreas Prommegger and Canada's Jasey-Jay Anderson and Michael Lambert.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Philipp Schoch (Switzerland)
Top American Hopeful: Chris Klug
Top Canadian Hopefuls: Anderson and Lambert
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Benjamin Karl (Austria)
Silver: Michael Lambert (Canada)
Bronze: Andreas Prommegger (Austria)
Men's Curling
The gold medal match at Vancouver Olympic Center will be between the host nation and the team with the most unique uniform of the curling tournament. Canada will face Norway tonight for the gold. After a disappointment in the women's gold medal match yesterday, Canada is expecting their team to win today. Sweden and Switzerland play for the bronze.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Canada
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Canada
Silver: Norway
Bronze: Sweden
Alpine Skiing: Men's Slalom
The Bode Miller Redemption Tour ended in a DNF in th first run but that does not mean you should not keep watching. Giuliano Razzoli of Italy has a commanding .50 second lead over Mitja Valencic of Slovenia with defending gold medalist Benjamin Raich of Austria and Ivica Kostelic of Croatia waiting in the wings. The second run of most of the alpine events have resulted in drastic change in the standings and look for that to happen today.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Benjamin Raich (Austria)
Top American Hopeful: None
Top Canadian Hopeful: Michael Janyk (11th after 1st run)
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Benjamin Raich (Austria)
Silver: Ivica Kostelic (Croatia)
Bronze: Giuliano Razzoli (Italy)
4-Man Bobsled
After setting the track record last night in the first heat, Steve Holcomb and USA I look to give Germany I's Andre Lange his first non-gold finish. Lange has won all five medals he has competed for in bobsled olympic competition.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Germany I (Andre Lange)
Top American Hopeful: USA I (Steve Holcomb)
Top Canadian Hopeful: Canada I (Lyndon Rush)
Projected Medalists:
Gold: USA I
Silver: Germany I
Bronze: Canada I
Men's Hockey Bronze Medal Game
Finland and Slovakia have taken two different paths to the brozne medal game. The Finns were embarrased in the first period against the USA and could not recover while the Slovakian team almost took Canada to overtime. The edge goes to Slovakia, who beat Russia and Sweden in the tournament, because Finland is coming in such an emotional low.
Projected Medalist:
Bronze: Slovakia
Cross-Country: Women's 30k Mass Start
Marit Bjoergen of Norway will look to win her fourth gold and fifth overall medal today. Bjoergen will face competition from Justyna Kowalcyzk and Petra Majdic, who have both won a mass start event this season in the World Cup. Look for Anna Haag and Charlotte Kalla of Sweden to also be a factor.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Katerina Neumannova (Russia)
Top American Hopeful: Kikkan Randall
Top Canadian Hopeful: Sara Renner
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Marit Bjoergen (Norway)
Silver: Justyna Kowalcyzk (Poland)
Bronze: Anna Haag (Sweden)
Speed Skating: Men's Team Pursuit
After shocking the team from the Netherlands in the semifinals yesterday, Team USA led by Chad Hedrick will face Team Canada in the final. For the Americans to have a chance at most gold medals in Vancouver, Hedrick and company will have to win this race. Norway races the Dutch in the bronze medal race.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Italy
USA vs. Canada in Final
Projected Medalists:
Gold: USA
Silver: Canada
Bronze: Netherlands
Speed Skating: Women's Team Pursuit
Four teams competing for three medals today in this event. The semifinals occur close to an hour before the final. The two semifinals feature Poland vs. Japan and Team USA vs. Germany. Germany is the clear favorite but Team USA will have something to say about that with a team that is desperate to medal.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Germany
USA in semifinals
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Germany
Silver: Japan
Bronze: USA
Snowboarding: Men's Parallel Giant Slalom
It is Canada vs. Austria in the men's PGS event today. The two countries boast the top four snowboarders in World Cup competition. In the women's competition yesterday, three of the four finalists were in the top five of the World Cup standings. Look for that trend to continue for Austria's Benjamin Karl and Andreas Prommegger and Canada's Jasey-Jay Anderson and Michael Lambert.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Philipp Schoch (Switzerland)
Top American Hopeful: Chris Klug
Top Canadian Hopefuls: Anderson and Lambert
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Benjamin Karl (Austria)
Silver: Michael Lambert (Canada)
Bronze: Andreas Prommegger (Austria)
Men's Curling
The gold medal match at Vancouver Olympic Center will be between the host nation and the team with the most unique uniform of the curling tournament. Canada will face Norway tonight for the gold. After a disappointment in the women's gold medal match yesterday, Canada is expecting their team to win today. Sweden and Switzerland play for the bronze.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Canada
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Canada
Silver: Norway
Bronze: Sweden
Alpine Skiing: Men's Slalom
The Bode Miller Redemption Tour ended in a DNF in th first run but that does not mean you should not keep watching. Giuliano Razzoli of Italy has a commanding .50 second lead over Mitja Valencic of Slovenia with defending gold medalist Benjamin Raich of Austria and Ivica Kostelic of Croatia waiting in the wings. The second run of most of the alpine events have resulted in drastic change in the standings and look for that to happen today.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Benjamin Raich (Austria)
Top American Hopeful: None
Top Canadian Hopeful: Michael Janyk (11th after 1st run)
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Benjamin Raich (Austria)
Silver: Ivica Kostelic (Croatia)
Bronze: Giuliano Razzoli (Italy)
4-Man Bobsled
After setting the track record last night in the first heat, Steve Holcomb and USA I look to give Germany I's Andre Lange his first non-gold finish. Lange has won all five medals he has competed for in bobsled olympic competition.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Germany I (Andre Lange)
Top American Hopeful: USA I (Steve Holcomb)
Top Canadian Hopeful: Canada I (Lyndon Rush)
Projected Medalists:
Gold: USA I
Silver: Germany I
Bronze: Canada I
Men's Hockey Bronze Medal Game
Finland and Slovakia have taken two different paths to the brozne medal game. The Finns were embarrased in the first period against the USA and could not recover while the Slovakian team almost took Canada to overtime. The edge goes to Slovakia, who beat Russia and Sweden in the tournament, because Finland is coming in such an emotional low.
Projected Medalist:
Bronze: Slovakia
Friday, February 26, 2010
Day 15 Olympic Wrapup (cont.)
Today's Gold Medalists:
Norway (Biathlon)
Canada (Short Track)
Sweden (Curling)
Maria Riesch (Germany- Alpine Skiing)
Nicolien Sauerbreij (Netherlands- Snowboarding)
Wang Meng (China- Short Track)
Charles Hamelin (Canada- Short Track)
Medal Count after Friday:
USA- 34
Germany- 27
Canada- 21
Norway- 20
Austria, Russia- 15
Korea- 14
China- 11
France- 10
Sweden- 9
Switzerland- 8
Netherlands- 7
Czech Republic- 6
Poland, Japan, Italy- 4
Australia, Belarus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland - 3
Latvia, Croatia- 2
Great Britain, Estonia, Kazakhstan- 1
Norway (Biathlon)
Canada (Short Track)
Sweden (Curling)
Maria Riesch (Germany- Alpine Skiing)
Nicolien Sauerbreij (Netherlands- Snowboarding)
Wang Meng (China- Short Track)
Charles Hamelin (Canada- Short Track)
Medal Count after Friday:
USA- 34
Germany- 27
Canada- 21
Norway- 20
Austria, Russia- 15
Korea- 14
China- 11
France- 10
Sweden- 9
Switzerland- 8
Netherlands- 7
Czech Republic- 6
Poland, Japan, Italy- 4
Australia, Belarus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland - 3
Latvia, Croatia- 2
Great Britain, Estonia, Kazakhstan- 1
Olympics Day 15 Wrapup
The streets of Vancouver will be lined with partiers and the scene can be matched all over Canada after a magical night at Pacific Coliseum where the Canadian men took home two gold medals in short track. The Canadians are also celebrating a win by the men's hockey team that was a 3-2 nailbiter. There is nothing but joy throughout the Great White North tonight. Other headlines from Friday included Apolo Anton Ohno winning his 8th medal in Winter Olympic competition in the relay. Also, a controversial decision in the 500m race disqualified Ohno. The excitement at Pacific Coliseum for the Canadian men was matched by the Chinese women who with a gold from Wang Meng in 1000m swept all of the women's short track gold medals.
The day began up at Whistler with the Norwegian men finally getting a breakthrough in biathlon by winning the team relay gold. After a disappointing first four events, Ole Einar Bjoernadalen was able to win his sixth overall Winter Olympic gold. Along with teammates Tarjei Boe, Halvard Hanevold and Emil Hegle Svendsen, Bjoerndalen and company were able to win easily over the teams from Austria, who took silver, and Russia who took bronze.
The women's parallel giant slalom snowboard event was taken by World Cup leader Nicolien Sauerbreij of the Netherlands. Sauerbreij beat Russia's Ekaterina Ilyukhina by 23 seconds in the second run of the gold medal race to win. Marion Kreiner of Austria won the bronze medal race handily over Germany's Selina Joerg.
Lindsey Vonn was yet again celebrating at the finish line of a women's alpine skiing event but it was not for her personal acheivement. Vonn crashed in the first run of the slalom and was cheering on good friend Maria Riesch of Germany at the finish line. Riesch took the gold medal by 0.43 seconds of Marlies Schild of Austria, who had the best second run, and Sarka Zahrobska of the Czech Republic by 1.01 seconds. Riesch was hoping to step on the podium with sister Susanne, who was fourth after the first run, but she crashed in the second run.
The day began up at Whistler with the Norwegian men finally getting a breakthrough in biathlon by winning the team relay gold. After a disappointing first four events, Ole Einar Bjoernadalen was able to win his sixth overall Winter Olympic gold. Along with teammates Tarjei Boe, Halvard Hanevold and Emil Hegle Svendsen, Bjoerndalen and company were able to win easily over the teams from Austria, who took silver, and Russia who took bronze.
The women's parallel giant slalom snowboard event was taken by World Cup leader Nicolien Sauerbreij of the Netherlands. Sauerbreij beat Russia's Ekaterina Ilyukhina by 23 seconds in the second run of the gold medal race to win. Marion Kreiner of Austria won the bronze medal race handily over Germany's Selina Joerg.
Lindsey Vonn was yet again celebrating at the finish line of a women's alpine skiing event but it was not for her personal acheivement. Vonn crashed in the first run of the slalom and was cheering on good friend Maria Riesch of Germany at the finish line. Riesch took the gold medal by 0.43 seconds of Marlies Schild of Austria, who had the best second run, and Sarka Zahrobska of the Czech Republic by 1.01 seconds. Riesch was hoping to step on the podium with sister Susanne, who was fourth after the first run, but she crashed in the second run.
The crazy night for the Canadians was supposed to begin with a win in the women's curling gold medal match. But that was not to happen thanks to Sweden. Up 6-4 going into the the tenth and final end, Canada had all but locked up the gold but it was not to happen. With two points in the tenth end and then a dramatic one point in the extra eleventh end, the Swedish women pulled out an upset, winning 7-6. In the bronze medal match, China scored twelve points beating the Swiss women 12-6.
After the disappointing curling result, the Canadian fans rallied around the men's short track night in a typical, dramatic night at Pacific Coliseum. The 500m race was the first to give away medals and saw a controversial ending with Apolo Anton Ohno being disqualified for an illegal pass that cause Francois-Louis Tremblay of Canada to fall. Not disqualified was gold medalist Charles Hamelin of Canada, who on replay appeared to push Sung Si-Bak of Korea causing Sung to fall. With Ohno the only one disqualified, Hamelin won Canada's ninth overall gold in Vancouver with Tremblay getting the bronze by default for the host nation as well. Sung took the silver after the controversy calmed down.
The women's 1000m race saw another dominant race by the Chinese team. Wang Meng won her third gold in Vancouver and fourth gold in four women's short track events for China, the other gold went to Yang Zhou in the 1500m. Overshadowed by the Chinese gold was American Katherine Reutter who won America's first female short track medal since Lillehammer in 1994. Park Seung-Hi of Korea took bronze.
The marquee event of tonight in short track was also full of excitement for the host nation. About halfway through the 5000m men's relay, Hamelin broke out in front to set the pace and his team did not turn back. Along with his brother Francois, Olivier Jean and Tremblay, Charles Hamelin gave Canada its tenth gold in Vancouver. Korea's experienced team took silver and the young squad of Americans anchored by Ohno won the bronze.
In other non-medal events, Team USA and Team Canada did their part in setting up a rematch in the gold medal game in men's hockey. Team USA enjoyed a six goal first period against Finland to win 6-1. Team Canada survived a third period surge from Slovakia and won 3-2.
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