Thoughts From Last Night's Game

So, last night was the big rivalry game between the United States and Canada in Olympic hockey. Sure, there weren't any medals on the line, or for that matter, a spot in the gold medal game, but it doesn't matter much when these two countries go head to head. The victory by the United States last night meant more than just a bye when the medal round begins, meaning that the United States can finish no worse than eighth (not likely, since I think they can make the semifinals easily). Bragging rights, for at least the next few days, belong to the United States, as well as a winless streak against Canada in the Olympic Games that went all the way back to the 1960 games was snapped. Yes, the victory was nowhere near the level of the Miracle on Ice of 1980, nor was it near the level of the 1996 World Cup, when the United States beat Canada for that title, thanks to the likes of Mike Modano, Mike Richter, Brian Leetch, and Chris Chelios. The victory means no less to the United States though, as it will give them some much needed momentum going into the medal round. Is the gold medal a possibility? I think it will be answered positively if the United States can get the goaltending that Mike Richter gave them in 1996, which means Ryan Miller (or whoever should step in should Miller get hurt) will have to do his best Mike Richter impersonation and play lights out.