"Black Sea Bullies"

In an article entitled "Black Sea Bullies," Sports Illustrated author Michael Farber describes the rich history of Russian Olympic ice hockey while questioning if they have the talent to reach the success once enjoyed in the past. Although the teams of the past have had general success, they have not achieved nearly as much as was expected. Considering the Winter Olympic Games are in Russia this year, to receive anything below a gold medal would not only be unsuccessful, but sheer embarrassment. The author uses a simile to compare the way the players stormed the ice "like gorillas coming out of a cage."  A metaphor is created when a quotation involves the comparison of the Sochi games to the Russian flag. Ethos is strong, as the author provides ample statistical information to back up the claim of team Russia's long-lasting success.