In last week's column, I briefly mentioned the Winter Olympics from Torino, Italy before quickly fast-forwarding seasons and discussing baseball's spring training. While trying to come up with a topic for this week, I realized that these current Winter Games will be the only ones I will view while at Tufts, and that therefore I should probably say something about them.
But what?
American's have mixed feelings about the Olympics. Some can't get enough of that Apolo Anton Ohno, and others can't understand why figure skating is bumping NBC's comedic genius, "Joey." I guess I fall somewhere in between. I find some aspects of it appealing, and others, well, unappealing.
Things I like: the tradition and history; the bobsled (because it reminds me of Cool Runnings), sports on multiple channels throughout the day and night, obscure sports like curling and the announcers broadcasting them who assume that everyone watching knows how the hell to play, and the national camaraderie and rivalries that develop.
Things I don't like: the fact that this year's medals are designed like doughnuts, not knowing a majority of the US athletes, and, most of all, doubles luge. (Seriously though, what's the thought process here? There's a sled that fits one person, and then someone decided to put another person on top of the first person? Why stop here? Why not the three- or four-man luge? Let's see how many people we can get on it!)
Overall, I'm pretty ambivalent about the Olympics. I'll watch some events because they're on, but, for me, it doesn't pass the "Glued Ass Test," which refers to sporting events that require me to find a television, plant my butt on a seat, and watch without distraction. If you're wondering, all Patriots games, golf's major championships, and USA World Cup matches pass my "Glued Ass Test."
Then, on Wednesday, a funny thing happened. An Olympic event nearly passed the "Test." I failed to mention one Olympic sport even that I enjoy: hockey.
Recently, I have become a bigger hockey fan, and Wednesday filled my appetite with four quarterfinal games broadcast during the afternoon. Had I not had to pass in a paper for one of my classes, I would have remained entranced.
Olympic hockey is especially good for two reasons. First, the NHL rules which were implemented before this season were designed in part to mirror international hockey, which is faster-paced and higher-scoring. Olympic rinks are wider, favoring speedy play and requiring more open-ice creativity.
Second, although some lament that professionals make Olympic rosters more like less cohesive all-star teams, the talent level on a number of teams is ridiculous. Seeing players of this caliber come together to represent their respective countries is certainly special.
So two days ago, Sweden, sparked by the play of Peter Forsberg, Mats Sundin, and Daniel Alfredsson, routed overmatched Switzerland, 6-2. Sweden is loaded with NHL players and Switzerland, with just three NHLers, upset two teams but was still a surprise entrant in the final eight.
The Czech Republic beat Slovakia 3-1, setting up a semifinal match-up with Sweden. Despite injuries and having to start their third-string goalie, the Czechs outplayed the Swedes to hold on, adding an empty-netter during a furious final few minutes.
The Canada-Russia game was highly anticipated and lived up to its name. Canada continued its offensive ineptitude, failing to score a goal for the third straight game as it lost 2-0. This game also featured another great ending, with Canada's potentially game-tying goal being whistled dead before the team was able to poke it in. Alexander Ovechkin, the young Russian star, added to his fabulous Olympic coming-out party with a goal.
Finally, the United States lost to undefeated Finland 4-3 and ended the Games with a 1-4-1 record. Both teams surrendered multiple penalties, but the U.S. lacked the scoring creators of Finland to stay in a scoring battle.
By the evening, today's semifinals had been set. It was a day filled with great players, great plays, and great games. All afternoon, the Olympics (yes, the Olympics) had kept me glued to the television, and you can bet I'll tune in today, too.
