Richards promoted to Team Canada's top line

Last Updated: Saturday, February 20, 2010 | 11:37 PM ET

CBC Sports

Mike Richards scores in Team Canada's 8-0 rout of Norway. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Mike Richards will likely skate on the top line with Sidney Crosby and Rick Nash when Team Canada takes on the United States in its preliminary-round game at the Vancouver Olympics on Sunday night.

Richards, who turned 25 on Feb. 11, was Crosby's right-winger near the end of Thursday's 3-2 shootout win over Switzerland, and again during practice at the Britannia Ice Rink on Saturday.

Richards tallied once in Canada's 8-0 rout of Norway, a game in which Jarome Iginla replaced Patrice Bergeron on Crosby's right flank and netted a hat trick.

Richards is expected to play left wing on Sunday, with Nash shifting to the right side.

Canada's other lines remained intact Saturday, with Joe Thornton between wingers Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau, and Ryan Getzlaf centring Corey Perry and Eric Staal.

Medal Count

Top 10 Medal Winners

Country				Total
UNITED STATES	9	15	13	37
GERMANY	10	13	7	30
CANADA	14	7	5	26
NORWAY	9	8	6	23
AUSTRIA	4	6	6	16
RUSSIA	3	5	7	15
SOUTH KOREA	6	6	2	14
CHINA	5	2	4	11
SWEDEN	5	2	4	11
FRANCE	2	3	6	11

Full Medal Standings

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