Sadness enveloped the U.S. Men’s locker room on Saturday, February 22 at the Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi. What started as an Olympic dream for the gold in Men’s Ice Hockey, ended as a futile effort with no medal at all to show for. The U.S. team was defeated by Finland in the bronze medal game in a 5-0 shutout.
Though the Finnish blowout of the Americans seems to be the major downfall, in truth, it was only the final kick to the team that was already down. The Americans had already lost what they came to Sochi to do the day before—an Olympic gold. The dream to vindicate the Canadians, to whom they had lost in 2010, was unsuccessful. A 1-0 shutout by Team Canada not only stole from Team America the goal of gold but also seemed to pummel any energy and passion that they had.
Both teams entered the semifinal ready for the rematch of the 2010 Final. Canada, who won a dramatic game 3-2 in overtime in Vancouver, was prepared to crush any dreams held by the Americans. What started with a quiet first period turned quickly with one goal in the second period—a redirected goal by Jamie Benn, of the Dallas Stars NHL team.
The Americans pushed back during the third period and made nine shots on goal. Despite this effort, a series of missed power play chances added to their already slumping attitudes. Even when they pulled out their goalie, Jonathan Quick, for an extra attacker on the ice, America could not get the job done.
Carey Price, the Canadian goaltender, had his first of two Olympic shutouts and helped his team get to the gold medal final. In the final, Canada beat Sweden in a decisive 3-0 shutout, earning them their second Olympic gold in the past two Olympic Games.
For the United States, the ending was far from fairytale. The attempt to redeem themselves was fruitless and they came home empty-handed. With their craving unsatisfied, Team USA is already looking toward PyeongChang 2018, where hopefully they can overcome.