That’s it. Canada’s out. I could talk about how the referee fucked Canada in the last 5 minutes when he blew the whistle too quickly and Canada put the puck in the Russian net an instant later. I could talk about how stupid penalties — Bertuzzi’s and Pronger’s, both late in the game — killed the canadian chances. I could talk about how badly the defense — especially Chris Pronger and Bryan McCabe (in what little time he was actually on the ice) — played throughout the tournament. I could talk about how much the gambling scandal or Bertuzzi lawsuit might’ve distracted the team. I could talk about how the only players that actually looked good were Doan, Smyth, Richards, Sakic, Bouwmeester and Brodeur. I could talk about all that, but what it came down to was that the Canadians only managed to score a goal in one of their last twelve periods.

I wonder if this will set off a round of soul-searching like the loss at Nagano did.

OK, how awesome was Chandra Crawford this morning when she won gold? Dancing on the podium, giving ecstatic interviews, getting mobbed by her teammates at the finish…she’s really become the face of the Canadian athletes at these games. Nellie pointed out that she’d make a good flag bearer at the closing ceremonies; unless Cindy Klassen wins another medal, I think she’s right.

[UPDATE] Klassen just won gold in the 1500m, her fourth medal. I think she’s got to be a lock for flag bearer now.

Three days ago I wanted to kill the Swiss men’s hockey team. Now I’ll be cheering for them. Whether or not Sweden threw the game today, they deserve to get their asses kicked by Switzerlnd because of what the coach said.