The 2002 Olympic Games:
Hockey
With Jason LaCanfora
Post Sports Writer
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2002; Noon EST

Currently tied in the standings with Russia, the United States men's hockey team will play Germany in the single-elimination quarterfinals on Wednesday. Do the American's have what it takes to win gold? Can the US men's team redeem themselves from their lackluster performance in 1998? Can the U.S. women's team defend their gold medal from the Canadians?

Post sports writer Jason LaCanfora was online to discuss hockey, Team USA's chances and the 2002 Games in general.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Herndon, Va.: Mr. LaCanfora: Am I the only viewer who thinks Olympic hocky is far superior (as far as watching it is concerned) than the NHL? No goons, little fighting, just good hockey. It's great!

Jason LaCanfora: Hello, thanks for the questions. As for the superior play in this tournament, I'd have to agree completely. The pace and tempo is high with the quick face-off rule, the elimination of the red line, no TV timeouts and the larger ice surface. Seems like only yhr face off rule will be adopted for the NHL, though.

Arlington, Va.: I was at the USA-Russia game last Sat. evening, and even though the score ended in a tie, it seemed that Russia outskated and outshot the USA. It was only Mike Richter (USA goalie) who kept the game close. What do you think the USA should do differently when they play a fast-skating European team (i.e. Russia, Czech, Sweden) in the medal round?

Jason LaCanfora: I do not think the US has many options other than to use the speed of its forwards all over the ice (i.e. in the defensive zone) to support a less mobile defense. When the U.S. won the World Cup in 96, Richter was the man and the formula is muhc the same.

Washington, D.C.: Jason, I've watched the Swedish "torpedo" offense and read how it utilizes a roving defenseman as a fourth forward. Yet they have given up only four goals, and one of them was in garbage time against the backup goalie. How can they be playing such good defense if they only have one true blue-liner on the ice at one time? And does anyone have the lateral skating ability to stop the Swedes?

Jason LaCanfora: Puck possesion, puck possesion, puck possesion. They are lulling teams to one side of the ice and busting the puck up the center of the ice to a winger who hangs at the offensize blue line. Other teams have been so taken aback, especially Canada, that they get so worried about defensing that their attack suffers. When the Swedes are rolling the puck cycle begins in the neutral zone and weaves into the offensive zone. Salo makes a few big saves and frustration sets in.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada: To what do you attribute Team Canada's dismal performance thus far in the tournament? Have you seen improvement on their part since their rout at the hands of Team Sweden or is it just that their opponents have been turning in subpar performances?

Jason LaCanfora: I think Canada made great strides against the Czech Republic and getting the tying goal in that game could turn eveyrhting around for them. They will give a maximum effort now, I believe, and do not want to let GM Wayne Gretzky down after him comments on Monday. I think they still have a good shot at the gold, but in a short tournament like this, who knows.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Jason
I am a huge fan of women's hockey and can't wait till the world catches up with North American programs. Until it does, do the North American teams need to continue to pound teams 11-1 in tournaments? Why shouldn't they stop scoring at 6 or so? I know lopsidedness is a frequent criticism of women's Olympic and national hockey, but people have to realize how important the Olympics are for gaining support for national programs. Also, is there anything we over here can do to support women's hockey programs both here and around the world? I've heard how difficult it is for teams, especially outside North America, to get any support from national developmental programs devoted to men's hockey. Until there are opportunities for younger girls to play hockey, there won't be much competition at the elite level. Thanks.

Jason LaCanfora: I don't think there will ever be a mercy rule in place. I gyuess it just takes time for others to catch-up, at least that what the athletes say. Ten years ago Canada would beat the US 10-0 and now the Americans are the dominant team. I think there is still a huge gap, but Finland and Sweden are clearly making strides. You are right that many hockey federations do not give much support to the women's programs. I would go the USA Hockey website and get a list of local women's team and the IIHF website could have info on how to contact various women's temams from around thw world.

West Virginia: What is the quick faceoff rule?

Jason LaCanfora: Each team has only five seconds to make substitutions before a draw and the puck is dropped even if one of the centers is not in a set position. Gary Bettman believes it could cut NHL games by 10 minutes or so, which would be great for me writing on deadline. I think it will be adopted for next season in the NHL.

Washington, D.C.: I think I heard that the German goaltender was a Caps draft pick. Are there any other Caps draft picks that have been playing in the Olympic tournament and if so how are they playing?

Jason LaCanfora: The Caps drafted German goalie Marc Selliger late in the 1993 draft and he attended a few training camps but his contract was then bought out and he never played in the NHL. There are several Caps in the tourney - Jagr, Dahlen, Gonchar, Nikolishin, but no caps draft picks.

Bethesda, Md.: Why do the Canadians seem to have more trouble adapting to the international rules than the Americans do? And what the hell is Germany's coach thinking, telling Kolzig that his services will not be needed?

Also, is it just me, or is the international game a hell of a lot more exciting than the NHL game?

Jason LaCanfora: I think the Canadians have improved greatly in that aspect of play since getting whacked by Sweden. As for Olie, he tried to practice and was still too sore to get on the ice. he has been cheering like crazy for the Germans and will be at their game tonight before flying back to DC on Thursday.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Jason. One of the things lacking from the product of even the better hockey writers in the U.S. is a discussion/debate regarding the game's (very interesting) technical aspects.

I presume this is because newspaper editors believe U.S. readers can handle such things for, say, football, but would line the birdcage with the hockey page should you offer your thoughts on the differences between the Czech trap and Sweden's big ice game. Were I a hockey writer this would drive me nuts.

Perhaps this forum is a place where you can toss out a few of your prejudices.

If you were advising Team Canada, how would you adjust their system to handle Sweden on Friday (presuming they eeeeek by Finland)? I had read some talk of Canada simply playing NHL hockey and forcing the Swedes beat them at their own game. Can Canada's depth and overall speed make this work on big ice?

Jason LaCanfora: The Swedes gamble a bit more, looking for the long breakaway pass across center ice with no two-line passes in this event. As for Canada, I think it is more a matter of everyone playing the same system and having the same ideas. If they want to dump and chase, all five skaters must be in sync. Against Sweden, some lines wanted to play a more free flowing game and Sweden turned their turnovers into scoring chances.

Washington, D.C.: The Olympic hockey has been fabulous so far, and the single elimination rounds coming up should be incredible. It makes me think that the bottom two playoff spots in the NHL should be determined by an eight team single elimination series (two games total). Sort of like a wild card playoff. Those would be exciting games and give the NHL a few sellous before the regular playoff series start. Whatdoyouthink?

Jason LaCanfora: I am a huge soccer fan and would love to see a relegation system like in the European leagues. But it will never happen.

Harrisburg, Pa.: What does the American team need to do to beat the Germans? What does the German team need to do to beat the American team?

Jason LaCanfora: If the Americans do no tget caught looking ahead and do not panic should the game stay close into the third period, they should be fine. My guess is a 5-1 win.

MsCapsFan: Are you enjoying covering Olympic hockey better than covering the Capitals?

Jason LaCanfora: I enjoy doing both but this is a fun change of pace and the level of play has been amazing. It's a treat to watch.

Waashington, D.C.: Jason, what's your take on Gretzky's outburst the other night -- certainly out of character. Some are descibing it as a motivational ploy, an attempt to take the pressure off his players, but he seemed genuinely upset to me. My guess is perhaps he's defensive about the Canadians' dumping the puck, clutching and grabbing style of play vs. the European style, which everyone seems to prefer. Thanks.

Jason LaCanfora: I think it was a combination of things. Gretzky is not used to being unable to dictate matters on the ice and feeling some pressure. He's protecting his team and firing them up at the same time. He deflected soem attanetion away from them, eithe rby design or not. he says it was not a ploy and was an unscripted emotional outburst. He is a top notch guy, pure class, and i am inclined to believe him.

Bethesda, Md.: Are there any "no-names" that we'll be seeing play in the NHL due to their performances in the Olympics? It's always cool when someone gets discovered as a result of these games.

Jason LaCanfora: There is a Red Wings draft pick on Sweden - Zetterberg, who could be a star in a few years.

Oakton, Va.: Do you have any ideas about why Peter Bondra isn't representing his country in the Olympics this year?

Jason LaCanfora: Peter was going to play is Slovakia had advanced to this round and had his travel lined up, but the Slovaks crashed out in the preliminary round.

Fairfax, Va.: Hi Jason,

Just wanted to get your thoughts on Jagr's style of play in the Olympics in contrast to his play with the Caps. I realize that the Olympics are a sprint, not a marathon like the regular NHL season. I caught one highlight of him shoving an official down?! Obviously that wouldn't/shouldn't happen in the NHL. Also, do you see any signs of the injuries he has had so far this season. Or is it just a case of playing for your country cures what ails you, at the moment.

Thanks.

Jason LaCanfora: I think the nature of this tournament and the intense level of competition and sense of national pride brings out the best in everyone. Jagr has been outstanding and I think some of that will carry over when the NHL resumes play.

Gallery Place, Washington, D.C.: When Ted Leonsis and Jonathan Ledecky purchased the Caps, they asked the fans to give them three to five years to rebuild the team into a Stanley Cup contender.

We're now halfway through that timeframe and, to say the least, this season has been a disappointment and even appears to be a backwards step.

Do you sense that the five years was too short? Is this organization on the brink of another rebuilding program?

Jason LaCanfora: I think they are a few moves away from being right there. They need to add bite to the defense and add speed and size at center. Problem is, about 28 other teams are in the market for the same thing. If they can address those needs - and doing so is the top priority - I think things could turnaround ina hurry. But as for this season, making the playoffs at this point will be quite difficult.

Springfield, Va.: Jason, my pick for the best team so far is Sweden. They've been very impressive on offense and defense and Salo is an outstanding goalie. Biggest disappointment, Russia. They don't seem to be inspired. What are your picks?

Jason LaCanfora: I agree with you, but Russia is still a team no one wants to face and if they get bythe Czechs they will give the US a very tough game.

Mt. Lebanon, Pa.: I find it hard to watch the U.S. men's hockey team without thinking of their boorish behavior in Japan four years ago: Trashing their hotel and our nation's reputation. Which of those children from the previous team are still with us on the current one? I'm pretty sure Chris Chelios is. Has he reached manhood, yet? Thanks much.

Jason LaCanfora: I feel your pain, but as Chelios, he is a real leader and respected figure. He is not among the guilty parties. I'll leave it at that.

Jason LaCanfora: Well, have to run to the Sweden/Belarus game. Thanks for all the great questions. Enjoy the hockey.

washingtonpost.com:

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