Gold-medal game
CANADA VS. UNITED STATES
E Center
Today, 1 p.m.
TV: NBC
SLAP SHOTS: It might be safe to say that this is the biggest-ever hockey game in the history of Canada, and that's saying a whole lot. It's the biggest game for the U.S. since Friday's match-up with Russia or since the 1980 Miracle on Ice showdown. . . . The whole world will be tuning in as the Olympics' grand finale sporting event takes center stage; says Canada executive director Wayne Gretzky: "This will be the most-watched hockey game in the world — ever." . . . The winner will claim the gold medal for the first time by a North American country since the U.S. won in 1980. Canada last won the Olympics in hockey 50 years ago. . . . The Americans have not lost on their own home ice in 70 years and have compiled a 21-0-3 record (with two golds and a silver) in the U.S. since 1932. . . . Guess who beat the U.S. in this country last? Yep, Canada in 1932. . . . This is the 15th meeting between Canada and USA in Olympic competition. The Canadians hold a 9-2-3 advantage. . . . Herb Brooks is undefeated as a U.S. hockey coach (10-0-2 in 2002 and 1980). His only losses came in Nagano where he was 2-2 as France's bench boss.