Canada defeated the United States, 2-1, in the quarterfinals of the World Junior Championships on Tuesday. After a promising 3-1-0 record in Group play, the best the U.S. can finish now is fifth.
Team USA outshot Canada, 23-15, but were stymied by Philadelphia Flyers product Maxime Ouellet. Former Boston University goalie Rick DiPietro made 13 saves in the loss for the U.S.
The U.S. took the lead just 3:18 into the game on a goal by Damian Surma, on a setup from Minnesota’s Jeff Taffe. But Canada tied it just over two minutes later, and it remained that way until the third period.
With just 5:06 remaining, Jamie Lundmark netted the game winner for the Canadians, with assists from Wisconsin’s Dany Heatley and Michigan’s Mike Cammalleri.
Canada advances to the semifinals against Finland, which defeated Slovakia, 3-1. In the other semifinal, the defending-champion Czech Republic, a 4-3 winner over Switzerland, will face Sweden, which upset Russia, 3-1.
