2014 Olympics: USA versus Finland for Bronze
The Battle for Bronze.
Today's Game:
Finland versus USA, 10:00 AM EST (NBCSN)
It's hard to get fired up about today's game after what happened yesterday but there is still a bronze medal on the line and two very good hockey teams that both want to come home with it. America's offense, which had been so potent and dynamic early in the tournament, couldn't solve the combination of Team Canada's defense and Carey Price. Look for the US to make a statement game here today against a very physical and underrated Finnish team.
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The US team is, for the most part, still quite young and it is going to be interesting to see how they react to yesterday's big loss and whether or not they will leave the Olympics on a high note. I'd call the Americans the favorites in today's game but overlooking what the Finns can do and have done in their recent Olympic history would be a costly mistake. Today's game should be a physical and gritty one with plenty of scrums after the whistles and around the net. What am I hoping for other than the United States bringing home a bronze medal? A good game and no injuries. The Islanders losing John Tavares for the rest of the season might be good news for the Rangers and to Rangers fans but is is absolutely terrible news for hockey in general and the future of NHL athletes competing in the Olympics. Let's hope everyone stays healthy and we have a great game.
Rangers in Action: Ryan Callahan, Ryan McDonagh, and Derek Stepan.
Mike's Player to Watch: Ryan Callahan
It's hard to believe but this could be one of the last games we have where we find ourselves rooting for Ryan Callahan because it's very possible that he could be wearing a different team's jersey in March. I am of the opinion that something will get worked out and he will remain a Ranger (and probably an overpriced Ranger) but you just never know. I'm going to try and focus on Cally this game and enjoy the way he plays the game; with his heart on his sleeve and leaving everything he has out on the ice. Go make us proud Captain Cally... and please re-sign on a reasonable deal.
Please use this as your open thread for today's game and to talk about the Winter Games or what your plans are for the weekend. Be kind and courteous to one another or I will break you over my knee like Bane broke the Batman.
Let's go USA. Let's go hockey.
