I want to be very clear on one thing. I am in no way comparing what happened last night in Vancouver, to what happened 30 years ago today in Lake Placid from a social-big guy defeated by little guy-totally mind blowing once in a lifetime thing. Last night, a team of very good American NHLers, defeated a very good group of Canadian NHLers in one of the most thrilling hockey games I have ever witnessed. It was in no way a win of the magnitude of USA over USSR, despite the similarities.
These two games were similar in so much as in 1980 the United States had a goaltender that stood on his head (Jim Craig) and took advantage of their opportunities when they were presented. Last night Ryan Miller had the game of his life between the pipes for the United States, and when the US did get scoring chances, they capitalized on them. I feel Marty Brodeur was very underwhelming in goal for Canada last night, as Vladislav Tretiak was for the Soviets 30 years ago. While this was a big, huge win for the United States, I would rank it third behind Squaw Valley in 1960 and the Miracle on Ice in 1980.
Either way, was that some kind of hockey game last night or what?! Can we talk about the three breakaways they traded for a second? Oh my God. I thought for sure Doc was going to blow a gasket. Oh, and then the shooting gallery in the last 4 minutes? I even caught MOL secretly watching the third period last night! I am not sure how this tournament is going to wind up, but the United States certainly impressed the hell out of me last night. Do not count Canada out though. Even though they made their lives difficult by having to win four in a row, including having to go through the powerhouse Russian Club to win gold on home soil, they definitely have the squad to do so. Was last night the Miracle on Ice Part II? No, but it was one damn fine hockey game!