75% Chance to Medal
On this, the 30th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice, I have listened to some great interviews of the members of that team and their fondest memories. But it was those of Craig Patrick that stood out to me. Patrick spoke about Herb Brooks and I could swear he was tearing up doing it. He explained that Herb’s plan was to galvanize the team by making them have the common bond of hating him and that Patrick would be the good guy.
He also talked about the preparation. He said that 1980 Team USA was the most well prepared team there had ever been. He also said that Brooks has planned almost everything for a year. Everything that happened was carefully planned by a master tactician and strategist.
Herb Brooks had seven months to whip Jim Craig and company into a gold medal winning team. Brian Burke had a handful of days over the summer and a stack of rules by the NHLPA. But he did have a year to plan out WHO he wanted on his team. And that’s what he did. Every piece of this puzzle in Vancouver has been hand picked by Brian Burke for a reason; even if his reasons sound like non-reasons to the press. “I picked Chris Drury because he’s Chris Drury.” Was that an answer? It is now.
The Quarterfinal game of USA vs. Switzerland was exactly what everyone expected; a hard fought, low scoring game with two exceptional goalies staring at each other the length of the rink. Team USA has not been spectacular, but they’re getting the job done. That’s all that matters. Even if Brian Burke expects them to be better and tells the media his feelings. Just as I imagine Herb Brooks would.
Ryan Miller may have earned Team USA a shut out, but he only faced 18 shots. Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller let up ONE goal on over 40 shots. That was 40 shots by some of American’s brightest hockey stars and only ONE slipped by Hiller. They need to be better if they plan on meeting in the Gold Medal round.
Russia, who so many had thought would be a real possibility to take home gold, folded in the first period against an energetic, determined Team Canada. Mike Milbury even stunned loud-mouth Jeremy Roenick by saying they brought their Euro-trash game with them. It became a foot ball score of 7 – 3*. Russia’s three goals came xxxx BEFORE THE third well after I had lost interest. (I not only lost interest, I was halucinating. But I did see Malkin elbow someone yapping at him from the bench. Not exactly a classy move Geno!)
So Team Canada wins a date with Slovakia who beat defending Champ Sweden, and Team USA now gets to face off against Finland. If anyone had these matchups in a Hockey pool, I’d like you to pick some lottery numbers for me.
But for Team USA to get any closer to the Gold Medals, I’d like them to invoke the spirit of the greatest American coach to ever live. Here’s to hoping that Ron Wilson can continue to pen his page in hockey history by coaching a winning team (for a change this season. I'm just kidding Leafs fans).
One thing is for sure, it seems the US coaching staff is in unison behind the bench. They all look like prep-school head-masters in their matching dark blue suits and classic pattern ties. Here’s to hoping they will be able to crack a smile should their team increase their chances to medal. For now – there’s work to be done.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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