“Be brilliant in the basics.” That, according to reports, was one of the motivational messages strung throughout the USA Men’s Hockey Team dressing room prior to their matchup with Team Canada.

And brilliant they were, from 41 seconds into the game when Brian Rafalski scored the opening goal, to the acrobatic efforts of goalie Ryan Miller, who survived a late-third period flurry of shots.

Canada outshot the United States 45 to 23. Yet Team USA proved that the one with the bigger profile/reputation, and greater experience, does not always succeed in the job. Attention to detail, hard work and a willingness to fight helped the underdog Americans persevere.

On Feb. 21, Team USA was indeed “brilliant in the basics.” It’s a lesson that many woodworkers can — and should — apply to their own companies in order to succeed in today’s economy.

By adhering to the "basics," the U.S. Men's Hockey Team upset Team Canada 5-3 in the Feb. 21 preliminary game. Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images. Source: Vancouver2010.com VANOC/COVAN