Olympics: USA vs Norway

This game looked more like the Woman's USA vs Norway game on today too. Completely one sided on the US side as suspected. The first period looked like the Norwegians would be able to save some dignity by keeping it low but by the 3rd period hit the USA was rolling just as the Canadians dismantled Norway. Phil Kessel ripped a laser by Pal Grotnes early on in the 1st period followed by a tap in goal for Chris Drury just at the half way point. The Norwegians managed to get on the board in the 2nd with a nice shorty by former Dallas Star Marius Holtet. After that though it was all US as they loaded and fired all 3rd period long. Brian Rafalski had a really good third period with 2 goals, one on the powerplay. It was tough to say who was a bust this game because Norway is just simply not ready for the big teams yet. I thought it was pretty respectful of the Norwegian coaches to leave the "Carpenter" Pal Grotnes in the game however as he's been their number one for International play for many years. Glad to see they stuck by him although the going ways rough. As for the US Ryan Malone has been doing what he is expected to and Phil Kessel must be giving Leaf fans hope as he dazzled the Vancouver crowd. My player of the game is definitely Brian Rafalski however not because of his two goals just because he was clearly in the zone tonight and was quarterbacking the PP to an art.

Team Norway still has a lot more, well a ton more of growing to do and hopefully the countries development programs will keep going strong and producing players and use this as motivation. It's doubtful they'll steal a win and most likely end the tournament without a win. The Swiss who gave Canada trouble tonight should get a big win over the struggling Norwegians. The US will give Canada a run for their money Sunday night I believe but it's going to be tough to beat the Canadians after they were embarrassed and almost lost against the Swiss. they'll be playing with fire after that near loss.

1st Period
Goal 1 - Phil Kessel - Joe Pavelski, Ryan Malone
Goal 2 - Chris Drury - Ryan Callahan, David Backes
2nd Period
Goal 3 - Patrick Kane - Zach Parise
Goal 1 - Marius Holtet (SH)
3rd Period
Goal 4 - Ryan Malone - Jack Johnson, Ryan Miller
Goal 5 - Brian Rafalski - Zach Parise, Phil Kessel
Goal 6 - Brian Rafalski - Ryan Suter, Joe Pavelski

In Net
United States - Ryan Miller
Norway - Pal Grotnes