Monday, March 1, 2010

Olympics - Gold

I believe most sports fans have to suffer a crushing loss in a do-or-die game before they can truly appreciate what championship victory should feel like.

Yesterday, with about 5 minutes left in the gold medal game I had flashbacks to game 7 of the 2006 final watching the Oilers Lose to the hurrianes who were trailing by the same 2-1 score in the waning moments before an empty netter iced it. With the Canadians barely holding on and knowing full well that they were lucky in the late stages against Slovakia, I thought about what a win would mean for the people of Canada who have this one team they can all unitedly cheer for. It was a combination of nerves and anticipation. The nature of hockey at it's pinnacle suggests that a team with an extra player should generate many scoring chances so if you can't get the puck out you're asking for trouble.

As it was, the late goal came and went. It was a collective deflation of air. But, like many things in these Olympics, it was a blessing in disguise. It created a golden goal scenario that allowed for Crosby's snap shot to be that specific glorious moment in history that we will all remember with accuracy.

So much more to say but busy with work. Will try to continue this another time...

Gold!