USA Falls Again

Breclav, Czech Republic- For the second straight day, the Americans fall. This time its 6-5 loss to Finland. They lost 5-1 to Russia yesterday. Mikael Granlund who's 2010 eligible had two goals and added an assist for Finland. Zach Budish had two goals for the Americans. Steven Whitney added an tally and two helper.

It was a quite first half of the opening frame. Finland got the scoring started with a goal from Nico Manelius at the 9:38 mark. Sami Suorsa got the lone assist. USA tied it up just past the thirteen minute mark with a goal from Zach Budish. Steven Whitney set the play up. It would stay like that when the buzzer sounded to end the first period.

The United States opened up a two goal lead early in the second. Shane Berschback got an unassisted talley at the 2:50 mark of the second stanza. Sean Little made it 3-1 at the 12:16 mark. Shane Berschback would add the only helper. Tommi Kivistö would cut the lead back to one just a little over two minutes later. Mikael Granlund got his first point on the night with an assist. Zach Budish would give the American a two goal lead again with 4:15 remaining in the second. Steven Whitney added his second assist of the night.

34 seconds into the third, Mikael Granlund got his first goal of the game. Janne Kumpulainen donated to Granlund's cause. Tommi Kivistö would get his second goal of the game two minutes later. There were two assists giving on the play and they went to Joonas Nättinen and Erik Haula. Mikael Granlund would give Finland the 5-4 lead at the 8:44 mark of the third. Janne Kumpulainen added his second helper. Steven Whitney would even the game back up at five with 2:54 remaining. It was an unassisted tally. The Americans couldn't retake the lead or send it into overtime as Joni Karjalainen added the game winner with 1:18 to go in the game.

All Hail the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for MVN.com. He's the writer for the Asylum which covers the Lewiston Maineiacs of the QMJHL. He's also a regular contributor to the NHL Source also at MVN.com. He can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)