[Hawkeye's-911T]

The latest (out here on the wet coast) is that Hughes is not cleared, for medical reasons, to play tonight. While definitely not a bruiser or physical type of defenceman; fans in the Pacific Division know he's one helluva quarterback for the power-play. One less worry for us folks "barracking" (Baz & a few others with Aussie roots will understand that term) for Team Canada.

It should be & hopefully will be, the quintessential barnburner. Lets face it Gents, that was great hockey last Sat. (after the initial fireworks which "kinda set the tone") so it's incumbent upon the Canadian coaches to come up with a game plan to counteract Team USA's defensive scheme to to have any success in tonight's contest. Team USA completely choked off our breakouts. However my main worry tonight is; I feel the goaltending edge goes Hellebuyck & Team U.S. Our netminder is prone to letting the odd 'beer-league' calibre goal get by him. I'll be interested in "Flat's" take after the game.

So ice down a few brewskis & enjoy....
Cheers Gentlemen
JB