USA Hockey Routs Norway 6-1, Hype Builds For Match VS Canada

It was a much better win for team USA this afternoon as they handed Norway a 6-1 loss earlier today.

Norway, talent wise, is not as good as Switzerland, but it was a much needed rout as the USA will face the much-favored Canada team Sunday.

"We know our game has to get better, especially in the neutral zone, in order to beat a team of the caliber of the Canadians or the Russians," Backes said.

Their game is going to have to get better if they want to pull an upset against the Canadians, who just beat Switzerland 3-2 in OT. It'll be an early test for the young American team who still haven't fully gotten used to each other.

The power play struggled, again, against Norway. The Americans got off only one shot on two power plays, and it seemed like the team was more motivated to pass than shoot.

Whatever they didn't do on the power play, they made up for it scoring six goals, three in the 3rd period.

Scorers for the USA included Phil Kessel, Chris Drury, Ryan Malone, Brian Rafalski scored two, and Buffalo born and fellow Blackhawk, Patrick Kane netted one as well.

The Americans are exactly where they want to be after these first two games. Moods are high and the hype over this American team is only rising.

"We're getting better," Backes said. "I don't think our game is where it needs to be by any means. But we've got a couple of days here to watch a little video, have a little constructive criticism and get to that level where we're going to be a competitive team and a medal contender."

The team will have to find some chemistry within the next 48 hours. It's a tough thing to do for such a young and inexperienced team, but the USA have the team to do it this year, but do they have the heart?

We'll find out on Sunday.