Some had called the mighty Russian national hockey team to be the best in the world, but on Wednesday night the Big Red Machine was utterly derailed by 2010 Winter Olympics host nation Canada 7-3. The Canadians were coming out of national mourning after losing to the United States 5-3 on Sunday. Russia’s goal-scoring trio of Alexander Ovechkin, Evengi Malkin, and Ilya Kovalchuk were out muscled by the spirited side of Canada. The loss knocked the Russians out of medal contention and devastated national team fans back home in Mother Russia. Canada could have a chance to get revenge on the Americans if both teams make it to the gold medal game. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev even canceled his trip to Vancouver after the the embarrassing loss. The best Russia can do now is win fourth place, but no matter what happens,  they’ll be returning to Moscow a disappointment.

Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin are the clear winners this year. Malkin won the trophy as the top scoring champion this year, with 113 goals and assists combined. He barely beat out Ovechkin who had 110, including 56 goals. Those 56 were enough, however, enough for him to win the top goal scoring trophy. The list of winners of these trophies in the past reads like the Hall of Fame, in many ways. These two players are perhaps the best in the league right now, with the possible exception of Sidney Crosby. They are bringing their teams right into the playoffs and might be able to win the championship this year. The Penguins and the Capitals are looking like some of the best teams in the conference this year.