Team USA Shows Times Do Change

Twenty years ago, Team USA’s 5-3 victory over Team Canada in the World Cup of Hockey could have happened only in a dream. Ten years ago, the Americans could have beaten Canada at its own game only by playing flawlessly.

But on Saturday, Team USA opened the tournament--and the $210-million CoreStates Center--with a performance that was lusty but far from perfect and still prevailed. Even though they lost forward Keith Tkachuk to a fighting ejection and Steve Konowalchuk to a back injury, the Americans had enough left to rally from a first-period deficit, take control in the final 40 minutes and record a milestone victory.

No attendance was announced, but the 19,500-seat building appeared full.

In past games against Canada in the Canada Cup, as this tournament was previously known, Team USA was 0-7-1. Other than pre-Olympic exhibition games, no American team had beaten a Canadian rival at this level since the 1990 Goodwill Games.

“I think we are the deepest team the U.S. has ever had,” said Doug Weight of Warren, Mich., and the Edmonton Oilers, who tied the game, 2-2, when he deflected a shot by Gary Suter past Martin Brodeur at 3:37 of the second period. “Look at Canada. They always have a couple of powerhouse lines. But we have great depth and a great mix of checkers and offensive players.”

Brett Hull led Team USA’s offense with two goals and two assists, including an empty-net goal with 35 seconds to play. Wayne Gretzky, who had cut the Americans’ lead to 4-3 with 1:03 left after goaltender Martin Brodeur replaced by an extra skater, had two goals for Canada (1-1).

“Obviously, the guys are excited after beating Canada. They had Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Eric Lindros, Paul Coffey. They’re legends to us,” Hull said.

Joked Ron Wilson, coach of the Mighty Ducks and Team USA: “Every time we beat the Kings, and these games, are big wins.”

Although the fans were initially torn between patriotism and rooting for Flyer favorite Eric Lindros on Team Canada, Team USA won their hearts.

“They were great. They really got into us and cheered us 100%,” Wilson said. “This [victory] means we’re getting a little closer. We’ve got the depth to compete. As a country, from top to bottom, we can’t compete with Canada all the way through. They could probably put out two or three teams that would be competitive. But with each hockey generation, we get better.”

They were good enough Saturday. “I thought we would win tonight, but it didn’t turn out that way,” said Canadian defenseman Scott Stevens. “I didn’t think there was much of a difference between the two teams.”

World Cup Notes

Team USA next faces Russia Monday in New York. Wilson said he is the only U.S. coach to have beaten Russia twice, having won at the 1994 and 1996 World Championships. . . . New Jersey Devil center Brian Rolston replaced Jeremy Roenick on Team USA’s roster.