Nightmare on Ice for Canada and the USA

Canadian and American hockey fans suddenly don't have much to cheer about. In four weekend games, the defending gold and silver medalists in men's hockey managed just two goals between them.

The USA lost to Slovakia and Sweden by identical 2-1 scores, prompting many questions about the scarcity of American goals.

The Canadian forwards, meanwhile, wouldn't even remember what a goal looks like if they weren't watching opposing teams score them.

Saturday's 2-0 loss to Switzerland was quickly written off as just one of those days. "Alright, hot goaltender. Can't do anything about it," Don Cherry told the nation after Martin Gerber stopped 49 Canadian shots.

No such excuses were available after Sunday's dispirited 2-0 loss to Finland - the Finns outshot Canada 30-24. This time there was no hiding the fact that Canada was clearly the second-best team. There will be reams of analysis Monday morning as the Canadian media launches into crisis mode. The short story is that right now, this team just stinks.

At least Canadian fans can watch their women's team go for gold on Monday. The American women are still trying to figure out what the heck happened.