U.S. leads Canada, 3-2, after two periods

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Canada comes out aggressive in the second period, using their bigger forwards to wear down the U.S. defensemen. About five minutes into the period, Dany Heatley knocks in a rebound to tie the score, 2-2.

The U.S. seems to have expended all their energy in the first period and are always just a split-second behind Canada. The Canadians keep the puck in the U.S. zone for almost the entire first half of the second period.

Canada is a lot more physical this period. They seemed intimidated in the first period, like they could feel the pressure of the nation’s hopes on their shoulders. Not so now.

With 8:10 to play in the second, the U.S. bench looks tired, and Canada’s looks fresh.

With 3:12 left, Martin Brodeur gets knocked over and there’s a scramble in front of the net. Chris Drury comes up with the puck and flips it into the unguarded net as the U.S. takes a 3-2 lead.

With two minutes left, the U.S. gets two breakaway chances, but Dustin Brown and Times blogger Bobby Ryan can’t find the net thanks to outstanding stops by Brodeur.

And the second period ends with the U.S. leading, 3-2. The U.S. has to be pleased with that. They got seriously outplayed that period and are still leading. Ryan Miller has been outstanding in goal for the U.S.

By the way, it’s games like this, when you’re not in L.A. watching hockey, that you realize what an impact Kings announcer Bob Miller has had on you. The play-by-play in my head is in his voice, and you just know he’d love to call a game like this.

-- Houston Mitchell in Vancouver, Canada