The USA takes on Canada Friday (10:15 a.m. ET, Versus) in the first game of the qualification round at the world championships in Slovakia. A preview:
Story line: With an impressive roster, Canada is considered one of the favorites to win the tournament. The Canadians have skill up front and quality on the back end. But the Americans, without a high-profile roster, have played better than expected. The Americans have a mobile defense and speed up front. The Canadians are trying to win their first gold medal since 2007; they have won the silver twice since then. The Americans have won only one medal (a bronze in 2004) in the past 14 years. The USA's last world championship came in 1960 when the Olympic champion was considered the world champion.
How they got here: The Americans went 2-1 in the preliminary round, defeating Austria and Norway and losing to Sweden. Canada was 3-0, beating Belarus, France and Switzerland. USA has scored 11 goals, and given up seven. Canada has netted 17 and surrendered five.
Goaltending: USA's Ty Conklin (St. Louis Blues, hasn't played yet) or Al Montoya (New York Islanders, 2-1, 3.00, .848) vs. Canada's James Reimer (Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-0, .1.76, .937) or Devan Dubnyk (Edmonton Oilers, 0-0, 0.00, 1.000) or Jonathan Bernier (Los Angeles Kings, hasn't played yet). Reimer is No. 1 for Canada. Considering Montoya played the first three, it seems fair to presume that Conklin might get a shot.
Top U.S. scorers: F Craig Smith (2-2—4, University of Wisconsin), C Derek Stepan (0-4—4, New York Rangers), F Nick Palmieri (New Jersey Devils, 2-1—3,), F Ryan Shannon (Ottawa Senators, 0-3—3).
Top Canadian scorers: F John Tavares (New York Islanders, 2-3—5, Islanders), F Jeff Skinner, (Carolina Hurricanes, 3-2—5), F Jordan Eberle (Edmonton, 3-0—3,), D Alex Pietrangelo (St. Louis, 1-2—3), D Dion Phaneuf (Toronto, 0-3—3) F Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets, 1-1—2).
What the Americans want to do: 1. Win the special teams battle. Against a favored team, success on a power play becomes even more crucial. 2. Take advantage of their speed on the forecheck to create scoring opportunities. The Americans need to win puck battles. 3. Stay poised. The Canadians might light a fuse, or press the issue, at the start of the game to see how the Americans will react.
What the Canadians want to do: 1. Own the puck. With the skill the Canadians have, they have the potential to have the puck more than 60% of the time. 2. Stay out of the penalty box. Five-on-five should be an advantage for Canada. 3. Bring their 'A' game because the Canadian-American rivalry should bring out the best in the Americans.
P.S.: According to Team Canada's website, Phaneuf's girlfriend, actress Elisha Cuthbert, has arrived in Slovakia will be at the Canada-USA game.
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