Hockey: US tops Russia in OT thriller

U.S. beats Russia in Olympic hockey

In a heart-pounding finish, Team USA punched a victory Saturday against Russia, in what is one of the hockey world's greatest rivalries.


Tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, the game went into a shootout, where American T.J. Oshie scored four times on six tries to ensure a U.S. victory.

The finish was dramatic and the victory clutch, but it was also controversial. The Russians scored what appeared to be a game-winning goal in the third period, but it was disallowed because the net had moved from where it was supposed to be.

The U.S.-Russia match-up was one of the most anticipated matches at the Sochi winter games. Both hockey giants stepped onto the ice with 1-0 records in the tournament and are contenders for the gold.

While the game had a thrilling conclusion, the loss does not push Russia out of contention.

The shootout performance by Oshie, who plays professionally for the National Hockey League's St. Louis Blues, made it look like he had nerves of steel, but that's not the whole story.

"My hands are a little tingling, my feet are tingling," Oshie said after the game. "It was pretty nerve-racking out there. We knew it would take 65 minutes and then some [to win]."

When the game was on the line, the United States put the match in his hands.

"I did [feel pressure] a little bit, but then the puck hits your stick and you start skating," he said. "It's just you and the goalie. I was fortunate enough to keep him guessing."

The Russian goalie who he kept guessing was Sergei Bobrovski, who also plays in the NHL for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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