Men’s Tournament
Game 1: Slovenia vs Slovakia
The action on Saturday kicks off a 3:00 am as Zdeno Chara and the Slovaks face off against Anze Kopitar and Slovenia. The Slovakian squad was thouroughly pummeled by the Americans 7-1 in their opening game in which Jaroslav Halak was pulled in favor of the Habs Peter Budaj who didn’t fare much better. Slovenia put up a good fight against a far superior Russian side but still dropped their opening game 5-2. The game will be broadcast on Sportsnet and NBC Sports Network as well as webcast by CBC here.
Game 2: United States vs Russia
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Starting at 7:30 am is the days biggest game between two perennial powerhouses in the USA and Russia. Russia was a 5-2 victor over Slovenia and the Americans pummeled Slovakia 7-1. This game provides a stern test for two squads who have a few questions within their lineups. Max Pacioretty looks to add to his point totals for the US while Andrei Markov and Alexei Emelin are in search for their first points in Sochi. CBC and NBC Sports Network will have the game and as usual CBC will have a webcast here.
Game 3: Switzerland vs Czech Republic
The first of two 12:00 pm games sees the defensively solid Swiss take on the Czechs who are led by Tomas Plekanec and the ageless Jaromir Jagr. The Swiss are lacking an offensive punch with only one goal scored so far but they have also limited their two opponents to one goal as well, even more impressive when it was against a powerful Swedish squad. The Czechs certainly aren’t lacking any offense but the goaltending situation and player usage continues to perplex and could be the major flaw for this Czech squad. NBC Sports Network will have the game and CBC will have a webcast here.
Game 4: Sweden vs Latvia
In the last men’s game of the day the injured ravaged Swedes take on the winless Latvians at 12:00 pm. Sweden will be without captain Henrik Zetterberg for the remainder of the Olympic games after he aggravated a back injury which adds to the woes of the Swedish side. Latvia is winless in Sochi but not without any effort as they held the Swiss to one goal and put up a good fight against the Czechs on Friday morning. Despite the injuries Sweden is still a heavy favorite to win this game but with Latvia playing decent hockey there is a chance that an upset could occur. USA Network will broadcast this game and CBC will also webcast it here.
Women’s Tournament
Game 1: Finland vs Sweden
In the early early game on Saturday the Finns and Swedes will re-ignite their rivalry on the rink at 3:00 am. The Swedes dropped a 3-1 decision to the Russians on Thursday and the Finns squeaked out a 4-3 win against Switzerland on Wednesday. Finland finished third in Group A behind Canada and the United States while Sweden finished second in Group B behind Russia. CBC will stream the game here.
Game 2: Switzerland vs Russia
At 7:30 am the Swiss will take on the Group B leading Russia in the second quarterfinal matchup. Switzerland has not had a great tournament suffering back to back shutouts against Canada(5-0) and the United States(9-0) and dropped a 4-3 loss to Finland. Russia has been the opposite enjoying a 4-1 win over Germany, a controversial 2-1 win over Japan and a 3-1 win over Sweden on Thursday. CBC will stream the game here.
