U.S. beats Italy 3-2, avoids hockey relegation
The U.S. will have a chance to play for a medal at the 2011 ice hockey world champions after TJ Oshie scored three times in the penalty shootout for a 3-2 win over Italy to avoid relegation.
The U.S. swept its demotion group, winning all three games. France also avoided relegation by defeating Kazakhstan 5-3 for second place. Third-place Italy and last-place Kazakhstan will play in the second division next year.
New York Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead after 12 minutes. But the Italians got goals by Giulio Scandella in the second period and Stefano Margoni for a 2-1 lead with 13 minutes left.
Dubinsky set up Ryan Potulny's power-play goal with 8:52 remaining to force overtime.
``We looked at each other and said we need to capitalize on this chance right now,'' Potulny said. ``It wasn't a fancy goal, I just shoved home the rebound. But it was what we needed.''
Neither team scored in overtime, setting up Oshie's heroics. The St. Louis Blues forward scored on three of five attempts against goalie Daniel Bellissimo.
