The Shibutanis Thread Cinco...Mambo!

[Spun Silver]

Is there something going on that I'm not aware of? Do Maia and Alex seem to have more naysayers than what's typical? Or am I imagining this?

No, I think they do. Partly because they are a sibling team and that still bothers a lot of people. Partly because the majority here prefer H/D and are really mad that H/D aren't getting to skate in the team event. Then some just don't like them or their programs/trilogy/current FD.

 

[chapis]

I may have missed this...apologies in advance...

Watched the pairs team FS on mobile and noticed the Shibs FD on the practice cam window. Was this a regular practice time for the individual event or does it mean the Shibs were indeed practicing the FD bc they'll do it in the team event?

I'm not sure if that was confirmed yet or not.

Maybe, but just after his skate, Nathan went to practice too. I guess they simply don´t want to miss a practice. And they don´t know if they will be required, so it is better to be prepared.

 

[Rukia]

I think it's just a regularly scheduled practice time. But I don't see any need to veer from their plan. That's a discussion for another thread though.

Look this panel was tight, but they were tight on everyone. I hope that can help Maia and Alex going into the individual event. They looked a bit cautious to me, so I'd love them to skate more like that did at Skate America. We believe in you Maia and Alex!

 

[VGThuy]

I admit that I'm kind of afraid of the Shibs doing the FD tomorrow because if Italy is within two points of the U.S. for the bronze, I can see some funny scoring happen to get Italy that bronze medal no matter how well the Shibs skate (or any other American team) so long as C/L don't fall on their faces.

 

[chapis]

I admit that I'm kind of afraid of the Shibs doing the FD tomorrow because if Italy is within two points of the U.S. for the bronze, I can see some funny scoring happen to get Italy that bronze medal no matter how well the Shibs skate (or any other American team) so long as C/L don't fall on their faces.

Thank God you said it because I did not want to be the pessimist, haha. Granted, even though the Shibs were in the highest place of the American skaters, people will dare to blame them if Italy wins the bronze.

 

[Spun Silver]

I admit that I'm kind of afraid of the Shibs doing the FD tomorrow because if Italy is within two points of the U.S. for the bronze, I can see some funny scoring happen to get Italy that bronze medal no matter how well the Shibs skate (or any other American team) so long as C/L don't fall on their faces.

I think they are up to any challenge. I would just like to see them drop their guard and skate free because I think they will score better that way. If they don't have the technique down yet they never will (and i know they do).

 

[VGThuy]

Thank God you said it because I did not want to be the pessimist, haha. Granted, even though the Shibs were in the highest place of the American skaters, people will dare to blame them if Italy wins the bronze.

I mean look at how NBC is treating them compared to Scimeca-Knierem/Knierem or Bradie Tennell...it's really disgusting.

 

[chapis]

I think they are up to any challenge. I would just like to see them drop their guard and skate free because I think they will score better that way. If they don't have the technique down yet they never will (and i know they do).

the problem is that with this super strict panel, I guess everyone will be extra cautious.

 

[chapis]

I mean look at how NBC is treating them compared to Scimeca-Knierem/Knierem or Bradie Tennell...it's really disgusting.

I can´t watch NBC, what are they saying?

 

[VGThuy]

Just NBC trying to say Shibs shocked at their score, only did "pretty good", have a disappointing score, etc. Andrea Joyce even asked them about having a skate that they didn't want or whatever and the Shibs were like wtf are you talking about?

 

[SidelineSkater]

Nope. Glass half full here. Great opportunity to have the latest changes viewed and judged prior to the IE next week. Rather know what to nail down here as well (like the RH pattern for SD).

Thrilled they might get the chance to do the FD - and have a clean, confident skate heading into the main event.

 

[chapis]

Just NBC trying to say Shibs shocked at their score, only did "pretty good", have a disappointing score, etc.

I was just thinking how other skaters are able to watch season best or at least a decent score, but V/M and the Shibs looked concerned watching their scores, so, people will assume that they were not great while they were really great. Ugh, damn technical panel!!

And of course there is another reason for this behavior toward them vs the pair and Bradie but I won´t mention it but is more than obvious.

 

[Spun Silver]

the problem is that with this super strict panel, I guess everyone will be extra cautious.

I think it will backfire, like it did today. They need to trust their technique and wow the audience and the judges will follow. JMO.

I am weary and have to stop posting. I loved them tonight but didn't think it was their best performance of that SD. I am hoping it was the ice breaker and they'll skate lights out tomorrow.

 

[VGThuy]

Nope. Glass half full here. Great opportunity to have the latest changes viewed and judged prior to the IE next week. Rather know what to nail down here as well (like the RH pattern for SD).

Thrilled they might get the chance to do the FD - and have a clean, confident skate heading into the main event.

I agree, but I'd hate for them to score like two placements below C/L due to politicks and then have it be used against them if the U.S. fail to medal and then have it hurt them in the individual. And then all the haters can have a field day while they root for H/D for a Montreal sweep.

Best case scenario if Italy is in fighting position is if the Shibs skate so well that they can't be denied and cinch it for Team USA and be hailed as heroes.

 

[Spun Silver]

Just NBC trying to say Shibs shocked at their score, only did "pretty good", have a disappointing score, etc. Andrea Joyce even asked them about having a skate that they didn't want or whatever and the Shibs were like wtf are you talking about?

Stupid Andrea Joyce! The media always have their cookie cutter approaches to everything. I'm so glad Maia and Alex pushed back. I haven't seen it though, don't think it's worth my energy.

 

[caitie]

I think what happened is Tanith was seeing the levels as they came in and apparently the caller called both of their step sequences and their pattern as all Level 2s. In review the levels were bumped up to 3s on the step sequences, but while commentating Tanith saw all the 2s and was shocked and her commentary reflected that, and it put a damper on what was a good performance. I knew when everyone else’s tech scores looked so low that it wasn’t the Shibs, it was the panel. But I guess the perception thanks to Tanith commentary and the low score was that it wasn’t good.

 

[chapis]

I think what happened is Tanith was seeing the levels as they came in and apparently the caller called both of their step sequences and their pattern as all Level 2s. In review the levels were bumped up to 3s on the step sequences, but while commentating Tanith saw all the 2s and was shocked and her commentary reflected that, and it put a damper on what was a good performance. I knew when everyone else’s tech scores looked so low that it wasn’t the Shibs, it was the panel. But I guess the perception thanks to Tanith commentary and the low score was that it wasn’t good.

With friends like these, who needs enemies? haha. But I understand her. Me, the Shibs and everyone watching the box were really worried.

 

[Mrs. P]

Well they've scored upwards of 41+ on the TES. So it was probably scary to see 35 at first...

They clarified it later on the Olympic Ice show, but not as many people are watching. But As VGT said, people on Twitter love them anyway.

 

[chapis]

Awwww, Arden promoting to Maia and Alex, she is so sweet. She is truly like their sister.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfCdV47hNxO/?taken-by=arden_cho
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfC6CNRhZZ_/?taken-by=arden_cho

 

[VGThuy]

Maia at 153K followers now with Alex at 131K. If they skate their "Paradise" FD well tomorrow then I can see them getting an even bigger online reaction.

 

[Dobre]

I just think Tanith was worried for them. The same as all of us. She knows what they've been scoring all season in the SD, and she knows the SD has been their strength. And despite 4 level four footwork sequences in three international outings in the SD this season, they instead have two level 3s & a level 2 rhumba? After earning two level 4s in the rhumba on the GP from panels that were no piece of cake, and level 3 at the GPF and Nationals. So she was worried about the yellow review boxes, the initial tech score, and the marks. She talked about how precise you have to be in the rhumba. She knew where they took the hit, but she didn't really say what they missed. I'm not sure she actually saw anything wrong with their pattern.

Then their tech score went up @3 points upon review. And then all the other teams skated and took hits. Including Virtue & Moir, who got a level 2 rhumba pattern when they have been earning level 4 all season.

I wish Tanith or Terry had verbalized that the Shibs' tech score went up upon review--because that is any easy thing for viewers to miss. And I wish they had pointed out as the competition went on that the panel was calling tight. (Though Bobrova & Soloviev had their second level 4 footwork sequence in the SD here).

I really appreciate having Tanith here calling instead of Tara & Johnny. But everyone is following her lead, and she was worried. So the rest of NBC was worried. I love that she was positive about Cappellini & Lanotte, and I appreciate that she is very positive about Virtue & Moir and Papadakis & Cizeron. But I think Tanith is emotionally attached to the Shibs.

So, yeah. I think she was scared because she cares. Like all of us.

It's why I try not to ever watch the technical box while I'm watching a dance performance. Because I don't want it to color my own impression of the skate. I thought the Shibs were wonderful tonight.

 

[Mrs. P]

Yeah, funny how that box can color you view. I watch the dance again and it was actually pretty good.

 

[VGThuy]

Love that Michelle Kwan, their hero, dedicated three IG story entries to the Shibs.

 

[chapis]

I

I wish Tanith or Terry had verbalized that the Shibs' tech score went up upon review--because that is any easy thing for viewers to miss. And I wish they had pointed out as the competition went on that the panel was calling tight. (Though Bobrova & Soloviev had their first level 4 footwork sequence in the SD here).
.

They got L4 in Rostelecom too.

 

[Dobre]

They got L4 in Rostelecom too.

You are right. I was thinking it was just in the free there. I'll edit.

 

[Mrs. P]

The starting orders are up and the Shibs are officially in the for Team FD.

 

[VGThuy]

They skate second to last, so at least I won't have to be worried all night to see if they can place 2nd in the FD, .

 

[chapis]

The starting orders are up and the Shibs are officially in the for Team FD.

oh, my poor heart, I thought I could watch the competition relaxed tomorrow. Well, they can do it

 

[Spun Silver]

A nice view from outside our bubble:
http://people.com/sports/winter-olympics-2018-alex-maia-shibutani-ice-dance-second-place/amp/

 

[SidelineSkater]

Woo hoo!

Shibs control their own destiny. That's been their mantra this quad. As fans, we have all the faith in the world, they'll put out a strong performance to clinch the podium for the team and set themselves up for great performances next week.

And selfishly I want them to erase any doubt plus Mirai gets to do the FS. Win win.

Who knows what type of performance Patrick and Mikhail will put out. If Adam skates clean he could set the tone and help us to 9 or 10 points. Sadly I think Mirai is destined for 6 points. 7 would be a victory.

Here's to the Shibs skating strong, free and focused!

Positive reminders - the lift and twisted got