Day 5 of the Men’s Ice Hockey at the Olympics.

Finland beat Germany 2-0. Antero Niitymaki who shutout Canada the day before did not play.

Canada beat the Czech Republic 3-2.
Simon Gagne had one shot on goal.

Slovakia beat Sweden 3-0.
Some controversy before the game with the Sweden coach basically saying Sweden was better off losing the game since they would then face Switzerland in the quarterfinals. Whether they loss on purpose or not I guess it really doesn’t matter now. What I like to know is what about Forsberg? He didn’t register anything in the boxscore. Did he play? If he didn’t play then no, Sweden wasn’t serious about winning that game. Of course the other reason could be is that he is injured and just hasn’t told anyone.

Russian beat USA 5-4.
Robert Esche got his first start in goal for team USA and well, wasn’t that good.
He stopped 16 of 21 shots.
Derian Hatcher had a 2 minute roughing penalty and was minus 1.
Mike Knuble had an assist, 4 shots on goal and a hooking penalty, he was also minus 1.

Now to the serious stuff, Quaterfinal games later today.
Win and advance, lose and go home.
Finland vs USA
Russia vs Canada
Slovakia vs Czech Republic
Switzerland vs Sweden

I know I should pull for the home team, but I think Finland will advance over USA.
Russia does have a good chance of advancing, but I think the Canadians will start to play better and take it.
The Slovakia and Czech Republic should be an interesting game. I remember when they use to be one country Czechoslovakia. I wonder if that plays a factor when they play each other.
Then you got Switzerland and Sweden. Sweden will lose just for the fact of losing yesterday to play them. Also throw in a groin injury for Forsberg.