Apologies to my American hosts

It was strange watching last night's game in a room full of Americans and me. They were so certain that Canada would win even when the U.S. held a 4-2 lead with less than ten minutes in the game. I thought they were just going by reputation and none of them really knew much about hockey. Afterall, the Americans were executing a perfect game plan - winning the battles, aggressive forechecking, creating odd man rushes and breakaways. The Canadians were on their heels for most of the games.

But maybe my American friends understood more than I gave them credit for. It's so hard to put down a collection of Canadian hockey players when they are playing for their country and in front of a Canadian crowd. They will find a way to win. First Jordan Eberle deflected a shot in front of the American net to cut lead to one goal. After Canada took a penalty with 6 minutes remaining it began to look bleak. But then Alex Pietrangelo picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone and blasted the puck over the shoulder of the American goalie for a short handed goal. After that you knew who would win and victory came in shootout.

Sorry guys. In hockey we still rule!