Ice hockey: US on target for first title in 64 years

The United States scored three third-period goals to beat Italy 4-2 and keep their 100 per cent record at the World Championships in Turku, Finland, yesterday.

The victory left the Americans, who are seeking their first world title in 64 years, with a perfect record of three wins and lifted them to joint first place with Sweden in Pool B.

Marty McInnis collected the winner midway through the final period when he snapped a point-blank wrist-shot past the Italian netminder, Mike Rosati. Paul Ranheim later added an insurance goal into an empty net to close the scoring.

Dan Plante had put the Americans 2-1 ahead just 18 seconds into the final period when his cross-ice pass deflected in off the skate of Robert Nardella. Dino Felicetti then replied for Italy to make it 2-2.

Italy had taken a 1-0 lead in the first period, Chris Bartolone blasting a slapshot past Chris Terreri. The US levelled the score in the second period when Rosati was unable to control the rebound off Ken Klee's shot from the point, leaving a loose puck for Chris Tancill to tap in.