U.S. against them: Yanks look to Canada, but focus can’t be too narrow

WASHINGTON— Two hard-fought exhibition games against Canada showed the United States exactly what it needs to work on before the World Cup of Hockey begins.

For coach John Tortorella, it wasn’t about the post-whistle pushing and shoving or the intensity that made the tune-up games feel more like the real thing. It’s more that the U.S. has to be sharper, especially in the tournament showdown against Canada on Sept. 20.

“We’ve got some work to do,” Tortorella said after practice Monday. “I’m glad we played Canada because they are a really good team — probably the best team in the tournament right now and you’d have to say that.”

The Americans lacked offensivezone time during a 4-2 win Friday in Columbus and a 5-2 loss Saturday in Ottawa. Canada won gold in Sochi by having the puck in the offensive zone so much that opponents got worn down and couldn’t create chances.

Tortorella acknowledged the U.S. isn’t the most skilled team in the tournament, and it did fine physically going up against Canada in testy situations. But general manager Dean Lombardi said he and his staff wanted to build the U.S. to beat the Canadians, and that means more than just beating them up.

“Obviously we’re pretty familiar with their talent level and what they bring,” U.S. goaltender Cory Schneid- er said. “It’s just getting that intensity, getting that playoff feel to it. I think playing against the best prepares you the best.”

Judging from Sidney Crosby’s crosscheck to the back of Kyle Palmieri and other antics, there’s already plenty of animosity built up between the U.S. and Canada going into the first best-against-best tournament since Sochi. The U.S. lost to Canada 1-0 in the semifinals, and players haven’t forgotten about that experience.

But captain Joe Pavelski cautioned about getting too worried about Canada and losing focus.

“It’s not just about beating Canada,” Pavelski said. “It’s about winning a tournament.”