| 18 February 2010
While the scoreboard and the box score tell a nice story, for those who watched USA's pummeling of Norway the end result was not indicative of a shaky defensive effort that gave Norway more than a handful of dangerous scoring chances. The Americans out shot the Norwegians 39-12, but a look at the best scoring chances in the game would probably be an even split between the two teams.
There was a lot to be happy about including another solid game for Ryan Miller as he logged multiple saves off odd man rushes. Norway's lone goal of the game came in the second period short handed on an 2-1 rush. With 4 forwards on the USA's powerplay, the Americans got caught in bad position when Jamie Langenbrunner came off the back-line and whiffed on a one timer on the back post. Norway's Maruius Holtet took the rebound off the boards and across the ice and capped the odd man rush with a wrist shot over Miller's right shoulder. The goal cut the US lead to 3-1 and seemed to set the tone for a very competitive second period.
The US dominated the first period out-shooting Norway 15-2, to go along with a 2-0 lead with goals from Phil Kessel and Chris Drury. Patrick Kane had a put-back goal early in the second period that extended the lead to 3-0. The Americans were unable to score in 2 power plays in the second period in addition to giving up the short handed goal. With new found momentum, Norway was able to put together 7 shots in the period against the US's 8, a vast improvement from a first period dominated by the Americans.
Norway pressed on in the third period, buoyed by a early power play chance. Miller and the defense buckled down a bit as the period winded down and were taken off Defcon 4 alert after a late goal by Ryan Malone. Brian Rafalski added 2 more in the final moments to give the game the look of a blowout.
Overall it was encouraging to see the offense come together with multiple lines scoring goals and much more crisper passing which led to a huge advantage in puck possession as well as shots. Miller could have easily given 2 or 3 goals which would have really changed the complexion of the game.
Going into the game against Canada, the defense continues to be a major concern as the amount of odd man rushes given up could sink the US against a team with better goal skaters and finishing ability.
The power play also has yet to gel opening up the game 0-4 in addition to giving up the short handed goal. Luckily the US found the net in their 5th try but still both units were pretty lackluster even against a moderate team like Norway.
At the end of the day it was a good win but with Canada and the medal round on the horizon, you didn't get the feeling this was a team finding its stride. Still though the goaltending and progression of the offense lends itself optimism that the Americans should have a puncher's chance on Sunday.
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