That there would be no trash in the bronze match, one could understand even before it began, when it became known that both teams would have main goalkeepers. Yesterday, Bykov doubted Eremenko. Either because of an error in overtime, or simply worried about his psychological state. And Gustafsson probably had some doubts about Bucklund - he missed four goals in the semifinals. But the trainers doubted, and made the same bet - on the main one.
Bulls did not lose right. Eremenko again played great. Entered the game immediately, and confidence radiated reinforced concrete. It was very useful, because in the defense to play as strictly as with the Czechs and even with the Finns, there simply was not enough strength.
This is one of the features of the bronze match. Finding some internal reserves is much easier for the finals. And here you seem to understand that it is necessary that bronze is also a medal, but not the goal, whatever one may say. And they usually play for bronze, as it is played. No one is chewing on ice.
But Eremenko had his own additional motivation. Explain to those who did not immediately understand that that unfortunate goal in overtime is an accident, no more. If someone didn’t get it, it’s not Eremenko’s problem. The topic can be closed.
The Russian team played with the Swedes in the same way as they wanted to play in the semifinals. Two periods for sure. As I wanted, as I tried, as I should, but it didn’t work out. Such pressure in a foreign zone was not enough yesterday. In one and a half period, with our Swedes, we made more interceptions than in three plus minutes of overtime with the Finns.
It is clear that the Swedish hockey players were not physically ready at all, like yesterday's Finns. That they were terribly tired and rested three hours less than ours. When playing the next day is essential. That responsibility crushed in the semi-finals immeasurably more. How Emelin rushed to the attack - in the minority! Yesterday and in equal compositions, the defenders did not dare to conduct such raids. And even one extra player in front is great to untie the hands of the attacker. But these are circumstances. But the essence remains - yesterday it didn’t work like that.
Not everyone managed to move away from the semifinals. Kovalchuk, for example, never left. This impression of his game has developed. And on the ice, although he spent a lot of time, he was lost. I did not have time periodically for the development of the attack, did not read it. And the clubs hit the bench. And the look was so perplexed. Well, obviously he didn’t move away. Although I tried, no questions asked. This is not a reproach at all - observation.
Someone will surely say that the Swedes were "dead." That they could not tune in to the bronze match. It's nothing. Beating the “dead” eight times is also not easy. For this, they even give medals, albeit not gold ones, alas. We are not so spoiled by the success of the hockey team to be dismissive of bronze. Swedes - yes they can afford it. A year ago, their gold was heaps. Will manage somehow now and without bronze. So, you can grumble and get angry, repeat that between the third and eleventh no difference - on health. And you can enjoy bronze. Modestly and quietly - still not gold - but rejoice.
Our hockey players have chosen the second option. Malkin smiled with a black eye. Frolov smiled, playing for sure the best tournament in the national team. Shone Bykov, shaking hands. Then all together, not without pride, listened, or even sang, a hymn. And the stands in this team supported.
Right. In a year there will be a new world championship. For the first time, by the way, it will be held in Canada. Prior to this, the founders of hockey were somehow not particularly interested in them. The surroundings will be no worse than ours, that's at least. The chances of victory are no less than at home. The hosts do not particularly win the world championships. And in hockey Mecca, fighting for gold is no less pleasant than at home. Let's hope there are other options?