USA men's hockey in trouble?

We'll log this one under finding something to complain about since the USA is 2-0 through two games and has won by a 9-2 margin over those two games. But this team has me worried. Their two performances so far, though decisive wins, seem underwhelming some how. I knew heading into the tournament that this was a team talented enough to win gold and inexperienced enough to come back with no medals, but their play has been slightly disconcerting at times. There have been too many miscues and needless risks taken against inferior opponents. The Swiss team was rougher than I had expected, but then they did upset the Canadians in the last Olympics and have several NHLers on their roster. The Norwegians on the other hand have only one active NHL player a couple former ones and fill out their roster with guys who either play in Sweden or have regular jobs at home. Team USA made them look like a reasonable threat through two periods of play. Norway had several odd man rushes, which could have been goals if not for reasonably solid goaltending by Ryan Miller. Team USA then gave up a shorthanded goal. The red, white and blue got a 6-1 victory. So in the end you have to ask how much you can really complain? I just get the feeling that if those mistakes aren't taken care of in the next day or two that the contest we've all waited for between Canada and the US could well be a beatdown instead of an Olympic classic. We will have to see. Canada plays a tougher opponent in the Swiss tonight and USA has a couple days to scout and practice. I will always root for the Americans and go into the game thinking we will win, but the effort will have to be taken to the next level very soon by the stars and stripes.

Random thoughts:

- Despite my misgivings with the US men's team overall, I have been impressed with the play of David Backes. He's been physical, played with a lot of smarts and shown the skill that many believe he's had but hasn't quite lived up to in NHL play. As a Blues fan I can only hope that he continues these offensive ways once the Olympics are over.

- Can someone please tell Pierre McGuire and Ed Olczyc to shut up. I cannot say that the American defenseman played a flawless game. They did pinch up from the blue line and join the attack a bit too often, but every couple minutes I have to suffer through McGuire ranting on about "I just don't get it. Can you explain it Edzo? The US will get smoked if they do this against better teams like Canada." Go broadcast on TSN if you're that disillusioned by the Americans' play.

- On a related note, both of those guys along with several color announcers in various sports make me wonder if I'd make it in TV broadcasting. It seems that the play-by-play man has become little more than a setup man for these "star" analysts who never shut up. I miss the days of Gary Thorne and Bill Clement or Ken Wilson and Joe Micheletti. The play-by-play man was allowed to paint the picture and then the analyst would chime in during stoppages or during key moments.

- What a night for US Olympians last night. Gold medals for Lindsey Vonn on her bad shin, Shaun White and Shani Davis and a silver for Julia Mancuso. Very exciting to watch. A big example of why I enjoy watching these events every couple years.

- What was with all those crashes on the women's downhill course for skiing? I don't usually care for the French, but you had to feel bad for their skier who fell a mere four strides out of the gate. Another example of why I'd never make it as an Olympic athlete. To train four years and have it all come to a crashing halt seems too much.

- USA curling has been embarrassing to watch. Their captain, John Shuster, has blown victories in four straight contests after coming into these games proclaiming that he thrives off of the pressure. I know the US team didn't have huge expectations, but to have been in control of at least three of those four contests makes it very disappointing that the guy couldn't make his shots.

There's a few other things on my mind, but those are issues that will be around for a bit so I'll discuss those later. Ciao for now and remember: It's just my opinion...but I'm right.



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