USA Pulls Off Huge Upset over Canada

Despite high expectations and home ice advantage, team Canada was not able to beat their rival neighbors Sunday and USA skated to an improbable 5-3 win. While Americans may not be huge hockey fans, its important not to lose sight of the importance of this win. USA has not beaten Canada in the Olympics since 1960. When something hasn't happened for 50 years, that's a big deal. This loss really stings Canada because . Americans are coming to their country and beating them at their sport. Imagine if Canada were to beat USA in basketball in Los Angeles. It would be pretty humiliating. This is a game the NHL needs to take note of because it is games like these that can spark interest in the sport. It may be brief, but excitement over American hockey team can translate into interest in the NHL. National rivalries simply wouldn't be the same without the talent that makes them so competitive and the NHL would really miss out on some free publicity.

The short term implications of this win are all very positive for this surprising USA team. With 3 wins, USA heads into the knockout round with the number one seed and a lot of confidence. The draw for the knockout round was as good as you can get and have a real shot at gold or silver. USA cannot face Russia, Canada, or Sweden until the gold medal match. They will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals tomorrow who is certainly not a team you can sleep on, but that should ultimately be a win. In the semis they will face (most likely) either Finland or the Czech Republic who are both good teams, but both are preferable to any of the three powerhouses on the other side of the bracket. The Candaians, who look like they will easily advance over Germany, will have to face Russia in the quarterfinals. Ovechkin vs. Crosby yet again and there is no silver or bronze for the loser. One of these powerhouses will walk away from Vancouver empty handed. Yet another blockbuster Olympic matchup that the NHL for some reason says they wouldn't mind getting rid of.

USA begins their knockout round at 3 tomorrow. If they can beat Switzerland they are guaranteed at least 4th. USA has not won gold since the famous 1980 Olympics (the greatest moment in sports by far, nothing comes close). While the win over Canada was impressive, they won't beat another powerhouse playing like that. Canada dominated but couldn't capitalize on their many chances while USA was able to take advantage of Canada's few mistakes. But now USA has a lot of confidence and know they have the ability to win. Let's hope their streak continues so USA can celebrate another miracle on ice.