Just 41 seconds into the game, the U.S. jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead. Brian Rafalski took the shot that beat Martin Brodeur for the first goal of the game. The U.S. then got the first power play opportunity of the game when Ryan Getzlaf interfered with goaltender Miller. After killing off the penalty, the Canadians had their first try with the man advantage.
Canada tied up the game with a goal from Eric Staal, but less than a minute later, the Americans took the lead back. It was Rafalski again with the goal, who has scored the last four for team USA.
Miller was much busier than in the first two games of these Olympics. He stopped 17 of 18 in the first period. At the other end, Brodeur only managed to stop four of six shots on goal. While Canada may have had more shots, the Americans capitalized on their chances. Team USA leads 2-1 after the first period.
Dany Heatley tied the game at two after Jonathan Toews threw the puck in front of the net. A simple play and hard work along the boards resulted in the second goal of the game for Team Canada.
After Brodeur was distracted by a player in front of the net, the Americans took the lead again. Brodeur began scrambling and Chris Drury put the U.S. on top 3-2 with a few minutes to go in the second period.
Rafalski took a shot from the point that was deflected by Jamie Langenbrunner, who beat Brodeur to put the Americans up 4-2 halfway through the third period. Sidney Crosby tipped in a pass on the power play to make it a one goal game with three minutes to go.
Ryan Kesler finished off Canada with a tremendous effort to score an empty net goal. Shots on goal ended up 45-23 in favor of Canada.