Olympic Recap: USA: 6, Norway: 1

So, I guess we were close enough in our prediction of this one. Team USA had this game in control from the beginning, and piled it on an overwhelmed Norwegian team late to put out of reach what had been a 3-1 contest. But the US game wasn't without problems, problems they have to address in practice over the next few days, most notably discipline, chemistry, and playing Wilson's systems better.

Some thoughts on the game:

• The sequence that led to the put away fourth goal for Team USA was a thing of beauty. Jack Johnson with the double move, dangling two Norwegian players, almost sniping it far side over Grotnes' right shoulder, then an easy rebound right to Ryan Malone.
• Neither of Brian Rafalski's shots were particularly hard, but they were both placed perfectly. Still, I'm pretty sure Brodeur would have had that first one that went five-hole.
• There were defensive breakdowns aplenty in this game on both sides, and the US can't afford to give Canada's high-powered offense chances like that. The USA defense in particular has to watch how often it pinches, there were far too many risky ventures into the offensive zone today that led to big Norwegian scoring chances.
• I'm not sure how much I like Langenbrunner on the point during the power play. Sure, four forwards works for teams like the Caps and the Thrashers (at least it used to), but Langenbrunner, while a very good player and leader, is obviously not on the same level as Ovechkin and Kovalchuk. The US team would be better off having two offensive D-men on the point, and they've got plenty of depth there with Johnson and Rafalski.
• Ryan Miller made some big saves, and was locked in the entire game. This is his tournament, and he's been playing like it.
• I would love to have David Backes on the Caps.
• I don't know how people give any weight to anything Mike Milbury says. Just looking at the guys record as a GM for the Isle is enough for me to mute the TV any time he talks.

Now, the easy part is over. The powerhouse that is Team Canada awaits on Sunday. Time to get to work. The line chemistry is getting better, the defense looks solid, but its all on Miller. He has got to put this team on his back to give the Americans a chance. We'll take the over.