U.S. tops Canada in Olympic hockey

WHISTLER, British Columbia, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Ryan Miller outplayed the goaltender with the most wins in NHL history Sunday and helped bring the United States a 5-3 Olympic victory over Canada.

The unexpected triumph puts the Americans into the quarterfinals Wednesday as the first place team in Group A. Canada will be have to defeat Germany in a playoff game Tuesday to earn a quarterfinal berth.

It was the first Olympic hockey victory for the United States over Canada since the 1960 Games.

Miller, goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres, made 42 saves and got the best of Martin Brodeur, who holds the NHL all-time records for victories and shutouts.

Brian Rafalski of the Detroit Red Wings scored twice in the first period to stake the United States to a 2-1 lead. After Canada tied it early in the second, Chris Drury of the New York Rangers put the Americans in front for good by scoring in a rebound.

The United States eventually took a 4-2 lead on a goal by captain Jamie Langenbrunner of the New Jersey Devils, but Sidney Crosby of Pittsburgh brought Canada within one on the power play with 3:09 left in regulation.

Miller survived intense pressure from the Canadians and the United States clinched it when Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks scored into an empty net while sprawled on his stomach.

Russia earned a quarterfinal berth Sunday by downing the Czech Republic 4-2 and capturing Group B.

Evgeni Malkin of Pittsburgh scored twice, producing the game's first goal with 4:47 to play in the first and then giving the Russians a 3-1 lead 1:49 into the third.

Evgeni Nabokov of San Jose made 23 saves to get the win.