Last night, Team Canada ran into what they feared most-a hot goaltender. And, as often happens in Stanley Cup playoff games, the hot goalie made the difference, as Ryan Miller made 42 saves.
The Canadians came into this game expecting to win, and earn a bye into Wedesday's quarterfinals. Instead, the Americans came out smoking, and never let up, as they posted a hard-fought 5-3 victory. Now, Mike Babcock has a tough decision, Stay with Martin Brodeur, or bench him, and go with local favorite Roberto Luongo? Personally,
I would probably go with Luongo, since he is a proven NHL goaltender, and Brodeur looks like he is fighting the puck (witness the highly questionable decision to bat the puck, like a baseball, only to see the puck go straight to Brian Rafalski, who shot it past him), which is never a good thing in pressurized situations like this.
The USA, meanwhile, waits to find out an opponent until after Tuesday's elimination round games, and I want to bring up this: I'm not saying they will repeat the "Miracle On Ice", which happened thirty years ago tonight, BUT, Why can't the U.S. win a medal, or even win the gold? The USA has a fine, though young group of solid players(as they did in 1980), and Ryan Miller, who, as he showed dramamtically last night, is more than capable of winning any game he plays in. Do not forget how hot Jim Craig was in Lake Placid in 1980, and Mike Richter was in Montreal during the '96 World Cup Final. Great Goaltending makes up for a multitiude of sins.
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