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A giant spotlight shined on the sport of hockey Sunday as the world's best countries faced off in rivalry games.
The U.S. beat heavy favorite Canada, Russia defeated arch-rival Czech Republic, and Sweden defeated its neighbor and nemesis Finland.
But the buzz is still focused on USA’s triumphant 5-3 victory over the team favored to win gold --Team Canada.
The win is drawing comparisons to the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. Although it was only a preliminary round, it’s still a big deal. On NBC The Today Show has the perspective from the streets of Vancouver.
“Canadians are obsessed with two things I've found: hockey, and beating Americans at hockey. So when Team USA pulled out this upset yesterday, you know us Americans, we sort of bragged about it. USA, USA, USA. Overnight it was on."
ESPN’s George Smith explains how the U.S. team prevailed despite being outplayed for much of the game because of goalie Ryan Miller’s outstanding play.
“What can you say about Ryan Miller? 43 shots on goal for the Canadians, 22 for the Americans, he stopped 40 shots. He was just unbelievable.”
USA player Ryan Kesler, who scored the game-clinching goal, tells ESPN Team USA had some extra motivation.
“It was a tribute to the 1960 team. We wore their jerseys. And it was the last time we beat the Canadians was in 1960. So it was pretty special to wear those unis and to beat the Canadians.”
Talk of the game lit up newspapers, blogs, and social media sites. NHL.com compiled some of the most enthusiastic praise.
"This game was an instant classic, one that should be replayed for years."
"No, this was not a Miracle…One telling sign of how far the U.S. has come might have been the reaction afterward: The players congratulated Miller, patted each other on the helmets and, for the most part, downplayed it all."
Media outlets in Canada are posting doom and gloom articles and headlines after the devastating loss. The Vancouver Sun headlines, “Woe Canada, U.S. sticks stake in our hearts". The Sun went on to say,
“But get taken to the woodshed by the Americans at pretty much every Olympic Games venue for 10 solid days, then fail to stop the bleeding against Team USA at Canada Hockey Place ... and it would be difficult to pick the national chin off the floor during these last seven days.”
By the way, Team USA clinched the No. 1 seed and will get a bye in the next round. Canada will face a much tougher task- needing to beat Germany and Russia to advance.
So what do you think about the U.S.'s chances to win gold in hockey? Would you like to see a U.S. Canada rematch?
Writer: Charlie McKeague
Producer: Newsy Staff
