11,678 people packed the $180-million Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi early Saturday evening to witness one of the most anticipated events of this years Olympic games. Despite the fact that it was “only” a preliminary round game (no elimination on the line) AND the possibility these teams could easily meet next week with the stakes raised, the USA/Russia men’s hockey game dominated societal talk as well as social media. Not to mention the game started at 7:30AM ET. Most years, the early morning hours of February 15th are vacant in terms of consciousness and energy, let alone droves of pepped-up vocal patriotic hockey fans heading out to bars, restaurants and hangouts. The Nielsen ratings indicate that 4.1 million viewers tuned in between 7:30-10:30AM on 2/15/14 to watch the USA/Russia men’s hockey game on the NBC Sports Network, with the audience peaking at 6.4 millions during the last half hour. If you asked me two weeks ago, I wouldn’t have thought that 6.4 million Americans KNEW there was such a channel as the NBC Sports Network. Needless to say, this was a network record, even surpassing viewership of last seasons Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

While the US vs Russia theme draws broad interest in the Winter Olympic spectacle (and pretty much most forms of pop culture for that matter) one would be hard-pressed not to instantaneously summon up memories of the “Miracle on Ice.” There is very little to compare between this game and the 1980 Lake Placid games other than the outburst of national pride that both wins triggered. Chants of “USA, USA,” and “Oshie! Oshie!” could be heard all across the country, with Americans dishing out high fives and hugs to friends and strangers alike. Rangers fans high-fiving Islanders fans. Red Wings fans rooting against Pavel Datsyuk. Facebook and Twitter exploding. The storylines run deep. With the US off until Wednesday’s quarter final match against the winner of the Czech Republic/Slovakia game, and the likelihood of a match-up with Canada in the semi-finals on Friday, the sport of hockey continues to remain in the limelight with the anticipation of record setting viewership for next weekend. While the ratings indicate that as many as 6.4 million viewers watched Saturday mornings game in the US, something tells me that more like 64 million will have claimed to have watched it. And most everyone will remember where they were and who they were with when TJ Oshie scored his 4th shoot out goal. Lets hope the US men’s hockey team can provide a few more special moments this Olympic Games.