Article Written By: Adam Wible
In a gut-wrenching game, the U.S. made it known they’re here to contend.
T.J. Oshie of the St. Louis Blues, became a household name this morning. Scoring four times in the eight round shootout, in a filled to capacity, if not over, Bolshoy Ice Dome. The Oshie game winner has given Team USA a chance at a bye to the quarterfinals, with a win over Slovenia tomorrow morning (7:30 EST NBCSN, CBC).
The puck dropped, in a game where both teams knew the winner controlled their own destiny into the quarterfinals. They didn’t get tunnel vision; much of the first period was spent getting a feel for the game.
Pavel Datsyuk broke the scoring open early in the second period, to give the Russians the early advantage. That was quickly answered, however, after Cam Fowler scored on the power-play to tie things up at one. The score would stand into the third period.
The U.S. found themselves on the power-play once again half way through the third period. Joe Pavelski connected on a one-timer from Patrick Kane to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead.
The lead was short lived, as Dustin Brown picked up a phantom penalty, that would lead to another Datsyuk power-play goal. Both teams would have chances, but the game would head to overtime.
Jonathan Quick, shined in regulation, and possibly better in the overtime and shootout. No bigger save was made though, when Sergei Bobrovsky robbed Patrick Kane on a break away, trying to go five hole. The game would eventually go to a shootout.
The crowd was into it the whole game, and even Russian President Valdimir Putin was in the house. (He must not have been too happy with the result)
The drama filled eight round shootout, had fans all around the world on the edge of their seats. T.J. Oshie scored on his first attempt, and set the tone for the rest of his performance. Scoring when he had to twice, Oshie had ice in his veins. Setting himself up for this game winner.
(thanks so-hockey-eh for the gifs)
Party on USA! Enjoy the rest of your Saturday, and follow me on twitter (@slopchopz) for Slovenia tomorrow.
They must feel silly! Haha!
Awesome article Adam! I picked Oshie in our Olympic fantasy game and people laughed at me:)