Norway was completely working the US for the first two periods before the first US goal. They were the better team and it wasn't even close. Couple bounces change (such as the few times they went upstairs) and every American fan is enraged right now.
Credit where credit is due, Norway came to play today.
You (Norway) dont get outshot 42-15 or something like that, and expect people to believe what you are stating.
Yes Norway came to play and they played a physical and tough game. But in no way did Norway do anything to make the US worry in nearly 45 minutes of play..the final 45 minutes of the game.
And I know shot totals arent everything, but puck possesion and pressure is, and the US again dominated that from the second period on. Not sure what game you were watching, but the US really wasnt challenged for the final 45 minutes of the game.
I give credit to Norway for being a pain in the ass team, which they clearly are, but without their goalie, the score isnt as close. Yes many shots were from the outside, but the way he limited rebounds and where he put those rebounds was very impressive.
The US did not create 20 glorious chances, but they did enough to win the game more handily then they did.
I barely remember Norway having any chances the final 2 periods, and thats not a joke. You can flip it around and say if Craig Smith doesnt make that terrible pass on the PP, then this game might have had an even bigger outcome.
Again, congrats to Norway, they play tough and with a lot of passion and energy, but they did not control this game like some suggest.
I did find it funny to keep hearing the announcers calling out Forsberg and Koivu for Norway....man if they had the other Forsberg/Koivu then it might have been a different outcome!
Hope you guys beat Austria, you deserve to win a few games here....