With three games on tap last night featuring USA, Canada and the Russians there was sure to be excitement to be had. That Canada and Russia would play like they did, well no one saw that coming.

Team USA  looked ok (still not great) against a stout Norway who did well until the final stages. USA’s 6-1 win was slightly flattering. Dare we call him Captain clutch but the game winner in this game was scored by none other than Rangers captain Chris Drury. Lets hope he gets hot for the US and brings it back to NY.

Making the goal all the more pleasing was Ryan Callahan getting an assist. USA’s trump card may be their hard working 4th line, completed by David Backes. Other scorers for the US included two from Brian Rafalski, one from Phil Kessel, one from Pat Kane  and one from Ryan Malone who scored in the first game as well. The US got one PP marker in the game and went 1 of 5.

Next up for the US is a mouth watering clash against the suddenly under pressure Canadian team…

If ever a country had held its breath it was Canada last night. Almost on the end of one of the biggest upsets in the events history the Canadians (very) narrowly edged the Swiss 3-2 in a shootout. Cindy Crosby got the SO winner. Hate to say it but has anyone noticed how good he’s become at shootouts this year after starting his career 1 of 17?

Canada had taken a 2 goal lead through Heatley and Marleau, both San Jose Sharks, but credit the Swiss for getting back into it against their illustrious opponents. After tying the score, the Swiss suffered heartbreak when Crosby was the only SO scorer in sudden death. Player of the game had to be Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller who stopped 45 of the 47 shots he faced. The Canadian media will have a field day with this result…

Last up yesterday was Marian Gaborik and his Slovakian side against the mighty Russians. Well, after being upset by the Slovaks 2-1 maybe they’re not so mighty? This one went to a shootout as well after Alexei Morozov (once a Pen) and Marian Hossa had scored the lone goals in regulation. Both goalies played well in this one, turning aside 30+ shots each. Gaborik was pretty quiet (despite 6 shots) and missed his shootout attempt in which Pavel Demitra scored the GWG. Could Demitra, now healthy, be an option for the Rangers if they are deadline day buyers?…….

Team Russia will really have to step it up in their final game against Jaromir Jagr’s Czechs. Could a big team be on its way out early?

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