Well, we are three gold medals in, and hopefully many more to come. With both curling and hockey yet to finish, all Canadians can look forward to a very good chance of experiencing four more gold celebrations on home soil. Also, with other events such as long/short track speed skating and freestyle skiing yet to take place, there will definitely be a good chance at more gold. It seems that the “Own the Podium” program is on the right track. However the Americans “Rent the Podium” is proving to be a little more effective as they are slowly but surely pulling away in the overall medal standings. As a Canadian, I am regretting it more and more every day that I am not down in Vancouver, taking in the sites, cheering on our athletes, and just being immersed in the atmosphere that is Olympics. I know a few people that are down there right now, and from what I’ve heard, bar none one of the best experiences one could have. With 9 days left, and Vancouver only being a 12 hour drive from glorious Grande Prairie Alberta, who knows, maybe Zims will end up at the Olympics taking it all in? As the games go on, only time will tell. Oh, and before I forget, shout out to the part of the Olympic torch that didnt get lit.
I’m sure all of you reading this have been watching at least some TV in the last week, so you should all know how Canada has been faring in the Olympics overall. We’re winning the odd medal, some gold, some not, with hopefully many more to come. But as far as I’m concerend, once that first gold was achieved, I could care less how many more medals we win. As long as we win it all in Men’s Hockey. It’s gold or bust for this years squad, boasting talent of the likes of Crosby, Nash, Thornton and many more of the NHL’s top superstars. Anything else is just not acceptable in the eyes of this nation, as well as the team itself I’m sure. With a disappointing showing in 2006, finishing 7th, our boys have a tough road ahead of them in order to prove to the world who’s game they’re all playing. With Ovechkin leading the Russian’s powerful offence, the defending champs from ’06 Sweden looking as strong as ever, Jagr leading the Czech’s, and the dark horse that is Slovakia, it will be no easy task for Canada to walk away on top. They wil have to play their hearts out and put everything on the line for their country; and I’m certain they will.
As predicted before the tournament started, it will come down to Sunday’s game against the USA to decide who will win Pool A, and advance directly to the Quarter-Finals. It may be Canada’s deciding game, because if they lose, they risk the chance of getting a team like Russia, Sweden or the Czech’s in the Quarters, and that would not be good. Not saying I’m scared they are gonna lose, but a weaker team in the first round of elimination is always favoured. After last nights Preliminary game against the Swiss, a few changes must be made by Canada in order to defeat our southern neighbours. Let’s start with probably the most important part of any hockey team; goaltending. Babcock can’t go wrong with either Brodeur or Luongo in net to face the States, but which netminder is the right decision? Luongo played a solid 60 minutes against a weak Norway team, however making a few key saves on scoring chances. Brodeur got the start against the Swiss, as the coaching staff knew it would be the tougher contest of the first two games, and Brodeur’s Olympic experience was the better choice. A few big saves, a lucky goal, and a solid win for Marty. Now, with a game against the Americans, a much bigger threat, who does Mike Babcock choose to backstop our way directly to the QF? It will be no easy task deciding who it will be, but I’m gonna go with the greasy porn star himself, Bobby Louuuuuuuuuu. He has been stellar this season so far, and I think he will give the Canadians a chance to win. And if it happens where he plays sub-par, then the reigns go back to Marty to carry us to gold.
Now lets’s take a step up on the ice to the defence of team Canada. With no real test thus far from any big offensive threats from the Swiss and Norway, they will be in for a tougher game against the forwards from the US. The Americans are coming into these games an underdog, but a very powerful underdog who would love nothing more than beating Canada on our home rink. They should not be taken lightly, and I think our defence will show that come game-time on Sunday. Look for our defence to become far more physical, playing a very tough in-your-face game against America. The powerplay will also need to start rolling, and it starts with the blue line. Keith, Pronger, and Neidermayer need to get their offensive game going, like we all know they can. As far as the forwards go, not many complaints here. The Canadian forwards are doing all that is asked of them, except capitalizing more. Now, Hiller did stand on his head in the Swiss game, but in order to win you have to find a way to score. Bodies in front of the net and shots from the point will be key in beating Miller, who will start for the United States. And if I could say one thing to Babcock right now, it would be “Play Crosby more”!!! This kid is unbelievable, and so clutch when the game is on the line. Canada is bolstered by many offensively talented players, but in my mind, Sidney Crosby is this teams make or break player. He wears his heart on his sleeve and leaves nothing out there on the ice. If he is on his game, Canada is in good shape.
After writing this article, I will be on my way to Jasper to start my training for the 2014 Olympics in Russia. Look for me in the boarder cross come the next winter games. I mean, a guy can learn to snowboard that good in four years right? Well it’s worth a shot I guess. Zims out, enjoy the rest of the Olympics!!
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