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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