In Game 1 of the Canada-Russia Super Series, Team Canada coach Brent Sutter benched Lewiston Maineiacs’ forward David Perron. He took a needless penalty, Sutter said, and the team needed a message.

During the team’s off-day Tuesday, Perron asked Sutter for another chance.

He got that chance, and he delivered.

After setting up Kyle Turris for a power-play goal in the first, Perron displayed the talent that made him a first-round NHL draft pick this summer late in the third to score his own goal, helping lift the Canadians to a 3-0 victory in Game 2 of the eight-game series.

Lost in the excitement of the offensive show of force – Canada outshot Russia 38-23 – was another Maineiacs’ milestone. Jonathan Bernier, in his first game action since leaving the Memorial Cup with a high ankle sprain, came away with 23 saves and the shutout.

Television broadcasters for TSN were left nearly speechless after Perron’s goal, and struggled to find words to describe what had happened. On the play, Perron took a tipped puck from his own blue line, skated up the left side and danced around Russian defender Alexei Grishin. At the goal crease, while maintaining control of the puck, Perron spun, ran into Russian goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and slid the puck backwards through his legs and into the net, while falling down.

The Canadians now lead the series, two games to none. Bernier, relegated to a backup role to Steve Mason in Game 1, will not play in Game 3, as Sutter gives the nod to Everett Silvertips goalie Leland Irving.

Game 3 is scheduled for Friday and Game 4 is Saturday, both in Omsk, Russia. Games 5 through 8 of the series are back in Canada.