Highlights of the Olympic hockey game between the United States and Canada

WASHINGTON — In a fierce game, the United States men’s hockey team managed to win against Canada, remaining undefeated in its second game of the Olympics.

The 4-2 game got off to a rocky start for Team USA, with Canada scoring an early goal in the first period. Less than 90 seconds into the game, a 40-foot shot hit the back of the net, putting Canada on target.

But the Canadian dream of an upset didn’t last long: 70 seconds after that first goal, Team USA responded with their own goal to tie the game.

With eight players under the age of 21, the United States was one of the toughest teams to figure out in an NHL talentless tournament. The potential for the tournament’s youngest team to expand or collapse was on full display against Canada.

At the end of the first period, the USA led 2-1 after a late second goal put them in the lead.

Brian O’Neill, the only returnee from the 2018 Olympics, described an early delay as “good adversity” after beating China 8-0 in the opener. Going up against and beating Canada was a test the United States passed by leaning on strengths like playing fast and adapting to the changing tempo of the game.

The gap widened in the second half, with Team USA scoring an unequaled second goal to make it 3-1.

By the third period, Team USA had taken a solid lead, with the 12 college-aged players on the ice able to turn the tide against the more experienced Canadians.

A late shot from Kenny Agostino secured the fourth goal of the game for the Americans.

With Claude Julien back behind the bench two weeks after breaking his ribs in a sledding accident, the Canadians figured they’d use their size and physique to wear down the little Americans in 60 minutes.

But in the end, the United States managed to hold on to their lead and claim their first win over Team Canada in over a decade.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.