2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs Review - (1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings

Series Summary

The series started off the Chicago Way, as the Blackhawks scored 3 goals in the third to take Game 1 4-1. Game 2 ended with the same score, but different victor, as the Red Wings bounced back to tie the series. Game 3 saw the Blackhawks pile up 40 shots on net, but only getting one past Jimmy Howard in the loss. Howard once again shined in Game 4, stopping all 28 Blackhawk shots to win the game and give the Red Wings a 3-1 series lead. Chicago wasn't going down easy, as they came back to win Game 5, with Jonathan Toews finally getting his first goal of the playoffs. Once again facing elimination, the Blackhawks came through in Game 6. Michal Frolik penalty shot capped off a third period comeback by Chicago, as they were able to force this series to go to 7. In Game 7, Patrick Sharp opened the scoring early in the second on a nice tic-tac-toe play. Henrik Zetterberg tied the game up early in the third. With under 2 minutes to go, Niklas Hjalmarsson wired one past Howard, but a wrestling match behind the play between Kyle Quincey and Brandon Saad negated the goal. It didn't take long in overtime for the Blackhawks to get back that goal, as a Brent Seabrook shot deflected off Niclas Kronwall and pass Howard to give Chicago the series win. The Chicago Blackhawks defeat the Detroit Red Wings in 7, and are now onto the Western Conference Finals.

Games

Detroit Red Wings 1
Chicago Blackhawks 4

Detroit Red Wings 4
Chicago Blackhawks 1

Chicago Blackhawks 1
Detroit Red Wings 3

Chicago Blackhawks 0
Detroit Red Wings 2

Detroit Red Wings 1
Chicago Blackhawks 4

Chicago Blackhawks 4
Detroit Red Wings 3

Detroit Red Wings 1
Chicago Blackhawks 2 (OT)

Three Thoughts On The Series

• Sad that this is the last time these two rivals will meet in the playoffs while they are in the same Conference. With realignment, the only time the Blackhawks and Red Wings will meet in the playoffs will be for the Cup.
• Key matchup of the series: Captain Serious vs. Captain Z.
• The reffing in this series wasn't the greatest, eventually accumulating to what happened in the video below.

Picture Of The Series

Justice!

(Image via CBC)

Play Of The Series

Need I say more?

(Ok, in reality if Hjalmarsson didn't score this is a non-issue. Also, Quincey is really the only one on this play with the penalty-worthy infraction).

2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs Review - (5) Los Angeles Kings vs. (6) San Jose Sharks

Series Summary

The home team wins every game, which was good for the higher-seeded Kings. Los Angeles started the series by shutting out San Jose, with Jonathan Quick stopping 35 shots. That game was more known for the Raffi Torres hit on Jarret Stoll, which earned Torres a suspension for the rest of the series. Game 2 saw both teams head into the third tied at 2-2. Marc-Edouard Vlasic gave the Sharks the lead midway through the third. Just as quick Vlasic was the Sharks hero, he became the Sharks goat. Already down a man late, Vlasic inadvertently flipped the puck over the glass, earning a delay of game penalty and putting San Jose down 2 men. The Kings had no problem capitalizing twice and getting the win. Back home in San Jose, it was the Sharks who found themselves on the good side of a last 2-man advantage. With the game tied 1 apiece, San Jose went into overtime with the powerplay and didn't disappoint, as Logan Couture roofed one past Quick to give the Sharks their first win of the series. The Sharks followed up win a close 2-1 win in Game 4 to even up the series. Game 5 saw Quick posted his second shutout of the series, giving the Kings the 3-2 series lead. Facing elimination, the Sharks were able to force one more game, as they won Game 6 in the same fashion as they did in Game 4 (have a two goal lead, give one up, and held on the rest of the way). Game 7 was Justin Williams time to shine. Williams scored twice in the second period, the first time on the powerplay were the puck just got through, and then minutes later on a cross-ice pass from Anze Kopitar. Brent Burns did answer back for the Sharks 5 minutes into the third, but that was as close as San Jose could get. Quick stoned the Sharks for the rest of the period, helping the Kings win the series. The Los Angeles Kings beat the San Jose Sharks in 7 games to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

Games

San Jose Sharks 0
Los Angeles Kings 2

San Jose Sharks 3
Los Angeles Kings 4

Los Angeles Kings 1
San Jose Sharks 2 (OT)

Los Angeles Kings 1
San Jose Sharks 2

San Jose Sharks 0
Los Angeles Kings 3

Los Angeles Kings 1
San Jose Sharks 2

San Jose Sharks 1
Los Angeles Kings 2

Three Thoughts On The Series

• I hate Justin Williams.
• Sadly, the time difference prevented me from watching most of this series, so I can't say whether diving was excessive in this series or not.
• Look who showed up for Game 7.

Picture Of The Series

Quick with the series-saving save.

(Image via CBC)

Play Of The Series

The Torres hit was kind of borderline, but not really suspension-worthy. Basically it was a reputation suspension.

2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs Review - (4) Boston Bruins vs. (6) New York Rangers

Series Summary

Both teams face each other after going the distance in Round 1,  and in the end, it was Boston who had more gas in their tank. Game 1 saw the Bruins put up a series-high 48 shots on goal, but needed 3/4ths of an overtime period to win. The Bruins and Rangers exchanged goals for the first 2 periods in Game 2, then Boston ended up pulling away in the third, adding 2 insurance goals in the 5-2 win.
The Rangers did open the scoring in Game 3, but the result was much of the same, as the Bruins scored 2 unanswered goals in the third to increase their series lead to 3-0. New York was able to avoid elimination for one game, as they were able to force overtime in Game 4. Chris Kreider tipped home a pass to give the Rangers the victory. In the end, the Bruins weren't interested in repeating their failure from 2010. After giving up the first goal of the game in Game 5, the Bruins came back with 2 of there own in the second. An empty net goal by Gregory Campbell (of all people) sealed it for the Bruins. The Boston Bruins defeat the New York Rangers in 5 games, and move on to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Games

New York Rangers 2
Boston Bruins 3 (OT)

New York Rangers 2
Boston Bruins 5

Boston Bruins 2
New York Rangers 1

Boston Bruins 3
New York Rangers 4 (OT)

New York Rangers 1
Boston Bruins 3

Three Thoughts On The Series

• This series felt like the Bruins should have swept it.
• Brad Richards...what the hell happened?
• Henrik Lundqvist will probably need a backiotomy after doing a lot of the Rangers heavy lifting during this series. 

Picture Of The Series

This was the last of John Tortorella behind the Rangers bench.



(Image via EOTP)

Play Of The Series

A great play in general. Nash threading the pass through and Kreider with the deflection.

2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs Review - (1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (7) Ottawa Senators

Series Summary

This series seemed like it went according to plan. Pittsburgh started off the series with a powerplay goal about 3 minutes in. Ottawa did tie it up soon after, but that was all for them in the game. Evgeni Malkin scored halfway through the first to put the Penguins back in the lead. After that, the Penguins special teams took over, as Chris Kunitz added a powerplay goal in the second and Pascal Dupuis got a shorthanded goal in the third. The game didn't end nicely, as the Pens and Sens racking up 34 PIMS in the last 30 seconds. Game 2 was the Sidney Crosby show. Sid recorded only his second playoff hat trick. To Ottawa's credit, they were able to keep place on the score sheet, but ended up a goal short. The Senators only win in the series was a dramatic one. Daniel Alfredsson scored on a deflection with 30 seconds left (and shorthanded!) in the third to send the game to overtime. It took an overtime and a half, but Ottawa ended up on the winning side as Colin Greening potted home a rebound. That was it for Ottawa, as the rest of the series was all Pittsburgh. The Penguins ended up outscoring Ottawa 13-5 in the last 2 games, forcing a goalie change in Game 4. The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Ottawa Senators in 5 games to move onto the Eastern Conference Final.

Games

Ottawa Senators 1
Pittsburgh Penguins 4

Ottawa Senators 3
Pittsburgh Penguins 4

Pittsburgh Penguins 1
Ottawa Senators 2 (2OT)

Pittsburgh Penguins 7
Ottawa Senators 3

Ottawa Senators 2
Pittsburgh Penguins 6

Three Thoughts On The Series

• Pesky Sens? More like Pushover Sens, amirite?
• Now that he isn't facing the Habs, I can say that Paul MacLean is great.
• Dumbest thing I've heard in this series: (after Pens lost Game 3) "Put Fleury back in net".

Picture Of The Series

Two-fold picture:
1. Crosby had a good series: 6 points, a hat trick game, and 2 highlight reel goals.
2. This might be the last for Alfredsson.

(Image via CBC)

Play Of The Series

All due respect to Crosby and Neal, Robin Lehner's save on Iginla was great.

World Championship Update - A Pretty Swede Win For The Host

Note: Most information from the IIHF website.

Semi-Finals

Finland 0
Sweden 3

Switzerland 3
USA 0

Bronze Medal Game

Finland 2
USA 3 (SO)

The US started the scoring early, as Craig Smith put one home 58 seconds into the game. Paul Stastny added a powerplay goal later in the period. An uneventful second period resulted in the US still holding a 2-0 lead going into the third period. Finland finally broke the shutout almost 9 minutes in, as Lauri Korpikoski made up fir his earlier penalty to make the game 2-1. Korpikoski wasn't done, as he added another not even 4 minutes later to tie the game. After the rest of the third and an overtime were both teams registered 3 shots apiece, the Bronze Medal would be decided by a shootout. After an unsuccessful first round by both teams, Janne Pesonen got the first goal to but Finland up 1-0 after 2 rounds. Alex Galchenyuk scored next to keep the US alive. 2 consecutive Finns failed to score, leading to Galchenyuk once again beating Antti Raanta and winning the game for the Americans. The US defeat Finland 3-2, and claim their first medal since they won Bronze in 2004.

Gold Medal Game

Switzerland 1
Sweden 5

It looked promising for Switzerland, as Roman Josi gave them the lead less than 5 minutes into the game. It didn't take long for Sweden to respond, as Erik Gustafsson tied the game up. An Andres Ambuhl high hit put the Swiss down a man and Sweden on a powerplay. Just like many times during the playoffs, Sweden's powerplay didn't disappoint, as Henrik Sedin re-directed the puck into the net  to give Sweden the lead. The Swiss were able to hang on against Sweden in the second period, starting the third a goal down and 20 minutes to tie it up. It was not meant to be though, as Simon Hjalmarsson scored about halfway through the third to extend Sweden's lead. A Loui Eriksson goal with 5 minutes left and a Henrik Sedin shorthand, empty net goal all but sealed the gold for the Swedes. Sweden beat Switzerland 5-1, claiming the Gold Medal for the ninth time and becoming the first host in 27 years to win the tournament. Switzerland's Silver Medal was only their second silver, and their first medal since they was bronze in 1953 (fun fact: the previously mentioned medals happened when Switzerland hosted the World Championship).

Final Standings

Ranking based on points, not position-based like the IIHF ranking

1 (Gold) - Sweden
2 (Silver) - Switzerland
3 (Bronze) - USA
4 - Finland
5 - Canada
6 - Russia
7 - Czech Republic
8 - Slovakia
9 - Norway
10 - Germany
11 - Latvia
12 - France
13 - Denmark
14 (Relegated) - Austria
15 - Belarus*
16 (Relegated) - Slovenia

*Being in the same group as Slovenia, as well as host next year, keeps Belarus up.

2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs Review - (3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) New York Rangers

Series Summary

While the Rangers opened the scoring late in the second period of Game 1, it was the Capitals who ended up victorious, scoring 3 unanswered goals in the third. Game 2 saw Braden Holtby and Henrik Lundqvist shut the door for 68 minutes of game play. 8 minutes into overtime, Mike Green blasted home a shot from the point that beat Lundqvist and extended the Caps series lead. A par of 4-3 wins at home helped New York get back into the series and make it a best-of-three. In Game 5, Brian Boyle helped the Rangers take the lead less then a minute into the game. It took until about midway through the second for Joel Ward to tie it up for the Caps. In overtime, Mike Ribeiro (who was the Rangers best penalty killer at the end of Game 4) got redemption with the winning goal. Game 6 went back to the goalies, as only Derek Brassard found the scoresheet, tying the series back up. Game 7 was all Rangers. Credit to Lundqvist for another shutout, as he kept all 35 Caps shots-on-goal out for the 5-0 win. The New York Rangers beat the Washington Capitals in seven game, setting up an Original 6 matchup in the next round against the Boston Bruins.

Games

New York Rangers 1
Washington Capitals 3

New York Rangers 0
Washington Capitals 1 (OT)

Washington Capitals 3
New York Rangers 4

Washington Capitals 3
New York Rangers 4

New York Rangers 1
Washington Capitals 2

Washington Capitals 0
New York Rangers 1

New York Rangers 5
Washington Capitals 0

Three Thoughts On The Series

• Presenting: The greatest GIF to ever be GIF-ed (for now).
• Ovechkin apparently played with a hairline fracture on his foot, or so the refs would have you think.
• Oates does have youth, but I find it hard to see Torts losing a fight.

Picture Of The Series

Lundqvist with 2 shutouts in Games 6 and 7 were a huge reason the Rangers were able to advance.



(Image via Associate Press)

Play Of The Series

The one-touches on Derek Stepan's goal would make it THE play here, but the GIF in the link covers that. From the same game, the seconds it takes from when Holtby has the puck to when Richards scores could summarize the series.

2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs Review - (4) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Toronto Maple Leafs

Series Summary

This series went longer than most people expected, and ended in a ton of heartbreak for Leaf fans. While the Leafs opened the scoring early in Game 1, the Bruins had no problem taking control afterwards and winning 4-1. The Leafs did come back in Game 2, stunning the Bruins at home with a 4-2 win. After that, Boston got back on the winning track, as Boston scored 5 goals while Tuukka Rask made 45 saves to help them win Game 3. The Leafs started off with a 2-0 lead heading into the third period of Game 4, but Boston was able to come back, scoring 3 unanswered. Clarke MacArthur managed a late goal for the Leafs, forcing overtime. In OT, a bad pinch by Dion Phaneuf lead to an odd-man rush for Boston, were David Krejci ended a game on a shot that went under James Reimer's arm. The Leafs did come back in Game 5, and large part of that was due to Reimer, as he stopped 43 shots in the 2-1 win. Game 6 stayed scoreless for the first two periods, then Phaneuf got the Leafs on the board early in the third. Phil Kessel added another goal for the Leafs later on. Milan Lucic did score with under 30 seconds left, but that's all Boston could do as Toronto forced a Game 7. In the last game, the Leafs seemed poised to do the unthinkable and knock out the Bruins. Nazem Kadri's first playoff goal cemented a 4-1 lead for the Leafs. The Bruins chipped into the lead a bit, as Nathan Horton scored 4 minutes later, cutting the Leafs lead to 2. The last minute and a half of the third can be summed up in one word: Heartbreaking. With Rask pulled, Lucic tucked home a rebound to put Boston within 1 to tie the game. Once again, Rask was pulled and Boston responded. A Patrice Bergeron wrist shot beat a screened Reimer and tied the game up. In overtime, Bergeron again put a dagger in the Leafs, shooting into basically an open net. The Boston Bruins survived a scare from the Toronto Maple Leafs, winning the series in 7 games.

Games

Toronto Maple Leafs 1
Boston Bruins 4

Toronto Maple Leafs 4
Boston Bruins 2

Boston Bruins 5
Toronto Maple Leafs 2

Boston Bruins 4 (OT)
Toronto Maple Leafs 3

Toronto Maple Leafs 2
Boston Bruins 1

Boston Bruins 1
Toronto Maple Leafs 2

Toronto Maple Leafs 4
Boston Bruins 5 (OT)

Three Thoughts On The Series

• The good of this series:
• The Bruins inviting a Boston Marathon bombing hero to wave the flag before Game 2
• The Leafs giving free tickets to the fan that got knocked out in Boston.
• The bad: idiot boy with the "Toronto Stronger" sign.
• Great job by Elliotte Friedman on the Kessel/Chara matchup.

Picture Of The Series

It was discovered the look was for some guy nearby, but lets not allow facts to get in the way of a good pic.

Play Of The Series

Giving Reimer some love, great toe save on Bergeron.

World Championship Update - The Stockholm Syndrome Edition

Note: Most information from the IIHF website.

Round Robin Standings

Team	Win	OT/SO Win	OT/SO Loss	Loss	Points	Goal Difference
Switzerland	6	1	0	0	20	+19
Canada	5	1	1	0	18	+15
Sweden	5	0	0	2	15	+6
Czech Republic	3	1	0	3	11	+7
Norway	3	0	0	4	9	-14
Denmark	1	1	1	4	6	-7
Belarus	1	0	0	6	3	-11
Slovenia	0	0	2	5	2	-15

Quarter Finals

Switzerland - 2
Czech Republic - 1

Canada - 2
Sweden - 3 (SO)

The Story For Each Team

Belarus

Once again, Belarus avoids a last place finish. They started off goalless, getting shutout 2-0 bu the Czech Republic. Belarus' lone win was against Slovenia, beating them 4-3. Belarus did have a lead against Sweden for a bit, but end up losing the game 2-1. The losing continued, as Canada (4-1), Norway (3-1), and Denmark (3-2) all got points against Belarus. The Belorussians finished their tournament getting beat by Switzerland 4-1. Belarus finished 7th in Group S, with their 1 win (along with hosting next year's tournament) keeping them up in the main tournament.

Canada

Canada started the tournament kind of roughly. They allowed Denmark to score first, but did end up winning the game 3-1. The same thing happened against Switzerland, but this time Canada gave the lead midway though the third and the game went all the way to a shootout, were they end up losing 3-2. Canada finally got on the winning track, demolishing Norway 7-1. The winning continued for the Canadians, as they shutout Sweden 3-0 and beat Belarus 4-1 and Czech Republic 2-1. In their last group game, Canada got a scare early as Slovenia went up 2-0 in the first. Eventually, Canada caught up and forced overtime, were a Steven Stamkos breakaway goal ended the game. Canada ended up 2nd in the group, and would face Sweden in the Quarter Finals. Against Sweden, Canada lost Eric Staal on a knee-on-knee collision. It took Canada most of the ensuring powerplay to finally open the scoring. Two bad penalties cost Canada the lead and put them down 2-1. Claude Giroux shortly tied the game back up. After overtime, a shootout was needed, and Canada was only able to get a goal while Sweden got 2. Canada lost the game 3-2 and are, once again, done in the Quarter Finals.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic started out nicely with a 2-0 win against Belarus. A losing streak soon followed, as the Czechs suffered losses to Sweden (2-1) and Switzerland (5-2). The Czech Republic did struggle against Denmark, but they did manage to win the game 2-1 in a shootout. The Czechs lost against Canada set up a win-and-get-in match against Norway, which the Czechs had no problem with. A 7-0 drubbing of Norway was enough for the Czechs to finish 4th and a matchup against Switzerland in the Quarter Finals. Against Switzerland, the Czech Republic tried to mount a comeback from being down 2-0, but only managed to get 1 goal. The 2-1 loss ended the Czechs tournament.

Denmark

Denmark made a few noises in this group. They were able to jump to a 1-0 lead against Canada, but gave up 3 goals afterwards for the lost. Denmark managed to come back against Norway, but gave up a late goal in the third to get the loss. The Danes did managed to find the win column, tying their game against Slovenia in the third and scoring in overtime. Denmark added to their point total against the Czechs, forcing the game to go all the way to a shootout, but they couldn't win in the end. Denmark lost against Switzerland 4-1. The Danes finally got a regulation win, beating Belarus. Denmark ended the tournament losing 4-2 to the host Swedes. Denmark finished 6th in the group, clear from both relegation and a spot in the Quarter Finals.

Norway

Norway, in the end, became NO-way. They got off to a hot start, beating Slovenia (3-1) and Denmark (3-2). Norway was brought back down by Canada and Sweden, getting crushed 7-1 and 5-1 respectively. Norway did rebound against Belarus, winning 3-1. They ended up on the other side of a 3-1 score against Switzerland. In their final group game, they faced off against Czech Republic, with the winner qualifying for the Quarter Finals. Norway ended up being shutout by the Czechs 7-0. That lost out Norway 5th in the group, ending their tournament.

Slovenia

For Slovenia, it was the closest they have been to staying up in a long time. Slovenia started the tournament losing to Norway (3-1) and Belarus (4-3). They were close against Denmark, leading the game heading into the third before giving up the tying goal and losing in overtime. That was the closest Slovenia got to a win for a while, as Switzerland pounded them 7-1 in their next game. Games against the Czech Republic (4-2) and Sweden (2-0) only added to Slovenia's woes. Slovenia tried to end the tournament with a bang, going up 2-0 against Canada. But the Canadians fought back and brought the game to overtime, were Slovenia lost 4-3. Slovenia ended up last in the group with 2 points, and will once again head back down to Division I Group A for next year.

Sweden

The host of this group didn't start off well, losing to Switzerland 3-2. Sweden was able to get back on track with a pair on 2-1 wins against the Czech Republic and Belarus. The Swede's largest win was against Norway, beating them 5-1. The last loss Sweden suffered was against Canada getting shut out 3-0. Sweden came back with a shutout of their own, stoning Slovenia in a 2-0 win. In their last game, Sweden needed a 3-goal third period to get by Denmark and win 4-2. Sweden finished the group in 3rd, setting up a match against Canada in the Quarter Finals. Against Canada, an Alexander Edler kneeing penalty eventually hurt the Swedes, putting them down 1-0. They did get some powerplay redemption though, as Nicklas Danielsson and Loui Eriksson scored on two consecutive powerplays to take the lead. Canada answered back, tying the game. Overtime solved nothing. In the shootout, after both teams swapped goals (and both Sedins getting stopped), Fredrik Pettersson rocketed a slapshot past Mike Smith that stood as the winning goal. Sweden won the game 3-2, and are off to the Semi-Finals to face the other host country (Finland).

Switzerland

This tournament was a great one for Switzerland. The Swiss started off with a pair of 3-2 wins (against Sweden and Canada in a shootout). Switzerland needed a 3-goal third period to beat the Czech Republic 5-2. That was the toughest part for the Swiss, as they rolled though the rest of the tournament. They easily beat Slovenia (7-1), Denmark (4-1), Norway (3-1), and finished off the group stage by beating Belarus 4-1. Switzerland was the only undefeated team in this tournament, earning the top spot in Group S. In the Quarter Finals they faced the Czech Republic. The Swiss were able to hang on against the Czechs for the 2-1 win. The win finally gets Switzerland past the Quarter Finals and into the Semi-Finals, were they will face the US.

Power Rankings Fun

It's hard to deny that the IIHF Power Rankings are one of the best things about this tournament. Here are the best comments for each team.

Belarus - Getting goal scoring tips from Scott Gomez (May 12)
Canada - OMG...we got beaten buy Tom Cruise's daughter! (May 5)
Czech Republic - Could a non-NHLer please get a point? (May 5)
Denmark - Norway, we do not love your Viking-on-Viking action (May 5)
Norway - Just wait till Don Cherry hears you ran up the score (May 7)
Slovenia - Why are we here? What is the meaning of it all? (May 9)
Sweden - Daniel and Henrik are taking us to the ABBA Museum! (May 14)
Switzerland - Two words: "Big Eight" (May 7)

World Championship Update - Getting That Helsinki-n Feeling

Note: Most information from the IIHF website.

Round Robin Standings

Team	Win	OT/SO Win	OT/SO Loss	Loss	Points	Goal Difference
Finland	4	2	0	1	16	+9
Russia	5	0	0	2	15	+15
USA	5	0	0	2	15	+8
Slovakia	3	0	1	3	10	+1
Germany	2	1	1	3	9	-3
Latvia	2	0	1	4	7	-11
France	2	0	1	4	7	-8
Austria	1	1	0	5	5	-11

Quarter Finals

Russia - 3
USA - 8

Finland - 4
Slovakia - 3

The Story For Each Team

Austria

As usual, Austria finishes last in the group, but it's not without a fight. The Austrians started off leading the US 2-1 after the first period, then collapsed in the second and lost the game 5-3. Against France, all Austria could muster was a third period goal in a 3-1 loss. The Austrians found the win column in the next game, beating Latvia 6-3 and putting them somewhere in the standings that wasn't last. That victory was short-lived, as Germany shut them out the next day. Austria was able to fend off a blitzing Slovak squad, bring the game to a shootout were Tomas Vanek (who else?) got Austria the extra point in the game. Austria didn't end the tournament well, getting walloped by Finland (7-2) and Russia (8-4). While they did have a good tournament by their standards, Austria unfortunately fell short again of staying up. They will be relegated to Division I Group A for next year.

Finland

The host have had a good tournament so far. Finland started the tournament getting by Germany 4-3 in overtime before shutting out Slovakia 2-0. The Finnish continued the winning streak, beating France 3-1. It was halted next game though, as the US scored 3 third period goals to end Finland's streak. The host did get back on track afterwards, defeating Russia 3-2, then crushing Austria 7-2. Finland ended the tournament with an overtime win against Latvia. Despite having one less win that both Russia and the US, Finland did have enough points to finish on top of the group, and get to face Slovakia in the Quarter Finals. Against Slovakia, Finland jumped out to a 3-0 lead before Slovakia clawed their way back and tied it early in the third. Juhamatti Aaltonen scored for Finland midway though the third, and that was all Finland needed to win the game 4-3. The win sends Finland to the Semi-Finals.

France

MIRACLE SUR GLACE!* The good stuff will be in a second. France opened the tournament losing to Slovakia 6-2. France was able to rebound against Austria, winning 3-1. The French then suffered their own 3-1 loss against the Finnish. Their next game could be considered the greatest win in France's hockey history. After Alexei Perezhogin opened the scoring in the second, France's Damien Fleury and Antoine Roussel scored to give France the lead. They hung on for the remaining period and a bit to complete the 2-1 upset against Russia. That was the last victory for France in this tournament. They would go on to lose against the US (4-2), Latvia (3-1) and Germany (3-2 in overtime). France finished 7th in the group, and even though it wasn't a good tournament for them, it will be a memorable one.

*Yes, google translate was involved. In my defense, I haven't taken (nee had to take) a French class in years.

Germany

Germany opened the tournament losing to Finland 4-3 in overtime. It wasn't mush easier for the Germans, as Russia (4-1) and Slovakia (3-2) both got by them. Germany got there first win against Austria, shutting them out 2-0. Their next game was basically the same on the score sheet, as they beat Latvia 2-0. Germany went from being the scorer to the scoreless against the US, losing 3-0. In their last game, Germany forced overtime against France and won. Germany finishes 5th in Group H, just missing the cut for a Quarter Finals spot.

Latvia

To Latvia's defense, they did make some noise. Latvia started the tournament getting crushed by Russia 6-0 and losing to the US 4-1. The losing continued against Austria, as they lost 6-3, and were put in last place in the group as a result. Latvia finally got a win, and it was a bit of a shocker, as a 3-goal first period propelled Latvia to a 5-3 win against Slovakia. Latvia then got shut out by Germany 2-0. Latvia got their final win against France, winning 3-1. The Latvians finished the tournament forcing overtime against Finland, but allowed the OT goal in a 3-2 loss. Latvia ended up 6th in the group, just 2 points clear of being relegated.

Russia

Russia continued their dominance as the tournament opened. They defeated Latvia 6-0 and Germany 4-1. Against the US, Russia needed 2 goals in the third to win the game 5-3. Then, an undefeated streak that started in 2011 was ended....by France. The 2-1 loss against France was the biggest upset of the tournament. It didn't get better for Russia in the next game, as Finland beat them 3-2. Russia finally rebounded against Slovakia, taking that game 3-1. Russia closes out the group stage with a high scoring game against Austria, winning 8-4. Russia finished 2nd in the group, and was to face the US in the Quarter Finals. The Quarter Finals game was one that Russia wish it could forget, as it got progressively worst for them. Both Ilya Bryzgalov (surprise!) and Semyon Varlamov (surprise!) allowed 4 goals in the 8-3 loss.

Slovakia

Slovakia started the tournament on the right foot, beating France 6-2. The Slovaks couldn't get by the host though, losing to Finland 2-0. They had a bit of a scare from Germany, as Tomas Zaborsky's 2-goal third period was needed to win the game 3-2. It got worst for the Slovaks, as they lost to Latvia (5-3), Austria (2-1 in shootout), and Russia (3-1). Slovakia needed a win against the US to advance to the Quarter Finals and they did, winning 4-1. With that last win, Slovakia claimed 4th place and advanced to face Finland in the Quarter Finals. Slovakia fought back in that game from being down 3-0, but gave up a goal midway though the third and failed to tie the game back up. Slovakia falls from silver medalist last year to out in the Quarter Finals.

United States of America

USA got off to a slow start in this tournament. They were down 2-1 to Austria after one period, but came back and won 5-3. They had an easier time against Latvia, winning that game 4-1. The US suffered one of their two losses against Russia, as they gave up 2 goals in the third to lose 5-3. The Americans got back on track, beating the host Finns 4-1. They kept rolling, beating France 4-2 and Germany 3-0. The US ended the group stage losing to Slovakia 4-1. The Americans finished 3rd in group play, setting up a Quarter Final match against Russia. In that match, it was all USA. The Americans put up an 8-spot against the Russians, winning the game 8-3 and are now off to the Semi-Finals.

Power Rankings Fun

It's hard to deny that the IIHF Power Rankings are one of the best things about this tournament. Here are the best comments for each team.

Austria - As Isaac Newton said, "What goes up must come down" (May 14)
Finland - It wasn't as pretty as Miss Finland, but we'll take it (May 7)
France - After we beat Austria, Napoleon friended us on Facebook (May 5)
Germany - Kink-ier than Fifty Shades of Grey (May 9)
Latvia - Was it Elton John who sang "Saturday Night's All Right For Losing" (May 12)
Russia - [CENSORED] (May 9)
Slovakia - Antti, we hate you! Retweeted by Vancouver Canucks (May 5)
USA - Mel Gibson wishes he was as cool as John Gibson (May 9)