Team Canada has once again, proven to be the strongest hockey country in the world as they have dominated the Olympic tournament, and worked their way to another gold medal.
There was a little bit of controversy, however, that doesn't take away from the domination on the ice. The controversy started with the officiating. Through the entire prelims, not one Canadian official was able to ref a Canadian game. However as the medal rounds began against the USA, three of the officials, were Canadian. Many thought the "fix" was on for team Canada, and despite only winning 1-0, the officials weren't questioned after the game. That's because they called a very good game. It was fair, with the penalties called, actually being penalties. Both teams were whistled for infractions and no one complained.
Then today, as Canada was set to take on Sweden in the gold medal game, all four officials were Canadian refs from the NHL. It looked like the calls, or non-calls would be going in favor of Canada, as the officials missed a blatant high stick and cross check early that would have given Sweden a powerplay. Then when the officials didn't whistle Sweden for tripping and hooking, it evened up a little. Again, both teams were whistled for infractions, and the infractions called were legitimate calls. The officials had nothing to do with the performances on the ice.
The last bit of controversy comes with the suspension of Washington Capitals center, and alternate captain for team Sweden, Nicklas Backstrom. Backstrom was suspended after a banned substance was found in his system from an allergy medicine. The only problem is he's been taking the same allergy medicine for the last seven years, and have not once been suspended from the IIHF before. He was tested Wednesday and was suspended for today's game, a few hours before warm ups. A little weird to say the least. Sweden was obviously upset is Backstrom was one of their top offensive players. The 3-0 game for Canada could have been different if Backstrom was a player. Not to mention the loss of Henrik Zetterberg, who would have been an integral player for the Swedes in the gold medal game.
The gold medal game was even through the first period, as both Canada and Sweden had good scoring chances, but it was Jonathan Toews scoring for Canada to give them the 1-0 lead. From the start of the second period and on, it was pure domination at the hands of the Canadians. Then it was the Pittsburgh connection, Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz, scoring the second and third goal respectively. Canada would go on to win by a final of 3-0.
Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester will leave Sochi with gold medals. Ken Hitchcock and Doug Armstrong will also come home as winners, but it's more likely to see them get rings than medals. Pietrangelo finished the tournament with an assist, a +3, and 12 shots in the tournament. Bouwmeester registered an assist, a +3 and nine shots for Canada.
Alexander Steen and Patrik Berglund will return home with silver medals, as they suffered a difficult loss to Canada today. Berglund finished the tournament with two goals, an assists, as well as nine shots on goal for Sweden. Steen registered an outstanding, 22 shots on goal, notching a goal and three assists in Sweden's six games.
USA was humiliated by Finland, losing by a score of 5-0. They finish the tournament without a medal, a difficult tournament after they won silver in Vancouver. David Backes finished the Olympics with three goals, an assists, and ten shots on goal for the USA Kevin Shattenkirk registered three assists, 12 shots, and a +3 for USA. An impressive stat, the opposition didn't score a single goal when Kevin Shattenkirk was on the for team USA. T.J. Oshie finished the tournament with three assists, five shots, but an impressive four shootout goals, all of which came against the Russians.
The players will now head back to the states as the Blues will get started again Wednesday night in Vancouver.
Pay attention to twitter or right here in the next few days, as the trade freeze is lifted at 11:50 est. tonight. Rumors are swirling and with the trade deadline just over a week away, we could see a few deals in the next few days.