2023 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup: Team USA Falls 7-2 To Canada, Will Play For Bronze
Team USA will look to capture its first medal since 2016 on Saturday
Trenčín, Slovakia — Despite jumping out to a 2-1 lead, Team USA saw their lead evaporate in the second period, falling to Team Canada in the Semifinal Round, 7-2.
Penalties were the story in the opening frame — and really the duration of the game — with Team USA having five power-play opportunities in the first 20 minutes.
After Caleb Heil made a big-time save on Team Canada’s shorthanded chance at one end, the USA netminder collected an assist on Will Zellers’ blast from the left dot at the other.
With Canada on the man advantage, USA’s JJ Monteiro had a shorthanded breakaway from his own blueline but was turned aside by Canada netminder Carter George. On the play, it looked like Monteiro briefly lost control of the puck as he surged up-ice, contributing to a less-than-ideal shot on net.
Team Canada evened the score at one goal apiece on Maxim Masse’s shot from the slot. Terrific puck movement from Henry Mews to Anthony Cristoforo to the tape of Masse completed the beautiful tic-tac-toe play on the goal.
The Americans jumped back in front on their fourth power play of the opening period. Trevor Connelly wasted little time, wristing a shot from the right circle and past George, marking his eighth point of the tournament.
Immediately after Connelly’s goal, Team USA went right back to the power play but could not convert at the end of an eventful opening 20 minutes.
The second period saw Canada score three times in the first seven minutes as they took advantage of a couple of power-play opportunities.
Malcolm Spence, who played a great game, tied the game, re-directing Zayne Parekh's shot from the point.
The backbreaker was Team USA being shorthanded 5v3 for 1:26, in which Canada scored twice.
Berkly Catton put Team Canada in front, sending a one-time blast from the right dot.
Porter Martone had perhaps the goal of the day, going coast-to-coast through the USA defense and beating Heil to give Canada a two-goal advantage.
In the third period, Cole Beaudoin extended Team Canada’s lead to three goals, burying his second-chance opportunity after Ryder Ritchie fed him the puck below the net.
Team USA pulled Heil with 6:03 left in regulation and ten seconds of power-play time. However, Canada cleared their defensive zone, allowing Catton, who was exiting the penalty box, to corral the puck and score the empty-netter.
Masse added his second goal of the game with under four minutes to play, scoring a power-play goal from the bumper spot.
Team USA will play in the bronze medal game for the first time since 2018 and look to capture their first medal (silver) since 2016.
The Americans will play against Team Finland on Saturday.
(All videos courtesy of NHL Network)