adley Jr. off the top of the right shoulder,

WASHINGTON -- Two hard-fought exhibition games against Canada showed the United States exactly what it needs to work on before the World Cup of Hockey begins this weekend.For coach John Tortorella, it wasnt about the post-whistle pushing and shoving or the intensity that made the tune-up games feel more like the real thing. Its more that the U.S. has to be sharper, especially in the tournament showdown against Canada on Sept. 20.Weve got some work to do, Tortorella said after practice Monday. Im glad we played Canada because they are a really good team -- probably the best team in the tournament right now and youd have to say that.The Americans lacked offensive-zone time during a 4-2 win Friday in Columbus and a 5-2 loss Saturday in Ottawa. Canada won gold in Sochi by having the puck in the offensive zone so much that opponents got worn down and couldnt create chances.Tortorella acknowledged the U.S. isnt the most skilled team in the tournament, and it did fine physically going up against Canada in bump-and-grind, testy situations. But general manager Dean Lombardi said he and his staff wanted to build the U.S. to beat the Canadians, and that means more than just beating them up.Obviously were pretty familiar with their talent level and what they bring, U.S. goaltender Cory Schneider said. Its just getting that intensity, getting that playoff feel to it. I think playing against the best prepares you the best.The U.S. has one exhibition game left, on Tuesday against Finland, before traveling to Toronto for the World Cup. Its opening game is Saturday against Team Europe.With Canada serving as the gold standard and two games worth of film to study, the Americans must figure out how to beat the best at their own game of puck-possession hockey. Tortorella has some ideas.Everybody talks about puck possession, but sometimes puck possession is you dont have the puck, you put it into an area to get it back and I dont think we did a good enough job there, said Tortorella, who won the Stanley Cup in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning while preaching a safe is death mantra. When we did, I just think we need to be closer there. We need to support and outnumber people there also. Thats our biggest weaknesses in the two games, so we have a little bit of work to do as we go through and prepare for the start of the tournament.Judging from Sidney Crosbys cross-check to the back of Kyle Palmieri and other antics, theres already plenty of animosity built up between the U.S. and Canada going into the first best-against-best tournament since Sochi. The U.S. lost to Canada 1-0 in the semifinals, and players havent forgotten about that experience.But captain Joe Pavelski cautioned about getting too worried about Canada and losing focus.Its not just about beating Canada, Pavelski said. Obviously its nice if you beat them along the way. Its about winning a tournament. We want to get to that level with this group, and its about going through a lot of good teams to get to that level. Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping . Klitschkos management company says the bout will be the Ukrainian fighters 25th world championship fight. 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Capitals head coach Adam Oates said Ovechkin was injured in the first period against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday and clarified it was not a head injury. BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox limped into a tough West Coast trip after their worst series this season.Miguel Cabrera hit a tiebreaking home run in the ninth inning that bounced off the top of the wall and into Bostons bullpen, lifting the Detroit Tigers to a 4-3 victory over the Red Sox on Wednesday for a three-game sweep.The Red Sox were the last major league team to be swept in a series of any length this season. They lost five of their final six on a nine-game homestand, going 4-5 during the stay.They open an 11-game trip, starting Thursday night with the first of four against the Los Angeles Angels.Our ability to go out and put up a complete game is important to head out on the road where we know things are going to be more difficult, just being away from Fenway Park, manager John Farrell said before the game.They rallied to tie it in the eighth on Mookie Betts RBI triple. Cabrera hit his 21st homer, connecting off Brad Ziegler (0-1).Unfortunately were one swing of the bat difference, Farrell said.Ziegler was surprised the ball carried out.I just kind of watched it in the air, it looked like it just kept getting further and further away, he said. I was, `What in the world? I didnt think he hit it that good.After the Angels, Boston has four games in Seattle and three versus the Dodgers in Los Angeles.Xander Bogaerts and Dustin Pedroia hit solo homers for the Red Sox.Boston starter Eduardo Rodriguez allowed three runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings.I thought he threw the ball well against a quality right-handed hitting lineup, Farrell said.James McCann also hit a solo homer, and Victor Martinez had four singles, a walk and drove in two runs for Detroit, which has won five of seven.Tigers rookie starter Michael Fulmer had another solid start, giving up three runs on seven hits with three strikeouts aand no walks in 7 2/3 innings.ddddddddddddBruce Rondon (4-2) got one out for the win. Justin Wilson got the final three for his first major league save because closer Francisco Rodriguez was unavailable after working the past two days.Manager Brad Ausmus said after the game that Rodriguez was away from the club tending to a personal issue. He expects him back Friday.In the seventh, Fulmer gave up a solo homer to Bogaerts leading off and took a high-hop grounder from Jackie Bradley Jr. off the top of the right shoulder, but the 23-year-old right-hander stayed in the game.The Red Sox chased him in the eighth, tying it on Betts triple when center fielder Tyler Collins took a bad route before missing a diving attempt.McCann made it 3-1 in the sixth, hitting a drive that caromed off a billboard above the Green Monster seats.TRAINERS ROOMRed Sox: Closer Craig Kimbrel had a bullpen session. Farrell said hell have a rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A Pawtucket. After that, its uncertain if hell be activated right away. It could be as few as one, Farrell said. Itll be dependent physically on how Craig feels. ... C Ryan Hanigan was still only available on an emergency basis after being scratched Tuesday with flu-like symptoms. .... 1B Hanley Ramirez had the day off.THATS A STRIKECollins did have a nice throw, nailing Sandy Leon attempting to score on a fly ball from medium-deep center to end the third.UP NEXTTigers: Off Thursday before opening a three-game home series versus Houston. LHP Matt Boyd (1-2, 4.63 ERA) is set to start against Astros RHP Collin McHugh (7-6, 4.18).Red Sox: Boston LHP David Price (9-7, 4.51) hopes to rebound from two straight mediocre starts on Thursday. ' ' '