The U.S. took a two-goal lead in the game after Hutson scored with seven minutes remaining in the second period. Vansaghi made a great pass to set up Hutson’s goal, with Skahan earning the secondary assist. This made the score 3-1 in favor of the U.S.
The game remained close with strong goaltending on both sides, including a highlight-reel save by George to keep it a one-goal game after the second period. However, Canada’s McKenna scored a goal on a power play before the end of the second period, narrowing the gap to 3-2.
In the third period, Kempf made a crucial glove save on a back-door attempt by Martone during a power play, keeping it tied at three goals each with 9:35 left in regulation. But then McKenna scored again to give Canada a 5-3 lead with just over two minutes remaining in the game.
Canada then took advantage of an injury to Emery and scored two quick goals on a major power play in the final minutes of regulation time, giving them an unassailable 7-3 lead. Despite outshooting Canada 35-25 and scoring once on the power play,
