Rooting for Crosby, Getting Ready for Sunday Night

I don’t know about you, but I had mixed emotions while watching Canada play Switzerland (which, by the way, was the first Olympic hockey action I’ve seen so far, but that’s another story).

I am obviously rooting for the U.S. team to win the Gold. Nonetheless, I found myself cheering for Canada last night. Well, not so much for Canada, but for Sidney Crosby. You see, had our neighbors to the north blown that game – and they were damn close – I have a feeling Sid would have shouldered a majority of the blame.

Let’s face facts – he’s the face of the Olympics for Canada. Should they falter to an inferior team such as the Swiss, it only makes sense that he’d be singled out for criticism, especially if he failed to record a point. You know the deal – it’s easier to blame the star player than anyone else.

Again, I’m not hoping the Canadians go all the way. Far from it. I simply wanted them to beat Switzerland so the Pens’ captain would be spared any unwarranted condemnation. Quite frankly, he doesn’t deserve it. (By the way, did anyone notice the high sticks he took in that game? No call on either one.) Thankfully, Sid netted the game-winner in the shootout and disaster was averted. Now it’s back to business as usual – pulling for the home team.

The U.S. will play Canada at 7:30 Sunday night. Although a medal isn’t on the line and both teams have already advanced in the tourney, this is sure to be an immensely entertaining affair. I, for one, can’t wait for it. It should be required viewing for all hockey fans, from die-hard to fair-weather.

The only problem (as far as I can tell) is that the game will be shown on MSNBC. That’s right, the biggest game of the tourney so far will NOT be televised on the primary network station. I’m not even sure what channel MSNBC is on my set.  For a hockey fan, this decision by NBC is unconscionable. For NBC, it’s probably the right move as far as ratings and other logistical concerns go. Whatever the reasoning, the NHL can not be happy. It’s just a sad state of affairs that ice dancing is going to trump this epic contest. Let’s just hope and pray the start of the game isn’t pre-empted by curling.

Check back Monday morning for a recap of what will hopefully be a U.S. victory.