Three Thoughts: Team USA is through to Sunday

After making quick work of Slovakia, the final challenge remains for gold. Canada awaits.

Well, here we go.

On Friday, the USA actually started a game fast and never really let up in the semifinals. They outclassed Slovakia in a way that should give everyone some belief and hope that this team gets it. They have barely taken a wrong step in this entire tournament, although Sweden gave them quite a scare.

But, now, we know the appointment that must be kept. In our hearts, we knew that this gold medal opportunity would require a date with our big brothers from the North. Of course, there is no bigger insult than being called the little brother in a big rivalry, but sometimes we have to not and accept the truth.

They own us. They live in our heads. They are aware of our presence, but know they have the superior talents. They have history on their side and they have the present on their side, too. They are Canada.

And until we beat them, it will continue on.

So, I ask you, don’t run from that truth. Acknowledge it. Acknowledge this graphic.

Canada has beaten us all three times in the Olympics when it mattered and last year in the 4-Nations when it mattered. We got them once in the 1996 World Cup and I have the VHS to prove it, but 30 years ago, I was just 24 years old. A lot has happened. There was a 25 year old power forward on that team named Bill Guerin. And a 24 year old named Keith Tkachuk. Mike Modano was 26. Derian Hatcher was 24.

But they got us in 2002 for the gold in Salt Lake City. They got us in 2010 for the gold in Vancouver. They even got us again in 2014 in the semifinals in Sochi. And, of course, one year ago in Boston.

Each time, we played well and played hard. We just didn’t get the win. Like Czechia and Finland, Canada has a way of playing imperfect enough to make you think you have a chance and then perfect enough at the moment to leave with the smiles.

But, Sunday Morning, we have a chance to write our own story. And I believe that the game is there to be won. The work has been done. The preparations have been made.

Now, to reference our favorite old hockey sage Yoda.

Yoda: No more training do you require. Already know you, that which you need

Luke: Then I am a Jedi.

Yoda: No. Not yet. One thing remains. Vader. You must confront Vader. Then, only then, a Jedi will you be. And confront him you will.

We know who Vader is here. They have the Maple Leaf on their chest. They can be beaten, even if they don’t know it.

But, it is going to take a magical 60 minutes (and maybe more) to get it done.

But, first, My Three Thoughts on the SemiFinal Round Victory (and stuff):

– I think we have seen enough to declare the team building of Team USA has been a successful venture for these Olympics. Yes, you want to beat Canada and yes, only a gold medal is the true measure of ultimate success, but the idea that “these guys don’t know what they are doing” has been proven to be absurd. Whether it is Mike Sullivan or Bill Guerin or USA Hockey, they definitely deserve a nod of approval from those of us who depend on them. They absolutely have the right idea in making our own hockey nation the clear contender in waiting.