Thursday, August 26, 2004
By The Associated Press
OTTAWA -- Vincent Lecavalier, Joe Sakic and Brad Richards scored in the second period to lead Canada to a 3-1 over the United States in a World Cup of Hockey exhibition game last night.
The Canadians avenged a 3-1 loss to the Americans on Monday night in Columbus, exhibiting more energy and physical play yesterday.
Chris Drury scored in the third period for the U.S., which outshot Canada 27-21, including 15-6 in the third period with the home side protecting a lead.
Canada plays its final exhibition game Saturday night against Slovakia in Ottawa. It begins tournament play Tuesday night in Montreal against the U.S.
U.S. goaltender Robert Esche was sharp in a scoreless first period before giving way to Ty Conklin, who gave up all three goals in the second period.
Lecavalier started the scoring when he beat Conklin on a 2-on-1 break with Mario Lemieux in the second.
Just over two minutes later, Sakic scored through the five-hole and Richards capped the binge with goal from Mario Lemieux with 30 seconds left in the period.
Lemieux was impressive in his first action after sitting out Monday's game along with linemates Richards and Martin St. Louis.
After giving up all three goals against the U.S. on Monday, Canada's Roberto Luongo stopped all eight shots he faced, including a nifty glove save on a deflection by Keith Tkachuk.
Jose Theodore took over 10:24 into the second period and was equally solid, and much busier. The two are battling for the back-up job behind No. 1 goaltender Martin Brodeur.
After a turnover in Canada's end, Drury stopped Aaron Miller's shot and fired into an open side past the fallen Theodore at 4:10 of the third period.
The Americans had a goal disallowed for interference midway through the first period after Doug Weight broke in the right side and plowed into Luongo.
The teams agreed to use 22 players each -- two more than normal. Canada had 12 forwards and eight defensemen while the U.S. had 14 forwards and six defenders.
Notes: Canada opted to sit out Kirk Maltby, Kris Draper and Simon Gagne, as well as goalie Martin Brodeur. . . Brett Hull, Rick DiPietro, Paul Martin and the injured Jordan Leopold and Brian Rafalski sat out for the U.S. Martin joined the team to replace former University of Minnesota teammate Leopold, who pulled out of the tournament with a concussion. . . . Pre-game team workouts yesterday morning were canceled as American players met with NHLPA representatives in town for negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement. Canada is 8-3-1 all time vs. the U.S. in Canada Cup and World Cup play.