Do It With A Smile

There are people who are good at what they do.
And then, there are people who are good at what they do and do it with a smile.

Watching Team USA Ice Hockey player T.J. Oshie kill it in the USA vs. Russia shootout was nerve-wracking and exhilarating all at once. His slow shootout style was different but that wasn't the only thing that was unique about the 27 year-old Oshie; before each of his six shootout shots, knowing that each shot was potentially a game winner or loss, he would flash a smile. Watching the game on my home TV, Oshie's smile made all the difference. In comparison to the serious-faced Russian legends Kovalchuk and Datsyuk (I don't blame them with Putin in the audience), Oshie just seemed damn excited to be on the ice and given the chance to shoot. If he was nervous, he channeled that nervous energy through his stick and released it with every shot that made it to the net.

Oshie's epic game-winning shot, poise and humility makes me think that society needs to recognize people who perform at the highest level with a smile on their face. In all fields of work, it is not just about talent anymore, it is also about attitude.

Olympic Hockey Predictions - Another US Canada Matchup?

I took a minute to fill out the bracket.  If you're wondering, my decisions were based on very little rationale, except that I predict USA winning gold and Canada pulling through in tonight's game against Russia (as much as I love you Ovechkin, Canada's blow out game last night against Germany is a sign).  The Czechs and Swedes are also really good (and this is based on how many NHL players I know), so I see them moving on to the semi-finals as well.  BIG GAMES TODAY! GO USA!

USA! USA! USA!

Photo by NHL.com

With an empty net goal in the last minute of the game, US defeats Canada 5-3.  Once that puck slid into Canada's empty net, I jumped out of my seat with my fists in the air, shouting "USA! USA!".  If today wasn't a Sunday, I'm sure I would have caused more damage but I'll save that for possibly next Sunday?  Now about that Gold...

USA vs. Canada, Miracle Part 2?

Will the US Men's Ice Hockey team beat Canada this Sunday and relive the same underdog victory that the US did over the Soviet Union in 1980?  Will this be another 'Miracle on Ice'?  Most predict not because Canada the home-team just won't let it happen.

Today at 7:40 pm starts the one game that will set the tone for Canada in the remaining week of the Winter Olympics.  As the host country, Canada is probably not too happy being fifth in the medal count with eight medals, but there is only one thing that matters to them--HOCKEY, and that Gold medal is one Canada cannot lose.  That doesn't mean I am cheering for Crosby and the Canada kids, because USA with a winning record so far, allowing only one goal from Switzerland and Norway, has just as much of a reason to win Gold.  It may not be the Cold War but its a frickin recession and we Americans need a reason to BELIEVE!  Unemployment is at an all-time low, young Americans are losing faith in the college system, dumb celebrities are taking over our televisions and Tiger cheated on his wife... WE NEED A MIRACLE!

I have been looking forward to this game for the past week and I want it to be close, good fight.  I'm starting the morning off with a recap of the US's last two games (DVR'ed it), then watching Disney's Miracle and throwing on my BU jersey signed by 2009 National Champs (if anybody knows a miracle, it's this team).  AHHHH, I'm so ready for this and you should be ready too.  Watch the 1980 Miracle: