The Sandspur

Issue date: 3/5/10 Section: Sports

Media Credit: MCT Campus

The Olympics came to a close this past weekend after several weeks of intense competition, with the United States winning the greatest number of overall medals. In total, the U.S. received nine gold medals, 15 silver, and 13 bronze, amounting to a grand total of 37 medals. Germany finished in second place with a total of 30 medals, though they surpassed the U.S. in gold medals with a final count of 10. Canada placed third with 26 total medals and 14 gold. Finally, with 23 total medals, Norway took fourth place, and Austria finished fifth with 16 total. Overall, it was a successful Olympic season for many nations around the world.

In the most recent and perhaps the most exciting event, Canada won out over America in Men's Ice Hockey. With a final score of 3-2, Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal 7 minutes and 40 seconds into overtime. Crosby, forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, put the puck past American goaltender Ryan Miller. However, this is not to say that the Americans did not give it their all. With 24 seconds left in regulation, Miller pulled to give the U.S. a six-man advantage, and Zach Parise scored to tie up the game.

Earlier in the game, Jonathan Toews and Corey Perry scored goals to give Canada an early lead. Ryan Kesler scored the first goal for the US in the second period, with an assist from Patrick Kane. However, Crosby was ultimately the game's hero. The crowd could not keep the enthusiasm out of their voices, chanting "Crosby" over and over again. Jacques Rogge, the International Olympic Committee president, paused before giving Crosby his medal, calling for more cheers and allowing the crowd to express its praise.

"Our team worked so unbelievably hard. Today was really tough, especially when they got a goal late in regulation. But we came back and got it in overtime," said Crosby after the game.

Overall, Canada beat a tremendous--yet young--U.S. team that made it much further than expected. The U.S. team was not even expected to receive a medal in Vancouver, let alone make it to the final game. This has been the first overtime gold medal game since NHL players first joined the Olympics in 1998.

Finally, with an exceptional performance throughout the Olympics, Miller received a well-earned MVP award for the tournament. Miller, with 33 saves, and having given up one goal per game in the first five games. His words, after the tough loss: "It stings right now."

The loss was undoubtedly tough on the American players, but it is still unbelievable and unexpected for them to have made it so far. Certainly, It was a very successful tournament that will certainly be remembered for many more Olympics down the line.

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