The United States mens hockey team has to be prepared for a different Canadian team if they want to return home with Olympic gold.
It all begins in goal where hometown hero Roberto Luongo will attempt to stop the American attack. Martin Brodeur was shaky in allowing four goals the last time the two teams squared off. He was replaced as the starter after that game and ever since the Canadians haven’t shown much of a weakness in goal.
The Canadians have been one of the top teams ever since they lost to the US squad back on February 21st. They have beaten Germany, Russia and Slovakia throughout the elimination round of the tournament. They outscored their opponents 18-7 during that span as well.
The United States, on the other hand, earned a bye in the first round by shocking the world and landing the top seed in the tournament. They out-toughed a gritty Swiss team 2-0 and cruised past Finland 6-1 to earn a chance to win gold for their country.
Canada survived a major scare in the semifinals against the Slovaks; as the US squad scored six goals in the first period and rested their stars (including starting goalie Ryan Miller) during the rest of the game.
The day the US thumped Finland to move into the gold medal game, the Canadians built a 3-0 lead on Slovakia only to require a desperate Luongo save in the final seconds to hang on to a 3-2 win.
If it’s any sign of the quality of competition, Finland then beat Slovakia to claim the bronze medal 5-3.
The Americans have every reason in the world to be confident, but it will take more than an ego boost to take down the Canadians on their own ice.
