For most people, hockey does not even come close to registering any interest in their minds. However, after watching the classic 3-2 men’s gold medal game between the USA and Canada, there should be a lot more people tuning in to the sport.
This game had it all. There were plenty of hits, scoring chances galor, big saves and even a rivalry aspect with the Americans wanting to gain some much-needed respect from their neighbors to the north. The game even went into overtime when American Zach Parise scored with 24.4 seconds left to tie the game at two apiece. However, there would be no miracle pulled off this time as Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal to send the entire nation of Canada into a mass hysteria.
Being an avid hockey fan, I loved watching every second of the game. It’s a shame that more people don’t pay attention or tune in to hockey, because it truly is a remarkable game. It’s fast-paced nature with lots of hitting and scoring gets your adrenaline pumping and keeps fans on the edges of their seats.
Maybe the thrilling Olympic game will finally boost popularity for the sport that needs more fans in the United States. Last Sunday’s game drew an average viewership of 27.6 million people in the United States according to NBC. Only the 1980 American gold medal victory in Lake Placid drew more viewers.
As the NHL resumed play on Monday night, I am interested to see if more fans will come out and tune in to the games. There are only 20 or so games until the playoffs begin and I cannot wait for the Stanley Cup Playoffs to begin. Hockey is a sport that was in need of an injection of energy and attention. It received just that with perhaps one of the greatest hockey games ever played on Sunday night.
Going forward, hockey can only go up from here. Hopefully the sport will better market its players to increase popularity and score a better television deal. All I can say is hockey was showcased at its finest on Sunday, and I cannot wait to see even more excitement further down the road.