Team USA came into Belarus for the World Championships, needing to medal after the poor performance in the Sochi Olympics.
Peter Laviolette, who was an assistant in Sochi, is determined for a better result than the Olympics. In the first game of the Worlds, they had to face host Belarus on Victory Day at the host nation.
Team USA is a young squad of NHL players, with the veteran leadership of 40-year old Tim Thomas.
Timmy was solid between the pipes in Team USA’s opening game at Minsk Arena. Only having to face 21 shots, Thomas only gave up one goal and looked great in net.
With the veteran doing his part, it made it easier for the youngsters to play their game.
Brock Nelson opened the scoring for the only USA goal, on the power play half way through the opening period.
Jacob Trouba connected on a one timer, early in the second, from Danny DeKeyser to make it 2-0 USA. Less than a minute later, Johnny Gaudreau made it 3-0 with a snipe-wrist shot. Colin McDonald one timed a pass through the crease making it 4-0 and putting the game away. Making it three goals in 2:43, Team USA looked great in their opening game.
Belarus would finally get on the board on the power play with 4 seconds left in the period.
Team USA added a pair of power play goals from Trouba and Jake Gardinar, making it 6-1.
In a game that was close early, Team USA pulled away in a domination statement game for the rest of the tournament.
Add a Canada loss to France, and it was a solid opening day for the States.
Team USA (1-0-0-0) will continue preliminary-round action tomorrow (May 10) against Switzerland. Puck-drop is schedule for 1:45 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
photo credit getty images
