It may not have been the result Team USA wanted, but quite honestly, it is much better than the rest of the world thought they would do. The Americans should be satisfied with the Silver Medal, and I think thy will be after they have some time to think back and reflect on things. But for now, watching the Gold Medals placed over the heads of their Canadian rivals will surely kill them inside.
The first period may not have been what everyone expected. It was tightly played, seventy-five percent of shots were being blocked, and neither goaltender really had to be excellent in net. It took close to 13 minutes for that first and only goal to be scored, as a bit of confusion on the Americans part on a faceoff led to Mike Richards fighting through a crowd to get a spin-around shot on U.S. goaltender Ryan Miller. Miller made the kick save but Blackhawks’ Captain Jonathan Toews was there to follow up on the rebound to make it 1-0. For the first time in the entire tournament, Team USA trailed in a game.
The final shot count in the period was 10-8, further showing how tight the two teams were playing out there. The highlight of the period for USA was when defenseman Brooks Orpik sent Canadian forward Dany Heatley into the American bench. Team USA did not get many great scoring chances in the first stanza and they did not take many risks. Their forecheck was effective when they did get it going, however.
USA found themselves in a 2-0 hole early in the second when Ryan Getzlaf made a marvelous play to feed teammate Corey Perry who was breaking to the net. Perry beat a sprawling Miller glove side to put the Canuckleheads up 2-0. After a great penalty-kill and a less than satisfying powerplay by the United States, they got another chance with the man advantage, and this time they weren’t going to let it go to waste.
Patrick Kane’s wrister from the boards was deflected by Ryan Kessler to cut the Canadian lead to 2-1. Funny enough, Kesler and Canada goalie Roberto Luongo are teammates, so I am sure that one will be discussed in the Canuck locker room when they re-gather as a team later this week. In fact, as the period went on, more and more snarl was shown by each team, only making the battle even greater.
It took until 24 seconds were left on the clock for the United States to tie this game, but they were able to do it in dramatic fashion. Devils forward Zach Parise banged home a rebound past Luongo and nearly leaped over the boards in excitement. I think that was the loudest Rangers fans have ever cheered for a New Jersey Devil in their entire life.
Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, it was Sidney Crosby who won the Gold Medal for Team Canada in overtime. A loose puck was picked up and placed behind Ryan Miller. At the moment, it may have killed the players on the United States squad. However, they have to pick their heads up and realize something here.
No one picked them to medal. No one wanted them to win. Everyone counted the U.S. out of this tournament and they were made fun of by Canadian fans when the roster was picked. Now, after two weeks of tournament play, they are the second best hockey team in the entire world. They go home with silver, but silver is much better than what was expected.
Congratulations to Brian Burke, congratulations to Ron Wilson, Scott Gordon, John Tortorella and all of the members of the organization. This did a ton for the sport of hockey in the United States, where it may not be all that popular. There is absolutely no shame in this loss. And you must say Congratulations to Canada, because it was not an easy road to Gold for them.
That wraps up our Olympic Hockey Coverage here on the site. It was a ton of fun bringing it to you, especially when I was able to do so live from Vancouver. Thank You to everyone who read.
Finally, back to New York Rangers hockey!
(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)