Slog
News & ArtsSunday, February 28, 2010
Sports Game On!
Posted by Courtney Kelly on Sun, Feb 28, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Now watch the game! I'll be making some comments here if they occur to me! You should too! (I am getting paid by the "!" in this post!)
The general sports media at large and even the hockey intelligencia (?) (Barry Melrose) has boiled this game into the familiar sports narratives that have worked for them before:
Youth (USA) vs. Experience (Canada): While on average, Team USA has younger players and Team Canada has more international team-play experience on the roster, Canada has Syd the Kid and Team USA has truly been anchored by 36-year-old defenseman Brian Rafalski.
David (USA) vs. Goliath (Canada): Some of the bobbleheads at ESPN have ventured to say that this would be a bigger upset than the Miracle on Ice, which is hyperbolic nonsense. Everyone on both sides here is a pro, and many are captains of their respective NHL teams.
Home (Canada) vs. Away (USA): Much has been made of the home-field advantage for Canada with what will certainly be a loud, frenetic crowd entirely on Canada's side, but pros of all sports often admit (when not shilling for their club's season ticket packages) that they don't even hear crowd during the game.
My guess is that these oversimplifications will once again miss the nuance of the contest. This game will be won and lost by individual match-ups. Who will win the race to a loose puck? Who will have more take-aways in the neutral zone? Face-offs (which determine possession) will be huge and Canada has a statistically large advantage with three players in the top twelve (Jonathan Toews, Sidney Crosby and Patrick Marleau) but throughout the tournament the top two face-off winners have been Americans Joe Pavelski and Ryan Kesler.
If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball. And if Team USA can get the puck—and keep the puck—they just might win the gold medal.
2
I would join a religion that worshiped Don Cherry. Especially if we all got to wear the jackets. With Norway's curling pants.
6
I cannot really bear all the 1980 comparisons. I know it was amazing, and don't me wrong I feel oppressed by the Canadian Cold War every day of my life, but if USA wins this game Al Michaels will have to yell, "Do you believe in minor upsets!!!!!!!"
7
@2 You can buy those pants you know, Fnarf?
http://readygolf.com/Loudmouth-Golf-MENS…
Do you have a birthday coming up?
http://readygolf.com/Loudmouth-Golf-MENS…
Do you have a birthday coming up?
9
Hello out there we're on the air it's hockey night tonight
Tension grows the whistle blows-& the puck goes down the ice.
The goalie jumps and the players bump and the fans all go insane
Someone roars "Bobby scores!" at the good ole hockey game
Chorus:
Oh the good ole hockey game is the best game you can name
And the best game you can name is the good ole hockey game
2nd period:
Where players dash with skates aflash the home team trails behind
But they grab the puck and go bursting up and they're down across the line
They storm the crease like bumble bees they travel like a burning flame
We see them slide the puck inside -It's a "1-1" hockey game!
Chorus:
3rd period: last game in the playoffs, too...
Oh take me where the hockey players face off down the rink-
And the Stanley Cup is all filled up for the chaps who win the drink-
Now the final flick of the hockey stick and a one gigantic scream-
The puck is in! The home team wins! The good ole hockey game!
Tension grows the whistle blows-& the puck goes down the ice.
The goalie jumps and the players bump and the fans all go insane
Someone roars "Bobby scores!" at the good ole hockey game
Chorus:
Oh the good ole hockey game is the best game you can name
And the best game you can name is the good ole hockey game
2nd period:
Where players dash with skates aflash the home team trails behind
But they grab the puck and go bursting up and they're down across the line
They storm the crease like bumble bees they travel like a burning flame
We see them slide the puck inside -It's a "1-1" hockey game!
Chorus:
3rd period: last game in the playoffs, too...
Oh take me where the hockey players face off down the rink-
And the Stanley Cup is all filled up for the chaps who win the drink-
Now the final flick of the hockey stick and a one gigantic scream-
The puck is in! The home team wins! The good ole hockey game!
10
@8, Yeah for example the 2 young forwards from the Chicago Blackhawks, Jonathan Toews (Canada) and Patrick Kane (USA).
11
@7, I have a pair of Loudmouth pants, a different pattern: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nancyo23/26…
15
I love the USA's goalie's air-brushed helmet—Uncle Sam and a cudgel. I hope he has a Dodge van to match that thing.
(Bethany, Eli, and I are at the Roanoake—there's a dude wearing a full-sized American flag as a cape and people are drinking $1.50 Miller High Lives like they're going out of style.)
(Bethany, Eli, and I are at the Roanoake—there's a dude wearing a full-sized American flag as a cape and people are drinking $1.50 Miller High Lives like they're going out of style.)
18
Jeeze, thanks Brendan. I was trying to watch the game. I'm pretty sure MHL doesn't go plural to "Lives" but you're the writer.
The Americans are hanging in there. The solid Penalty Kill after the goal was a nice confidence builder, to settle things down. I think if you asked the US if they would take down 1-0 at the end of the first period, they would have been delighted. They are hoping to out skate Canada at the end.
Team USA needs to get a ton more shots on goal. Luongo isn't going to give up much and 8 shots is way too light to stress him out.
The game is living up to the pace I was hoping so far. I am jumping around my living room shouting "Skate!" at the top of my lungs, which is a good sign.
The Americans are hanging in there. The solid Penalty Kill after the goal was a nice confidence builder, to settle things down. I think if you asked the US if they would take down 1-0 at the end of the first period, they would have been delighted. They are hoping to out skate Canada at the end.
Team USA needs to get a ton more shots on goal. Luongo isn't going to give up much and 8 shots is way too light to stress him out.
The game is living up to the pace I was hoping so far. I am jumping around my living room shouting "Skate!" at the top of my lungs, which is a good sign.
21
@20, Ideally, when there is a loose puck and you are hoping the USA can skate to it first and make a clear, or when there is a Canadian break-away and you hope our defensmen can skate backwards fast enough to get into position.
22
Every moment is the right moment to yell,"skate!"
I now love Keith. Forever and ever.
BTW: After about a year on the message boards I'm finally signing up because posting with my mobile, watching, and drinking is too difficult when I have to enter my name and email every time.
I now love Keith. Forever and ever.
BTW: After about a year on the message boards I'm finally signing up because posting with my mobile, watching, and drinking is too difficult when I have to enter my name and email every time.
26
Oh man. What a bad few minutes of skating for the the US. They were all standing around watching. Boo.
27
Canada's going hard to the net, but USA keeps rushing shots, which land harmlessly in the goalies glove.
29
It seems all chaos when the U.S. is on attack—flurries and freakouts, while the Canadian offense seems clean and calm... and better.
30
I'm rooting for Canada, because I just like Canada. I'm a total girl when it comes to this kind of thing.
32
@30: i am too (rooting for canada) - for many years now i've considered myself to be 'transnational' - i was just born on the wrong side of the 49th parallel...
41
Aside from a few weak shifts, Team USA played pretty well that period and are still in the game, against most analyst's predictions. Six Shooter is right above twice: 1) Miller is a god to be worshiped and feared 2) Jonathan Quick and Erik Johnson need to start issuing some beatdowns.
43
Miller is amazing but I don't think team USA wants to make this game more physical. When Canada's lost it's because we've become lazy and complacent. You guys are more likely to beat us if we become certain we'll win.
45
@43 Maybe CN, but my guess is that Team Canada isn't going to get too complacent in the last 13 minutes of a 1-goal gold medal game.
60
Total freakout at the Roanoke—screaming, stomping, random hugging... who knew this many people cared this much about hockey in Seattle?
63
I'm in Japan and the game isn't on TV. Anybody know a good streaming feed? I'm watching on Justin.TV right now, but it only works for about 30 sec before they ask for money and I need to refresh.
PS - The CTV stream doesn't seem to be working either
PS - The CTV stream doesn't seem to be working either
67
Screw you Reverse Polarity. The US is going to shove this down those bacon eaters maple syrup pie holes.
69
If we ever need to destroy the Death Star with an impossible shot, I vote Zach Parise to use the force.
70
@63 - nbcolympics.com is streaming it live, but you have to have a login for a cable or satellite provider or something like that.
71
You Canadian's didn't expect it to be that easy did you? I need to go change my pants, I think I just wet myself!
USA USA USA USA USA USA USA
USA USA USA USA USA USA USA
72
@63 - At a hotel near Narita ... gotta leave to catch a plane to Singapore in about an hour.
@70 - NBC's feed doesn't work outside of the US
@70 - NBC's feed doesn't work outside of the US
75
@68 Yes. Agreed. As stated above that is just lazy journalism looking for familiar themes. The Canadian team is worth $127M in the NHL. The USA more like $25M or so, so you can see where they get the idea.
85
Don't hang your head, Ryan Miller. You've just cemented your legend in Olympic history and hockey history.
94
@90: you can't make assumptions about how we would react, but we can see that you reacted like a douche.
95
Wow, Team USA really made Canada sweat to get it. Mr. Crosby is going to need the remainder of condoms from Olympics Village.
97
Well, short of USA actually winning, this was the perfect ending. Gold medal game. Miracle play by USA to send it to overtime. And Sidney Crosby's the man who scores the game-winner.
I'm reminded now of Sports Illustrated's Why Canada Must win cover.
Full disclosure. I'm a Pittsburgh Penguins fan.
I'm reminded now of Sports Illustrated's Why Canada Must win cover.
Full disclosure. I'm a Pittsburgh Penguins fan.
99
I've never sat through a whole hockey game before these Olympics. It's no football, but I really like this game.
The buses, the shaking hands after the game, the missing teeth... What other sport still shows so much class?
The buses, the shaking hands after the game, the missing teeth... What other sport still shows so much class?
100
@94, yes I did. But I'm not going to apologize.
@95, I lol'd at that. What a golden child. Glad he scored, but I was hoping it wouldn't be him.
@95, I lol'd at that. What a golden child. Glad he scored, but I was hoping it wouldn't be him.
102
wish i was still up in vancouver. the streets up there are going to be batshit crazy for the rest of the day and probably all through the night.
goddamn i hate the sore loser looks of u.s. athletes all the time...especially male athletes. they just always seem so upset...they're STILL in the TOP 2 TEAMS IN THE damn WORLD...yet all they can do is pout. and the canadian fans are being so nice...just gave ryan miller a HUGE cheer.
goddamn i hate the sore loser looks of u.s. athletes all the time...especially male athletes. they just always seem so upset...they're STILL in the TOP 2 TEAMS IN THE damn WORLD...yet all they can do is pout. and the canadian fans are being so nice...just gave ryan miller a HUGE cheer.
103
I guess if we Canadians wanted to add insult to injury we'd ask Mr. Shatner to perform the national anthem...
105
@102, I definitely agree.
Even if I'm acting like a douche for winning, the players are being really stand-up guys about it. Wish Miller would stop pouting.. it's not very becoming.
Even if I'm acting like a douche for winning, the players are being really stand-up guys about it. Wish Miller would stop pouting.. it's not very becoming.
106
@102 - Come on. They're not being sore losers, they're fucking bummed. They just lost one of the biggest games of their lives, it's okay for them to look sad. People who compete at that level aren't okay with losing, but that doesn't mean they begrudge the winners.
107
@105 They just lost one of the biggest games they'll ever play in. It was an emotional game and they came up short. They have a right to be a little down about losing (they're not sad about getting silver -- that was in the bag going into today). Miller is probably taking it especially hard since, being the goalkeeper, he is the last line of defense and gave up the goal that won it for Canada.
I think this was a great game and a great exhibition for the sport. It's too bad douchebag fans will try to shit on that.
I think this was a great game and a great exhibition for the sport. It's too bad douchebag fans will try to shit on that.
108
You really think the Canadian's would have huge smiles on their faces if they got the Silver?
Get a clue!
Get a clue!
109
I think Ness should celebrate any way she can. Today, her team wins the Gold.
She'll still have to be a Canadian for all of the other days.
She'll still have to be a Canadian for all of the other days.
110
Woooooooo! Fuckin' awesome.
Good game, guys. That 33s goal stopped the hearts of the whole country.
loooooo
Good game, guys. That 33s goal stopped the hearts of the whole country.
loooooo
111
@106 if the roles had been reversed the fans here would never have given such warm applause/cheering to the canadian team members.
i wish i had access to video/photos of u.s. vs. other country's players in just about ANY international competition after not finishing in the first place. i really think there'd be more poutiness, not just sadness on their faces...as if they've taken it for granted that they're the ONLY option for "winning" the top spot.
i wish i had access to video/photos of u.s. vs. other country's players in just about ANY international competition after not finishing in the first place. i really think there'd be more poutiness, not just sadness on their faces...as if they've taken it for granted that they're the ONLY option for "winning" the top spot.
113
Hey, @107, I might be a douchebag, but I totally acknowledge that this game was played amazingly. If it wasn't, it wouldn't have made it to overtime. Americans should be proud their players played the game as well as they did.
And of course they're going to be upset. But isn't part of it PRETENDING to be a graceful loser?
And of course they're going to be upset. But isn't part of it PRETENDING to be a graceful loser?
114
I'm thinking the Canadians won because they've played alongside the American players in regular season, they've really learned from them. =)
115
Aww USA and Canada are both winners in Vancouver: the USA racked up a record number of medals, and Canada now has the record for most gold medals earned by a country in the Winter Olympics. This was a dazzling finish for both nations.
117
Agreeing with Anthony Hecht @106 and Clifton @107, the Americans have every right to be crestfallen right now. I can't begin to imagine how these guys must feel coming so close to winning the most important hockey game they'll probably ever play in their lives.
My mother has remarked how hard it must be for an athlete to have to face the media after losing a game and to maintain their composure. And a game of this magnitude.
And I have to agree with Keister Button @115 too. This was the greatest Winter Olympics for the USA, and the greatest Winter Olympics for Canada.
My mother has remarked how hard it must be for an athlete to have to face the media after losing a game and to maintain their composure. And a game of this magnitude.
And I have to agree with Keister Button @115 too. This was the greatest Winter Olympics for the USA, and the greatest Winter Olympics for Canada.
118
Canadian players are even giving props to specific US players in media interviews, saying how well they played and how close the game was.
They're good guys, they deserved it today.
They're good guys, they deserved it today.
120
Well that must mean that the American's aren't good guys and therefore didn't deserve to win today.
Jesus what an ass!
Jesus what an ass!
121
It is a ridiculous party on the streets of downtown Toronto tonight. Can't even imagine what Vancouver's like! Impressed that I can still type. Go me!
122
North America.
The continent that rules the hockey ice!
Celebrate your continent today!
(You, too, Mexico, you closet hosers you!)
123
here's a live stream of robson square in vancouver. makes our lil' election night party '08 pale in comparison...
http://www.livestream.com/bcmclivechanne…
http://www.livestream.com/bcmclivechanne…
125
I'm so happy for the Canada win, and the celebration here in Vancouver yesterday was incredible, but American fans should be very happy with their team's performance. It was an amazing game and the US played with consistency and tenacity throughout the tournament. I was happy to see US fans joining in the celebration on Granville Street. They were getting lots of high-fives and handshakes.
126
I am so happy for the Canada win, and the celebration here in Vancouver yesterday was incredible, but American fans should be very happy with their team's performance. The US played with consistency and tenacity throughout the tournament. I was happy to see American fans joining in the celebrations on Granville yesterday. They were getting lots of high-fives and handshakes.
127
14 Gold, 14 Gold, you say you got Game, and you've got 14 Gold.
Grats, Canada! Amazing, cause most people thought Canada would only bring home 2 Gold at most when this started.
Grats, Canada! Amazing, cause most people thought Canada would only bring home 2 Gold at most when this started.
128
@117: You might want to check out the interview with Canada's Devon Kershaw. On the last day of the Olympics, he did the 50 km cross-country run and ended up placing 5th, ONE AND A HALF SECONDS off the lead. After 50 kilometres.
When they got him on camera, the guy was still half-sobbing and was thisclose to just breaking down completely.
When they got him on camera, the guy was still half-sobbing and was thisclose to just breaking down completely.
129
Will @127, I don't remember anyone predicting that Canada would get "2 gold at most." They got 7 in Torino.
Advertisement
Most Commented on Slog
-
Hating People Doesn't Make Them Thinner by Jen Graves
-
Los Angeles Gay Bar Bans Bachelorette Parties Until Marriage Equality Is Attained by David Schmader
-
Fill in the Blank by Grant Brissey
-
This Reminds Me of the Great Calculator Scare of the Late '70s/Early '80s by David Schmader
-
Idiot Tries to Defend Bigoted Anti-Gay-Marriage Preacher on Anderson Cooper by Paul Constant
-
Six Moms with Too Much Time on Their Hands and a Shitty Website Decide to Fight Gay Superheroes by Paul Constant
-
Why Mayor McGinn's Wife Canceled Her Family's Seattle Times Subscription by Eli Sanders
-
What the Hell Is Wrong With Seattle's Pride Parade? by Dominic Holden
-
The Saturday Morning News by Unpaid Intern
-
NYC Man Ticketed for Not Riding in the Bike Lane by Jonathan Golob
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
Comments (130) RSS