Stepan Scores in USA SO Loss to Canada

Derek Stepan scored the tying goal on the power play in the third period but Team USA lost to Canada 4-3 in a shootout.

Stepan, who now has 1g, 4a in the tournament, had three shots on goal in 19:20 of ice time.

Ryan McDonagh, who was bumped up to the top defense pair with Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks, had two shots on goal in 17:54 of ice time. While prospect Chris Kreider, the team’s No. 1 draft choice in 2009, had no shots in 9:30 of ice time.

USA plays France today at 2:15 p.m. (tape dela on Versus at 11pm) in their second game of the qualification round.

…have I mentioned that I love Stepan? He’s also got some nice chemistry going with Blake Wheeler. Hey Sather, you paying attention?

…i think this game, against NHL competition, may have proved that Kreider is not ready for the NHL.

Here’s video of Stepan’s goal…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk2b-d3cel8&w=450&h=390]

Here’s video of Stepan’s post game press interview…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJKG421yH_w&w=450&h=390]

In other World Hockey games, Marian Gaborik was held scoreless as host Slovakia lost to the Czech Republic 3-2. Gaborik had just three shots on goal in 19:04 of ice time.

The Slovaks now must win both of their remaining games against Finland and Denmark in regulation and hope for the Finns to lose to Russia. to get into the qualification round.

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