The Dream Game is finally upon us, folks and not a moment too soon. The two hands down, best teams on the international circuit will clash this evening for the Gold medal and it should be...
What's that? We're not in the medal round yet? Are you sure? Well, what round are we in? THE QUARTERFINALS?!?
Well now, looks as if this whole Olympic hockey thing has not gone according to plan as the two superior clubs (on paper) have already combined for two more losses than both the United States and Sweden combined. And with one of these teams inevitably receiving a second loss sometime this evening, it has been guaranteed that at least one or the other, will be leaving Vancouver without a medal. And considering the stiff competition that awaits the winner and the overall lack of solid play from these two squads, zero medals for either team is appearing very likely at this point.
But regardless of the implications, how about the game itself? These are the two most decorated nations in Olympic hockey history and both have something to prove. And while Canada does have an edge in Gold count, Russia has historically dominated the 'Nucks by a tally of 9 to 1. But it is difficult to say if any player on either team really pays much attention to these series details. The real feature of this matchup, and the one that everyone will be watching, is the battle between the two best hockey players in the world: Sid v. Ovie. Can Canada contain #8? Will Russia lose track of the Kid? Will Alexander and Sidney play nice?
Both countries have a lot riding on this game. Russia is still fuming over the apparent robbery that took place during Men's Figure Skating, and has suddenly placed all Olympic hopes on the backs of their Men's hockey team. Canada has and is now placing even more pressure on their hockey team in the wake of their less-then-impressive performance to date. Sure, a few snowboard medals are nice, but hockey is THE sport in Canada and one has to wonder if coming home empty-handed is an option for this squad... Especially for such a talented squad.
But now that the NHL has gobbled up all of the great international players from both countries, one has to wonder how much effort these guys are putting forth anyway. I mean, nationalism is great and all, but isn't pride of the homeland such a Third Estate kind of quality? Once you're cashing a 5-figure check on a bi-weekly basis at the local Bank of America, one can only assume that some kind of alienation takes place that not even two weeks of irrationally feigned patriotism could hope to conquer...
Anyway...
Enjoy the game y'all!
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