We, as American hockey fans, cannot unequivocally say that Team USA is better than the All-Star collection of Team Canada. However, on this night, thanks to net-minding heroics from Ryan Miller and offensive fireworks from d-man Brian Rafalski, the Red-White-and-Blue overcame a raucous Maple-Leaf clad crowd and tremendous firepower from their opponents in a 5-3 Olympic-sized victory.
After taking and surrendering a one-goal lead twice, the Americans held on despite facing a barrage in the third period’s closing minutes. Miller made some incredible stops, including a glove save from his belly on Jarome Iginla and a save on a Rick Nash poke late in the third, in the 42-save performance. He was helped throughout the night from a very solid game by Pittsburgh blueliner Brooks Orpik.
Rafalski opened the scoring 41 seconds into the contest and gave the underdogs an immediate shot of confidence. After Canada tied the score, Rafalski was at it again, this time capitalizing on an arrogant mistake from Canada goalie, Martin Brodeur. Instead of making a smart play, the New Jersey Devil, and arguably the best goaltender of all time, swatted the puck out of mid-air, but couldn’t clear it out of his own zone. His ex-NHL teammate made him pay by depositing the USA’s second goal.
Chris Drury put the Americans back in front 3-2 before Jamie Langenbrunner deflected home a Rafalski shot that added to the defenseman’s offensive display. Sidney Crosby, who I thought was largely absent in this match-up, sliced a Rick Nash pass past a kneeling Miller that brought the gold-medal favorites within one with three minutes to play. Crosby was on the ice for Team USA’s first three goals, apparently deflecting in the game’s first goal off Rafalski’s blast.
After an impressive target practice formulated by Team Canada, a fantastic effort from Ryan Kesler bested laissez-faire Corey Perry and swept in an empty-net goal that gave the Americans a classic upset.
After the USA beat Canada in the gold-medal game of this year’s World Juniors, our northern neighbors balked. They had seven – or something like that – young men that could have played in the event but instead chose to take a paycheck in the NHL. I wonder what the excuse will be this time.
Despite the significance of this triumph, it is only the beginning. USA earns a bye while Canada will face Germany on Tuesday. Will these two countries meet again, this time with a medal on the line?
Every team will be sharper during the medal rounds. Russia and Canada will both put upset losses behind them and regroup for the next battle. However, Team USA has gained much-needed confidence and only has to win three more to earn the vaunted gold.