USA Defeats Finland

Well, USA's opening game wasn't as easy as everyone thought it would be.

The USA narrowly defeated Finland 3-2 in OT to gain 2 points in the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships.

The USA is the defending champs and are back home in the United States trying to defend their title. All of the games are being played on US soil in Buffalo and nearby Niagara Falls.

The United States was expected to cruise vs. Finland but barely squeaked out with the win. Because the game went to OT, they only get 2 points for the win instead of typical 3 you get for a regulation win.

Nick Bjugstad's wrist shot in overtime won the game for the Americans.

Also scoring for the US was Justin Faulk and Jason Zucker.

Despite the home ice, it appeared to be a neutral crowd for most of the game until overtime. In the OT period, the crowd finally woke up and started chants of "USA,USA,USA."

With the win, the USA get a crucial 2 points in group play. They next play December 28th vs. Slovakia.

All USA games are on NHL Network and Channelsurfing.net.