USA v. Canada

The Biggest Rivalry in all of Hockey!

Four years ago in Vancouver Canada defeated U.S.A to take gold
source: www.neontommy.com

On Friday morning at 12 noon, United States and Canada will face-off in one of the biggest rivalries in all of hockey. While all sports fans from both USA and Canada will be watching, we can be sure that this game will be seen throughout the world. While this game will prove to be a long-lasting rivalry, it will also mark a rematch from 4 years ago in the Vancouver winter games when Canada defeated the United States in overtime and stole the gold. Although the game scheduled for Friday is not for a medal, the winner will go on to play for gold, while the loser will move to the loser bracket and play for bronze. If the pressure of everyone in the world watching on isn't enough for these players already, we must also recognize the fact that there are players from both countries who are teammates. While it is of utmost importance to win for the country, the winning team will also hold bragging rights. For the Chicago Blackhawks, one matchup stands out right away. All-star Patrick Kane will play against Captain Jonathan Toews. Even though best friends off the ice, both players will put friendship on the side as they battle for a victory. Along with Toews and Kane, players Duncan Keith and Patrick Sharp will also be on the ice in search of victory for Canada. 

So far in the tournament, U.S.A has dominated their opponents and have tallied 19 goals over four games. The only team to give the United States a problem thus far in the tournament has been Russia, who has since been knocked out of the quarter-finals by Finland. With an explosive offense and great goaltending, USA will hope to use their speed and puck control in order to take down the Canadian powerhouse. 

On the other side, Canada has also done really well in the tournament, but do not seem to be as explosive as predicted. With a close 2-1 win over latvia in the quarterfinal game, and an overtime win over Finland, Canada is still in search of their dominance with the puck. 

No matter what has happened thus far in the tournament, both teams will certainly leave everything they have on the ice Friday. Nothing else will matter but the fact that the game is United States v. Canada, and that the two close countries will be watching full spirited for their country to move onto the gold round. You can be sure that this game will be more than professional hockey players figure skating around each other.