It seemed like much of the game was played in the end where the US goal was located. Unless the puck goes to the end where the Canadian's goal is located, the final outcome is pretty obvious.
A Russian said that hockey is the only medal that really means a great deal to the Russians, so from that perspective, I'm pleased that the Russians didn't get the gold.
When the US played Finland, it seemed like they had sort of resolved themselves to not caring all that much because they already lost out on the gold medal.