Megan Turner
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For the first time in 12 years, Team USA Hockey took a commanding lead in its group on Saturday with an impressive 4-2 win over Canada.
Yahoo Sports reports it’s the Americans’ first win over their northern rivals since the Vancouver Games in 2010.
Captain Andy Miele had a goal and an assist, while goalie Strauss Mann made 35 saves for the U.S. (2-0-0), which took over first place in Group A ahead of Canada (1-1-0).
“We didn’t back down from their physical play,” Miele said. “I love the way our team responded. I’m so proud of this group. We took a beating. They kept on going forward, we kept on coming back at them and got the outcome that we deserved.”
ESPN reports that Canada struck first just 1:24 into the game. It was after U.S. forward Ben Meyers turned the puck over at center ice and a misplay to prevent a block that Canada got the early 1-0 lead. The U.S. took the lead with 1:16 left in the first period.
The Americans made it 3-1 just 2:37 into the second by using their forecheck to force Canada goalie Eddie Pasquale into a turnover.
ESPN reports the Americans preserved their lead through Canada’s 5-on-3 power play late in the third period, and Team USA went on to beat Canada 4-2 in their Beijing Olympic men’s ice hockey preliminary round showdown.
The Americans close out the preliminary round Sunday against Germany, while the Canadians play host to China.
Follow Meg Turner on Twitter @Megnturner_ and Instagram @Megnturner
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