They played well for us in this tournament and represented their country well. Forward Tim Connolly of the New York Islanders, led the Americans in scoring with three goals and four assists in nine games. Forward David Legwand , of the Nashville Predators, had two goals and four assists. Both players are 20 years old. I think what they take from this tournament is that you can't take two days off.
Every game is so important.
Sweden's win was sweet revenge for its embarrassing showing in last year's championships in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was a bitter disappointment for the Americans, who were looking for a medal to strengthen their status as a threat before the Salt Lake City Olympics on home ice next winter. The United States has not won the title since 1960 and has just two bronze medals since. The Americans' fourth-place finish was its best result since taking the bronze in 1996 in Vienna. With the victory, the Czechs, also reigning Olympic champions, became the first country to claim three consecutive world titles since the former Soviet Union won five straight golds starting in 1978.