Team USA didn't need a pep talk or motivational speech, nor did it want one. All it needed for inspiration in Saturday's Canada Cup opener against Sweden was the knowledge a coach battling for his life drew up the game plan.
The U.S., relying on strategy designed hours before by seriously ill coach Bob Johnson, got its first two goals from Jeremy Roenick within a span of 2:08 in the first period and defeated world champion Sweden 6-3.The strategy couldn't have worked better as the inspired U.S. team constantly outmuscled the Swedes in their offensive zone and relied on playoff-caliber goaltending by Mike Richter, who stopped Sweden's first 21 shots.
The U.S. built a 5-0 lead midway through the second period, then survived three third-period goals by Sweden, two within 16 seconds by Kjell Samuelsson and Charles Berglund.
Roenick, of the Chicago Blackhawks, made it 1-0 at 8:33 of the first period, weaving the puck around Peter Andersson and sliding a 6-footer by goaltender Rolf Ridderwall just inside the post.
Roenick scored again at 10:41, poking in a 7-footer off Mike Modano's pass from the right circle.
The U.S. made it 3-0 when Ridderwall lost his balance kicking away Modano's shot and Tony Granato of Los Angeles slipped a rebound past him at 13:08 of the first.
The U.S. team plays Canada in Hamilton and Sweden meets the Soviet Union in Montreal in their second round-robin games, both Monday.