Seriously. So sad. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
I have no idea how many casual fans were really watching the previous U.S.-Canada game or the gold medal game and I have no idea how many of them will become real hockey fans, but you guys absolutely delivered on your end. Back when the U.S. roster was selected I wasn't that excited about the team - honestly, I still look at it and wonder where all that affection came from - but for two weeks I was more than happy to watch and cheer for you.
Ryan Miller, come on home, and kick some ass. Because lord knows, I never want to watch another postgame interview like the one today. He was standing there talking and his face was all big, wet brown eyes and he was all wobbly voiced. :::sniff, sniff::: I hope Darcy Regier saw that because if he did he'll do WHATEVER IT TAKES to keep it from happening again.
Seriously though, the Olympic break did exactly what I needed it to do and made me miss the Sabres. Except for Derek Roy. I found myself hating him more and more with every U.S. game. But you'll have to read about that tomorrow because unfortunately there's sociology homework calling my name...
(Grrr... I had an AWESOME screen cap of Ryan and Lindy planned for this post my DVR screwed me because Time-Warner's DVR SUCKS. Just close your eyes and pretend, please.)
7 comments:
I did see a picture where Miller looked to be enjoying the closing ceremonies, and was wearing his silver medal proudly. I really think USA will come around and look back on this tournament with more good memories than bad. Miller even said something to the effect of "Overall it was pretty good, it just stings right now."
Jonathan, shhhhhhhh! We want Darcy feeling as guilty as possible!
(I missed the closing ceremonies but a friend did send some screen caps of a much happier Ryan which I was very glad to see.)
I hope Ryan can just build on all the awesomeness from the tournament and forget about anything he might think is bad. I'm a giant dork because I'm wearing my Ryan Miller t-shirt at work today. No client meetings, so I could get away with it and I am just so damn proud of him. I don't even care that it's dorky! I'm also looking at tickets for Wednesday's game because I would love to be there when he comes to his home fans.
Heather, I loved your idea on twitter about Ryan getting to take one teammate from Team USA home with him. Especially the Parise for Roy/9 for 9 swap.
In response to how many people actually watched, excluding NFL games, the gold medal game was the second highest rated sporting event behind the BCS Championship.
Not only do I hope Regier saw the look on Miller's face, but I hope his Sabre teammates saw that look and realize that they have to do everything in their power to make sure it doesn't appear there again. It's time for them to stop relying on Miller to bail them out, and instead start bailing out Miller.
It's too bad the NHL has no idea how to promote any of their players. Ryan Miller should be a star right now but he won't be.
In response to how many people actually watched, excluding NFL games, the gold medal game was the second highest rated sporting event behind the BCS Championship.
That's true, but about 80% of all of Canada tuned in at some point. That's 26.5 million of the viewers right there. So all the ratings really prove is that hockey is popular in Canada. Shocker.
It's too bad the NHL has no idea how to promote any of their players. Ryan Miller should be a star right now but he won't be.
Lee, you are preaching to the Ryan Miller-loving choir. There were a number of guys involved in the Olympics who have proven themselves to be talented, camera-friendly, and reasonably articulate, but hey, why bother with them when you have Ovechkin and Crosby? Miller in particular is a killer though because he's very thoughtful, very well-spoken, and pretty open with his thought process. He could be such a great ambassador for the NHL.
Did you watch any of the Olympic hockey?
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