Casey Richey, SBN's writer at Winging It In Motown, thinks that Team USA should be proud of their silver medal.

There's not much that I can say about this game that hasn't been said. It lived up to every billing it was given and the hype was well deserved. Despite the outcome being a loss for the United States, I was very proud of the effort put forth by the Stars and Stripes. Far be it from me to take any credit from Canada as they played a great game and in turn took home the gold on home ice. Good for the Canadian people after an exceptional turn as hosts of the Winter Olympics.

Even though the United States took home the silver instead of the gold, this was a tremendous day for hockey in the US. I couldn't count how many people I know that normally care the least bit about hockey but found themselves enthralled in the battle with the Canadians. It may not inspire every kid to pick up a stick or every father to build a rink in the back yard but it could go a long way towards putting hockey back on television on a season long basis. It could boost ticket sales or bring former fans of the game back to the sport they once loved. 

In the end, I'm proud of what the US achieved in these Olympics. Not many pegged them to do anything even close to this but they came out and put in exceptional effort from the puck drop against Switzerland on opening day to the final goal horn in the gold medal game. Nothing can, or should, be taken away from this American squad and the effort put forth and competitiveness of the games will do wonders for hockey in America.