Team USA Beats Team Finland 3-2, In Final Tune-up

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Jon Sorensen
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Photo:USAHockey

Team USA had a rather easy time of it tonight against Team Finland, winning their final tune-up game 3-2, in front 15,653 fans at Verizon Center. Finland would make it interesting late in the 3rd period, but Team USA would hold on for the win. 

After splitting a pair of home-and-homes with Team Canada last weekend, Team USA moved their camp to the Nation’s Capital for a few days. The brief visit included a pre-tournament tilt with Team Finland on Tuesday night at Verizon Center. Team Finland was coming off a split of home-and-homes with Team Sweden last weekend. This was the final tune-up for both teams. The Team USA introductions:

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FIRST PERIOD
Team USA struck fast as TJ Oshie notched a goal at 1:08 of the first period. Ryans Kessler and McDonough with the assists.

 

That would be all of the scoring in the first period, as Team USA took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission. Team USA dominated in offensive zone time, including shots on goal, faceoffs, as well as hits.

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SECOND PERIOD
Ryan Kessler would stretch Team USA’s lead to 2-0 on a punch-in of a nice feed from Blake Wheeler at 3:37 of the middle frame.

 

The goal was setup by beautiful passing by Team USA for the length of the ice, all started by John Carlson deep in his own defensive zone.

 

Derek Stepan would stretch Team USA’s lead to 3-0 less than two minutes later on a break-away goal at 5:34 of the second period. John Carlson would get an assist.

 

The second period would end with Team USA leading 3-0. The stats after two periods of play:

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THIRD PERIOD
Patrik Laine would get Team Finland on the board with a powerplay goal at 11:22 of the third period.

 

Jusi Jokinen would close the gap to 3-2 at the 15:27 mark of the third period on a rebound in front of the net.

 

Team USA would hold on for the 3-2 win.

POST GAME NOTES

POST GAME INTERVIEWS

 

SCENES FROM VERIZON CENTER

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.
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