Team USA uses strong third period to down Canada in WJC opener
In an early-tournament match-up of favorites, the United States downed Team Canada with two third period goals to win 4-2 at the World Junior Championship.
Louis Belpedio put the Americans up 3-2 with under four minutes to go, then 2016 top draft prospect Auston Matthews gave the Americans the backbreaking score with under three minutes left in the contest to put the game at 4-2 at Helsinki Ice Hall. It was the first game of the WJC for both teams.
"I liked our effort overall," said Team USA Coach Ron Wilson, via USA Hockey’s website. "It's just the first game, but certainly a good way to begin the tournament."
Having Canada early in the tournament forced Team USA to sharpen its focus. The Americans haven’t made it past the quarterfinal since 2013.
"Getting Canada right off the bat, we needed to be ready," said Matthews via the IIHF. "I think everybody played well. We were up for the challenge. It was a good win for us."
Arizona Coyotes prospect (third overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft) Dylan Strome tied the game at 2-2 midway through the third period for Canada on the power play. That was before the United States found a way to go ahead late.
"It was a tough game," Team Canada forward Jake Virtanen said. "They played strong and finished their plays when they got their chances."
Canada took a 1-0 lead early in the second period off a Matt Barzal goal, but the American equalized on a Colin White score over 10 minutes later. Team USA wouldn’t trail again. White, an Ottawa Senators prospect, scored a goal and added an assist.
"It felt especially good because I haven’t won a game in four years," said Wilson, who was fired as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2011-12 season. "So what better way to get back on the horse? Beating Canada meant a lot to me."
Canada next plays Denmark on Monday. Team USA takes on Sweden next, also on Monday. The teams are in the same group as Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland.
This was the first time Team USA had defeated Canada in a WJC preiminary round game since 1998.
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