Canada Wins Gold, Heartbreak for USA

All the pressure on Canada to win at home in the final event of the Olympics and a surging undefeated USA team with upset on their minds. An amazing game that by far lives up to the hype that came with it. USA knew coming in that Canada would demand the play and puck possession and that their game would be more about weathering the storms and counter attacking. USA had already beaten Canada to secure their place in the quarterfinals and create a harder road for Canada. The Americans did just as Captain Jaime Langenbrunner said they would as they played well in their defensive zone and took the chances when they came. Canada would score first though as Mike Richards made a great play and gets the puck for Jonathan Toews who buried the puck from the side of the net. Canada would score again on a nice play from Ryan Getzlaf who threw the puck in front as it found its way to an open Corey Perry who puts it past the tournament MVP Ryan Miller. As the first period ended a slight altercation occurred when Jack Johnson, defense man for Team USA and the LA Kings, bumped Sidney Crosby cause him to fall. Players gathered and it was quickly broken up. This play seemed minor yet also showed that USA was very much awake and not ready to go down with out a fight.  USA would counter late in the second when Patrick Kane took a simple wrist shot towards the goal that was tipped by Ryan Kessler in front and it squeaked by Roberto Luongo. USA played well but none better then Ryan Miller who kept his team in it and confident. The third period was nothing but great hockey. Both teams had heavy surges through out making for an exhilarating 20 min. With the clock ticking down USA was putting on the pressure trying to tie the game and it was getting tense. USA would pull Ryan Miller to add an extra attacker and give everything they had. A shot from the point came in on Luongo who was unable to grasp the puck. So instead of a whistle USA pounced on the puck and continued to pressure the play. The puck found its way to Patrick Kane who took a shot from the slot. Somehow Zach Parise and Jaime Langenbrunner found themselves behind the Canadian defense and right on the doorstep in front of Roberto Luongo. The puck came free and Parise slammed in the rebound with 24 seconds to go. An incredible effort from team USA to tie the game and send it into overtime. The Canadian fans now filled with doubt, silent as could be after the goal. 4 on 4 overtime would commence, anyone could score to finish the game and instantly become a hero for their respective country. The overtime was tight with both teams getting scoring chances, more so for team Canada. Sidney Crosby and Jerome Iginla were playing well down low when Iginla found Crosby with some open space. Crosby turns and quickly fires the puck low through the pads of Ryan Miller. The Stadium erupts in excitement as Canada had indeed won gold in front of their home fans. The rest of team Canada would continue to jump on Crosby and celebrate as who other then the Pens captain and one of the ambassadors of today's NHL scored the winner. If you are not a fan of hockey and you saw this game and it doesn't make you want to watch the NHL then something is seriously wrong, for that was the greatest hockey game in some time. All the emotions and all of the talent on the ice made for one incredible spectacle. The Americans showed tremendous heart and determination and have shown how far hockey has come in the United States. I have never been prouder to be an American hockey player.