Eric Staal Joins "Triple Gold Club" as Team Canada Beats USA For Gold
by Bob Wage on Feb 28, 2010 9:08 PM EST
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PrintIt was a hockey game for the ages. Team Canada jumped out in front. Team USA battled back to tie the game and send it into overtime. Then the "Crowned Prince" of Canadian hockey, Sidney Crosby ended the game when he beat Ryan Miller about half way through the overtime period.
Stephen Harper couldn't have written a better script.
The home crowd went home happy and Canadians get to have four more years of bragging rights about how they deserve accolades because the game of hockey belongs to them. Oh well, at least the men's team had a bit more class than the ladies did as they saved their champagne sipping and cigar smoking for the dressing room.
The Hurricanes who participated in the Olympics fared very well. Eric Staal won gold. Tim Gleason won silver. And Tuomo Ruutu and Joni Pitkanen brought home the bronze. Each of them performed very well in their own right.
But Staal one-upped his teammates as the Hurricanes Captain earned yet another special honor in his relatively short career. He is now the 23rd player in history to join the exclusive "Triple Gold Club", a distinction players achieve after winning championships in the three most important tournaments in hockey: the Olympics, The World Championships, and the Stanley Cup.
Staal joins elite company with this latest achievement. Other familiar names on the list include Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Henrik Zetterberg, Jaromir Jagr, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Chris Pronger.
Now that the Olympics is over, it's time to get back to NHL news. The trade freeze will be lifted at midnight tonight and trade rumors are flying already. (Aaron Ward to Ottawa?) We will be following everything as closely as possible here at Canes Country.
Congratulations to Team Canada for winning the title. Also, congratulations to Team USA for surpassing all expectations and for almost winning it all. The silver medal won't seem too bad after taking some time to heal, regardless of this tough loss.
Finally, congratulations to Team Finland for taking the bronze. It is never easy to win a medal and all three teams deserve the honor.
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Are there any other teams in the NHL that have as many players returning from Vancouver with hardware?
Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.
Anaheim has seven!
Pretty unbelievable. Calgary`s got to have a few, too.
by Peter Raaymakers on Feb 28, 2010 9:13 PM EST up reply actions
Calgary had 3.
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 9:17 PM EST up reply actions
quick survey - correct me if I messed up
Ducks had 7, Sharks had 5, Kings and Hawks had 4. We’re the only with a 100% success in medal winning.
And the Caps had zero, zilch, nada, nyet…
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 9:16 PM EST up reply actions
And the Caps had zero, zilch, nada, nyet…
ha ha ha! we can laugh now, back to the real world (28th place) tomorrow!
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
Yeah with a little goal-tending Caps could be laughing all the way to the proverbial Stanley Cup bank
Eric Staal...Team Canada first line
The Stanley Cup is Washingtons to lose this season.
It's time to draw the line.....USA go get it!!!!
Except for the Whines.....
I hope every other team helps them do just that.
If the guys and gals who brought you the financial meltdown deserve big bonuses, where do I sign up?
What about another team that has all of its players returning with a medal? There can’t be too many of those.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
The Hurricanes are alone in that category.
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
Now that’s something worth celebrating!
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
And the Caps had 0%. Better yet.
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
I thought Calgary also had all its player’s coming home with a medal.
Jokinen, Kiprusoff, and Iginla.
But they have Hagman (FIN). 1 gold, 2 bronze.
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 9:45 PM EST up reply actions
Oh dang it, I think you’re right. Unless they had someone really obscure go that I’m forgetting.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
You are right. But they only had 3. Canes had 4. So we win in the second tiebreaker. =D
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
Glad to see Ryan Miller celebrating in the closing ceremonies.
Finland.. mysterious, exotic, remote, tiny, wacky Finland
Sisu
+10000
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 9:19 PM EST up reply actions
Me too :)
Finland.. mysterious, exotic, remote, tiny, wacky Finland
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 28, 2010 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
And smiling like he had actually won something! I truly hope they realize how proud the nation is of them.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I heard them say that Bronze is better than Silver that way. You go out on a win….
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
I know its Staal,
he’s the Captian and all, but right now, I’m not feeling in the mood to celebrate for him.
Got to stay off the CBC boards. Damn and I thought Sabres fans are jerks.
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
Does this make you feel better? slightly NSFW
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 9:32 PM EST up reply actions
Er...
Mostly a good article, except for:
despite hiccups against the US and Switzerland, were clearly the best team in every game they played.
That’s like, “Except for Tiger Woods repeatedly sleeping with other people, he was completely devoted to his wife.” They were at times better than the other teams, they were also at times horribly ineffective against them.
by Raccoon Fink on Feb 28, 2010 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
That sentence kinda wrecked it too. But given it was written minutes after the event his self-editing button was controlled by incredible relief. Slovakia wouldn’t appreciate that comment either.
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
Read that one
and the line about Canada having the best “Team” left me flat.
They had the best players on paper and save for the Shark line and perhaps the one with Staal on it, little chemistry.
As Raccoon Fink points out, caveats are killers.
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
Here’s the antidote from Ron Wilson:
Best team doesn’t always win gold
He really loved the guys on his team. That’s a great thing.
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
tiger & an STD
i heard tigers got a yeast infection… and boy george too!
Hate that an official even indirectly influenced the outcome by getting tangled up with the puck on the last play of the game.
Reversed puck direction along the boards off his skates contributed to the resulting feed from Iginla to Crosby.
Still, Crosby did establish position on the boards off of Rafalski and did snap off a quick no-look shot…still…grumble, grumble, grumble
WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE CROSBY? That’s the part that really irks me. I would have been happy with Iginla, Staal, Toewes, Doughty, maybe a couple other. ANYONE BUT CROSBY.
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know-if it were Pronger, I’d have a hard time dealing with that too.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
But Crosby it’s such a poster child for Canadian Hockey. That’s why I was glad he was not recognized by the media in their All-Stars of the Tourney list, that eased the bitterness quite a bit.
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
Media all stars
3 Americans (Miller, Rafalski,Parise), 2 Canadians (Weber, Toewes) and Demitra.
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
A lot of Crosby haters on CC. He’s actually one of my favorite players. He has ALL the skill and doesn’t have to play dirty like others do.
It's time to draw the line.....USA go get it!!!!
by canescup on Feb 28, 2010 10:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I don’t hate Crosby. He plays for my second favorite team (they’re a VERY DISTANT second btw). I just hate the media hype on him which will be eleventy-billion times worse now.
Finland.. mysterious, exotic, remote, tiny, wacky Finland
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 28, 2010 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
And the bandwagon love for him in Pittsburgh (where all my in-laws live) is rather intolerable.
Finland.. mysterious, exotic, remote, tiny, wacky Finland
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 28, 2010 10:10 PM EST up reply actions
That’s my issue with him-there is only so much you can be force fed a player before you decide you’re not hungry anymore.
And don’t fool yourself, Crosby has some less than clean moments on the ice. I’m pretty sure punching someone below the belt from behind isn’t going to win you the Lady Byng.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I am not a Crosby fan, but he is an unbelievable talent. I honestly can say I would not like him on the Hurricanes.
The Triple Golden One, Eric Staal!
by PackPride17 on Feb 28, 2010 10:09 PM EST up reply actions
Everybody, don’t take this the wrong way, but I was glad that Kessel didn’t get a gold medal. I really hate that f*cker!
The Triple Golden One, Eric Staal!
by PackPride17 on Feb 28, 2010 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
I know what you’re saying about Kessel, but I loved him barreling down on Kiprusoff, like a freight train off the tracks, forcing that turnover in the Semi’s. Talk about “highest and best use” of a hockey player.
U S A ! U S A ! U S A ! U S A !
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 28, 2010 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
Congratulations
I’m proud of the Canes representing their countries so well and thereby, in turn, representing the team so well in the eyes of the hockey world.
Well done to our four Olympians, medalists one and all.
Special shout-out to our American Olympian, Tim Gleason, for representing USA in a manner that made me especially proud to claim him as our own.
I’m sad for the US Team, but I am excited for Staal. It was a very good tournament and those 2 teams playing today should feel very proud, they represented their countries very well.
The US was not expected to be in this position and even though they lost, they still have the best record. It says a lot of USA Hockey that the US won the 2 of the 3 tournaments this year and finished 2nd in the other (they also had the youngest team at the Olympics). The sport is growing in the States and will continue to get better and better.
Canada needed this much more than the US. Sports are not everything, but Canada breaths hockey. If they were to lose this game, well, I would think that those Canadian hockey players would feel 10 times worse than the Americans. While this might be their sport, I think Canada has realized that the US and most of the world are not far behind.
I’ve mentioned this a lot, but I really hope that this game is a catalyst for hockey in the United States. We are a nation that somewhat overindulges in things. I hope this is what America needs to overindulge in hockey.
The Golden One, Eric Staal!
You know, I’m a BIG fan of Neil Young, but I was having a hard time listening to him without thinking of Jimmy Fallon’s impersonation of him singing “Pants on the Ground.”
Finland.. mysterious, exotic, remote, tiny, wacky Finland
Sisu
Nothing says you’re ready to party like a giant inflatable beaver!
Finland.. mysterious, exotic, remote, tiny, wacky Finland
Sisu
Heh, yeah
On that note, I just tweeted: OK, the closing ceremonies have gone from “meh” to “acid trip.” LEAF PEOPLE!
by Raccoon Fink on Feb 28, 2010 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
LOL Thanks for reminding me I need to follow you!
(still getting my twitter set up)
Finland.. mysterious, exotic, remote, tiny, wacky Finland
Sisu
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 28, 2010 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
OMG. This Marriage Ref show blows. The couples are funny. The celebrities are not.
Finland.. mysterious, exotic, remote, tiny, wacky Finland
Sisu
I guess its now back to the regular season. The Olympics were much better than the All-Star Game, but I’m ready for some NHL action.
I was really impressed with a few players and somewhat disappointed in others. I did see more Canadian games than any other team (because of the timing of the games).
I was really impressed with Toews, he is one heck of an all-around player. Parise continues to impress me. That kid works harder than anybody else. Kanes is also one hell of a playmaker. Every game I saw him, he was creating chances. Kesler was also a player that was hard to miss. He does all the little things very well. Hagman for the Fins also played very well in the games I saw. And of course, Ryan Miller. He is the best goalie in the world. Hiller and Halak also were very good for their countries.
Mikka K(I can’t spell his last name) is freaking horrible. I see why Calgary always fails in the playoffs. No Show Joe was exactly that. For as good as he is during the regular season, he disappears when the pressure is on. I also thought that Bergeron, Luongo, Neidermayer and Jack Johnson were unimpressive.
I think Staal was alright, but not the guy I’m use to seeing. I don’t think he is a good LW. I think he plays better in the C or RW position. Gleason was also ok. He laid a few good hits, but wasn’t all that noticable. But I think that is what you want in a defensive defenseman. I saw very few Fin games, but Pitkanen looked very lazy on the ice. In the limited time I saw him, I was disappointed in his play. Ruutu was pretty similar to his Canes play. He was working hard, skating all over and throwing a few good checks.
The Triple Golden One, Eric Staal!
by PackPride17 on Feb 28, 2010 11:33 PM EST via mobile reply actions
As My Grandma Once Said
Somebody will win and somebody will lose…and after watching several games i can say that after watching the Swiss,Swedes,Finns & Slovaks play…it makes me glad here in North America, ( canada & America) we have many places for our youth to play & learn a game many of us love, as compared to europe…what facilities & etc…are far & few …even the USA & canadian ladies teams had many who did or are playing competitively in college..Yawn…time for this old fossil to say good nite !!
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
Its true, hockey is so underappreciated over here, particularly in Britain. I live in a city where our team wins games/trophies fairly often but people still have to ask “Ice Hockey?” and look confused lol. Our top league has had to limit each team to 10 “import” (ie not British) players in order to try and improve our British players’ development… doesn’t seem to be working particularly well though – I could probably count all the “decent” players on one hand lol!
This was the first game I got to watch from the Olympics due to the crappy broadcasting showing very few games (and yet there was near full coverage of the women’s ice hockey =S) but I’m very glad I got to see it! I was fairly impartial in my support (though I was rooting for Staal and Gleason of course) so I was extremely glad that the US kept the pressure on and made it an interesting game to follow – there was much yelling with joy when Parise scored that nice one! =D
I think you should be very proud of your team’s effort, there’s no shame in getting the silver – they had a great tournament considering how much they were overlooked going into it!
WELL DONE!! =D
Cool. I put my favorite over in the fanpost on Wysh’s story on Gleason (snub to gold) tht Great ice put up. I need to find it without a water mark.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Mar 1, 2010 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
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