Yesterday we saw the debuts of the American, Russian and Canadian Olympic Hockey teams. Each of the opponents for all of these teams (Switzerland, Latvia, and Norway respectively) were not expected to measure up to the NHL-caliber talent that comprises the American, Russian, and Canadian squads. The United States won 3-1, Russia trounced Latvia 8-2, and Canada blanked Norway 8-0.
It pains me somewhat to say that the United States is statistically the weakest and inexperienced team out of these three. With an extremely young roster, the United States has an arduous task ahead of them to get onto the podium. Also, we can't forget about the defending gold medal winners, Sweden, who also boasts a roster of mostly NHL superstars.
Personally, I'm hoping for a USA-Canada final game because I'd like to see the gold medal come back to North America. Naturally, I'm pulling for the Americans, but I also support the Canadians. Despite having the insufferable cry-baby, Sidney Crosby, on the roster, the Canadian roster features three Blackhawks (Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook). Canada also has one of my favorite players of all time, Dany Heatley (pictured above), who is also a former Wisconsin Badger.
Of the 8 goals Canada scored last evening, Heatley's was probably the prettiest. Streaking down the left side, Heatley unleashed a slapshot from the top of the circles. The puck flew to the upper left corner of the net, then flew across and hit the upper right corner of the net.
Two other UW alums are also playing on Team USA. Joe Pavelski and Brian Rafalski have been playing well and contributing to the team's run to the gold medal. Keep an eye out for these former Badgers to stand out as we progress through some exciting Olympic Ice Hockey.
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