That was a great game. Great comeback by the Russians in the 3rd. I'd rather see USA and Russia play on Monday than USA and Canada.
I don't know what the Russians could complain about in this one. They are all NHL players, so the officiating style of NHL refs should be no problem for them.
There was a shot by Samsonov(?) that almost went in, and I think Fetisov wanted a video review. The refs didn't seem to mention it to Fetisov, but Gary Thorne (CNBC announcer) said at the time that the upstairs officials were reviewing it and ruled it a no-goal. The replays shown on TV clearly indicated it hit the post and did not cross the goal line.
Maybe that the US scored all their goals on powerplays? I think they called only one more penalty against Russia than against USA. I saw several fouls by Russian players that weren't called. The US team just did a better job on the powerplay.
Near the end of the game it looked like Roenick might have covered the puck in the crease. Russians might have had an argument for a penalty shot there, but I didn't get a good look at it.
The biggest violations I saw were the Russians sending out all 5 skaters even though matching minors had been called in the last minute of the game. This was corrected by the refs before the puck was dropped but it sure seemed odd to me.
Also at the end of the game Russia delayed the game twice by failing to get into the faceoff circle when the US was ready. By rule the refs should have dropped the puck regardless of what the Russians were doing. But Fetisov wanted some time to talk to his players, and afraid of further controversy, the refs wimped out and let the Russians get away with it.
Overall a great game and I'd hate to see the Russian Olympic delegation further humiliate themselves by protesting the outcome. Better luck next time.
