What a game.
It was an outdoor snowy classic in Buffalo, as the game between Canada and the United States was decided in a shootout in front of a World Juniors record crowd of 44,592 on Friday.
Playing at the Buffalo Bills’ home stadium at New Era Field, Canada took a quick 2-0 lead in the first period. But the Americans, who were down 3-1 heading into the third period, came back to force overtime.
Just like the gold medal game in last year’s tournament, USA won the game in a shootout. The United States scored twice while not allowing a goal in the skills competition. Final score: 4-3.
Despite never having the lead during the run of play, USA held the lead in shots 35-22, outshooting Canada in every period.
Still, Canada has to feel like they let this one get away. They were in full control with a 3-1 lead in the third period before an undisciplined penalty turned the tide. They hit a goal post in overtime too.
No need to panic though, as Canada’s still in good shape in this tournament. They have what has to be considered a gimme game against Denmark on Saturday. If they win that in regulation, they’ll clinch first place in Group A.
Let it snow let it snow let it snow…
Did I mention it snowed? I mean, it snowed A LOT.
We’ve seen outdoor games before, but I’m not sure we’ve ever seen one like this. The importance of the game, the rivalry between the two countries, and wintery scene made this a special game.
Because of the proximity of Buffalo to the Canadian border, fan support was split in the crowd too.
You know it's snowing heavily when the wheelbarrow comes out! Check out these snowy photos from the #WorldJuniors2018 #Canada vs. #USA game: https://t.co/vnf03f3Yzq #GoCanadaGo pic.twitter.com/8OUEjUmIKq
— The Weather Network (@weathernetwork) December 29, 2017
There's quite a bit of snow out here in Buffalo 🌨 pic.twitter.com/UYbDAGYZ3D
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 29, 2017
How to piss off a goaltender and a hockey team:
Give the 'tendy a massive snow shower in -10 °C weather. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/0UEwYIFBHT
— BarDown (@BarDown) December 29, 2017
The Rivalry is alive and well!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/qp40sfOUlq
— Ryan Biech (@ryanbiech) December 29, 2017
Icicle sweater #WJC2018 pic.twitter.com/lS5jqpXHNt
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) December 29, 2017
TARPS OFF FOR THE BOYS!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/Z5Xq5wCWol
— BarDown (@BarDown) December 29, 2017
😂 @RyanGosling #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/L0SVPgr73q
— #WorldJuniors (@HC_WJC) December 29, 2017
The goals
It was a mostly sloppy game, as ice conditions were poor due to the snow. Both teams were forced to keep it simple.
Defenceman Cale Makar made it 1-0 for Canada early, scoring a power play goal on wrist shot from the point.
.@Avalanche prospect Cale Makar scores the first ever outdoor goal in the history of the #WorldJuniors to give @HC_WJC a 1-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/C4DkA2cR8n
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 29, 2017
Canada padded their later on in the first period, scoring again on the power play. Calgary Flames draft pick Dillon Dube made it 2-0, converting a nice pass from Sam Steel.
.@NHLFlames prospect Dillon Dube snipes one high glove and makes it 2-0 @HC_WJC.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/sOnIosEUww
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 29, 2017
After a pair of penalties put Canada down 5-on-3 late in the second period, the Americans finally got on the board. Kieffer Bellows, son of former NHLer Brian Bellows, ripped home a slap shot to give Team USA life.
What a blast from @NYIslanders prospect Kieffer Bellows to get @usahockey on the board.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/FaC0ClKTEM
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 29, 2017
Just 1:12 later, Canada regained their two-goal lead, as Boris Katchouk tipped in a Jake Bean point shot.
Boris Katchouk (@TBLightning) restores @HC_WJC's two-goal lead by tipping home Jake Bean's point shot to make it 3-1 #TeamCanada.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/m59vHYbIdS
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 29, 2017
After a bad penalty by Canada gave USA a power play, Scott Perunovich made the visitors pay.
Scott Perunovich's power play goal cuts @HC_WJC's lead to 3-2.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/L9gsxpPCy5
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 29, 2017
USA completed the comeback 34 seconds later, on a goal by Brady Tkachuk (son of former NHLer Keith, and brother of Calgary Flames winger Matthew).
34 seconds after @usahockey made it a 3-2 game, Brady Tkachuk ties it up for #USAWJC. We're deadlocked at 3-3 with just over halfway left in the third period. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/3sAAVK9l8W
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 29, 2017
Canada has one more preliminary round game against Denmark, which will be played at 5 pm PT (8 pm ET) on Saturday. The quarterfinals begin on Tuesday, January 2.