BURNS HAS GOAL, ASSIST AS CANADA BEATS CZECH REPUBLIC 4-2 IN EXHIBITION GAME

PRAGUE, Czech Republic - As far as tuneups go, this couldn't have been much better for Canada.

Brent Burns had a goal and an assist to pace a balanced attack Wednesday as Canada beat the Czech Republic 4-2 in its final exhibition game ahead of the IIHF World Hockey Championship.

Facing the reigning world champions in front of a partisan sellout crowd at 02 Arena, the Canadians built a commanding 4-0 lead after two periods. It was a welcome performance after a week-long training camp that focused on getting the players on the same page.

"You know what, probably about the first 30 minutes we dominated," said Canadian assistant coach Scott Arniel. "We came out strong and did a lot of good things. We got after them, we outshot them 13-2 in the first period and pretty much spent a lot of the zone time down in their end."

Luke Schenn, Cal Clutterbuck and Jason Spezza also scored for Canada, which beat France 3-2 in its other exhibition game. James Reimer stopped 21 shots to pick up the victory.

Martin Havlat had both goals in reply for the Czech Republic.

The Czechs dressed five forward lines and eight defencemen as coach Alois Hadamczik took one last chance to evaluate his players. As a result, there was more intensity than Canada saw in its exhibition game against France.

"The tempo and the pace of this game got up there a little higher," said Arniel. "This is exactly what we need going into the tournament. ... We've got a lot of positive video we can show the guys tomorrow."

The Canadian team will travel to Kosice, Slovakia on Thursday and open the tournament against Belarus on Friday. Excitement has started to build among the players. "It's getting real ramped up," said Arniel. "It got real competitive out there today, a couple of big hits. Just you can tell the energy and the concentration, the focus this morning getting ready for the game and then the game itself. These guys want it, it's all about the gold medal." Canada has 19 players on its roster _ 12 forwards, five defencemen and two goalies _ while general manager Dave Nonis inquires about the availability of those eliminated from the first round of the playoffs. Defenceman Mario Scalzo appeared in both exhibition games but will remain an alternate for the time being.

The Czechs won gold at last year's world championship and dressed a strong lineup Wednesday that included Patrik Elias, Martin Havlat and Jaromir Jagr.

However, Canada raced out to a solid start with first-period goals from Schenn and Burns. Clutterbuck extended the lead to 3-0 early in the second period and the Canadians never looked back.

"We did a lot of good things," said Arniel. "Pressured hard, certainly against a very veteran team and they had all their top people in the lineup. It was a real good showing by a lot of guys."

Goals/Buts :
15:59 CAN Luke Schenn (Matt Duchene, Marc Methot)
19:18 CAN Brent Burns (Matt Duchene, Chris Stewart) PP/AN

Penalties/Pénalités :
06:30 CZE Marek Zidlicky (Slashing/Coup de bâton)
06:30 CAN Cal Clutterbuck (Slashing/Coup de bâton)
15:14 CZE Milan Michalek (Roughing/Rudesse)
15:14 CAN Brent Burns (Roughing/Rudesse)
17:40 CZE Patrick Elias (Tripping/Faire trébucher)

Goals/Buts :
00:16 CAN Cal Clutterbuck (Brent Burns)
05:41 CAN Jason Spezza (Mario Scalzo, Andrew Ladd)

Penalties/Pénalités :
none/aucune

Goals/Buts :
05:56 CZE Martin Havlat (Milan Michalek)
12:08 CZE Martin Havlat (Patrick Elias)

Penalties/Pénalités : 
15:33 CAN Rick Nash