The shot by Ryan Malone of the United States into a wide-open net left Finland goalie Miikka Kiprusoff staring at the ceiling and shaking his head.

So much for the Americans having to ride the stellar play of Ryan Miller to win. Miller was relieved by Tim Thomas with 11:31 left in the game after stopping all 18 shots he faced.

By the time Kiprusoff pulled himself out of the game 10:08 in, the U.S. had a 4-0 lead on only seven shots. The Calgary Flames goalie had allowed four goals total on 75 Olympic shots in three previous games, giving him the top save percentage in the tournament.

This time, Kiprusoff kept his mask on and marched straight down the tunnel toward the dressing room. He returned to the bench soon after and was in place in the corner in time to see Backstrom allow two goals on the first four shots he faced.

U.S. fans took a page from the host country's supporters and alternated with chants of "We Want Canada" and "U-S-A" as the final minutes ticked down.

This was Kiprusoff's second earliest exit. He was pulled from a Calgary playoff game vs. San Jose on April 8, 2009, after allowing three goals on five shots in 3:33 of play.

Also, just watched Apollo win the race he was in today. Nice victory, thanks to the Korean spill a lap before the finish.

"Formo" wrote:

"Formo" wrote: