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Americans need to beat Canada to make medal dreams come true |
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One frustration of piecing together rosters for the World Championships is that you can't truly be sure what you have until it's too late to do anything about it.
But USA Hockey's Director of Hockey Operations John Vanbiesbrouk at least had an inkling this year that the team was going to be competitive.
"We had an idea that we would be hard to play against and that we would be good in goal," Vanbiesbrouck told Hockeybuzz by cell phone from Latvia
Both of those projections were true and because of that the Americans are enjoying one of the best runs they've made at the World Championships. Their 6-1 win against Slovakia in the quarterfinals was their seventh consecutive win.
If the Americans beat Canada Saturday in the semifinals (7 a.m., NHL Network), they have a shot at winning the World Championships for the first time since 1933. They are credited with winning the 1960 World Championship because USA won the Olympics at Squaw Valley and back then the Olympic champion was considered the world champion.
The Americans are trying to win their fourth medal in the last eight tournaments. In the seven-game winning streak, USA has outscored opponents 26-7.
"We are finding ways," Vanbiesbrouck said. "Guys are sacrificing."
Former NHL player Justin Abdelkader was named the team's captain and did a good job of bringing the team together. Then he was lost to a knee injury. He opted not to go home and he's been standing behind the bench doing his part.
Former NHLer Brian Boyle, who didn't play at all in 2020-21, is now the on-ice captain.
The line of Jason Robertson (Dallas Stars), Trevor Moore (Los Angeles Kings) and Conor Garland (Arizona Coyotes) has led America's scoring parade. Garland is third in the tournament scoring race with five goals and five assists for 10 points.
"He has shown great poise and patience," Vanbiesbrouck said. "He really commands the offensive zone. He scores even-strength goals and that's hard to do."
The Americans pulled together a bunch of guys who were thrilled for the opportunity to play for USA. "A lot of them haven't worn the jersey before and it has lifted their spirits," Vanbiesbrouck said.
Kings goalie Cal Peterson has been impressive, owning a 4-0 record with a .960 save percentage and a 1.01 goals-against average.
"If he's not the best goalie in the tournament, he's right there with anybody," said Vanbiesbrouck, a former NHL goalie.
The Americans beat Canada 5-1 early in the tournament. But Vanbiesbrouck knows this game will be far different.
"We have a good attitude. We are very humble team," Vanbiesbrouck said. "We totally respect them. We were happy they got in. "'
The Americans wouldn't want it any other way. It's not supposed to be simple to win a medal the World Championships. Trying to beat Canada a second time makes it more challenging and more meaningful. If you beat Canada twice en route to a medal, you will remember that. The winner of Canada-USA game will play for the gold.
Nothing better.
"We shared a flight over and now we will share a flight back," Vanbiesbrouck said. "We are playing for more than just medals."
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