Do You Believe In Miracles? Not This Year

30 years ago, Lake Placid played host to the XIII Olympic Winter Games. During these Games, the United States hockey team stunned the world by defeating the Soviet Union in a quarterfinal game, 4-3, on their way to winning gold. The U.S. became the first Winter Olympic hockey team in over 20 years to claim gold that wasn't from Russia...in other words, the Soviets had dominated the sport. The was thought to be the most incredible victory in hockey Olympic history, and has remained so to this day. It became known as the Miracle on Ice, and Al Michaels's infamous quote "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" has become legandary and a constant in any Winter Olympic coverage since that time.

Yesterday, February the 28th, 2010, 30 years after this incredible victory was another chance for United States to win an improbable gold medal. Yet their bid for more Olympic hockey glory was dashed this afternoon, when the United States lost to Canada 3-2 in overtime, as Sidney Crosby hit a quick shot past Ryan Miller that stunned all watching at home, all watching live, and the goalie himself.

Was it upsetting to see the United States lose in such a fashion? Well, it's never fun to see your home team lose whatsoever, so, yes. Was it expected that the United States would lose? It depends. Many people have bought into the run of victories that the American team had been putting together. I, however, thought differently, for a few reasons.

There is a reason I began this thought process by mentioning the United States defeating the Soviet Union. At the time, it was a true David and Goliath battle. The United States had been officially formed in the summer prior to the 1980 Winter Games. The Soviets had been destroying every single team throughout international play for years, seeing as there were very few players who actually had made the jump to the NHL; this all but ensured that their dominating players stayed together and played together for years, perfecting their teamwork and playing style.

Likewise, the Canadian Olympic hockey team was formed a mere months ago. Although the talent level was clearly superior to that of the United States team 30 years prior, they still had little time to prepare for these Olympic games together.

In 1980, the Soviets destroyed every team that they faced, through all international play and all qualification games in the Olympics. Their last exhibition game was a resounding 10-3 victory over the United States before the Olympics themselves. Russia looked to be the most complete and dominating team. This game proved to have a monumental impact weeks later.

In 2010, the United States defeated every team they faced with apparent ease during the Olympic preliminary round, including a 5-3 victory over Canada. Canada looked overmatched while the United States not only became the favorite for gold, but also the Number 1 seed for the playoffs. This game proved to have an outstanding impact mere days later.

In 1980, the United States won by a single goal on home ice. The Soviets looked crushed, the Americans overjoyed.

In 2010, Canada won by a single goal in home ice. Sidney Crosby couldn't look happier, as well as the entire see of red and white supporters that had come to see the game. The U.S. looked devastated, some even close to tears.

I've heard some people on NBC coverage try to claim that if the United States won, it would be another "winter miracle". The fact of the matter is that the United States winning would not have been a miracle: Canada winning would be a miracle. And they did. Canada, the country that has brought the most media to the sport, were victorious in what can only be considered one of the greatest finishes to a gold medal game.

Do you believe in miracles, eh?