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February 22, 2010
Evan Luse
“Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” The famous words of broadcaster Al Michaels spoken 30 years ago to the day on Monday prevailed as truth once again for the men’s U.S. hockey team as they defeated Canada in a monumental upset 5-3 on Sunday night.
The Canadian squad was predicted to lay waste to an inexperienced and smaller U.S. team, but that was not the case. Keeper Ryan Miller made miraculous save after miraculous save and ended the game with an astounding 42 saves.
“It’s probably one of the biggest games I’ve ever played,” Miller said to ESPN. “When things happened we responded. We didn’t get nervous or anxious. We kept playing.”
Somehow the U.S. team was able to pull out a victory, even though the shot on goal differential was 45-23 in Canada’s favor. Leading the offensive end of the ice was American Brian Rafalski, who scored two goals.
“We know we can beat anybody now,” Rafalski said to ESPN.
Pre-tournament predictions said that Canada and Russia would be the clear cut favorites, but after this historic upset the U.S. is now the number one seed heading into elimination rounds. As for Canada, they must win to stay alive and all roads lead to facing off with powerhouse Russia.
“We’re throwing 45 shots at these goalies and they are making stops facing forward, backward, sideways,” Canadian goalie Martin Brodeur said to ESPN. “Eventually, we’ll be more successful.”
The United States not only achieved a stunning upset and momentum heading into elimination play, but they also earned a valuable period of rest. They will tangle with the winner of the Switzerland-Belarus match-up on Tuesday. The U.S. squad will take the ice again on Wednesday at 3 P.M.
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