Drought is Over for U.S. Hockey

VIENNA —  The United States ended a 34-year medal drought with a 4-3 overtime victory over Russia on Saturday in the third-place game of the World Ice Hockey Championships.

Brian Rolston scored his second goal of the game 4:48 into overtime after Russia failed to keep the puck in the zone on a power play. Joe Sacco chased it down and centered to Rolston, who scored on a wrist shot from the slot.

The Americans trailed, 3-0, late in the second period but got back into the game with goals from Rolston and Chris Tancill, and one early in the third period by Derek Plante of the Buffalo Sabres. All three goals came against Russian goaltender Mikhail Shtalenkov of the Mighty Ducks.

It was the first medal for the United States, coached by the Ducks’ Ron Wilson, since 1962, when it also won the bronze. Canada and the Czech Republic play today for the championship.