Cooper, who's a dual citizen, could have been the U.S. coach, former national team GM Brian Burke says. "We almost pulled it off."

Off, the role of a coach is to have a 'feel' for his team and make adjustments. Cooper did a masterful job of that against Finland, says Ken Campbell.

The game got off to a similarly exciting start, with three fights in the first minute. Both Tkachuk brothers and J.T. Miller landed in the box for the Americans, while Brandon Hagel, Sam Bennett, and Colton Parayko were involved for Canada.