When Canada and the United States meet at the world juniors, the level of intensity is high right from the opening faceoff. When you consider that first place in Group A is on the line, and with it a bye through to the tournament semi-finals, the prize is obvious. Add in a little recent history and the stage is set for another explosive affair in Saskatoon.

The New Year's Eve match tonight brings back memories of last year's Dec. 31 game between the same two teams. Playing in Ottawa, the U.S. raced to a 3-0 lead before John Tavares led a Canadian comeback with a hat-trick and an eventual 7-4 victory. The game, considered one of the best round-robin games in tournament history, is also remembered for Dustin Tokarski's point-blank glove save on American Colin Wilson.

At the 2007 tournament, Canada and the USA played a dramatic semi-final game that was extended to a seven-round shootout. Behind Carey Price's steady goaltending and Jonathan Toews' three shootout markers, Canada captured a 2-1 victory to advance to the gold medal game. The Canadians went on to win the title by beating Russia 4-2.

But go back a little further to 2004, and it was the U.S. who got the better of the Canucks. Facing a Canadian team that featured Marc-Andre Fleury, Sidney Crosby, Dion Phaneuf, Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, Ryan Getzlaf, and Brent Seabrook, the Americans came back from a 3-1 deficit to tie the game in third period. With less than six minutes to play, a Patrick O'Sullivan shot bounced off Braydon Coburn's skate and past Fleury, who had come out to play the puck. The goal stood up to give the U.S. their first and only World Junior gold medal in a 4-3 win.

Jump back to the present. Canada and the U.S. (both 3-0) know exactly what is at stake on Thursday and what the atmosphere will be like.

"We're playing in front of 15,000 Canadian fans so we understand we have a big challenge," said American defenceman Cam Fowler.

"First and foremost it's a berth to the semifinals," team captain Patrice Cormier told the Canadian Press. "It was a good rivalry, (last year) it was a good game and for the fans it's exciting."

"I think we're a threat but you have to respect the Canadian club this year," said U.S. forward Jordan Schroeder. "They've won five in a row but we want to come out and play our game, put it right in their face and hopefully get a win."

After getting Tuesday's game off, Jake Allen will be back in the Canadian goal. Allen had back-to-back shutouts to open the tournament and looks to extend his scoreless streak tonight.

Also, injured defenceman Calvin De Haan did not skate at practice on Thursday and is not expected to play.

While tonight's winner will advance directly to Sunday's semi-final, the loser will have to play a quarter-final game Saturday. Group B standings are tight, but a crossover playoff will likely force the Canada-USA loser to play Russia or Finland for a chance to advance.