Analysis. History. Perspective.

Sports Then and Now




Team USA Makes History With Win Over Canada

Posted on February 21, 2010 by Joe Gill
Team USA was jumping for joy with their win versus Canada.

Team USA was jumping for joy with their win versus Canada.

On the eve of the Miracle on Ice and wearing throwback 1960 jerseys, Team USA made history again.

This time it was against Canada at its own game. It was the first time the US beat their neighbors to the north in Olympic play in the last 50 years.

No one gave the US squad much of a chance again.

It wasn’t the Soviets this time but a Canada team littered with NHL All-Stars.

Just like Jim Craig did 30 years ago, Ryan Miller kept his team in the game with save after miraculous save.

Miller stopped 42 shots and none of the cheap variety. He gave his team a chance to play with the high powered Canadians.

And compete they did!

The Americans took the mostly Canadian crowd right out of the game. Defenseman Brian Rafalski scored just 41 seconds into the contest.

And the Americans knew they were poised for a spirited performance.

The game would go back and forth going into the second period with the score tied at two.

However, just as Mike Eruzione did in 1980 versus the Soviets, Chris Drury scored the pivotal goal that gave the Americans the confidence the rest of the way.

Ryan Miller was Jim Craig-esque with 42 saves.

Ryan Miller was Jim Craig-esque with 42 saves.

Team USA knew they could compete and win against the more talented and experienced Canadian Team.

A few members of the old American guard, Brian Rafalski and Jamie Langenbrunner combined for the score that put Team USA up 4-2. It was the goal that broke Goliath’s back. The whole country of Canada knew their backs were against the wall.

Even a Sid the Kid power play goal with less than three minutes was not enough. Team Canada didn’t convert on scoring chances and Ryan Miller robbed them at every turn.

The play that completely encapsulated the upstart and gritty Americans was the open net clinching goal by Ryan Kesler.

Getting mugged by a Team Canada defenseman, Kesler outmuscled his opponent to bat the puck into the empty net.

Game.

Set.

Match.

Seeing Team USA celebrating in their old school uniforms, could only make you think of Jim Craig, Jack O’Callahan, and Mike Eruzione embracing one another after beating the powerful Soviets.

Call it what you will.

It looks like karma was on the Americans side on this night in the birth place of hockey.

In 1960, 1980, and now 2010, it wasn’t a matter of talent. It was a matter of passion, the will to win, and team work.

I bet Herb Brooks was smiling down from heaven.

And he will be smiling ear to ear when they bring home gold.

U-S-A.

0 to “Team USA Makes History With Win Over Canada”

  1. Rocket says:

    "Ryan Miller was Jim Craig-esque with 42 saves" LOL

    "just as Mike Eruzione did in 1980 versus the Soviets, Chris Drury scored the pivotal goal that gave the Americans the confidence the rest of the way." LOL

    "In 1960, 1980, and now 2010, it wasn’t a matter of talent. It was a matter of passion, the will to win, and team work" LOL

    This is laughable. 18 yr. old kids against the USSR all stars who beat up the NHL all stars just days prior is no comparison to 2010. None!!!! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOOLOLOL

    • joegill88 says:

      First of all, the US team in 1980 most of them were in their early 20's. Team USA's average age this year is about 24-25.

      The US hadnt beat the Soviets in decades and the US hadnt beat Canada since 1960. Both of these were major upsets.

      Granted the win in 1980 galvanized a hurting country and it meant more than victory over Canada. However, both of these were hugh moments in American hockey history.

  2. Clarkson says:

    "And he will be smiling ear to ear when they bring home gold."

    Prediction Fail.

  3. With all of that said, which players have the most popular authentic NFL jerseys from the 2009 playoffs? There have been a lot of truly great performances by really special players, but here are some of the players who really made a name for themselves NFL Women Jerseys. Whoever you root for, it’s likely that you’ll need to stock up on some new discount NFL team merchandise with these young play makers.

  4. Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too wonderful. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful site.

  5. Today, with the fast way of life that everyone is having, credit cards get this amazing demand in the economy. Persons from every discipline are using the credit card and people who not using the credit cards have made up their minds to apply for 1. Thanks for giving your ideas about credit cards.

  6. I take pleasure in, lead to I discovered just
    what I used to be taking a look for. You have ended my four day
    long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye




  • Vintage Athlete of the Month

    • Harold Jackson: Unsung Star WR
      December 12, 2024 | 4:24 pm

      The Sports Then and Now Vintage Athlete of the Month is one of the most underappreciated wide receivers in NFL history, despite boasting a career that spanned 16 seasons and saw him excel as one of the league’s premier deep threats. Known for his speed, route-running, and ability to make plays downfield, Harold Jackson left an indelible mark on the game during an era that was not yet pass-heavy. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 175 pounds, he defied expectations of size to become a dominant force on the field. Over the course of his illustrious career (1968–1983), Jackson totaled 10,372 receiving yards and 76 touchdowns, placing him among the top receivers of his time.

      Read more »

    • RSSArchive for Vintage Athlete of the Month »
  • Follow Us Online

  • Post Categories



↑ Top