I know the game last night may have meant more to more Canadians than Americans, but for those of us who consider ourselves fans of the game and fans of Team USA, last night’s USA-Canada hockey game was great.
There is no doubt that Canada dominated Team USA in terms of shots on goal or in controlling the puck and the play of the game. However, this game had a playoff atmosphere comparable to an NHL Stanley Cup game and what tends to come out in these games is the team with the hot goalie wins.
Canada peppered U.S. goalie Ryan Miller with 45 shots and he came up with huge saves through all three periods stopping 42 of those shots. Meanwhile, Team USA managed just 23 shots, but took full advantage of their opportunities thanks to Martin Brodeur, who mismanaged his way in the Canadian nets.
Broduer attempted a chest high clearing attempt and shot the puck right up the middle of the ice that was buried by defensemen Brian Rafalski. Then, in the third period, he attempted a poke check and missed the puck and found himself out of position which led to Team USA’s goal that put them up 4-2.
David Backes, the Blues forward assisted on Team USA’s second goal which tied the game at 2-2. Backes has a goal and two assists in three USA games.
