When thinking of the Men’s Hockey portion of the XXI Winter Olympics, the gold medal game would pit the host country, Canada, renewing a rivalry with a long history versus the Russians, with the United States maybe vying for a bronze medal if even that much. Realistically, outside of the most passionate fans bursting with national pride and those filled with limitless optimism, the USA hockey team probably wouldn’t factor in the gold medal.
But when the Canadians fell to the USA in the group stage, it set up the Russia-Canada matchup to determine who COULD vie for a medal and who’s Olympic dream would end in utter and complete disappointment.
What, then, could be the second best-case scenario? A USA team that over achieved to meet Canada in the final, creating one of the most intense atmospheres in history.
On Sunday night, after both endured interesting pathways, that secondary matchup is exactly what hockey fans received.
Round one of this rivalry went to the Americans in was dubbed one of the most exciting hockey games ever played in the Olympics.
Round 2 did not fail to live up to game 1’s high level.
The atmosphere was exactly what this type of game would draw: loud, excited, almost rabid.
It started with a United States team going all out to try and put themselves ahead with an early lead, but the first period ended up just the opposite.
Jonathan Toews scored off a Mike Richards rebound after stealing a blown pass from Erik Johnson intended for Brian Rafalski. It was a bad play that every single pee-wee hockey player learns early on: never EVER try to clear a puck from behind your net to the front of it. Johnson probably got caught up in the moment, and maybe even panicked a little when Toews pressured him from his left side. Either way, the pass was picked off, Richards shot low right on Miller, and no one was near Toews who fired the puck off his forehand into the net behind the sprawled Miller.
Corey Perry’s goal on 3 on 2, eventually a 3 on 3, put Canada up 2-0. Nifty passing taking advantage of 3 former Penguins set Perry up for a nice, screened shot which Miller had little to no shot at stopping.
5 minutes later, however, the USA broke through with their first of the game. Patrick Kane took a shot from the right wing boards which Ryan Kesler deflected between Roberto Luongo’s legs.
Moments later, Ryan Suter took a rebound shot through Luongo’s legs again, only this time the keeper was able to get just enough to force the puck just wide of the post. From the overhead replay, the puck danced tantalizingly close to the open net but ever so depressingly wide. This was the American’s second best chance, and final one of the period.
At this point, the US had some significant momentum building, but these efforts were put on hold with the sounding of the intermission horn. Coach Ron Wilson undoubtedly went into the locker room knowing that not only could his team get the equalizer, but also knew exactly how to break through Luongo, who was beginning to show signs of weakness. Low shots forcing rebounds would leave open looks at the high part of the net.
Out of the gate in the 3rd, Canada looked for the KO punch, but Miller was equal to the task. The USA pressed as hard as they could, but at the halfway mark of the period, it was clear that Canada was content with simply meeting the Americans at the blue line, and almost trapping any offensive attempts.
The time kept ticking off the clock, and as 2nd period power plays showed, shots, let alone goals, were at a premium. Under 90 seconds to go, Miller headed to the bench for the extra attacker, and even then, the US struggled penetrate the Canadian defense.
Under thirty seconds to go, the US dumpped a puck in on goal which Luongo gloved but could not control. This allowed the US to maintain possession in the zone, and eventually, Kane fired a shot on goal and Devils’ teammates Jamie Langenbrunner and Zach Parise scrambled to beat Luongo to the loose puck, and Parise won the footrace and tied up the game with a mere 24 seconds left.
Confidence soaring, momentum on their side, the US went into the end of regulation riding high. The problem was, Canada wasn’t deflated.
Coming out in the overtime, the Americans seemed to hold the momentum as they seemingly controlled the puck well. However, one miscue on defense allowed Sidney Crosby to take a Jarome Iginla pass to the low slot wide open and beat Miller low for the gold-clinching goal.
It was a majorly disappointed ending for the squad, and it showed on their faces, but in the end, they had nothing to be ashamed of and everything to be proud of.
What they can take away from these games is that they have nowhere to go but up as nearly the entire team were first timers in the Olympics, and the average age was 27. They also skated with the best in the world and took one from them. And they will be holding the title of second best in the world. Next time, they wont have to face Martin Brodeur, Chris Pronger and a handful of others, and while Sidney Crosby will be around, as will Jonathan Toews, the talent emerging from the Juniors circuit are promising.
Monday marks the resumption of the NHL regular season and Wednesday is the trading deadline, so do not fear, hockey is not over for the season, still plenty more to come.
Enjoy!
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Sunday, February 28, 2010
Canada vs USA - Round 2, This Time for Gold
Here we are, a week later, in a very an identical situation. The only difference is, and it’s a major, MAJOR difference, this one is for it all.
Neither the United States nor Canada haven’t been to a Gold Medal game since 2002 when the two, obviously, paired up for a clash at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Canada took that contest, and the gold home with them by a count of 5-2. The men were not alone in taking gold from the host country, as the women also defeated the American women’s team by a count of 2-1
On Thursday, the Canadian women made history repeat itself, this time besting the United States 2-0.
Tonight, however, the USA hockey team comes in with a slight edge.
They controlled their previous game against Canada, even after Sidney Crosby pulled the Canadians within a goal with under 5 minutes to go, the USA held on and added a tally of their own off the stick, and one heck of an effort, from Ryan Kesler.
Sure, the Canadians will have home ice advantage, even if they’re supposed to be the “away” team tonight, and they will have revenge on their side, the Americans have been playing more consistent hockey.
Coming off an undefeated group stage, the Americans opened the elimination round with a matchup against the Swiss.
Giving them as many problems as they did during group play, the Swiss proved to be a formidable opponent, keeping the game close throughout. Zach Parise broke the scoreless tie midway through the 3rd period but the Swiss stayed tough, meeting the USA with an equally persistent offensive attack. It was not until Parsie tallied another goal, this time an empty netter, could the United States exhale collectively, and Ryan Miller toss his first Olympic Shutout onto his resume.
Up next would be Finland, who had a very daunting line-up headlined by Olli Jokinen and the Ruutu brothers, and anchored in net by Miikka Kiprusoff.
But the US would not be intimidated by the names on paper, and brought the play directly to the Fins.
An early blunder by the usually solid Kiprusoff set the tone for what would prove to be a long afternoon. Ryan Malone would kickoff the scoring by capitalizing on Kippers gaffe as he came way too far out of the crease to play a loose puck, but when his poke check failed, Malone had a wide open net to shoot for.
Pat Kane would net a pair, Zach Parise, Erik Johnson and Paul Stastny each added another in one of the most offensively prolific first periods of the Olympics.
After the first, the USA took a noticeably defensive stance and pull back the reins on an offense which was firing on all cylinders.
Miller would be spelled midway through the third as a precaution to avoid any unforeseen injuries in a game that the end result was little in doubt. Tim Thomas was his relief and surrendered the first goal against the Americans since Crosby’s goal in the Canada game.
While the Americans in the stadium were chanting for their country, the Canadian contingent decided to boo the Americans, thus prompting a “we want Canada” chant in response.
The Canadians path seemed to be a much more difficult one, but it proved to be much easier. Germany proved to be little competition as Canada ran up the score by count of 8-2. Russia was next, and should have been one of the marquee games of the tournament, but after a few bumps early on, the Canadians seemed to back the Russians into a corner and beat them down, punch after punch.
The hapless Russians made mistake after mistake on the ice. Defensive lapses, goaltending blunders, and a major coaching error, failing to pull Evgeni Nabokov after a 4 goal first period and allowing him two more goals in the second before mercifully giving him the hook in favor of Ilya Bryzgalov all contributed to the horrors which fueled the Canadian domination.
The surprise Slovakians were the only thing standing between the Canadians and the gold medal game. Many Canadian fans and writers were already counting on the gold medal game, and even when the team had a 3-0 lead late in the third, chants of “we want USA!” rained down from the stands. The problem was, someone forgot to tell the Slovakian team it was over.
With under 10 minutes to go, a fluke goal got behind Roberto Luongo to pull the Slovaks within two. A few minutes later, another goal gave the underdogs a massive breath of hope, and sucked the life and arrogance from the Canadian crowd, whose visions of a gold medal game were hardly guaranteed. Even as the final minute counted down, the Slovaks did not give up. With seven seconds to go, they had their best chance to tie the game, but Pavol Demitra’s shot clanged off the crossbar and away from the front of the net.
The Canadians survived a major scare, which could have been one of the most devastating losses ever for their country, but they now come up against a USA team who not only has beaten them before, but is playing their best hockey of the Olympics. The Canadians, who had a major air of confidence after a dominating performance against the Russians, now have had that goof feeling ereased by the late never-quit attitude of the Slovakians.
The first five minutes will prove, again, to be the setting point for the game.
Should the Americans grab an early lead again, you could quickly see, feel and hear a panic in the Canadian Pacific Coliseum this afternoon.
Neither the United States nor Canada haven’t been to a Gold Medal game since 2002 when the two, obviously, paired up for a clash at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Canada took that contest, and the gold home with them by a count of 5-2. The men were not alone in taking gold from the host country, as the women also defeated the American women’s team by a count of 2-1
On Thursday, the Canadian women made history repeat itself, this time besting the United States 2-0.
Tonight, however, the USA hockey team comes in with a slight edge.
They controlled their previous game against Canada, even after Sidney Crosby pulled the Canadians within a goal with under 5 minutes to go, the USA held on and added a tally of their own off the stick, and one heck of an effort, from Ryan Kesler.
Sure, the Canadians will have home ice advantage, even if they’re supposed to be the “away” team tonight, and they will have revenge on their side, the Americans have been playing more consistent hockey.
Coming off an undefeated group stage, the Americans opened the elimination round with a matchup against the Swiss.
Giving them as many problems as they did during group play, the Swiss proved to be a formidable opponent, keeping the game close throughout. Zach Parise broke the scoreless tie midway through the 3rd period but the Swiss stayed tough, meeting the USA with an equally persistent offensive attack. It was not until Parsie tallied another goal, this time an empty netter, could the United States exhale collectively, and Ryan Miller toss his first Olympic Shutout onto his resume.
Up next would be Finland, who had a very daunting line-up headlined by Olli Jokinen and the Ruutu brothers, and anchored in net by Miikka Kiprusoff.
But the US would not be intimidated by the names on paper, and brought the play directly to the Fins.
An early blunder by the usually solid Kiprusoff set the tone for what would prove to be a long afternoon. Ryan Malone would kickoff the scoring by capitalizing on Kippers gaffe as he came way too far out of the crease to play a loose puck, but when his poke check failed, Malone had a wide open net to shoot for.
Pat Kane would net a pair, Zach Parise, Erik Johnson and Paul Stastny each added another in one of the most offensively prolific first periods of the Olympics.
After the first, the USA took a noticeably defensive stance and pull back the reins on an offense which was firing on all cylinders.
Miller would be spelled midway through the third as a precaution to avoid any unforeseen injuries in a game that the end result was little in doubt. Tim Thomas was his relief and surrendered the first goal against the Americans since Crosby’s goal in the Canada game.
While the Americans in the stadium were chanting for their country, the Canadian contingent decided to boo the Americans, thus prompting a “we want Canada” chant in response.
The Canadians path seemed to be a much more difficult one, but it proved to be much easier. Germany proved to be little competition as Canada ran up the score by count of 8-2. Russia was next, and should have been one of the marquee games of the tournament, but after a few bumps early on, the Canadians seemed to back the Russians into a corner and beat them down, punch after punch.
The hapless Russians made mistake after mistake on the ice. Defensive lapses, goaltending blunders, and a major coaching error, failing to pull Evgeni Nabokov after a 4 goal first period and allowing him two more goals in the second before mercifully giving him the hook in favor of Ilya Bryzgalov all contributed to the horrors which fueled the Canadian domination.
The surprise Slovakians were the only thing standing between the Canadians and the gold medal game. Many Canadian fans and writers were already counting on the gold medal game, and even when the team had a 3-0 lead late in the third, chants of “we want USA!” rained down from the stands. The problem was, someone forgot to tell the Slovakian team it was over.
With under 10 minutes to go, a fluke goal got behind Roberto Luongo to pull the Slovaks within two. A few minutes later, another goal gave the underdogs a massive breath of hope, and sucked the life and arrogance from the Canadian crowd, whose visions of a gold medal game were hardly guaranteed. Even as the final minute counted down, the Slovaks did not give up. With seven seconds to go, they had their best chance to tie the game, but Pavol Demitra’s shot clanged off the crossbar and away from the front of the net.
The Canadians survived a major scare, which could have been one of the most devastating losses ever for their country, but they now come up against a USA team who not only has beaten them before, but is playing their best hockey of the Olympics. The Canadians, who had a major air of confidence after a dominating performance against the Russians, now have had that goof feeling ereased by the late never-quit attitude of the Slovakians.
The first five minutes will prove, again, to be the setting point for the game.
Should the Americans grab an early lead again, you could quickly see, feel and hear a panic in the Canadian Pacific Coliseum this afternoon.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Do You Believe in Millercles? YES!
My heart is still beating beyond at a rapid pace. Pounding actually.
I couldn’t even begin to imagine what Ryan Miller feels like right now, and I only watched the game. He pretty much stood on his head, said to his teammates, “I will win this for us.” And he did, stopping impossible shots without as much as milliseconds to react and get into place.
He was on autopilot at that point. Completely in the zone. Wide open looks for Canada thwarted by the limbs and extremities of Miller.
In one of the greatest hockey games I have ever seen, the United States outlasted…. No, out played and hustled Canada down the stretch.
Don’t believe me? Ask Ryan Kesler and Cory Perry. Perry seemingly had possession of the puck in his own zone with a yawning net, Kesler refused to be denied his shot to seal the victory, and with a diving poke check, earned his team a memorable victory.
The night started with a Brian Rafalski goal, 41 seconds into the contest.
While the goal was answered less than 6 minutes later by Eric Staal, Rafalski would again put the US out front with a goal that seemed to have its own eyes, finding the smallest of holes to fit through and into the back of the net.
An unease, tense and almost worried silence filled the crowd of Canada Pacific Collesum going into the intermission.
Brodeur’s gaffes, clearly cost his team, but none were ever as prevalent as his blunder late in the 2nd period as he failed to poke check a loose puck in front of the net. Bobby Ryan chipped the puck over the sprawling Brodeur’s stick where it landed near Chris Drury, who in his best game wearing Red White and Blue [yes, I’m including the Rangers], found the back of the net to put the Americans ahead for good.
In the third, on a power play, Rafalski again would factor in on a goal. This time with a blistering slap shot from the point that tipped off Jaime Langenbrunner’s stick on its way through Brodeur for the 4-2 lead.
While Sidney Crosby’s goal with under 5 minutes remaining in regulation only added to the dramatics of tonight, Kesler’s efforts combined with Zach Parise’s to chip the puck ahead to begin the play and the outstanding, if not mythical, effort of Ryan Miller helped carried the USA hockey program into a new status.
Since the sport began, the Canadians have had a superiority complex over their neighbors to the south.
Tonight, the US went to their neighbor’s house, played their game, dominated when it mattered the most, then, they skated off the ice having won against their cocky rivals for the first time in Olympic competition in 50 years.
But this wasn’t the first time the US has emerged victorious against Canada in recent history.
For the third time in just over a month, the United States Hockey teams have gotten the best of their Canadian counterparts. First, winning the Under 17 World Championships, then the World Junior Championships, and finally, tonight, completing an undefeated group play by beating Canada.
This game didn’t mean immediate respect for just the USA as a team, but more importantly on Ryan Miller as an individual.
Jeff Marek of Hockey Night in Canada tweeted, “Miller just solidified his Vezina resume.” While it is true that the Olympics are not typically factored in the Vezina consideration voting, people will take note of him putting the US on his back and giving them a sense of confidence that they will be able to endure the relentless Canadian attack.
He did it while out-dueling another Vezina winner in Brodeur, who definitely took major steps back tonight. He more than likely played himself right out of the lineup with his performance in the past 2 Canadian Games, and I would be shocked, as would a lot of other people, if Roberto Luongo does not take to the pipes for Canada’s next game against Germany.
Mike Eruzione said he was pround of the heart-filled effort tonight and as a whole. I think the entire 1980 Olympic team would be proud of this squad because they are proving if you play as a team, you’ll be even a team stacked with all-stars. And I wonder if the late Herb Brooks may have even been either smiling or even helping the puck find the holes in the Canadain defense and goaltender.
But as for tonight, Facebook and Twitter have both exploded with posts of praise for the United States and, more specifically, for Ryan Miller.
Which leads me to wonder, had NBC not booted the game to its cable affiliates and kept it on their main channel, had more non-hockey fans become instant fans of the sport thanks to one of the greatest hockey games ever played?
Congrats to the United States, congrats to Ryan Miller for proving he is approaching god-like status in the eyes and hearts of USA Hockey fans, congrats to Brian Rafalski for being a go to scorer from the defensive position, congrats to Ryan Kelser for his all heart play to seal the win, and lastly, congrats to Joe Thornton for thinking this was a playoff game and completely failing to show up.
Tonight, I think the entire country believes in Miller-cles.
I couldn’t even begin to imagine what Ryan Miller feels like right now, and I only watched the game. He pretty much stood on his head, said to his teammates, “I will win this for us.” And he did, stopping impossible shots without as much as milliseconds to react and get into place.
He was on autopilot at that point. Completely in the zone. Wide open looks for Canada thwarted by the limbs and extremities of Miller.
In one of the greatest hockey games I have ever seen, the United States outlasted…. No, out played and hustled Canada down the stretch.
Don’t believe me? Ask Ryan Kesler and Cory Perry. Perry seemingly had possession of the puck in his own zone with a yawning net, Kesler refused to be denied his shot to seal the victory, and with a diving poke check, earned his team a memorable victory.
The night started with a Brian Rafalski goal, 41 seconds into the contest.
While the goal was answered less than 6 minutes later by Eric Staal, Rafalski would again put the US out front with a goal that seemed to have its own eyes, finding the smallest of holes to fit through and into the back of the net.
An unease, tense and almost worried silence filled the crowd of Canada Pacific Collesum going into the intermission.
Brodeur’s gaffes, clearly cost his team, but none were ever as prevalent as his blunder late in the 2nd period as he failed to poke check a loose puck in front of the net. Bobby Ryan chipped the puck over the sprawling Brodeur’s stick where it landed near Chris Drury, who in his best game wearing Red White and Blue [yes, I’m including the Rangers], found the back of the net to put the Americans ahead for good.
In the third, on a power play, Rafalski again would factor in on a goal. This time with a blistering slap shot from the point that tipped off Jaime Langenbrunner’s stick on its way through Brodeur for the 4-2 lead.
While Sidney Crosby’s goal with under 5 minutes remaining in regulation only added to the dramatics of tonight, Kesler’s efforts combined with Zach Parise’s to chip the puck ahead to begin the play and the outstanding, if not mythical, effort of Ryan Miller helped carried the USA hockey program into a new status.
Since the sport began, the Canadians have had a superiority complex over their neighbors to the south.
Tonight, the US went to their neighbor’s house, played their game, dominated when it mattered the most, then, they skated off the ice having won against their cocky rivals for the first time in Olympic competition in 50 years.
But this wasn’t the first time the US has emerged victorious against Canada in recent history.
For the third time in just over a month, the United States Hockey teams have gotten the best of their Canadian counterparts. First, winning the Under 17 World Championships, then the World Junior Championships, and finally, tonight, completing an undefeated group play by beating Canada.
This game didn’t mean immediate respect for just the USA as a team, but more importantly on Ryan Miller as an individual.
Jeff Marek of Hockey Night in Canada tweeted, “Miller just solidified his Vezina resume.” While it is true that the Olympics are not typically factored in the Vezina consideration voting, people will take note of him putting the US on his back and giving them a sense of confidence that they will be able to endure the relentless Canadian attack.
He did it while out-dueling another Vezina winner in Brodeur, who definitely took major steps back tonight. He more than likely played himself right out of the lineup with his performance in the past 2 Canadian Games, and I would be shocked, as would a lot of other people, if Roberto Luongo does not take to the pipes for Canada’s next game against Germany.
Mike Eruzione said he was pround of the heart-filled effort tonight and as a whole. I think the entire 1980 Olympic team would be proud of this squad because they are proving if you play as a team, you’ll be even a team stacked with all-stars. And I wonder if the late Herb Brooks may have even been either smiling or even helping the puck find the holes in the Canadain defense and goaltender.
But as for tonight, Facebook and Twitter have both exploded with posts of praise for the United States and, more specifically, for Ryan Miller.
Which leads me to wonder, had NBC not booted the game to its cable affiliates and kept it on their main channel, had more non-hockey fans become instant fans of the sport thanks to one of the greatest hockey games ever played?
Congrats to the United States, congrats to Ryan Miller for proving he is approaching god-like status in the eyes and hearts of USA Hockey fans, congrats to Brian Rafalski for being a go to scorer from the defensive position, congrats to Ryan Kelser for his all heart play to seal the win, and lastly, congrats to Joe Thornton for thinking this was a playoff game and completely failing to show up.
Tonight, I think the entire country believes in Miller-cles.
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Battle for North America
Hockey rivalries are distinctly different from those of other sports. While other games have tried to shy away from referencing wars since the conflict in the middle east has been reignited, the world of hockey refused to follow suit.
And I do not blame them one bit, for it is the play on the ice which almost certainly proves their deservedness of holding the title of battles.
Players on both teams give it their all, even during regular season NHL games, to ensure victory over their counterparts. They fight on, bloodied, bruised and battered, to gain that ever so desired win.
Sponsors will try to place a kinder tone to try and remove some of the everpresent hostility by slapping cute names on them. The prime example is the Rangers, Islanders and Devils rivalry being tagged “The Metro Ice Challenge.” The fans of these teams know their rivalry by other names, “The Battle for the Hudson” and “The Battle for New York.”
In 2007, the Buffalo Sabres took out the Islanders and Rangers successively in the playoffs, ultimately throwing their hat into the rivalry ring by claiming paramount over “The Battle for the Empire State” as fans plastered this distinction onto t-shirts throughout the greater Buffalo area.
Calgary and Edmonton consider their clashes to be the “Battle for Alberta.” Each of the 6 skirmishes are consistently sold out and ticket prices on the street going for similar price tags as Red Sox-Yankees.
On Sunday night, Canada and the US will engage in the Battle for North America for the 3rd installment already this winter.
The two squared off in the Under-17 World Championships, with the Americans coming out on top.
In January, the World Junior Championships were the stage for the 2nd encounter, with the Americans again prevailing over their northern counterparts.
What better stage than the Olympics for the next meeting of the minds between these two nations? While the winner won’t be winning tournament, at least not at the immediate end of the game, they will be in good position to contend for gold by earning an automatic place to the elimination round, thus avoiding what could be a very difficult pathway to the medal rounds.
This game carries so much weight for USA hockey fans, and while it is nowhere near the magnitude of the historic 1980 USA vs USSR semifinals game, it still would mean a lot to the new aged fans.
Canada created, mastered, expanded the sport of hockey, there is no doubting that. The debate nowadays, is whether or not they actually deserve the title of best in the game.
They have always held the higher rank over their kid brother in the United States, with an ever present superiority complex over their neighbors to the south.
What better way to not only earn worldwide respect, but to also silence some of the critics in the Great White North?
The US needs to play as solid of a game as they did versus Norway. Regardless of between the benches announcer Pierre McGuire thinks, they need to be aggressive and take chances when necessary.
McGuire chastised the US defenders numerous times for trying to join in the offensive attack, and even wrongly scolded the entire team for not backing up attacking defenders when Zach Parise was not only in perfect position for defensive support, but needed to head to the bench for a new stick thus allowing Ryan Suter to enter deep into the zone and create an scoring chance.
Canada, on the other hand, comes off a shootout victory against the Swiss which made them look very vulnerable and mortal. After 2 first period goals, the Canadians struggled and put an air of panic in the crowd at arena. And it wasn’t until coach Mike Babcock took full advantage of allowing a shooter to go more than once after the first 3 that the Canadians won.
Yes, Martin Brodeur did play phenomenally and if not for one bad bounce, would have won the game in regulation by a count of 2-1, but that is the sort of luck the Americans seem to have over them this hockey year.
That type of luck, plus the sleeping giant in the USA’s first line which has yet to make a significant scoring impact in these games, makes me think the edge should go to the Americans for Sunday night. Add into it that Ryan Miller is playing his best goaltending of the games, if not including the entire season, and the US has a legitimate chance.
A typical Chris Pronger dirty hit away from the play wouldn’t hurt to get the Americans power play goal or two.
And I do not blame them one bit, for it is the play on the ice which almost certainly proves their deservedness of holding the title of battles.
Players on both teams give it their all, even during regular season NHL games, to ensure victory over their counterparts. They fight on, bloodied, bruised and battered, to gain that ever so desired win.
Sponsors will try to place a kinder tone to try and remove some of the everpresent hostility by slapping cute names on them. The prime example is the Rangers, Islanders and Devils rivalry being tagged “The Metro Ice Challenge.” The fans of these teams know their rivalry by other names, “The Battle for the Hudson” and “The Battle for New York.”
In 2007, the Buffalo Sabres took out the Islanders and Rangers successively in the playoffs, ultimately throwing their hat into the rivalry ring by claiming paramount over “The Battle for the Empire State” as fans plastered this distinction onto t-shirts throughout the greater Buffalo area.
Calgary and Edmonton consider their clashes to be the “Battle for Alberta.” Each of the 6 skirmishes are consistently sold out and ticket prices on the street going for similar price tags as Red Sox-Yankees.
On Sunday night, Canada and the US will engage in the Battle for North America for the 3rd installment already this winter.
The two squared off in the Under-17 World Championships, with the Americans coming out on top.
In January, the World Junior Championships were the stage for the 2nd encounter, with the Americans again prevailing over their northern counterparts.
What better stage than the Olympics for the next meeting of the minds between these two nations? While the winner won’t be winning tournament, at least not at the immediate end of the game, they will be in good position to contend for gold by earning an automatic place to the elimination round, thus avoiding what could be a very difficult pathway to the medal rounds.
This game carries so much weight for USA hockey fans, and while it is nowhere near the magnitude of the historic 1980 USA vs USSR semifinals game, it still would mean a lot to the new aged fans.
Canada created, mastered, expanded the sport of hockey, there is no doubting that. The debate nowadays, is whether or not they actually deserve the title of best in the game.
They have always held the higher rank over their kid brother in the United States, with an ever present superiority complex over their neighbors to the south.
What better way to not only earn worldwide respect, but to also silence some of the critics in the Great White North?
The US needs to play as solid of a game as they did versus Norway. Regardless of between the benches announcer Pierre McGuire thinks, they need to be aggressive and take chances when necessary.
McGuire chastised the US defenders numerous times for trying to join in the offensive attack, and even wrongly scolded the entire team for not backing up attacking defenders when Zach Parise was not only in perfect position for defensive support, but needed to head to the bench for a new stick thus allowing Ryan Suter to enter deep into the zone and create an scoring chance.
Canada, on the other hand, comes off a shootout victory against the Swiss which made them look very vulnerable and mortal. After 2 first period goals, the Canadians struggled and put an air of panic in the crowd at arena. And it wasn’t until coach Mike Babcock took full advantage of allowing a shooter to go more than once after the first 3 that the Canadians won.
Yes, Martin Brodeur did play phenomenally and if not for one bad bounce, would have won the game in regulation by a count of 2-1, but that is the sort of luck the Americans seem to have over them this hockey year.
That type of luck, plus the sleeping giant in the USA’s first line which has yet to make a significant scoring impact in these games, makes me think the edge should go to the Americans for Sunday night. Add into it that Ryan Miller is playing his best goaltending of the games, if not including the entire season, and the US has a legitimate chance.
A typical Chris Pronger dirty hit away from the play wouldn’t hurt to get the Americans power play goal or two.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Curse of Cangailosi
While we sit on this Olympic break, we need to think, if our struggles continue, do we protest Jacques’ performance, or request an alternate substitute in the broadcast booth?
The nasaly voice, the inability to have a working stereo microphone, these phrases could easily describe any sportscaster. But none are more prevalent than Steve Cangailosi’s season on the lead microphone when he comes in relief of Doc Emrick.
While the damage to our eardrums can, at times, be a nuisance, what his presence at the mike does to the team on the ice is much, much worse. It could be considered…. A curse.
Wins are at a premium when Cangailosi calls the action alongside Chico Resch. More times than not, the Devils find themselves on the wrong side of the score sheet.
Exhibit A: Since the NHL on NBC started for this season, Doc has missed at least 5 Saturday Devils games. In those 5 games, the Devils are 1-4-0, with their only win coming against the Islanders.
Exhibit B: Nearly all of the other games which Cangailosi has called when Doc has been doing his work for Versus have also been losses.
So while sometimes, it may be nice to hear a man who calls a game with a tone of voice that makes you feel like you’re listening to the TV on max volume with a pillow wrapped around your head, the end result taken on our team has been more drastic and devastating.
This article is written in an entirely sarcastic tone. Due to the recent Devils' struggles, rather than jump on the doomsday bandwagon, i decided to poke fun at the situation.
The nasaly voice, the inability to have a working stereo microphone, these phrases could easily describe any sportscaster. But none are more prevalent than Steve Cangailosi’s season on the lead microphone when he comes in relief of Doc Emrick.
While the damage to our eardrums can, at times, be a nuisance, what his presence at the mike does to the team on the ice is much, much worse. It could be considered…. A curse.
Wins are at a premium when Cangailosi calls the action alongside Chico Resch. More times than not, the Devils find themselves on the wrong side of the score sheet.
Exhibit A: Since the NHL on NBC started for this season, Doc has missed at least 5 Saturday Devils games. In those 5 games, the Devils are 1-4-0, with their only win coming against the Islanders.
Exhibit B: Nearly all of the other games which Cangailosi has called when Doc has been doing his work for Versus have also been losses.
So while sometimes, it may be nice to hear a man who calls a game with a tone of voice that makes you feel like you’re listening to the TV on max volume with a pillow wrapped around your head, the end result taken on our team has been more drastic and devastating.
This article is written in an entirely sarcastic tone. Due to the recent Devils' struggles, rather than jump on the doomsday bandwagon, i decided to poke fun at the situation.
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