Sports Sunday For 2/28/10: The Border War Final

In the minds of most hockey fans and analysis, an Olympic Final that did not pit Russia vs Canada would have been a disappointment for maximum buzz and attention. Unless, of course, that final turned out to be the United States vs Canada instead.

That alternate dream final is what has been given to hockey fans, sports fans, and casual nationalistic fans of all rounds today, as the two neighboring states will battle in the climactic event of this Vancouver Olympiad.

The stage for this final was set last Sunday, when an inform Ryan Miller outplayed an aging Martin Brodeur in the US's impressive upset over the Canucks 5-3 last Sunday. That win sent a struggling Canada team into having to face the Russians two rounds earlier than expected, in a quarterfinal where one of the two superpowers were going to leave British Columbia without a medal to show.

And it was Canada, buoyed by a much needed kick start 8-2 domination of Germany, who took it to the Russians in that quarterfinal stage with an emphatic 7-3 win. It was a massive confidence boost for the hockey obsessed nation, as Mike Babcock's side showed they were finally living up to expectations. They used that flowing momentum to handle Slovakia 3-0 on Friday to reach the ultimate match they had to make on home soil.

For the Americans, the expectations that came with last Sunday's win over the Canucks could have been too much for a long of predominantly young teams, susceptible to a letdown in the next game and crashing out.

But the strict Ron Wilson has done a terrific job at keeping this team steady to their principles of energy, diligence, and persistence. Those characteristics were vital in surviving a dangerous Switerzland side 2-0 in the quarters, as goals from New Jersey Devils' young standout Zach Parisie was the difference in that nervous contest.

There were no concerns however for the States against Finland in the last 4, as they thrashed Olympic all time goal leader Temmu Selane's side with 6 goals in the first to win 6-1.

As always in hockey and especially in the big games, goalkeeping is so crucial. The Buffalo Sabres' Miller has been nothing short of terrific in this tournament, and will have to be today to make it a legendary double against the Canadians.

On the other side, it seems like destiny is shining on Roberto Luongo. He is playing in his home arena, as the man in front of the net for the Vancouver Canucks. And he was placed in that net to make sure goalkeeping does not cost Canada another painful defeat to their neighbors to the South like it did last Sunday.

Amazing enough, Sidney Crosby hasn't even been mentioned in this preview. But with how deep the Canadians are, Crosby's performance will not be the determining factor as to whether the host nation will be in a state of euphoria or despair at match's end. Still, if the "NHL man of the times" has his best game of the tournament on its ultimate stage, you can be sure that the celebrations will be wild in Vancouver.

Predictions: I do think the after last Sunday, Canada wanted this rematch so bad. But the US, with their mix of intrepid players and veterans like Chris Drury and Brian Rafalski (two goals and an assist last Sunday against his long time former teammate Brodeur) will not backdown to the moment at all.

Still, last Sunday's lost was the thing that Canada needed to be spurred to the title. And with all the factors surrounding this contest, I think Canada takes the gold 3-1.

Enjoy!