The good old U S of A

Jeff Day — Sports Columnist The Olympics are over in Vancouver and the United States fared very well medalwise, with the United States taking home the most medals with 37. Germany was next best with 30.

The United States hockey team took home the silver, but gold was the color of choice. An absolute epic hockey game took place between the United states and Canada last Sunday afternoon. The USA fell behind 2-0 in this contest and looked like they were in trouble. However a goal cut it to a 2-1 score and it stayed that way until the final twenty five seconds. USA pulled the goalie and Zac Pariese tied it up 2-2. The highly-hyped game lived up to its hype as it headed to overtime. Sidney Crosby ended the suspense by sliding the puck past Ryan Miller and delivering the gold to Canada. The men from Canada, who entered the tournament as the prohibitive favorites and as the team to beat, ended up getting it done. It wasn't easy though, as the USA pushed the starstudded Canadians all the way in this hockey game.

The USA team should be proud of its accomplishment in Vancouver as we entered as the sixth seed and many thought we wouldn't even medal. This young gritty and determined team, not loaded with a ton of stars, played sensational all tournament long. I enjoyed the show on the ice by both teams and I am sure the rest of you hockey fans did too!! This game will be talked about for years to come. I just wish anyone but "Cindy Crosby" would have notched the game winner for Canada. He is such a crybabygirly girl.

Into the fryer

Sticking with hockey the Red Wings are fighting for a playoff spot for the first time in years. Usually, Detroit is already in the playoffs and just playing for a number-one seed. The scenario is different here in 2010 in Hockeytown. The good news is that on Monday night the "Wing Dings” went into Colorado and pulled out a victory and two critical points in the standings. Let's make it clear, though, that every single game and point is critical down the stretch run for these last 20 games or so. I am sticking to my guns and believe that come April, the Red Wings will be in the NHL playoffs. They are healthy and ready to make a run. Go Wings.

Off to the races

The Big Ten race is winding down as this is the last week of Big Ten Conference play. The Spartans, because of winning down in Purdue on Sunday afternoon, have set themselves up for at least a share of the Big Ten title. The Spartys are currently tied with Purdue and Ohio State for the lead, and all have four losses. MSU controls it's own destiny if it defeats PSU and lousy Michigan and a share of the title is headed to East Lansing. I just can't for see MSU losing to either Michigan or PSU with a Big Ten title on the line.

While on the subject of Big Ten hoops, what a tough injury suffered by Purdue's Robby Hummel. Hummel is done for the year and so is Purdue's chances of a Final Four appearance and possibly a number-one seed in the NCAA tournament. How many teams from the Big Ten will get into the Big Dance? Tough to call right now. I am excited about the Big Ten Tournament starting next week. It is wide open and a handful of teams could win it. March Madness has arrived.

thefatguy@mihomepaper.com