US wins gold 6-5 in sudden death overtime.
I had a sinking feeling with the score 5-3 for the US in the third period, but that all changed when Canada scored two goals in quick succession in that last period to tie the game at 5 all. That pushed the game into overtime, and the US scored a goal to end it, 6-5. Overtime is always unpredictable. Still, I'd have rather the game been decided in overtime than by a shoot-out. A shoot-out simply isn't a measure of a team's ability cuz there's no teamwork involved, and fluke stands as much chance at deciding the outcome as skill.
Canada didn't win. But still, it was a great game. Each of those kids on both teams is going to be going back to school a hero, regardless of the colour of his medal. The teams were so close, either side coulda won. This time you guys won. But, really, either side coulda taken home the gold today. We both had great teams, and they both played great hockey.
I usually don't follow hockey too much, but I do like to watch the world junior hockey championships because the kids that play at these games are making memories that they'll cherish their whole lives. Winning at the world championships matters much more to these guys than winning does to any of the prima-donnas in the NHL that get paid millions of dollars to play hockey. Even if these young guys don't get into the medal rounds, you have to be an excellent hockey player to be picked to play for your country at the world championships, and that's an accomplishment even without bringing home a medal. And, of course, being sent to another country to represent your home country in sport is always an honour and it creates great sportsmenship.
