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          Olympics Blog

          Quick facts: Going for gold

          • Katie Strang, ESPN.comFeb 21, 2014, 02:42 PM ET
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              Katie Strang covers the Detroit Tigers for ESPN.com. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
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          Ugh, can we go best of three?

          Not even going to pretend I watched that as an unbiased observer -- rather, I was shamelessly rooting for the U.S. -- but boy did the Americans get outplayed by Canada in Friday's 1-0 shutout.

          Entering the semifinal with a tournament-leading 20 goals, the U.S. team's blistering offense was absolutely stymied by a brilliant performance from Canada's defensive corps. The U.S. just couldn't get to the front of the net and had so few second chances that Canadian goaltender Carey Price didn't look very taxed as he turned away all 31 shots faced.

          What a disappointing day for USA hockey, especially after some great performances earlier this tournament. Despite an incredible performance from U.S. netminder Jonathan Quick, the Americans' meager offensive attack and inability to a sustain the forecheck will leave them competing for bronze Saturday.

          Absolutely no question that Canada dominated the game Friday. I'll let my Canadian colleagues praise the resplendent play of their countrymen while I sulk in bitter disappointment the rest of the day.

          Gold Medal Game: Sweden-Canada, Sunday at 7 a.m. ET

          • Sweden and Canada played for the gold medal in 1994 with the Swedes coming out on top.

          • The two countries last faced each other in the Olympics in 2002. Sweden won.

          • Canada has not won back-to-back gold medals since 1948 and 1952.

          • Sweden won gold in 2006 and 1994.

          • Henrik Lundqvist has played every minute of the tournament, posting a .951 save percentage.

          • Carey Price has a .963 save percentage.

          • Erik Karlsson has four goals and four assists for the Swedes.

          • Drew Doughty leads Canada with four goals and two assists.

          Bronze Medal Game: Finland-United States, Saturday at 10 a.m. ET

          • Finland and the U.S. last met in 2010 with the Americans winning 6-1.

          • The United States is 2-1-0 against Finland in the NHL era of the Olympics.

          • Finland has won bronze in three of the past five Olympics.

          • The Americans have not played in the bronze medal game since losing in 1992. They won their only bronze medal in 1936.

          • Phil Kessel leads the U.S. with five goals and three assists in the tournament.

          • The Finns had the worst penalty kill at the Olympics (6-for-10).

          • Mikael Granlund leads Finland with three goals and one assist.

          Information from TSN's Devin Gibson was used in this report.