Canada, Crosby Finally Solve Team USA To Win Olympic Hockey Gold

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Posted on 28th February 2010 by Ben Krasner in Sports Commentary

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Canada Beats USA To Take Hockey Hold Medal

Sidney Crosby scores to clinch the gold medal and send Canada into frenzied celebration.

Sidney Crosby suddenly put a shot on goal and between Ryan Miller’s pads 7:40 into sudden death overtime to win the gold medal match of what was probably the biggest and best tournament the Winter Olympics – and perhaps the world – has ever seen.  The win avenges a 5-3 Team USA victory in their preliminary match where USA secured their appearance in the quarterfinals and in which Canada didn’t play their best hockey, especially goalie Martin Brodeur.

Zach Parise and Team USA had tied the game with just 24 seconds left to force overtime, but Team Canada proved to be the more talented team as they controlled the bulk of the action in the 4-on-4 overtime session and ultimately won the game with the stick of one of the most talented players in the world.  Sidney came off the boards in great offensive position behind his USA defender and quickly sent a wrist shot towards the net in the hopes of catching Miller before he was ready – a decision that proved perfect as he ended up beating Miller 5-hole and sending every Canadian into the frenzy they had all hoped for long before the Olympics had even opened up.

Team USA ends up with the silver medal while Canada takes gold in the sport they wanted to win the most as the host for the tournament in a sport they call their own.  Team USA goalie Ryan Miller won the tournament MVP award for his outstanding play throughout, a possible measure of satisfaction even if he did come up a bit short in the end in the final match.

Both teams should be proud of their efforts as they both proved a lot to the world.  Canada proved that they really were the best and deepest team in the tournament and that they really are top dog, still, when it comes to the overall picture of hockey talent.  Team USA proved to be much better than people were giving them credit for before the tournament, showing plenty of speed, grit and skill while toppling quality competition.

Congratulations to Canada on a great win, and congratulation to Team USA for their silver medal performance in this Olympics.