Stepan, Kreider spark U.S. win at worlds
Derek Stepan, left, of the US fights for a puck with Nicolas Besch, right, during their qualification round group F Hockey World Championships match in Kosice, Slovakia. (May 7, 2011) Credit: AP
KOSICE, Slovakia -- Canada advanced to the quarterfinals of the ice hockey world championship after beating Norway, 3-2, yesterday, and the United States moved into position to do the same.
The Americans came back from a goal down to beat France, 3-2.
Canada leads Group F with a perfect 10 points. The team's last group game is against Sweden today. The U.S. team has seven points and plays Switzerland in its last qualifying game Saturday.
"If we play the right way, we have a great chance," U.S. captain Mark Stuart said.
Finland rallied to overcome Slovakia 2-1, handing the tournament host its fourth straight loss.
Derek Stepan of the Rangers tied the score at 1 for the United States with his second goal of the tournament after Sacha Treille had given France a surprising lead 5:25 into the opening period. Stuart put the Americans ahead early in the middle period, and Rangers prospect Chris Kreider scored the third goal on a power play.
France cut the lead to 3-2 on a power-play goal by captain Laurent Meunier, but the Americans held on.
Jason Spezza, John Tavares of the Islanders and James Neal scored for Canada for a 3-0 lead before Norway pulled two goals back, by Ken Andre Olimb and Marius Holtet within 1:13 in the third period.
"Both teams played really hard, it was very much like an NHL game," Canada coach Ken Hitchcock said. "It was a good test for us to get ready. It doesn't surprise me they came back and battled, that's the way they are."
Olympic gold medalist Canada is looking for its 25th world title and possible revenge after losing in the final in 2008 and '09 and in the quarterfinals last year.
Tavares scored his fourth goal at worlds midway through the middle period on a breakaway.
"I just caught one of the defensemen flat-footed," Tavares said about his unassisted goal. "I'm just trying to do right things, listen to the coaching staff. We have pretty good players. We're just trying to build on the success we already have." -- AP
