Oh no Canada! USA wins 5-3
USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!
Oh Yes…USA 5, Canada 3!
One night shy of the 30th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice, Team USA again took to the ice and came away with a stunning victory against highly-favored opponent. This time, the team wearing the red jerseys who were supposed to win the game was Canada…not the Soviet Union. And it wasn’t played in front of a highly supportive home crowd as was in case in Lake Placid, NY in 1980…this one was in Vancouver, BC.
USA's Jamie Langenbrunner celebrates his third period goal against Canada (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Scott Gardner)
To listen to all the pundits, this wasn’t supposed to happen. Team Canada was stacked…the preliminary rounds were merely a necessary formality to the real games scheduled for the second week of the Olympic games. But something has happened so far on the way to the Canadian’s gold medal coronation…instead of taking all three Group A games in easy fashion, they have actually only won one time in regulation. They took care of Norway 8-0 in the first game, but then required a shootout to defeat the Swiss 3-2.
Now…this.
tsk..tsk…tsk
Now, obviously they can still win the gold…they’ve certainly got the talent. But the highly favored Candians are going to have to play one more game then they had expected to…a play-in game Tuesday. USA get’s to sit and watch as they wound up winning Group A with all 9 possible points, outscoring their opposition 14-5.
Pending the Finland – Sweden game later tonight, they are so far the only team to win all three group games in regulation.
Ya now…I was chatting with my favorite Sabres fans Joyel over at TJ’s Sunday night about Ryan Miller. I told her that every time I watch Buffalo play I come down with a serious case of goalie envy. Of course, for the past week I’ve been able to enjoy watching him perform his magic between the pipes for my team…Team USA!
And on this winning evening, Miller was again the man as he and his American teammates downed the mighty Canadians, turning aside 42 of 45 shots in the win…team USA got away 23. Marty Brodeur stopped 18 of the 22 he faced.
Brian Rafalski scored twice for Team USA, both in the second period. Chris Drury and Jamie Langenbrunner also got one past Brodeur. Ryan Kesler, a Vancouver Canuck, iced it with an empty-netter with 45 seconds remaining in the third period.
“We know we can beat anybody now”, Rafalski said afterwards.
Eric Staal, Dany Heatly and Sidney Crosby scored Canada’s goals.
Belkin to Cough Up $2 Million
In case you missed this, the AJC’s Kristi E. Swartz reported last Friday that Steve Belkin has been ordered by the court to pony up $2 million by Thursday…or he’ll be at rick of losing his stake as part owner of the Thrashers, Hawks and Philips Arena.
According to Belkin’s attorney, he will indeed come up with the money by the date set.
The payment is part of the $25.8 million owed to remain in the partnership according to the courts ruling last year, as Swartz tells us…
To stay in the group as a minority owner, Belkin is required to pay his partners $25.8 million, according to court documents. That represents his 30 percent share of so-called capital or cash calls made during litigation.
Belkin filed his notice to appeal the judge’s decision last fall. At the time, he also asked the judge to stay his decision pending the appeal.
The judge earlier this month asked Belkin to put up $2 million, which he must do by Thursday. This basically buys Belkin time; no action can be taken on the judge’s order if Belkin pays the money.
The case likely won’t be heard at the Maryland Court of Special Appeals in Annapolis until the summer, said attorney Steven Estep, who is representing Atlanta-based owner Michael Gearon and Washington, D.C.-based Spirit part-owners Bruce Levenson and Ed Peskowitz.
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134 comments Add your comment
@ least we'll always have 1999
February 22nd, 2010
3:35 pm
Great Game!
J.B.
February 22nd, 2010
3:38 pm
MB – Nice Caddyshack reference there…
Brendan
February 22nd, 2010
3:46 pm
I’m sure Brian Burke has his son in mind, and players do, as well, as these Olympics unfold. It was a delight to watch last night’s game between the U.S. and Canada. I still think Canada can and will medal in some form or fashion in hockey this year. I am hopeful that the USA will medal, too.
I can’t say enough about that empty-net, clincher by Ryan Kesler. It shows how bad the U.S. wanted it. So, who does Canada face next?
Russ, I heard that Heatley’s agent decided that if the Germans win the next game, that he was claim he is German by birth, so as to be able to continue along into the games. And if Germany loses, he’s going to claim residency in San Jose, with a pending status adjustment request, to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Then again, maybe he’ll just ask for a “release” before the start of the 3rd period.
Tom Lysiak
February 22nd, 2010
3:54 pm
Stroz, I was there for Jim Craig’s debut as well. Lots of hope for the future of the Flames organization that night. “The Olympic Goalie”, now a member of the “Atlanta Flames”. What bitter disappointment awaited…
On a happier note, I hope everyone caught the 1980 Miracle tribute after the game. Al Michaels did a great job and it was great seeing Mark Johnson, Mike Eruzione and Jim Craig discuss the games. Coach Herb Brooks was remembered candidly and fondly. It must have been really humid before that rain came in last night, because my eyes were full of condensation watching the teams celebrate after the wins over Russia and Finland. In my mind, the greatest sports moment ever.
Bob
February 22nd, 2010
3:55 pm
“When it was time for the National Anthem, I stood up and started singing the words loudly with pride.”
Did ya use a bullhorn?!?
Good for you, stroz!
Tom Lysiak
February 22nd, 2010
3:59 pm
Make that first win over the Soviet Union! Sorry.
da 'boomer
February 22nd, 2010
4:01 pm
This is how things shake. Pretty favorable for the US. A long night Wednesday for us east coasters w/the late Canada/Russia game.
http://www.ctvolympics.ca/hockey/news/newsid=49238.html#whats+next+mens+hockey+tournament
Also, is it me or is Mike Milbury a giant douche? I am hoping JR punches him out before it’s all over.
Badger Bob
February 22nd, 2010
4:01 pm
Where are all the fans who constantly agonize about the Thrashers being outshot? US was outshot 45-23, but nary a complaint here. So let’s keep it consistant and stop whining when the Thrashers are outshot…
da 'boomer
February 22nd, 2010
4:15 pm
I was there also for mr Craig’s debut vs Colorado. That was truly a great moment. Pulled out the ticket for some good mojo.
Tom Lysiak
February 22nd, 2010
4:15 pm
It’s always somewhat ironic to me that our own Teflon Don was one of the last cuts from the 1980 Olympic team.
Tony C.
February 22nd, 2010
4:21 pm
I’ve actually got a pool going for when J.R. finally succumbs and lets Milbury have it. $2 a square and 1/2 the proceeds go to childrens healthcare.
I have the 1st “Game of the Week” broadcast after the the break is over as my target day.
World Be Free
February 22nd, 2010
4:34 pm
alex-there are no role players on Team Canada, they are all stars. what hurts Canada is that they have held on to some older players that are past their primes. USA on the other hand, bid goodbye to most of their older core players in favor of the new guard.
But I have tell you folks, I think Canada is going to be one motivated hockey team after last night. I hope nobody thinks that we have seen the last of Team Canada for this Olympics. I think they are going to get their collects acts together for one heck of a run in the medal round.
It ain’t over folks; I just don’t see this collection of Canadian players folding.
Badger Bob-you need an elite goaltender to be so far outshot and still win and the Thrashers do not have such a goaltender. They need to tighten up in the last month and play sound team “D” around Pavs and Moose, assuming these are the 2 guys we have in nets after March 3.
rob
February 22nd, 2010
5:01 pm
Badger,
Problem with the Thrashers being outshot is there is no one named Miller to do the stopping behind the boys in blue!!! LOL
Lee
February 22nd, 2010
5:18 pm
Badger Bob – We have a good goalie, don’t get me wrong….but we don’t have a GREAT goalie. You have to be a pretty damn good shooter to get a goal past miller
LAC
February 22nd, 2010
5:25 pm
Stroz, I was ther that night too, remember the First shot from center ice by Lanny MacDonald, the OMNI erupted with cheers, that was as funny as it got, we beat a WEAK Colorado team.
Great USA game and proves whoever is in charge this year at picking the players did THE smartest thing in the history of Olympic Sports… Dumb don waddell is nowhere in sight to ruin the team and the moment !!!!
Hockey Biltong
February 22nd, 2010
5:33 pm
Lee- same for me too.. Born there, live here.
Eileen
February 22nd, 2010
5:34 pm
Stroz and the others, I was not at that game, but I have a clear memory of being at TJ’s (the former bar of Tim Eccleston) in Sandy Springs. Jim Craig was there. Of course, all of the girls were swooning. I must have been about 19. Drinking age was 18 then. Memories. . . .
Somaatl95
February 22nd, 2010
5:42 pm
taken from http://espn.go.com/olympics/blog/_/name/winterolympics/id/4934936/us-hockey-win-silences-canada
No, Canada
You lost to Uncle Sam
We’ll take the gold
You laid down like a lamb
With frying pans you tended goal
We scored on you at will
From far and wide, Oh Canada
We’re scoring on you still.
God keep your nets
Wide open and emp-ty
O Canada
We scored five goals on thee
O Canada
U.S. with gold you’ll see!
Lee
February 22nd, 2010
5:46 pm
Somaatl95 – Ha, I like it! Though, I wasn’t particularly going for Canada!
Like a Good Neighbor
February 22nd, 2010
5:47 pm
Among the most enjoyable moments in sport is watching the USA best our neighbors to the north and south, the Canadians in hockey and the Mexicans in soccer. They both have a passionate disdain for everything American and consider us inferior competition (see Mike Milbury). The Canadians and the Mexicans take such great pride in their respective national sports and in beating America. It makes our victories over them that much sweeter!
Badger Bob
February 22nd, 2010
7:57 pm
WBF – Amen on the goalie situation.
Archie
February 22nd, 2010
8:06 pm
Such an amazing game, USA hockey is pretty much the only hope I have to have a winning hockey team that I can call my own. That was Stanley Cup Finals type hockey last night, and since we’re not going to see the Thrashers playing that type of hockey any time in the near future, USA is my only hope. Watching that made you proud last night, you could tell what team wanted it more, which team was willing to do the dirty work to get the win.
Did anybody feel like they were watching a Thrashers-Red Wings game last night with the run of play being dominated by the team in red, and the team in blue scoring off their rare scoring opportunities? The USA-Mexico soccer comparison is a good one too, those games are also pretty similar because Mexico dominates possession and the USA is always the gritty team that grinds out goals.
World Be Free
February 22nd, 2010
8:53 pm
Bob-I hope the goalie situation changes someday.
Hockey fans in Canada, soccer fans in Mexico and Shiite sports fans all over the globe need to get over it. There’s passion in sports and then there’s sports stupidity.
Most Canadians are real nice people until you start talking hockey, when they turn into Jack Nicholson’s character from The Shining. “Wendy, I am not going to hurt you, I am just going to bash your head in. I gonna bash it in”. The best hockey players are from Canada, but other conties are playing too and playing the game very well.
I love sports, but I am not going to get whipped into some ESPN-driven frenzy that forces me to watch 8 hours of pregame and 4 hours of postgame. I am proud of the American reaction; we love the games and the outcome, then we get up and go to work each day knowing that the outcome does not impact our lives directly. It’s sports, and we need to keep it in that perspective.
World Be Free
February 22nd, 2010
8:56 pm
We were talking about Toby’s sister the other night. Jason Botterill’s sister plays for Canada. Jason played for the Thrashers in the early years, I remember when he scored a GWG in Buffalo against the Sabres in the first season.
stendec
February 22nd, 2010
9:57 pm
I have viewed all USA Olympic hockey games from start to finish. Know something folks. It will take a collapse of monumental proportions for the USA hockey women to lose the gold medal to host Canada. Can never root for Finland. That damn third world shet country produced Kari Lehtonen! Will always despise that son of a betch. Finn females laid down for Canada. Think they took three shots on goal the whole freaking night. Only a SLIGHT exaggeration. Way to go losers! Canada women over USA for gold would be as big an upset as USA men over USSR in 1980 Olympics. Yes, the talent differential is THAT obvious! Enjoy the rest of the games. Think Canadians will lynch Team Canada members if they lose Tuesday? Might be interesting to watch and see! Peace. ++STENDEC++
jimbo
February 22nd, 2010
10:09 pm
Great game and great effort by all of the USA TEAM, TEAM, TEAM. Hope that John Anderson taped the game and shows it to the Thrash to illustrate how a hustling, hitting team of underdogs can win.
Somaatl95
February 22nd, 2010
10:14 pm
You know what the best thing about last nights game? Going to tsn.ca and reading how all of Canada has turned on their “Unstoppable force” of a hockey team. One guy even mentioned that he has a 16 year old (son or nephew, I don’t recall ATM) who has never seen a Canadian team win the Stanley Cup. For a country that dogs us because we aren’t a “Hockey Town” they sure love to fling the venom at each other. I can see why most NHL players hate the Hockey Media and Rabid Fans up there.
Brendan
February 22nd, 2010
10:48 pm
Well, let me say it, then. “I’m concerned about the USA being outshot.” That second period worried me quite a bit, truth be told. And had it not been for that utterly “sloppy” Drury goal, they go into the 3rd stanza, tied at 2-2. Psychologically, I really do believe having a lead going into the 3rd period makes the team in the lead believe they are going to win. Or, at least, that they can win.
There’s nothing great about being out-anything’d. Outshot. Outhit. Outhustled. Outchanced. Outsmarted. Outcoached. Nothing. But, like they say, “wins hide sins.” If a team, in the Gold Medal Game, gets outshot 51-13, but wins, 2-1. Guess what everyone remembers about it? Answer: The team that won the game.
Yung JB from MTL
February 22nd, 2010
11:03 pm
USA will lose, cause miller cant win it all and hell be welcomed back to reality by someguy named ovechkin…
Eh!….Oh!… Canada Go!
Im starting to like Crotchby
Midfield
February 22nd, 2010
11:11 pm
Brendan, I think one of the roster criteria by Burke and Wilson was stamina, which I doubt any other contender has such an abundance of. Canada just had to ratchet it up in the second, and they eventually ran out of gas. As I said, Rafalski and Miller basically killed the dream team.
Brendan
February 22nd, 2010
11:13 pm
Red Light, your 10:59 post was right on the money. That squad went 1-4-1 in Torino. http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2010/02/21/5699/comment-page-1/#comment-21666.
LAC, I ask you to remember something. Imagine that Waddell hired a scout who decided that yours truly was worth drafting. Well, that scout should be fired. Imagine, that Waddell decided to sign me to a league mimimum contract. Is it my fault that I accepted the contract? Or, is it Waddell’s fault for offering it? Still with me? Is it Waddell’s fault that ownership cannot figure out that he needs to be replaced? No, no it isn’t. And it’s not Waddell’s job to TELL THEM that he has failed to turn the Thrashers into a perennial Cup contender. Guess whose fault that is? Yes, it’s the ownership’s fault. But worse yet, perhaps making the Thrashers into a perennial Cup contender was NEVER, EVER part of their plans? It’s painful to think of, as fans of the team. But really, if they were forced to own the team against their will, perhaps all they wish to do is collect revenue sharing dollars, at a league minimum payroll? If that’s what they told Waddell … maybe Waddell sat there thinking, “Well shoot, I can do that.”
Ultimately, it’s up to ownership to install proper management. The world is going to laugh at them when they RENEW Waddell’s contract. And Waddell’s contract ISSS going to get renewed. Soon. Otherwise, we’ll have an “Office Space” moment, where Waddell isn’t collecting a paycheck anymore, but he’s still running the team. For the owners are too scared to tell him that he isn’t under contract anymore. But Waddell keeps showing up to work, making team decisions, and running the show.
DWTOO
February 22nd, 2010
11:23 pm
Mr. Stendec’s remarks about the Canadians lynching someone and WBF’s remarks regarding soccer (real football) passion in Mexico reminded of the Columbian soccer player who scored the winning own goal for the US in the 1994 World Cup. Remember what happeded to him? Shot dead in a bar by a disgruntled fan. Taking it a bit far?
Brendan
February 22nd, 2010
11:26 pm
In the post-game show of the Winter Classic from Fenway Park this year, Brian Burke explained his strategy. And one of the things he talked about was, “You can be sure, that each and every player that has made our squad, will know their role and function.” So, immediately, the NHL panelists grilled Brian Burke, “Well, then, who are you ‘bottom six forwards’ going to be? Who are your top four defenders? Brian downplayed that, saying, “We’ll know by the time the Olympics arrive.”
Well, you have to hand it to him. Thus far, his choices look great. It’s young, fast, energetic team, that doesn’t really get pushed around too much.
World Be Free
February 23rd, 2010
5:41 am
Yung-I still think Canada is the best team here and could still win.
But pls review DTWOO’s remarks and other postings on the fan reaction in Canada to this loss. We Americans have our faults, but we are certainly not guilty of what Canadian hockey fans are doing to their stars. Never heard a bad word about Steve Yzerman until this week, never. Most of your guys are getting burned now for one loss in a preliminary round, not even the medal round.
It’s just a game-winning or losing does not change the world. Take it from a Buffalo Bills fan that waych 4 consecutive Super Bowl losses. You still have to get up and punch the clock the next day, win or lose.
World Be Free
February 23rd, 2010
5:46 am
Brendan, if there’s any GM out there right now I would want to face the fire it would be Brian Burke. Every time was picked to have star power, except the USA. This was not lost on Canada, nor will be it be on any opponent we face. Shades of 1980, another team built on the team concept.
Like I said, don’t think the other teams in the hunt don’t see that we are ateam. If the USA wins, it will change the way teams select the squads for Olympics to come.
Midfield
February 23rd, 2010
8:09 am
I don’t think that Olympic tournament will be a trend setting event for NHL regardless of the outcome, nor it should be. Completely different set of circumstances, schedule and opponent profiles. Remember how many ‘Miracle on Ice’ players made a splash in the NHL?
Don Waddell
February 23rd, 2010
8:14 am
Excuse me, excuse me,…I did not receive my paycheck
Excuse me, excuse me,…this isn’t my office
Um, um,….have you seen my red stapler…someone took my red stapler.
Canada
February 23rd, 2010
8:22 am
Curling is our sport. Don’t mess with curling.
Red Light
February 23rd, 2010
9:10 am
WBF & Brendan: recent posts are excellent, but what has been lost in the USA’s victory over Canada is that we got virtually no help from our “best” offensive players, which means Parise, Kane and Ryan could get untracked during the next two to three games. Ryan Suter has been very, very good, and played fabulously well against Canada. David Backes continues to make a name for himself. Burke is right when he said that 10 guys have carried them, and if they get contributions from the others over the next three games, I think Silver or Gold is a distinct possibility, although the semifinals against Finland or the Czech Republic mean you have to beat Kiprusoff or Vokoun.
I look for a USA-Czech Republic semifinal on one side and Canada vs. Sweden on the other. That means Friday will be one helluva day for Olympic hockey!
World Be Free
February 23rd, 2010
9:15 am
Canada-if you like shuffleboard on ice, yes it’s a sport. Glad you like it-to each his own.
World Be Free
February 23rd, 2010
9:19 am
Red Light-totally agree, 100%.
Which is why Brian Burke was not happy yesterday. Some of the best USA players have not played their best yet and they will have to in the medal round. You can’t expect to bring home the gold with your goalie standing on his head for the balance of the Games. Besides, some Sabres fans were hoping the USA would go out early so Miller could get rest for the March sprint to the finish.
All I can say is, at least we beat Canada. That in itself is one heck of a victory.
Smoothie
February 23rd, 2010
9:20 am
Don’t y’all think we’re giving Burke just a bit more credit than he deserves? Frankly, who can name 5 other players (besides Oshie) who are more deserving of being on the team? I don’t think Komisarek deserved to be on the team, but lucky for the US, his injury kept him off the ice. Most of the selections were no-brainers and we picked the correct midgets this time (no Gionta and Gomez) in Parise and Kane. But you’d be insane not to!
DWTOO
February 23rd, 2010
10:03 am
Although it’s like watching grass grow think Curling would be fun to play. Prop up a couple cold ones and throw a few rocks down the ice. We used to live in Northern Wisconsin and another winter sport (ie excuse to drink outdoors) was always welcome. One can only ice fish for so long.
Smoothie
February 23rd, 2010
10:06 am
“Sunday’s game against the United States, a loss that raised blood pressure across the land, was the most-watched sports program in Canadian history.”
According to BBM Canada overnight ratings, the game was seen by an average of 10.6 million, more than the 10.3 million who watched the gold medal final on CBC at Salt Lake City in 2002.”
Honestly, I’m a bit surprised that only 10.6 million watched the US v. Canada game in Canadia. I figured at least half the total population of 33 million would’ve tuned in for this epic game. Apparently, hockey isn’t as big a deal up there as they’d have you believe!
Red Light
February 23rd, 2010
10:06 am
Smoothie: You can make a case for experienced guys like Bill Guerin, Rob Scuderi and Scott Gomez, but you are right in that there were fewer options because of injuries to David Booth, Paul Martin and Mike Komisarek. But, Burke knows what he’s doing, and the Maple Leafs’ Cup drought won’t last more than another five years and he was dealt a brutal hand by his predecessor. You heard it here first.
moriler
February 23rd, 2010
10:08 am
the best part? Either Russia or Canada will be eliminated without a medal, and the US won’t face either of them ’til the gold medal round.
Red Light
February 23rd, 2010
10:12 am
Smoothie:
If you take away the doctors, cab drivers, strippers, dry cleaners, restaurant owners, foreign service officials, hotel and Tim Horton’s franchise owners, The English and French speaking Canadians amount to about half that many, so all things considered, it’s still a big number.
Don Waddell
February 23rd, 2010
10:18 am
Ya know, I’m a major player in US hockey….well, maybe not so much this year.
Who is Ryan Miller? I don’t remember picking him four years ago.
Smoothie
February 23rd, 2010
10:22 am
Red Light – indeed, pickins’ are a bit slim, but the U.S. has come a long way in terms of depth of talent. I’m going through the rosters now and so far I’ve come up with these players as potential candidates for the team: Wisniewski, Hainsey, Bogosian, Wheeler, Connolly, Corvo, Higgins and Byfuglien. But none of those players, other than Connolly and perhaps Hainsey, have much of a case over anyone on the actual team.
Good point about all of the service oriented professions that would take away from the viewing numbers. However, shouldn’t all of the hotel, bar and restaurant owners have the game on their TV’s??
World Be Free
February 23rd, 2010
10:27 am
I totally forgot about Byfuglien not being on the team. I expected him to be there.