BUSINESS AS USUAL:
Evgenia did the normal Evgenia thing (minus a completely inconsequential fall in the free). Evgenia got the "normal" Evgenia scores. There really isn't much to say that hasn't already been said. Her march to the top of the Olympic podium continues... THAT'S INTERESTING: Nathan Chen set a nice precedent here, beating Hanyu with two less-than-clean skates. Obviously, Hanyu was not at his best here either, but this result could be the start of Nathan's climb to overcome Hanyu's typical PCS advantage. Mariah Bell beating Mirai Nagasu here evens their head-to-head matchups, setting up for a very important third matchup at NHK right before U.S. Nationals. There's a lot of buzz about Nagasu right now, but she has to capitalize on it before she hits the ice San Jose. I shouldn't have underestimated Carolina Kostner. She was able to score big numbers here, even without her most difficult content, because of her cleanliness and quality. Beautiful skates, Caro. RUSSIA HATES CANADA APPARENTLY: Gilles/Poirier got screwed over here. While I'm not in love with either of their programs, their quality is way better than Stepanova/Bukin and they should've medalled. Seguin/Bilodeau were also underscored, especially in the short. A RANT OR TWO: 1. I am over cheesy pairs. I am over cheesy pair programs. With artists like Wenjing Sui in my life, I have no time for kitsch. Since Tarasova/Morosov will likely not change their god-awful free skate music selection, at least get her a new dress, could ya? Also, I know that Valentina Marchei is a brand unto her own, but they're taking a step backwards with program selection this year, IMO. 2. Why is everyone missing the mark on Olympic music selections this year? I feel like Olympic programs (long programs/ free dances especially) should be built with a MOMENT in mind at the end; you know what I'm talking about...the big spin finale set to a huge crescendo type thing. I feel like the Shibutanis free dance is too close to Evolution and a bit one level emotionally; i just don't see it capitalizing on the big Olympic setting. There are many other skaters/teams I could name as well, but I will spare you. 3. As fans, I feel like we get excited by skaters/teams who can show some dynamism with their skating- something new, something out-of-character, something different from year-to-year. A progression, a development, etc. I'm guessing it's the Olympic year to blame, but so many skaters are giving us similar (if not the literal exact same) packaging they've competed before. I'm missing a spark so far this season. Fingers crossed we see it soon! The field at Skate Canada has good potential for excitement. On to Regina....
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About the Blog:Reviews, predictions and opinions in the magical, sparkly and dramatic field of figure skating. Archives
November 2017
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