Canada and the United States better get used to one another — they are going to be playing for hockey gold many more times over the next decade.
Team Canada played its two toughest games in these Olympics against the Americans, a country that is a bonafide hockey power. Sure, Russia may have the best top-six forwards in the world, Sweden has the Sedin brothers and a fantastic goaltender, and every other country, Finland, the Czechs and the Slovaks, have a solid array of top-end talent, but the depth is not there.

Every year, Canada churns out more quality hockey players than any other country. However, the United States seemingly is not very far behind.
Canada could form two world-class teams to compete in a best-on-best tournament like the Olympics, two teams that beat anyone on any given day. Well, the Americans could do the same, just not to the extent of Team Canada.
Looking at the current American roster, there are some high-quality players, both young and old, that could have been thrown together, a team that would have been pretty formidable in its own right.
The team would be without a lot of the young star power like Kessell, Kane and Parise, but would feature some young up and comers like forwards Kyle Okposo, James van Riemsdyk and T.J. Oshie, along with more established centres like Tim Connolly, Scott Gomez and Matt Cullen. Throw in a few veteran wingers like Bill Guerin, Mike Modano, Brian Gionta, Jason Blake and Brian Rolston, and you have a good group up front.
Defencemen like Keith Yandle, Alex Gologoski, Matt Carle, Andy Greene, James Wisniewski, John-Michael Lies and Tom Poti may not strike fear into the hearts of many, but would certainly be a competent group.
Team USA can also trot out at least five world-class goaltenders now, apart from Miller, Quick and Thomas, with the emergence of Colorado’s Craig Anderson and Detriot’s Jimmy Howard. So, with the young wave of talented Americans, including a guy like defenceman Cam Fowler, who led the USA in its World Junior championship run, the future is bright.
Canada is also stacked with young talent, and when you look ahead to 2014 in Russia, youngsters like forwards Steven Stamkos, Alexandre Burrows, John Tavares, Jeff Carter, Jordan Staal, and maybe even guys like this year’s expected top draft pick, Taylor Hall, could easily replace older players from this year’s team.
Defencemen like Mike Green and Dion Phaneuf and Marc Staal could vie for the open spots. Throw in NHL rookies like Tyler Myers and Alex Pietrangelo, and the defence position will be staked in Sochi.
So, don’t be surprised in four years, when the world gathers in Russia, if USA and Canada do not meet for gold once again. Sorry Ovie.