US beats Canada in hockey

Great game, great atmosphere, great storylines today as the US beats Canada, 5-3, in men's hockey to advance to the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

US general manager Brian Burke defiantly built a roster shunning star power and coveting role players, and today he looks like a genius. The Americans scored five gritty goals - three with captain Jamie Langenbrunner of Cloquet screening Canada goalie Marty Brodeur - and survived Canada's onslaughts.

American goalie Ryan Miller was the star, but Minnesotans figured in all of the goals. Langenbrunner screened Brodeur on both of Brian Rafalski's goals and tipped one in himself. Blaine's David Backes, maybe the best American forward all tournament, hassled Brodeur on Chris Drury's score off a rebound. And Zach Parise assisted on Ryan Kesler's empty-netter.

The Americans were gritty and composed throughout, and Miller was spectacular, turning away a bunch of breakaways by players like Sidney Crosby and Rick Nash.

The loss means the Americans are into the quarterfinals on Wednesday. The Canadians will play the Germans in an elimination game, with the winner facing talented Russia in the quarters.

This sets up a very interesting week of hockey.

Sweden and Finland play next at Canada Hockey Place. I'll be watching that game with Mike Russo. You can follow me on Twitter at Souhanstrib and Mike at Russostrib. (We're very creative.)

Tomorrow, I"ll be on am-1500 with Mr. Phunnnnnn at 8:05 a.m. That's 6:05 my time. I'll get up at 3 a.m. my time to prep for the show, because Mr. Phun can be very incisive with his questions.

The American women are down 3-2 to Sweden in curling. The Americans just took a break and noshed on fruit and Rice Krispie treats. I'm sure there's a joke in there somewhere, but I just wrote on deadline and can't think anymore. (Hold your jokes, that's just too easy.)