Team USA handled Team Czech Republic in the final game from Victoria. With the 3-1 win, the Americans punched their ticket to a semi-final match up versus the Russians.
I thought tonight the guys did a really good job setting up the next line and just being smart with the puck,” said Team USA Head Coach Mike Hastings post-game. “We are in a good spot right now but we just need to continue to get better in the next round.”
The Americans got a boost with the return of highly-touted prospect Jack Hughes to the lineup. After missing the last three games, Hughes chipped in with an assist versus the Slovaks.
“It’s the semi-finals.” said Hughes. “We’re going to get everyone’s best now. It’s crunch time. So it should be tough whoever we play. I’m excited for it.”
A fast pace to start the game saw a good flow as both teams sized each other up.
Team USA opened the scoring as Jack Hughes carried into the zone and fed Noah Cates who pulled it around Czech goalie Lukas Dostal for the 1-0 lead.
The second period started with more end-to-end action and both goaltenders had to be sharp. Josh Norris of Team USA was sprung for a breakaway and made no mistake, beating Dostal to the blocker side.
The first 90 seconds of the third period saw the Americans apply the pressure, looking for the knock-out punch third goal. The push from Team USA continued and Dostal had to stop a barrage of shots from all angles. The Czechs were badly out-shot for the game, with shots 40-13 in favour of the Americans with 10 minutes remaining.
The Czechs made it interesting, capitalizing on the power play to make it 2-1. Martin Kaut took a pass in the slot and buried a shot along the ice, his third of the tournament.
Team USA sealed it with an empty net goal with just 38.5 seconds remaining. Alexander Chmelevski cleared the puck out of his zone and it went almost the entire length of the ice into the empty cage.
Overall, coach Hastings seemed quite happy with the team effort. “The group has been pretty even-keeled through the whole process. It’s been enjoyable as a coach because anything we have asked them to buy into they definitely are. Really enjoyable to see them playing for each other the way that they are.”
