Monday, February 22, 2010

USA vs Canada and other thoughts from the Weekend

What a hockey game last night. Team USA took on host Canada in hockey and defeated them 5-3. It wasn't the Miracle on Ice of 1980, but it was a great win. Defenseman Brian Rafalski scored two goals and assisted on another while goalie Ryan Miller made 42 saves.

- Before the Games started analyst Jeremy Roenik said Miller would have to be the MVP for Team USA to win the gold medal. Miller was up to the task last night as the Canadians out shot Team USA 45-22. While this win doesn't guarantee a medal, it gives the young Americans some much needed confidence.

- The veterans came out to play last night. Captain Jamie Langenbrunner scored a goal, center Chris Drury scored a goal and both played outstanding defense from their forward positions. We talked about the way Rafalski played. If Team USA can keep getting these performances from these guys, a medal is a good possibility.

- Lost in the shuffle was how well Patrick Kane played. He didn't score any goals but he was the only player who seemed able to put pressure on the Canadian defense.

- While the Miracle on Ice was a memorable win, does anyone remember that that game didn't win the gold medal?

- Talk about redemption for Bode Miller. After being shutout four years ago, Miller has won three medals this year and is still in the running for two more.

- Jimmie Johnson dominated the California race yesterday. The four time defending champion is picking up where he left off last season. That does not bode well for other drivers trying to dethrone him.

Let me know what you think about the hockey win and other Winter Olympic Sports as the last week of the games begins.

2 comments:

Steve said...

Great hockey last night. I like that team USA didn't pick the most talented players, but the players that best fit their system. Ryan Miller is a stud, and if he continues to stand on his head, the US should at least make it deep in the medal games. Would you leave Marty in net if you're Canada's coach, or would you go with Luongo or Fluery (spelling?)? Also, who you have between Canada v. Russia? That hit Ovechkin laid on Jagr was insane. Gotta love superstars that get their hands dirty.

Nate said...

I like Luongo. For some reason I always have even though the other two are Stanley Cup Winners. Ovechkin is a stud. He plays complete hockey.