The Olympics are officially winding down as we're in to the final weekend. So, here's a hodgepodge of previews and reviews of the climactic final days of the Olympics!
Hockey
-The dream final is on after Canada and the U.S. were victorious in semifinal action. The only surprise might have been how truly dominant the US was. Nobody, not even the most fair-weather Olympic Hockey Patriot, would have guessed the U.S. would score 6 goals in the 1st against a usually cool and collected Finnish team. Also, Canada has to be scratching their heads after putting up 7 goals on Russia and barely holding on to beat Slovakia. However well Canada might have looked against the Russians, the U.S. has been the most consistent side in the tournament with the best goalie in Ryan Miller - a huge advantage over Roberto Luongo. They've already won once against the hostile Canadian crowd, and will need an early lead to play with once again if they want to hang on to a gold medal and take revenge for Salt Lake City.
-On the women's side, the amount of controversy over the Canadian women's celebration seems contrived and overblown. So the women went back on the ice with beer and cigars? Big deal. It's not like they were double-fisting as the gold medals were being handed out, they waited until the fans had left the arena. And I'm tired about any outrage over underage drinking in a society that refuses to enforce it, but that's another story for another blog. Let them celebrate the achievement they've worked so hard for the last 4 years and stop trying to create controversy out of nothing.
Curling
-Unfortunately, the hottest star of these Olympics (and we do mean that literally), Canadian women's skip Cheryl Bernard, blew two opportunities at the gold medal against Sweden. It's heartbreaking for Bernard, who had been flawless in the clutch up until the final. If she'd gone on to win, she might have had a future outside of curling with her poise and ease in the spotlight. Now, she's one of many Olympians who will be forgotten until 2014.
-Meanwhile, on the men's side, the heavily favored Canadian men, undefeated in group play, are looking to win the gold medal against Norway. Canada skip Kevin Martin (nicknamed the Old Bear, which I think is only a good nickname if you're a curler) is basically the Michael Jordan of curling, except he hasn't won the big prize of Olympic gold. In fact, he lost the gold medal in 2002 against Norway. Meanwhile, the Norwegian team has impressed mainly because of their snazzy dress and audience with their king, but skip Thomas Ulsrud has been unflappable so far in these Games. Expect a tight contest, but also look for the Old Bear to remain unbeaten and take the title.
Speed Skating/Skiing
-So Apollo Ohno got disqualified last night and Lindsey Vonn crashed through another gate and failed to advance in the Giant Slalom event. As Harry Doyle once said, I think I'll wet my pants. Sure, Ohno has won 8 medals in his career now, but he lacks the dominance of a Michael Phelps to truly transcend as a legendary Olympian, although he is one of the best ever. Ohno also had a legit gripe over his DQ, it is a bit odd that a Canadian judge would be in a position to disqualify a U.S. skater to the benefit of two Canadians, but we already knew the Olympics/IOC were corrupt. Meanwhile, the Glamour Girl Vonn has disappointed after her gold medal early on in the games. It seems as if her mini-spat with teammate Julie Mancuso has also taken some of the luster off NBC and SI's golden girl. There goes that afternoon talk show Lindsey, sorry.
-Meanwhile, today, Bode Miller is looking for yet another gold medal. Even if Bode doesn't win another gold, he should be the most memorable star from these Olympics. Four years ago he was left for dead after his brattish display in Torino netted zero medals. But after settling down with family life, Miller is finally reaching his potential. Unfortunately, it's harder for our athletes to be redeemed from being jerks than anything else. Maybe if he'd claimed to be a sex addict, or killed puppies, or shot himself on accident he'd get more time on ESPN.
Bobsled
-The biggest under-the-radar story you should pay attention to today is the USA Bobsled team led by Steven Holcomb. The U.S. leads after 2 of 4 heats over the more fancied Canadians and Germans at the scary fast Olympic track. If Holcomb can continue to set track records, he'd bring home the 1st U.S. gold in the 4-man bobsled in 62 years! Maybe more importantly, a medal in this event could set an all-time record in the medal count for a single Winter Olympics.
Hope you'll enjoy the rest of the Olympics and root on the Yanks to history! If North America survives the gold medal game on Sunday, we'll be back for an Olympic recap and the beginning of our basketball frenzy with the Madness approaching like a thief in the night. Also, stay tuned for Brother Yohey's continuing draft breakdowns. Enjoy the curling and bobsled while you can...they won't be back for another 4 years! Until next time, it's bye for now!
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