What a crushing loss for Team USA. For all the hubbub and buildup, we are left cheering for a Bronze medal. Sweden won earlier today and will face Canada on Sunday. USA will play Finland tomorrow.
The American team made several mistakes, the most costly of which was letting Jay Bouwmeester stay wide open near the blue line. He drove the puck towards Jamie Benn as he skated to the front for a deflection goal, the only goal of the game. Just before that goal, the Canadian offense looked as if they were on a power play. All of America's best were to the far left of Jonathan Quick with the Canadian forwards spread out around their perimeter. As soon as the pass went to Bouwmeester, who had slid just right of quick but out far, you could see the American defense shift to the middle. The lanes were not closed though, leaving a clear channel for Bouwmeester's pass to Benn.
Up until then, the game had been rather back and forth. The Canadian break was full of speed, whereas the Americans seemed to have cleaner passes. Crosby was limited in scoring again, but he made several plays throughout the game to remind everyone he is one of the best. After the goal, the Americans made a few rushes. But the game seemed to turn towards Canada's favor. At one point, you could hear the announcers saying how much confidence they were playing with as a defensemen was behind the goal line helping facilitate the offense.
Desperation called for Suter and McDonagh to stay on longer than planned. Suter in particular appeared to be on well over normal. For the next period and a half, the defense ruled supreme. America's potent offense, which had led the Olympics in goals scored, could not muster any sort of real threat, shooting again and again at Price's chest. Phil Kessel was limited as was Patrick Kane, leaving slapshots from the blue line as the main source of chances. Canada's defense was so fast and strong, limiting American rebounds quickly and efficiently. However, we should applaud Team USA for blocking so many shots, lying out on the ice to break up plays and taking a few pucks to the body.
If only someone had seen Bouwmeester and Benn. If only they had a little more firepower in the offense today. If only that extra man after the goalie was pulled had helped. It did not, by the way, as America only managed a feeble attempt to put the puck in the net, wasting precious seconds just trying to get it close.
America is out of the Gold Medal Match. All we can do is blame Canada.
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