US Hockey vs. Canada Score Gives US Another Miracle

The US hockey vs. Canada score wasn't expected to go like this. However, the US hockey vs. Canada score seemed almost destined to go 5-3 for America. Since the Miracle on Ice's 30th anniversary is today, of course the Americans would face another heavy favorite the night before. The Canadians aren't as powerful as the 1980 Russians, of course, but they did have home-ice advantage, unlike the enemy in 1980. In addition, the US hockey vs. Canada score was nearly the exact same as 1980, until a last minute empty net goal.

USA hockey quickly established that they would not be intimidated by the crowd or by their underdog status. Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski got the scoring started 41 seconds in, and he would score a second goal later in the period. The Americans held a 2-1 lead after the first 20 minutes, but that was almost entirely credited to Ryan Miller.

Before the tournament started, everyone said that the Sabres' goalie was the one hope for team USA. Those pundits were proven right in the US hockey vs. Canada game, as Miller withstood 42 shots, and had several more blocked by the defense. Those who watched Jim Craig stand on his head to stop the Russians may have gotten a few flashbacks.

Canada was basically in the American zone all night, outshooting the US 45-23. Yet despite the constant pressure, Canada never held the lead in the game. The Americans were up 3-2 heading into the final period and then got what looked to be an insurance goal by Jamie Langenbrunner. But a Sidney Crosby goal inspired one last rush by the Canadians, which was only stopped by a Ryan Kesler empty net strike.

The US hockey vs. Canada score became the shot heard round the 2010 ice hockey tournament, if not another Miracle on Ice. Canada was supposed to be one of the big favorites, and now if they beat Germany in the next round, they'll get Russia in the quarterfinals - although most expected them to meet for the gold medal.

As for the Americans, they are the top seed for the rest of the tournament, not Canada or Russia or Sweden. In the quarterfinals, they will either face Belarus or get another shot at Switzerland. But after they finally beat Canada, shocked the experts and evoked countless Miracle on Ice comparisons, will they have enough left to win the gold? The US hockey vs. Canada score will become more infamous if they still go down early.

In 1980, the Americans still had work to do after beating the Soviets, and they delivered. This version has a few days to relax and heal before they try to prove the US hockey vs. Canada game wasn't a giant tease.

Sources

ESPN- "Kids trump the stars: US hockey upsets Canada"

Los Angeles Times- "U.S. Olympic hockey upset of Canada could become frozen in time"

Yahoo Sports- "Win over Canada has Americans believing"