The word “miracle” in ice hockey is used to refer to the USA’s two biggest upsets in the sport — in the 1960 and 1980 Winter Olympics, both on US ice.
Another miracle happened on “Super Sunday” when the underdog Team USA shook down the towering powerhouse of Team Canada, decked with superstars from end to end.
1980 can’t be compared to, as it was essentially a college hockey team that defeated the mighty USSR in that legendary Olympic semi-final. But where the talent is so well spread across the men’s game right now, USA’s 5-3 victory over Canada on the 21st of February 2010 was something special.
Just like in 1980, a team picked as a team, not just as the best players, won the day.
It was, however, just a pool game.
Ultimately, I think the loss to USA was perfect for Team Canada, and perfect for the sport.
Suddenly the hockey-god talents of the Canadians will be the underdogs, and while an upset from Germany on Wednesday Australian time seems beyond fantasy, a mercurial Russia awaits.
Having to face adversity is the only thing that can forge Canada’s gold into steel.
Meanwhile, the Americans and Swiss have proven that anyone can have a crack, and we in TV land get hooked. Finally, a contest full of drama, passion and rivalries!
USA, Russia, Sweden and Finland await the winners of Canada Vs Germany, Switzerland Vs Belarus, Czech Vs Latvia, and Slovakia Vs Norway.
A USA/Canada, USA/Russia, Sweden/Canada final is in the works here and ice hockey will be the winner.
“Miracle” enough for me, though, is Foxtel’s coverage of the sport. I’ll be watching every possible minute, looking for new miracles.
Ice Pete
Roar Pro
Czechs were fortunate to make it through today, as were the Swiss. Canada as expected made short work of Germany. I actually think Canada have a better chance of winning the Gold now they've lost that big game, than if they'd cruised through to a Gold Medal final.
Hansie
Guest
Watch for the Czechs to come through. They were stiff not be ranked in the top 4, and have a soft play off against Latvia. After that, they play Finland, who were lucky to be ranked top 4. Once they make a semi final, anything is possible.
Fivehole
Guest
Being a Buffalo fan, i knew Ryan Miller would be able to keep the yanks in close games where normally the soft goals would be given up. When the US were up 4-3, he got shelled with something like 5 shots in a 30 second span yet kept them out. With Miller between the pipes expect the US to make the finals. Canada are likely to exit in the quarters once more.
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Good article. I'm looking forward to Crosby v Ovechkin in the next round (should Canada advance of course), but I don't hold much hope of Nine showing it, unfortunately. We'll see!