National Broadcast Canada

I've been wanting to post about the Olympic men's ice hockey gold medal game, but I also wanted to give myself some time to cool off a little bit to avoid an empassioned tirade. Let's begin...

First off, great game. Well fought by both teams. The US came back from a 2-0 deficit with goals from Kesler in the middle of the second and Parise with 24 seconds left in the game. The celebration from the members of my viewing party, myself included, was exuberantly ecstatic. Screaming and chanting, I'm surprised buffalo (nod to Miller?) chicken dip didn't go flying everywhere. Canada got it in overtime and to add insult to injury, it was Crosby's goal. Miller's reaction was heartbreaking, the entire scenario was heartbreaking. For more on the game specifics and player reactions, here's ESPN's summary.

Here's where I think NBC went wrong. This American team was able to unite the country over hockey in a way that hadn't happened since 1980. People who don't follow the NHL were excited for this game. When we lost, the NBC commentators focused primarily on the win. I think it was gracious and proper to recognize the fairy tale that game was for Canada and the magnitude of what the gold medal meant for that country. However, I think it also would have been gracious and proper for NBC to recognize the unbelieveable hockey game we had all just been fortunate enough to watch. I think they should have seized that opportunity to continue the electric spark that many people in this country had felt for hockey because of Team USA's success. They could have taken a moment to focus on the home team's own Cinderella story that had blossomed during the 2010 Olympic tournament. They could have taken a moment to focus on Ryan Miller's incredible showing and tournament MVP. They could have taken a moment to promote the NHL and the opportunity to see our boys in their day jobs. Instead, I think American fans walked away from the game with very bitter taste of disappointment and completely deflated enthusiasm. I really think NBC botched the call on this game, and signing off with the words "We hoped you loved hockey, we hoped you loved Canada. We sure did," was like driving the nails into the coffin of the growth of hockey. It gave a distinct and discouraging feeling that hockey belonged to Canada.

Some miscellaneous notes:

In the post interview with Crosby he said "It was a lot closer than we might have expected..." This was one of the most appalling statements and despicable displays of a lack in grace, humility, and conceit I have ever witnessed. His face envokes rage in my heart. What world is he even living in? The US had just beat Canada 5-3 the week before. I have to end this topic because I can feel the epinephrine firing, fight or flight is beginning...

From the New York Times:
To the Sports Editor:
I watched this gold medal game today. As a Canadian, I cannot find words right now to describe how incredible this hockey was. Only the USA and Canada could play a game of hockey like this. This was a game for the history books. Remember to heap praise on this American hockey team. Thank these boys for playing hockey the way it's supposed to be played: fast and rough and without table manners. Remember to tell these American hockey players that you are proud of them. They played North American-style hockey, the hockey we Canadians play on the beaver ponds and flooded fields and outdoor rinks up here, not the wimpy, whiny, cry-to-the-ref European style, which doesn't even deserve to be played on North American rinks. This was the best game of hockey I have ever watched. And I've seen a lot of them. This is beyond Stanley Cup hockey. This is as good as it gets. Thank you, United States Olympic hockey team, for being exactly half the reason this game was so exciting. And although you didn't win the gold, you are quite worthy of that medal, believe me. Hold your heads high, lads.
-Michael Devolin, Tweed, Ontario

Brooks Orpik said "If we were going to lose I'm glad Sid is the guy who got the goal." Just when I was maybe changing my mind on you Brooks 2...although I do really like this article/video about Pittsburgh fans, and that may be the first and last time I ever utter those words.

On Saturday night I was watching the end of the Slovakia v Canada game at Blackfinn. For about 5 minutes it looked like Slovakia might make a comeback to tie it up and then hopefully eliminate Canada. I forgot I wasn't in my living room and acted like some kind of hockey clown. When I reminded myself to relax, I thought hey maybe someone here will be impressed with my hockey enthusiasm. Of course. OF COURSE. I met a girl. Our exchange went something like this:
Girl- Are you rooting for Slovakia?
Me- Yeah
Girl- I'm rooting against Canada, which is why I'm rooting for Slovakia
Me- ME TOO
Girl- Why are you rooting against Canada?
Me- I HATE Crosby
Girl- Are you a Caps fan?
Me- Yup!
Girl- Me too
High Five
She looked good too.

On Monday my coworker had left me a card she had made for me. "Better luck next time, eh?"