Players, fans gushing over Canada-U.S. Olympic game

Nothing brings out the rivalry in an NHL locker room like a United States-Canada game. And when the opportunity to play for an Olympic gold medal is on the line, the intensity is ratcheted up that much higher.

It certainly was for Nashville Predators teammates Rich Clune, a Toronto native, and Eric Nystrom, who was born in Syosset, N.Y. When the game ended in a 1-0 victory for Canada, Clune posted a video on Instagram with Nystrom making good on their wager by admitting that Canada was better.

The players weren't the only ones getting in on the wagering. Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent a message to United States President Barack Obama to collect on the second half of a bet they had made on the game. They had wagered a case of beer on the outcome of the Canada-U.S. women's gold medal game, and put another case on the line Friday.

"Like I said, #teamusa is good but #wearewinter. @BarackObama, I look forward to my two cases of beer. #CANvsUSA #Sochi2014," Harper wrote on his Twitter feed.

Most players were in awe of the performance of both teams.

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Martin Jones is from North Vancouver, British Columbia, but marveled at the play of American goaltender Jonathan Quick, Jones' teammate, writing on Twitter: "Best game of the tourny by a country mile. What a performance by @JonathanQuick32, he is so much fun to watch."

Buffalo Sabres prospect Luke Adam wrote on his Twitter feed: "What a game! Two great teams leaving it all out there. That's what makes this the best game in the world! #canadavsusa #Sochi2014."

A number of celebrities were following the game as well. Jonny Lee Miller, star of the CBS show "Elementary," tweeted out praise to both teams: "Congrats to @HockeyCanada a great team. Chin up @usahockey you did yourselves proud."