Team USA vs. Team Canada: Score and Reaction from 2016 World Cup of Hockey

Canada turned a highly anticipated game into an easy 4-2 victory over the United States in the World Cup of Hockey.

USA scored the first goal of the game, but the Canadians responded with four goals in a row and held on for an easy victory.

The result both clinches a spot in the semifinals for Canada while ending the United States' chances for a title. Team Europe will be the other team advancing from Group A after beating USA and the Czech Republic in its first two games.

Matt Duchene was the star of the game with two early goals, although this was a balanced effort throughout. There were 10 different Canadians with at least one point on the night.

Quality defense in front of goalie Carey Price helped him out, but he still did his job with 34 saves on 36 shots. 

Although the United States won 64 percent of faceoffs, little else went right in a disappointing effort for the underdogs.

ESPN's Brett Hull noted the problems, via John Wawrow of the Associated Press:

The fans at the Air Canada Centre were treated to an exciting start to the night with much of the action coming right out of the gate in a thrilling first period.

Team USA got on the board early with a goal less than five minutes into the game. Derek Stepan whipped it toward the net, and Ryan McDonagh was right there for the rebound.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN noted the emotional importance from the goal:

The momentum shifted quickly, however, with Canada showcasing just how deadly the offense can be. Duchene tied things up on a bank off the boards, and only 14 seconds later, Corey Perry knocked it in on a bounce off USA goalie Jonathan Quick.

These were both fortunate bounces for the hosts, but as hockey analyst Mike Kelly explained, they earned them with toughness:

Canada was then able to add to the lead with a second goal by Duchene, this time with a one-on-one chance against the goalie after a bad turnover.

ESPN's Steve Levy noted the forward's efficiency in the opening session:

Bruce Arthur of TSN summed up the early action:

The United States did have a 22-6 advantage in hits during the first period, but that didn't help on the scoreboard.

While the second period was certainly quieter, the United States squandered a number of chances in the offensive zone by choosing passes instead of shots, failing to trim the lead even with a power-play opportunity.

Canada then put the nail in the coffin with its fourth goal of the game thanks to an outstanding move by John Tavares:

Patrice Bergeron was credited for the goal that actually went off McDonagh's skate, but Tavares was the real star on the play.

Joe Haggerty of CSN New England provided his thoughts on the score:

The Americans once again struggled to create chances in the third period, although they were inches from potentially cutting into the lead on three shots off the post.

Constant pressure late eventually led to a second goal. T.J. Oshie was credited for the score, but it was Joe Thornton who hit the puck off Price into the net.

Unfortunately, it was too little, too late for USA as it had to settle for a two-goal loss.

The win clinches a spot in the semifinals for Canada, although the battle for first place in the group will come down to the upcoming game against Europe. The two undefeated squads will compete Wednesday night to determine who they will play in the next round.

The United States will try to salvage some points from this tournament with a final matchup against the Czech Republic on Thursday.

Postgame Reaction

The key for Canada was bouncing back after falling early, something Patrice Bergeron enjoyed, per NHL:

On the United States' side, the biggest questions seemed to revolve around the roster choices for this tournament. Head coach John Tortorella defended his moves after the game, per Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo Sports:

Meanwhile, one of the more notable players not in attendance provided his thoughts:

At the very least, there will be plenty of question marks for the USA program going forward.

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