Slovaks can’t repeat as USA takes victory

The United States of America have started the World Junior Hockey Championships in Victoria, British Columbia on the right foot, beating Slovakia 2-1 after entering the third period trailing by a goal.

The Slovaks are not a team to take lightly, especially after beating the Americans early in the tournament a year ago. The Americans were the better team through 40 minutes, taking a 19-2 shot advantage into the final stanza, but a goal at 17:17 in the middle frame would put the underdogs in front. Marek Korencik opened the scoring with a five-hole shot through the legs of Kyle Keyser, finishing off the play started by a pass from Adam Liska to make it 2-0 Canada.

But early in the third period, USA tied it up at one apiece. At 1:10 in the third period on the power play, Jack Hughes would get the disk out to Mikey Anderson at the point. Using Evan Barratt as a screen in front, Anderson would fire the puck from the point, ending Samuel Hlavaj's shutout after 21 stops to make it 1-1.

Four minutes later, USA took their first lead of the tournament. Barratt, who was instrumental in USA’s goal just a few shifts prior, would get one of his own after taking the puck in the corner and firing it past Hlavaj, giving his country the advantage in what was turning out to be a good period for the Americans.

USA will get a night to themselves on Thursday before resuming action on Friday against Kazakhstan, a team they should be able to beat, at 7:30 PM PT. The Slovaks won’t have much time to rest, as they’ll be thrust into action at 3:30 PM tomorrow against Sweden.

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