The Not So Super Series Finally Put To Bed

The 2007 Canada-Russia Super Series was a very intriguing event, for about 9 minutes. When the Russians jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in Game number one I found myself wide awake, yes it was around 7:30 AM mountain time and usually I don't work till 10:00 AM so I pulled myself out of bed, actually just a move to the couch, but still the early jump from the Russians was an eye opener. The key moment in this series, well I guess there were a couple, but the big one early was a 5 on 3 advantage for the Russians while they were leading 2-0 in Game 1. If the Russians managed to take a 3-0 lead they very likely would have gone on to win Game 1 and gain some much needed confidence. Instead the Canadians penalty kill gave us a preview of what to expect in the series and then bang, bang, bang and it's 3-2 Canada....the rest is now history.

There were moments and players that will always stick out in my mind from this series, here are my top five reasons to remember the 2007 Super Series.

#5. Brandon Sutter hit on Alex Cherepanov

I will admit that I'm not near as big of fan of Sutter as Pierre Maquire but the open ice check he laid out on Alex Cherepanov truly did set the physical tone of the series.

#4. Zach Boychuk

I mentioned on HF Radio prior to the series that Zach Boychuk is a kid that many people should watch out for. He started the series as a role player on the fourth line and by the time the slaughtering came to a close Boychuk finished third on the Canadian squad with 4 goals and argulably the prettiest of the series. If fans did not know what to expect from Boychuk they defintely do now. He'll be a top 15 pick in 2008, he has to be, to much skill to pass up.

#3. John Tavares, Mixed Thoughts

Yes I know he finished second in scoring with 1 goal and 9 assists, but in the end he left me confused. There was not one point in the series where I found Tavares to be an "exceptional" player. For a guy who scored 72 goals in the OHL he sure had troubles finding the back of the net. After seeing his play I can see the one glaring area he needs to work on is his speed. That being said I hope he buries 80 in the OHL this year, that would be a great story.

#2. Drew Doughty

Up until this point I had only heard great things about him, now I've witnessed them. The fact that he is only draft eligible this year is a scary thought. Is anyone else blown away by the fact that he could possibly hit 90 points on the blueline in the OHL this year, very impressive. Big and can wheel, what's not to remember?

#1. Sergei Bobrovsky = Surprise of Series

Yes I know it might be silly to put the worst goalie of the tournament (statistically speaking) as my number one memory of the Super Series but I am. A goals against average above 5.00 and a save percentage below 8.60...who cares? At times this guy was absolutely remarkable. When you ask me about this Super Series in 5 years the first thing I will say is "Ya that was kind of a waste of time for the Russians".....second thing I'll say is "Sergei Bobrovsky".

Oh and an honourable mention to Sam Gagner. The kid was amazing, but I was kind of expecting him to lead the way and he did just that.

Take it easy!