Canada gets the Gold... *sigh*

What an amazing game that was, just as any gold medal game should be. But this one was particularly great. It started off all Canada, as they took a 1-0 before the end of the first on a Jonathan Towes goal. Canada had really controlled the tempo and kept the USA from really getting any kind of real scoring chances. The first period was a good one with Canada taking a 1-0 lead into intermission.

The second period was the same story. Canada looked like the better team, and they put another one in the net because of it. Corey Perry put in the goal for Canada that put them up 2-0. The US was in trouble after that goal. Canada was imposing their will upon the US and it showed on the scoreboard. Something needed to changed for the United States; something was brewing in the air. On a play which should of been whistled offside upon further looking, the US take advantage and finally find the back of the net. Ryan Kessler tipped in a Patrick Kane shot. It was a simple play, just putting the puck on net, but it worked. US went into the third with the momentum and only down one.

The third period starts, and Canada quickly takes away all momentum the Americans had by doing what they've done all game; peppering shots and Ryan Miller and controlling the puck, like any Babcock team. But Miller stood tall and kept it a one goal game. With about 5 minutes left to go in the game, things started to turn around. The US started to take control of the game, but couldn't beat Roberto. 1:30 left, US pulls the goalie... Under a minute to go, still 2-1... Then Roberto gloves a shot which he then decides to play... Canada doesn't clear the puck, it comes around to Kane who lets a shot fly, tipped by Langenbrunner, sat out front for Zach Parise. With 24.4 seconds left, Parise put the puck where it belonged, in Canada's net. The match to decide everything needed more than 60 minutes.

Overtime was back and forth, both teams playing more cautious than they had all game, but trying to get the game winner. oe Pavelski almost turned a Neidermeyer turnover into a gold medal. But Canada's counter attack did turn into a gold. Crosby brought in the zone, took it to the corner, gave it to Iginla then made a B-line to the net. Iginla hit him with the pass and Crosby wasn't going to be denied. Rafalski was caught out of position, but almost made the play on Crosby on the recovery. But it wasn't to be... Canada wins gold.

Is it bitter? Yes. Am I angry Crosby was the one to score? Oh you better believe it. But do I appreciate the run the US made? Absolutely. They were not supposed to be undefeated, going into the last game. They were not supposed to take Canada to overtime. They were;nt supposed to be there, but they were, and I salute them. 2014 the team should all be back, with a few exceptions. Rafalski won't be back :( but Ryan Miller will, and so will many others.