from Nicholas J. Cotsonika of NHL.com,

Team USA and Team Canada went at it as if it were a playoff game instead of an exhibition, and Team USA established enough of its identity in a 4-2 victory to show it could compete with its big rival and the heavy favorite at the World Cup, which begins in Toronto on Sept. 17.

It weathered an early storm thanks to great goaltending by Jonathan Quick, surged to take the lead and held on in the end, while throwing hit after hit and engaging in scrum after scrum.

Team USA defenseman Jack Johnson said he couldn't think of another exhibition that was even close. Forward David Backes said it was one of the quicker games he had ever played, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the Olympics.

"It's a pretty good rivalry, U.S.-Canada," Tortorella said. "It kind of just lights itself up. It was a little bit different game than the games I watched last night on TV, and I think tomorrow night's game is going to be the same thing."

Team USA and Team Canada play again Saturday at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa (7 p.m. ET; ESPN3, SN, TVA Sports).

"Can you just imagine they got to play tomorrow?" Team Canada coach Mike Babcock said.

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The guys from NHL tonight discuss the Team USA win, watch below...