USA Upsets Canada!
If you didn’t watch the much-anticipated game between the USA and Canada yesterday, you missed one hell of a show. The two teams went back and forth in the struggle for the lead, but ultimately, the USA took the 5-3 victory in a stunning performance.
The USA hit the ice running, scoring the first goal of the game just 41 seconds in after Brian Rafalski knocked one past goalie Martin Brodeur. The game remained 1-0 until Eric Staal put away the first goal for Canada at the 8:53 mark. But, the Americans quickly answered back, once again reclaiming their lead with another goal from Rafalski less than a minute later.
The score was 2-0 going into the second, but not for long. Canada came on strong and the persistence paid off. Dany Heatley knocked in a goal to tie up the score. But, once again, the US answered back. Chris Drury regained the lead for the Americans with another goal at the 16:46 mark. This was followed by three penalties against the Canadians that sent Staal, Sidney Crosby, and Corey Perry to the box respectively. And though the Americans had ample opportunity they were not able to capitalize on the power play.
The third period got off to a start with another goal for Team USA when Jamie Langenbrunner knocked one in to put the Americans up 4-2. The Canadians, not willing to give up, took advantage of a power play and scored a goal at the 16:51 mark. Just one point down and feeling the end of the game approaching, the Canadians really turned up the heat in the final two minutes of the game. Play remained largely in the US defensive zone with the Canadians hammering the net with shots. They even pulled their goalie to get the 6th man on the ice, but it was to no avail. The US shut down everything they had, and then sealed the deal with a sweeping shot from Ryan Kesler on an empty Canadian net that put the final score at 5-3.
Though the young guns on the USA offense put on quite a show, it was goalie Ryan Miller that was the real hero of this game. In one of the most impressive performances of these winter games so far that saw the Canadians out shoot the Americans 45-23, Miller made an amazing 42 saves.
This win gives the USA - who have been doubted throughout these games for being too young and inexperienced - a 3-0 record and puts them at the top of Group A with 9 points. They’re guaranteed a spot in the Quarterfinals while Canada will now go on to face Germany in the Playoff Qualifications.
In other Olympic hockey news, the USA women have also continued to impress. They’re plowing through the competition after just handing Sweden a 9-1 loss. Both teams are well on their way to a gold medal. Let’s just hope that they continue to play excellent hockey. And, as these games continue, BetUS is offering odds on all the upcoming games.
Men’s Odds:
Canada v Germany
Puck Line
Canada: -4 ½ -135
Germany: +4 ½ -105
Czech Republic v Latvia
Puck Line
Czech: -3 ½ -105
Latvia: +3 ½ -135
Slovakia v Norway
Puck Line
Slovakia: -3 ½ -105
Norway: +3 ½ -135
Moneyline
Slovakia: -5000
Norway: +1200
Switzerland v Belarus
Puck Line
Switzerland: -1/2 -130
Belarus: +1/2 -110
Moneyline
Switzerland: -225
Belarus: +175
The USA showed that they’re not to be taken lightly in these games. They might be young, but they know how to play. What a fantastic game. And, kudos to Ryan Miller. That guy knows how to stop the puck!