Today is the day

Puck drop for tonight's Gold Medal game is 8 p.m. USA vs. Canada, the Americans get another chance to slay the proverbial dragon. I will be blogging throughout the game. Stay tuned for updates throughout the day.

USA vs SWE (1/2/10) Semifinal

Team USA scored the first goal against Sweden on Sunday, but the Americans knew they were in for a full 60 minute fight. Tyler Johnson ripped a shot past Swedish goalie Jacob Markstrom to give USA the lead. Two goals by Sweden's Anton Lander in the second frame made the boys in blue sweat a little bit. Through 30 minutes of play, it looked like a true semifinal with neither team willing to give an inch. Jerry D'Amigo took matters into his own hands; he used the boards in the neutral zone to spring himself and blew one by Markstrom. Halfway through the third period, Team USA regained the lead and would not relinquish it. Washington Capitals highly touted prosepect, Defenseman John Carlson gathered the puck at the blue line and fired a shot through traffic that leaked in passed Markstrom. The nail in the coffin came while Team USA was shorthanded, Captain Derek Stepan intercepted a puck in the neutral zone and deftly passed it to D'Amigo who froze Markstrom and scored to give Team USA a commanding 4-2 lead. Team USA would add an empty net goal to defeat Team Sweden 5-2.

Quick HITS
PIM's: USA-8, SWE-35
USA: John Carlson 2 pts (1+1) +5
SWE: Jacob Markstrom 30 saves on 34 shots

CAN vs. SUI (1/2/10) Semifinal

Team Canada behind Edmonton Oilers prospect Jordan Eberle and top 2010 NHL draft prospect Taylor Hall sailed passed Team Switzerland 6-1 in the opening semifinal game on Sunday. Canada is guaranteed to win a medal in 12th straight tournament. Even though Canada is loaded with talent at every position, this tournament has been Jordan Eberle's coming out party. He is now tied with John Tavares (NYI) for the most goals scored in a single tournament (12). Eberle never takes a shift off and whenever he is on the ice, it's obivious he makes his presence known. Coming into the 2010 WJC, Team Canada had by far the most talented team; failure to miss the gold medal game surely would have been a huge disappointment.

Quick HITS:
Shots: CAN-44, SUI-21
PP: CAN 1/8, SUI 1/5
Buffalo Sabres prospect Luke Adam: 1 assist.

Canada defeats USA in a 5-4 (SO) WJC classic

Team USA scored two shorthanded goals and a power play goal against Canada on Thursday, but it wasn't enough as the Canadians rallied back to beat the Americans 5-4 in a shootout. Canada opened the scoring in the first period as Stefan Della-Rovere bulled his way to the net and beat USA goalie Jack Campbell. Canada's undisciplined play gave the Americans their first power play shortly after and they delivered. Philip McRae scored his first goal of the tournament, cleaning up in front of the crease out dueling Team Canada goalie Jake Allen. Team USA came out in the second frame on a mission, hoping to erase memories of last-year's collaspe in Ottawa. The Yanks consistently beat their rivals to the puck and out-worked the Canadian squad, depositing two shorthanded goals . After 40 minutes, Team USA led 3-2. Forward Danny Kristo scored his team high fourth goal of the tournament, 1:01 in the third period, giving the Americans a two-goal lead. Canada's Eberle notched his second goal of the contest, half-way through the period cutting the lead to 4-3. Alex Pietrangelo recorded the game's third shorthanded goal, tying the game at 4-4. After a scoreless overtime, the teams went to a shootout. Both teams scored at will on both netminders, but in the end it was Canada's Allen that made the save that counted. Brandon Kozun scored the SDG for the Canadians as they get a bye into a semifinal match-up.
QUICK NOTES:
PP: CAN 0/6, USA 1/4.
CAN: A. Pietrangelo's shorthanded tying goal came with 4:15 left in the third period.
USA: J. Campbell stopped 30/34 shots.