Wow, Tarasova and Morosov were incredible. Perhaps not the most creative artistry, but if they skate like that, their PCS (and TES) will be pretty much the same as S/H and S/M.
Savchenko and Massot were also amazing, but I think this is a reminder that despite perfect performances at GPF, they are not the most consistent pair and anything can happen with them. Sui and Han are still more consistent, and my odds on prediction to win. I still think S/M's throw technique needs improvement. When they are perfect, though, they can't be beaten.
Other pairs were kind of meh. Duhamel and Radford were good with a solid program, though their elements pale in comparison to T/M. Too bad about Yu/Jin and James/Cipres, both pairs could have also scored in the 75 range if they were clean. Scimeca and Knierim were also better than expected on the SBS.
I will say, despite the debacle for Russia in mens, I still think it is neck and neck between them and Canada, with the US a distant third. Messing prob won't beat Aliev in the free, D/R or whoever will probably place lower than T/V...say Russia gains 2 points there in total. Dance short and long CAN will gain 4 points over Russia (assuming they don't put in W/P). And then there is Ladies. Russia will win both segments, Katelyn and Gabby may finish between 2nd and 5th. Say Katelyn 3rd in short and Gabby 3rd in long. Then canada wins by 1 overall.
