Slovenia becomes the first relegated

Never before, a game between Slovenia and USA have had such implication. Slovenia`s situation was simple. Not easy, but simple. In a manner to preserve its spot in Top Division also for the 2016 IIHF World Championship, Slovenia needed to earn at least five points from two remaining games against USA and Denmark.

On the first look, the motivation of USA may not be so visible, while being in a three-way tie for the Group`s top position, but it was a strong one. A case of possible loss to Slovenia, could cause that victory from the next game against Slovakia would become a must in a manner to advance to the quarterfinals. Should the Stars and Stripes win over Slovenia, they`d go to the knock-out phase for sure.

Regardless the pressure on the team, Slovenia looked fresh and active since the opening faceoff. However two smart actions by Team USA ended with puck in Robert Kristan`s net. Firstly in time 4:17, Mike Riley faked a wraparound Kristan`s goal, but passed it back by the first post instead. It was an easy position for Brock Nelson to score from.

Twelve minutes later, Nelson gets his second goal in the game. This time he finishes a shot by Justin Faulk which rebounds to his stick.

But bad position play of USA in defense during the second session led to three goal opportunities for Slovenia. The first two were covered by Connor Hellebuyck yet, but the third one - Ales Music`s breakaway - ended in the net already.

Slovenian chances received a cold shower 69 seconds after start of the last period. Jack Eichel deflected Nelson`s slapper from blue line to give USA back the two goal lead. Team Slovenia did not recover from the goal in rest of the play and lost the game 1-3.

The United States now lead the Group B with fifteen points and a reserved spot in the tournament`s playoffs.

Slovenia now cannot skip over the second last Denmark and becomes the first sank team for the 2016 World Championship Division IA.

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