USA vs Russia "The Cold War Ends Today" World Juniors LIVE BLOG
Well here we go. The day has arrived. Team USA vs Team Russia in the World Juniors 2016 semifinals. USA got here after absolutely destroying the Czechs 7-0 thanks to a hat trick from Auston Matthews, the 2nd line getting a ton of offensive production and another great performance by the defense/ goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic. Russia got here after a come from behind win in overtime against…. Denmark.
Now this is the World Juniors. These are a bunch of kids who play together for a week and a half for their country. There’s a ton of emotion, there are always a ton of highlights but also a ton boneheaded plays made each game. And anything is possible within these 60 minutes. But Team USA is built for this tournament. They have the star power on offense. They have a defensive unit that has come together and playing very well in front of a very hot goaltender. They’ve only given up 5 goals (4 at even strength) through 5 games this tournament. A win today guarantees that the Americans will at least win a medal in this tournament for the first time since 2013. And keep in mind, the Americans ALWAYS beat Russia. Always. Go fuck yourself, Putin.
Keep checking back in for updates (yes, this is an actual LIVE BLOG) and feel free to follow along on Twitter @BarstoolJordie for more live action and updates.
UPDATE #1 – Christian Dvorak (Arizona) gives team USA the 1-0 lead in the first period off this beautiful set up from Sonny Milano (Columbus).
Milano has been incredibly impressive so far in this tournament and I think Blue Jackets fans have plenty of reason to be excited for the future between him and Werenski. Just incredible speed to get to the outside here and great vision to cap it off. Let’s gooooo. SPEED FUCKING KILLS.
UPDATE #2 – USA will head into the 2nd period with the 1-0 lead thanks in part to the goaltending of Alex Nedejkovic (Carolina).
Russia got themselves a full 2-minute 5 on 3 powerplay after USA took a Too Many Men penalty and got called for Slashing at the same time. Great kill by the Americans though that limited the Russians to only 3 credited shots on goal and that’s the type of kill that’ll go a long way in this game. The confidence is there and after 20 minutes, they’re in control.
UPDATE #3 – There really hasn’t been a ton of action throughout the 2nd period but Russia gets themselves on the board after winning the battle in front of the net here.
The Russians have been in total control of the 2nd period. They’ve been playing a more aggressive game than the Americans but luckily Nedeljkovic has been up to the test. But while writing this update, the Russians quickly took the 2-1 lead after Yegor Korshkov took Zach Werenski to the wheel house.
Luckily the Americans got out of the 2nd period only down by 1 goal because that was not a very good 20 minutes… Down by 1 heading into the 3rd. Time for some Herb Brooks.
UPDATE #4 – There’s about 7 minutes left in the 3rd period right now and Russia is still holding on to their 2-1 lead. USA has had plenty of opportunities on 2 power plays so far this period but have just come up short. They’re pressing right now but Russia is doing a good job at taking away the middle of the ice. Desperate times call for desperate measures so it’s time to break out the “Do Stuff”. If USA ties this game up, you can thank me later.
UPDATE #5 -Well fuck. That fucking sucks. USA got all the chances they needed at the end of the game but just come up short and end up losing to the Russians 2-1 in the semifinals.
Just a horrific 2nd period by the Americans and it cost them the chance to play for Gold tomorrow against the Finns. So now USA will play Sweden again tomorrow at 9 am (EST) for the Bronze, still hoping to get their first medal at the World Juniors since 2013. Thanks to everyone who stuck around today and see you guys tomorrow morning bright and early.