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Falling into place Team USA looks poised for run at the gold medalPosted: Thursday February 21, 2002 7:52 PMUpdated: Friday February 22, 2002 12:22 AM He was having the time of his life -- a time that might never come again. "This is one of the greatest experiences the guys on this team are ever going to have, so it's just an honor to be out around town," Weight said. "I've been losing fluids and seeing spots, but I really feel like I nipped most of it -- just in time, too." Everything seems to be falling into place for the U.S. Olympic hockey team, with its semifinal rematch against Russia set for Friday -- the 22nd anniversary of the Miracle on Ice. Now, the Americans must write their own ending to a script that has seemed to be headed to one ending: a gold medal. The first Olympic tournament on U.S. soil since Lake Placid has gone almost completely the Americans' way during the team's first four games. The United States' potential strengths -- a fearsome group of forwards and plenty of international experience -- have been outstanding. Their potential liabilities -- an aging defensive corps and the absence of an unquestioned No. 1 goalie -- haven't been problems, with Mike Richter taking charge in net and the defense playing superbly in front of him. The Americans have scored goals in bunches while rolling over their lesser opponents. In their toughest game, they rallied from a third-period deficit against goalie Nikolai Khabibulin to earn a 2-2 tie in what Russian coach Slava Fetisov thought was his team's best game of the tournament. "There were a few questions about us, but I think we answered them," defenseman Brian Leetch said. "To get into the medal round is a great accomplishment, but the Olympics won't be what we want it to be if we lose on Friday." After a light workout on Thursday, the players had a team meal before watching the U.S. women play Canada for gold. Many of the players from the teams have become friends while staying in the same section of the Olympic village -- another portion of the Olympic experience that has been unforgettable. "Our guys are having a great time in there, because they appreciate the whole scope of what's going on here," coach Herb Brooks said. "This is a great time for them, and it should be one of the best times of their lives." Brooks never thought his Lake Placid squad was a team of destiny -- even after it won gold -- and he certainly doesn't feel any predetermination now. Fetisov, who felt the Soviet Union's 1980 loss helped Russian players eventually win the freedom to play in North America, sees nothing in Friday's meeting beyond an exceptional hockey game. "I know Americans respect champions, and if we beat them, they're going to respect us even more," Fetisov said. "You want politics? We can make this a political game, but it's probably just the biggest stage for hockey, to sell our game the right way." The American forwards' attempts to break through the "Bulin Wall" should be the driving force of Friday's game. Brooks' top line of John LeClair, Mike Modano and Brett Hull has been sensational, accounting for more goals than the entire Russian team. The three forwards attribute their success to experience and hard work -- and the good bounces of an Olympic tournament that has rolled right onto the Americans' sticks this year. "We're in just about the best situation we could be in," LeClair said. "But we realize it all comes down to one game. That's what makes the Olympics so great."
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