Team USA Faces Norway In Men's Ice Hockey

Sports News - February 18th, 2010 - Written By Bryan Cross

The young and exuberant USA men's hockey team looked dominant in their opening round game against Switzerland, cruising to a 3-1 victory. They now shift their focus to a team from Norway, who has struggled recently in international competition.

With a win over Norway on Thursday afternoon, the American team would set their sights on gold medal favorite Canada, in Group A competition. Team USA must not overlook Norway however, as a loss would damage hopes for winning a medal.

After compiling an eighth place finishing at the 2006 Winter games in Turin, USA hockey shifted their plan from acquiring to veteran players, to searching for young talent for 2010. They brought on players like Patrick Kane, Zach Parise and Bobby Ryan to lead the team in Vancouver.

To date, the new strategy has worked nicely. Of the 25 players on the roster, 14 are under the age of 26. Furthermore, only three players on the current roaster had ever competed in the Olympic games.

Nerves played a role in the win over Switzerland, but the game against Norway should reveal a calm, collected team.

"I was much more nervous today than for any game I've been for a long time, that's for sure," Ryan remarked. "Very, very jittery. And I think anybody going on their first Olympic Games is going to tell you the same."

Ryan scored the first goal for the Americans in the 2010 Olympics, relaxing both himself and his teammates.

"To get the lead, I think it settled the game down quite a bit for us," Ryan said after the game. "I think we got into a little bit more of a rhythm and a comfort zone afterward."

The defense of the American's shut down Switzerland's offense, as goalie Ryan Miller was shot on just 14 times. This will be a key statistic heading into the game against Norway.

Norway did not manage a goal against Canada in their opening round, losing 8-0. This is the country's first appearance in ice hockey since they hosted the 1994 winter games.
Some have dubbed this game as something of an exhibition for team USA, but that is far from the way the team views it. They do go into this match up very confident however.

"We're looking forward to the challenge," Kane said. "It's a game we definitely should win and a team we should beat."

Norway was out-shot by Canada 42-15 in their match up. A frightening statistic, which they team will try to even out against the United States.

Pal Grotnes, goalie for the Norwegian team, was pulled in the final period following the fourth goal he gave up. He was replaced by Andre Lysenstoen, who gave up four more in the period.

"It was a matter of time, maybe, but it was a lot of fun in the first period," said Grotnes.

Olympic Betting Lines for the United States and Norway were not available at press time, but we will have an update the instant they become available.

The game between the United States and Norway takes place on Thursday, February 18th at 12 pm local time.