"We watched it before we got on the bus," Team USA center Mike Modano said. "We didn't want that to happen to us. We tried to prepare for a good first period."

A four-goal second period provided the comfort zone and Mike Richter recorded the shutout as Team USA overcame Germany's frustrating defensive style to record a 5-0 victory that propels the Americans into the semifinals against the Russians on Friday.

USA 5, Germany 0 Top line drives USA Most of 23 players on the Team USA's roster have played in at least one, if not more, NHL All-Star Game. But, as always, some stars are more equal than others. For Team USA at these Olympics, forwards Brett Hull, Mike Modano and John LeClair have stepped up to be stars among stars. ...more U.S. vs Russia: You are there Once again, the Americans will have the Russians sitting between them and a gold medal on American soil. And once again, the game will be placed on February 22nd. ...more

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If you're into karma, the game will be played 22 years to the day that the Americans and Russians last met on U.S. soil -- at Lake Placid and the 1980 Miracle on Ice. Is another miracle brewing in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah?

"That's for you guys to make something out of," Team USA forward Bill Guerin said. "We're looking to go out and win the game."

Even "Miracle on Ice" architect Herb Brooks rejected the comparisons.

"There are no similarities whatsoever," Brooks said.

So don't expect the American players to indulge in too much nostalgia. After seeing Sweden shocked by Belarus, Team USA is keeping its head squarely on the here and now. And Wednesday, that meant taking care of Germany, a disciplined, defensive team that plays a frustrating 1-4 zone. The Germans also have plenty of size and had received good goaltending in the Olympics. The Americans systematically took the Germans out of the game by playing their own smart, patient game almost to perfection.

"Regardless of the Belarus-Sweden outcome, we knew we were in for a battle with Germany," Brooks said. "The United States has lost to them in the past and they are always a tough opponent. They are a team committed to the defensive side of the puck and they fight you hard in checking situations. I think Belarus may have added a wake-up call."

"Today's game was a good, patient game against a good hockey team," Guerin said. "They play basically a 1-4 and we just stuck with it. This isn't the time for a letdown."

"Germany plays a very patient game," agreed Team USA center Jeremy Roenick. "If they get a lead, it's tough to come back."

The Americans were aided by a parade of Germans going to the penalty box in the first period, the most costly penalty being a high-sticking major to Erich Goldmann for cutting John LeClair. That, and an assortment of other penalties kept the Americans on the power play for a good portion of the first period.

The U.S. finally broke through at 13:06 of the first when Roenick one-timed a Brian Rafalski pass past German goalie Marc Seliger from the left circle.

Just 46 seconds into the second period it was 2-0 as Team USA captain Chris Chelios converted. The Detroit Red Wings defenseman controlled the puck at the right point and put a shot on the German net that deflected in off the stick of defenseman Jan Benda.

At 9:42, Tony Amonte made it 3-0, converting a 2-on-1 break with Roenick with an easy tap-in against the sprawled Seliger. The goal was the first of the tournament for the Chicago Blackhawks' star forward.

At 10:14, LeClair received some justice. After twice being struck in the face by inadvertent high sticks, LeClair was finally able to do some damage of his own. Off the draw, the puck came to Phil Housley at the left boards and he sent a wide-angle shot on the German goal that caromed to LeClair. He settled the rebound and roofed it over Seliger for a 4-0 Team USA advantage.

Hull scored an amazing goal at 11:47 of the second period. Hull was standing with his back to a Mike Modano rebound, took the carom and backhanded it between his legs, around the post and into the net.

Hull scored an amazing goal at 11:47 of the second period. Modano gained the German end with speed and unleashed a laser that was just wide of the German net. Hull was standing with his back to the rebound and took the carom and backhanded it between his legs, around the post and into the net.

"That's just stupid talent to be able to score a goal like that," Roenick marveled.

"Hull is the luckiest guy in the world," Modano laughed. "I was on the receiving end of those for many years when I played in Minnesota and he was in St. Louis. The puck just went up on edge after he hit it and went around the post. If it stayed flat, I think it would have hit the post. That's Brett, he just seems to find a way."

"That one was pretty good," Seliger said. "I was amazed and impressed. Maybe next time I'll still look for that, but I was just 'Wow!'"

After the goal, the Germans replaced Seliger with Robert Muller, who didn't allow a goal the rest of the way. But the damage already had been done. With Richter playing a sharp game (28 saves), there was precious little chance for the Germans to come back.

The Americans had learned from the hard lesson that eliminated the Swedes earlier in the day.

"Sweden was a huge favorite," U.S. defenseman Gary Suter said. "It was a shock for everyone. But there are always upsets in the Olympics, so sure, we talked about it."