Interesting Swiss takes

I for one was not alarmed by the scores of the opening Olympic men's hockey games. It played out as it should have, and the fact that Russia and namely the host team, Canada, both put up 8-spots on their opponents and won handily, while the US v Switzerland 3-1 game was much closer, was of no concern. However, what was alarming & concerning was the way that the media handled that narrow US victory. It seems that because two of the favorites in the tournament, Canada & Russia, easily strolled through their opening game, the US slim 3-1 win was looked at with skepticism and a wink as an accomplishment. The words used following that game were similar to 'well it looks as if the US needs some work'. The Swiss team put up a good fight, they said, but were certainly no match for the teams that were lined with NHL talent. And because of this, it was widely reported that our team got a little lucky.

Fast-forward to last night when that same Switzerland team rode Canada through overtime, before eventually falling in a shootout. It was a very entertaining and a great game to watch but funny, all of a sudden those same television commentators & reporters had nothing but praise for the Swiss. It was not a slip by the mighty Canadian team but instead a 'gutsy' performance by the now not so under-matched team from the Alps. Instead of criticizing Team Canada, which is the way it played out for Team USA, the tables turned to praise for the Swiss...which should have been the case in the first game between the US and Switzerland.

There should be no debate on who has the more high-profile roster between the US and our friends to the North, as it seems pretty obvious. However, there should also be no double standard because after all, they both carry star-studded rosters consisting of the best that there is. But what irks me is that the media does use that double talk, when it seems to be plain as day after watching both games...the Swiss have a fast, big & physical, and very skilled hockey team that is above all, very determined.