World Championships

There were 16 teams who fought it out, gloves on…for the most part, for the World Championship title. From Norway, to Russia and even Belarus were in it to win it. Since the kickoff on April 24th, the United States had participated in eight games only winning three. I went into this tournament with high hopes stemming from these past winter Olympics, but was sorely let down. Last year we captured 5th place in the world ranking. Russia took the gold this year after taking on Canada this past Saturday in Switzerland. They only took it by one point, but they took it none the less.

Antti Miettinen goes to World Championships

The World Championships are being held in Germany next month and Wild player Antti Miettinen will be representing his home country of Finland. Miettinen will be the second Wiild player to play in the World Championships tournament, with Brent Burns playing for Team Canada. Antti Miettinen also played for Finland in the Olympics, where he scored before finally being beaten by the United States hockey team.

Wild off to a good start vs. Calgary

The Wild dominated the Calgary Flames last night with a 4-0 end on their own turf... or ice i should say. After Niklas Backstrom and Mikka Kiprussoff played side beside on the Finland team during the Olympics, everything changed last night when they went against each other in Calgary. Backstrom captured his second shutout of the season with 29 saves. This win is a great boost for the Wild morale, especially since the last eight games on the road were losses. Lets hoep they can keep it up!

Canada vs. Russia TONIGHT!

Canada is set to play Russia in T-minus 2 hours. There was high hopes for a Sidney Crosby vs Alex Ovechkin rumble on the ice during the Olympics this year but this confrontation will not be for the Gold. Although both teams are powerhouse nations, they will be playing their hearts out tonight for the mere chance to keep going in the Olympics.

"That's a big rivalry," Crosby said Tuesday night. "We all know it. The fact that's its a big quarterfinal, the fact that it's them with one of us being done just adds more to it."

Canada and Russia will need to go hard or go home tonight, so tune in and watch what happens!

USA upsets Canada 503

The Wild may have a break, but the Olympic players have not. If you missed the USA vs. Canada game this past Sunday, you really missed out. Canada was under the impression that the game was in the bag...before losing to the US 5-3. This was the biggest shock they never saw coming. This win for the US marked the first against Canada in the Olympic games since 1960. Ironically, the USA team had decided to wear replicas of the jerseys worn during that 1960s game vs Canada, which was also the last time we had captured the gold medal. The reason for the shock may also be due to the shots on goal, since Canada had doubled that of the USA (45 and 22). After the game, the streets of Vancouver were sullen and quiet while the Canadians were trying to wrap their heads around such a big upset to their country. Go USA!

Wild have a nice break due to the Olympics

Many of the Wild players finally have a break and will resume play on March 3 against the Calgary Flames. For those who didn't make it, they are all making a point to cheer on their fellow teammates as they battle it for their home countries in the Olympics. Wild players, such as Mikko Koivu and Niklas Backstrom, have already began play yesterday and have started out strong. Click HERE for the 2010 Olympics Ice Hockey Schedule.

Saku and Mikko reunite on the ice at the Olympics

Saku Koivu, Mikko Koivu's brother, is not a Wild player because he decided to let his younger brother make a name for himself instead of being the "Koivu bros" on the team.

Saku is 8 and 1/2 years older than Mikko, and believed that Mikko would grow better as a player without his older brother hovering above him. Saku went on to sign with Anaheim after his decision not to play with the Wild, but the brothers will finally be reunited at the Olympics.

Saku and Mikko Koivu are excited for the chance to play side-by-side as they fight for the gold for their home country. Mikko played in the winter Olympics four years ago where his team was able to capture the silver, but is more ready than ever this year as the first-line center for Finland.

If you missed the game against Belarus, Finland pounded them into the ground with a 5-1 win. Mikko was responsible for three assists. This year marks the fourth Olympics Saku Koivu has participated in the Olympics, and is just proud to have his borther join him on the ince.