USA didn’t start too badly, generating a couple of early chances on Malcolm Subban, who was named the Game’s Top Star with 36 saves. He wasn’t challenged a whole lot the first two periods due to his team’s superb D. However, the Boston ’12 first round pick came up with clutch saves when Canada needed it. Especially at the end. Following a full two-man advantage in which they failed to score on John Gibson, Subban was strong in denying a couple of late bids. Nugent-Hopkins took a silly cross checking minor that gave our country one last chance. They nearly tied it. But Subban stood tall and Seth Jones missed the net with the puck caroming out.

Canada held on improving to a perfect 3-0-0-0. It was Team USA’s second straight tough defeat. They also lost to host Russia by an identical 2-1 score the other day. The problem is a lack of finish around the net. They had trouble getting through the Canadians, who forced them to the perimeter allowing Subban to see most of the shots. His counterpart Gibson was outstanding, making several big stops including point blank opportunities off Canadian odd-man breaks. He really impressed and looks to have a bright future in Anaheim.

With the game scoreless, Canada executed a textbook play off a faceoff win. They worked the puck to Nugent-Hopkins in the right slot and the former Oiler No.1 overall selection ripped one top shelf. A major league shot that Gibson had little chance on. It was poor coverage from USA with three players going to one guy, leaving the most dangerous threat isolated. They paid dearly. A few minutes later, Strome made it 2-zip when he snuck around Jones and surprised Gibson with a wrap around. It wasn’t a great goal to give up. He beat the super hyped Jones, who struggled defensively. He does possess a bomb. But couldn’t solve Subban.

The second period was frustrating with Canada controlling the neutral zone by being a step ahead. They are well schooled. They played physical and outhustled USA. Our guys looked smaller which helped explain why no one consistently got to the net. Subban was allowed to make one save at a time without any traffic. Jonathan Drouin impressed with his speed on the forecheck. He was more noticeable than Moosehead teammate Nathan MacKinnon, who still might be playing banged up. Drouin can fly and has some strong moves to get free in the offensive zone.

When they did get a power play, USA couldn’t cash in. J.T. Miller set up one chance but Subban was equal to the task. Miller competed hard as did Rocco Grimaldi, Johnny Gaudreau and Blake Pietila (NJD). Canada contained top scorer Alex Galchenyuk (Mtl ’11 Round 1), who wasn’t much of a factor. A great save by Gibson to deny a Canadian shorthanded bid allowed the Americans to transition with Trouba finishing off a broken play, snapping the shutout.

If not for some undisciplined penalties including a pair of checking to the head minors, USA might’ve forced overtime. They didn’t use any common sense and it cost them.

USA (1-2-0-0) has a must win against Slovakia. If they don’t prevail, they’re done.