Last night’s gold medal game was one of the greatest hockey games I have ever witnessed on television. Though the outcome wasn’t desirable from the standpoint of a Canadian fan, it was a joy to watch as a fan of the sport.
The thing that struck me the most was the pace and speed of the play. The American team had some of the fastest players I’ve ever seen lace up a pair of skates. All three periods were chock full of odd man rushes and epic races to the puck. I thought Gord Miller was going to have a stroke trying to keep up with all the action.
The game had a little bit of everything: shitty goaltending (both starters looked unbelievably shaky at times) and great goaltending. Jack Campbell, the US’s back up goalie, put on an MVP calibre performance and was the primary reason his team was able to make it to the extra frame in the first place.
The Canadians fought back from a one goal deficit twice and then scored two goals in the final three minutes to send it to overtime (which, at the time, must have been horrible déjà vu for the Americans after their choke job on New Year’s Eve). Canada’s comeback brings me to my next point:
Jordan Eberle is the greatest international hockey player in Canadian history.
The kid is absolutely amazing. I never thought I would have a man crush on someone born in the 1990s, but here we are. His performance over the last two World Juniors was unbelievable and he is, undoubtedly, the epitome of a clutch player.
If I was Steve Yzerman, I might hold a spot for Eberle on the Olympic team. Just put the kid near the net late in the game and he’ll tickle the twine.
Paul Henderson now has company in the annals of Canadian hockey history.
Unfortunately, Eberle couldn’t do it all himself. He needed help and the other big guns on the team weren’t up to the task; specifically, Nazem Kadri.
I don’t understand why everyone fawns all over this kid. Yes, he’s highly talented and is great in shootouts. So am I and you don’t see me getting drafted anytime soon.
Kadri is horrible defensively, is constantly out of position and always tries to make the big hit, at the expense of the teammates he leaves hanging out to dry with his stupidity. Worst of all, Kadri thinks he’s tough guy.
Did you see the throat gesture he gave the Swiss player during the round robin? First off, maybe he should think about picking a more menacing opponent than the Swiss. They’re neutral.
Second, what are you going to do, Nazem? You’re 5’9” and weigh 150lbs. Leave the rough stuff to the real men.
Having Canada lose the gold medal game may actually be a good thing for the tournament and hockey in general. As I mentioned last week, the World Juniors were getting predictable and boring. Having the Swiss make it to the semis and having the US win gold can only mean good things for the future of international hockey.
Specifically, this could be a boon for the game in the US. We all know Americans will get behind anything in which they are the best. And right now, they are the best at Under 20 hockey. I predict greater interest in next year’s tourney from the south of the border (especially since the WJC will be held in Buffalo).
And don’t fret Canada. We still have Vancouver in February.
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1 comment:
it was largely the same scenario as the new years eve throwdown, where canada was regularly outskated and the americans legitimately deserved to win. unfortunately for canada, win streaks end when you allow more odd-man rushes than tewks' adult favourite "buttman and throbbin'".
and yes, my giant eberle mancrush was solidified late in the third last night. i knew he was good and i had been softly crushing on him after his appearance in that excellent nike ad ("with 5 seconds left, destiny panics"). when all hope was lost, the 'baby-faced assassin' was there to stop the bleeding. too young for the olympics, but talented enough to give the lethargic edmonton oilers a hearty broner.
o' canada. can't win 'em all.
perhaps at a later date i'll provide my own account of tewks' helpful tutelage thrown my way in the days of yore (december 30th post). right now i'm on company time, gotta get back at it.
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