USA Beats Canada: On Any Given Sunday

The USA win did not surprise me, as I voiced my concern in my previous article. This time, though, it was not about the slowness of the defense or the line combinations. It was about the will and drive of the speedy U.S. team, that was on top of Team Canada from the opening whistle.

The first U.S. goal went in off of Sidney Crosby’s stick, but hey, the U.S. was pressing and created the shot. You couldn’t fault Martin Brodeur for the goal. Another U.S. goal went in off another Canada d-man, which was in turn deflected by Brodeur by the U.S., for another goal. The third U.S. goal was a power play opportunity, which Canada was inviting with the numerous penalties they were taking.

But the real story was the goaltending of Ryan Miller, who just happens to be second in the NHL in GAA and save percentage, so was this really a surprise? No, you face a hot goaltender in a one game affair and this is likely to happen.

After two periods the shots were 35-20 in favor of Team Canada, and in the third you add another 14-4, and well, you do the math.

Once again the scoring opportunities for Canada were so lopsided, it was like the game was played in the U.S. end of the rink most of the night, except when Canada was killing off penalties. For Brodeur, four goals on 23 shots is not the type of average you want in the Olympics, especially in this type of short-series format.

I also mentioned in my last article that you would not see Roberto Luongo again in these Olympics unless Marty Brodeur either went in the tank or got injured. Well, he didn’t really go in the tank, but four goals is not something that can happen again, so Luongo will start on Tuesday, take that to the bank!

After that, you ride the hot goaltender to the finals, because there is no tomorrow.

Vancouver Canucks Bobby Lou will be fired up in front of his home town crowd and will rise to the occasion because this is his time to shine. Is it 2002 all over again? For Louie, it’s the early shots that will dictate how the night will unfold.

If he’s on, and stops those early four to five shots, then look for another possible shutout. You know the crowd will be injecting all the emotional support he will need, and isn’t this how the script was written? Hometown goalie comes in to rescue Canada in the Olympics?

Did anyone notice who scored the clinching goal with the hustle that he is noted for? Canucks center Ryan Kesler, of course! If it had to be anyone, then my choice was for Kesler who wanted more than anything to win the game in front of his family. But most of all, for his disdain for Team Canada.

There’s that old cliche' about having to face adversity before it pulls a team together, and for Team Canada, that time just happened. It’s a long road to the finals now, having lost to the U.S. and landing in second place. One outright win, one shootout win and a loss.

At least the loss was not a medal game, so Canada, take a deep breath and exhale!

They will play on Tuesday against the Germans, and they will win. You know they will win and they will live to play another game.

Think about it. Isn’t it always sweeter to come back from adversity to win the eventual game for the gold medal?  Not sure if it will happen, what with all the crossover games and groups, but wouldn’t it be truly awesome for it to be against the US!

Hey Kes, you think you have a hate on for Team Canada, you ain’t seen nothing yet! Take a look down Robson Street tonight. The Trauma Unit is out resuscitating the Canadian faithful!

Until we meet again!