I like how we can tell if the competition is over by Patrick's first three jumping passes LOL but congrats to everyone!
Seriously? Chan is always odds-on-favorite and can do no wrong with judges. They kept Dai's marks down to leave Chan room (not that they had to anyway, cuz when he doesn't make bad errors, Chan's scores hit the stratosphere; even with mistakes, his scores reach the heavens). It's got to be so helpful for Chan knowing that the judges always have his back. That alone IMO can relieve quite a bit of pressure when performing. And, ho hum, this is not Chan hate. The outcome for Chan at the least was never really in doubt. Chan does have wonderful skills -- he's just not as superhero spectacular as his countrymen, uber fans, and the ISU consistently make him out to be. Yes, he's a champion who has proven he can achieve under pressure, but truthfully, Patrick has had so much support and coddling when he makes mistakes, that it isn't even funny. His artistic skills are okay, but please stop with the idea that he's so great artistically that people somehow hate him whenever his lack of superior, above-average artistic skills is mentioned. Patrick still has a lot of work to do. He's still very young, so maybe he will develop more in that area, or maybe not.
Since Patrick has fairly mastered the quad, and can usually land a respectable 3-axel under pressure, it doesn't matter if he has a fall-out or two in the sp. That knocks the kinks out a bit, and so then he is also able to get the lay of the land by skating last. I think Dai challenged very strongly here, but was not given the marks or the credit that was set aside and reserved for Chan before the event began. Yes, Chan delivered, but there are so many times when he hasn't fully delivered and has still received humongous scores, so Chan is given an opportunity that most guys don't have. The judges love him and his confidence is surely boosted by that. I also think the judges Chan-love has messed with some guys' heads. Not with Dai's head by the way. Dai knows full well how he matches up with Chan, and when he puts it out there the best he can and the judges don't give him the marks, so be it. Dai will take his silver medal with a smile, as always.
Who is surprised that Brezina didn't deliver in the fp? I don't care how well Michal skated in the sp (kudos to him for doing it on his birthday, btw!), I feel he was over-scored on PCS, and in some other IJS categories. The fp brought Brezina back down to earth. I think Brezina is a very good jumper, but when he doesn't have his jumps, he doesn't have much else either. If Jeremy could have skated his sp at the least as good as he's done all season long, he would have challenged for at least 3 or 4 place. Yeah, Jere would also have needed to eliminate some of the point giveaways in the fp.
Isn't this the first time for an all Asian-descent podium? That will be happening more often too if China and Japan have anything to say about it, plus the fact that P-Chid (barring injuries) will likely cruise into Sochi. With Plush coming back (if he can overcome his age and bad legs), I'm sure the judges will reserve a spot for him too on the podium. The lead-up will likely be all about Chan and Plush and quad shoot-out. Ugh!!! All the rest of the guys in the men's field can battle for bronze. Good-bye artistry in figure skating. So long.
And Brenzia gets clobbered on execution.
And I'm happy with the 12 place of Kevin Reynolds, Canada have 3 spot next year for world!!! 
hwell:
