Let’s talk curling: USA-Sweden gold medal match

Some of you asked for it, so here it is.

TV: NBC Sports Network, or streaming apps.

 

 

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itaita

Always enjoy watching Olympic curling. Glad that its caught on just enough to make NBC air a good portion of it on the TV side of things instead of having to watch a stream.

I love the light Blue shirts they are wearing this year and here’s hoping this isnt like the NFC championship game where the USA beating Canada was not their own personal gold medal match.

the_switchman

As a Vikings fan, I hear that. Let’s hope it’s nearly as entertaining as the last 4 matches have been.

Lurker Laura

I’m here! Just took a nap and good to go. Is that a picture of the Albany club?

the_switchman

Since there may be some curling folk here that watched the last Canada match, why did Canada set most of their guards on the left side of the ice during the last end? Was it just to force the US to continually throw that way to clear the path to the house?

the_switchman

Ok, thanks.

Those double takeouts are pretty awesome looking.

the_switchman

And how both teams have been threading the needle between the two stones consistently…I am guessing another difference?

Lurker Laura

Absolutely. That “port” is huge for them. Tiny for me.

the_switchman

Yep…makes sense.

Lurker Laura

They are memorable for us, and workmanlike for them.

Lurker Laura

Nice shot by Hamilton there. Kept the shooter in.

Lurker Laura

Aaand, a beautiful double take by Sweden.

the_switchman

Another question that I haven’t heard answered…is there always the same throwing order? Will Shuster always throw his two last b/c he is skip? Or can they change it throughout the match?

the_switchman

I guess you would always want your best throwing the stones last anyway.

As Cirensica

That is correct. The guy with the hammer is generally their best player and team captain

Lurker Laura

And, not that anybody asked, but my 10-second game preview: Sweden dominated the round robin. They’ve been best in the world for a year. However, the U.S.’s run prevention, to use a baseball term, has been terrific for the past four games. They’ll have to keep doing that to have a chance.

the_switchman

I believe the US was highest scoring team…but allowed the second most points.

Let’s hope they can continue their recent success of run prevention.

the_switchman

Wow. Amazing by George.

Lurker Laura

Please don’t show Ivanka.

the_switchman

Ha.

Awesome again. That was something.

the_switchman

Right. Due to my impatience I really didn’t realize how long an end really can be and how important each end builds up with each stone thrown.

awkwardsilence

This is a messy end for both teams. 

awkwardsilence

Looks like a steal. 

Lurker Laura

The measuring tool comes out. Haven’t seen that yet this Olympics. 

the_switchman

I have seen it a few times…it kinda looks like a weird gauge they use though.

awkwardsilence

Before we bought one, we used a homemade one that involved rubber bands.  These are better. 

Lurker Laura

Would like to see a picture of that.

awkwardsilence

Pretty sure there is no documented evidence of it.  It only got used once or twice.  Needless to say it didn’t work very well. 

the_switchman

As the match goes on, are there noticable paths that get worn into the ice toward the house?

the_switchman

I see.

The strategy talk is great.

Lurker Laura

Tyler George is bringing it tonight.

awkwardsilence

Light was the way to miss that shot.  Surprised Shuster went all the way through. 

Lurker Laura

Damn. Could be a huge miss.

the_switchman

It seems like Sweden couldn’t have placed those last two stones better than that.

Lurker Laura

For your intermission enjoyment, here’s me curling on TV: http://www.fox32chicago.com/mornings/chicago-curling-club-offering-programs-and-leagues

I am in the light blue jacket and panda hat.

the_switchman

Nice Laura. Looks like a great place to play.

awkwardsilence

It makes me feel better when these guys miss run backs, because I do too. 

the_switchman

So are there judges to score the accuracy of the intent of a shot? Is that how the percentages are tabulated?

awkwardsilence

You can get up to five points per shot.  Someone assigns a score for each shot based on intent and result. 

the_switchman

Thanks. I have been wondering how the percentages they have been throwing up there work.

Lurker Laura

Hey, I could miss that shot.

awkwardsilence

And now Shuster

Lurker Laura

Holy shit, Shuster.

awkwardsilence

I hear Hawk screaming “yes!” at the top of his lungs. 

the_switchman

Is that gonna be game?

Lurker Laura

In a regular game, yes. In the gold medal game, you at least play the 9th and see what happens.

the_switchman

That accuracy make it look easy…which I am positive it is not.

itaita

You can put that on the board!

Lurker Laura

YES!

the_switchman

Pretty amazing. Thanks for the curling knowledge all…greatly appreciated.

I really enjoyed the run this team went on and just helps reaffirm why sport is so damn great.

ParisSox

I’m watching for the first time.  It’s Pétanques on ice!    Very exciting.  

Lurker Laura

Welcome to the bandwagon. Plenty of room!

awkwardsilence

Jim, I tweeted at you Sunday about how disappointing Shuster was playing during that Norway game and pretty much wrote them off.  I am glad I was completely wrong. 

Lurker Laura

This match made me so warm and fuzzy.

Olssox

Wow, wish I would have seen this post ahead of the game. Let me just announce that CURLING SUCKS!… At least for 4 more hours, until the Swedish women play their final.

Man, I really thought Edin was going to win this one. USA played with such confidence though, and it sort of felt like Edin had given up already half way through the final. He simply didn’t have his usual energy.

And no, Curling doesn’t suck, I really love it. I’m just a really sore loser at times! I recently dominated the Mini Curling event in Olsympics (sic!) so I know I must be good at the actual sport to.

Olssox

It really helped! Also seeing Edin and the guys in the audience smiling made me feel more relaxed. Plus: It was the USA and not Canada who won the men’s gold, that’s very helpful in curling specifically 🙂

craigws

Nice to see the homeland represented at the Olympics, even if it’s only in rock form.