Feb. 28 Olympics Preview

Today is all about what every final day of any Olympics is about: the marquee events. The Summer Olympics have the marathon, the winter version is the men's cross-country 50k mass start classic. But, no one in North America is looking forward to the cross-country race, today is all about the men's hockey gold medal game between the U.S. and Canada. With a win in hockey, Canada set the record for most gold medals at a Winter Olympics and regardless of the result of the hockey game, Team USA will have the record for most total medals at a single Winter Olympics with 37.

Cross-Country: Men's 50k Mass Start Classic
The marathon of the Winter Olympics takes place at Whistler today with Petter Northug of Norway looking to win the elusive individual gold he has yet to win in five races (Northug did win the gold in the team sprint). The same contenders from the first five cross-country events are the favorites to win today. The Swedish team would love to win this event over the Norwegians since the two are bitter rivals and Sweden has an impressive streak of golds in two Norwegian sports, cross-country and biathlon.
2006 Torino Gold Medalist: Giorgio Di Centa (Italy)
Top American Hopeful: Kris Freeman
Top Canadian Hopeful: Ivan Babikov
Projected Medalists:
Gold: Petter Northug (Norway)
Silver: Lukas Bauer (Czech Republic)
Bronze: Marcus Hellner (Sweden)

Men's Hockey Gold Medal Game: USA vs. Canada
The gold medal that Canada wants the most is within reach today at Canada Hockey Place but will face stiff competition from the young Americans. After a dominant six goal first period against Finland in the semis, Team USA took the foot off the gas winning 6-1. Canada faced a scare from Slovakia in the third period of their semi but won 3-2.
The key to today's matchup will be the same for both teams from last Sunday's prelim matchup which the USA won 5-3. The Americans need to use their speed and forecheck early and often. This was very successful against an experienced Finnish team. Speedsters like Phil Kessel need to cause pressure and open up space for the other forwards to score. The top line of Paul Stastny, captain Jamie Langenbrunner and Zach Parise has been the best for the Americans all tournament and will need to get on the board early like the prelim game. Patrick Kane also needs to have the performance he had against Finland to help the other lines gain momentum. In goal, Ryan Miller has been stellar for the whole tournament ans expect nothing less today. Miller had 42 saves in the prelim game last Sunday against the Canadians and only let up three goals.
Team Canada has defied all odds after having to play an extra game in the playoff round after their loss to the Americans. They handled Germany easily and put a beatdown on Russia 7-3 in the quarterfinals and were able to stave off giantkillers Slovakia in the semifinals. Today means everything to the team and their fans, a silver medal will be seen as failure, especially if they lose to the Americans for the second time in a week. The scoring outburst like the one against Russia would be welcomed but that will most likely not be the case. Like their opponents, Canada needs to use their speed and forecheck to create chances for players like Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Sidney Crosby. In goal, Roberto Luongo, playing in front of his hometown fans, will be counted on to not let up an early goal like Marty Brodeur did on Sunday. Luongo also needs to match and better Miller's performance in the American goal to win gold.
Prediction:
USA 3-2