KOSICE, Slovakia – Coming off an important 7-1 decision over Denmark yesterday, where 13 players got on the scoresheet, the U.S. returns to action today to face Germany with much on the line.
Opening faceoff is set for 4:15 p.m. local time (10:15 a.m. ET) at Steel Arena and the game can be seen live in the U.S. on NHL Network.
Team USA needs two points in its final two preliminary round games (today vs. Germany, Tuesday vs. Canada) to secure a spot in the quarterfinals, meaning a win of any kind – in regulation, overtime or a shootout – would do the trick today. Teams get three points in the standings for a regulation win; two points for an overtime or shootout win; and one point for an overtime or shootout loss.
Germany, which has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals, also played yesterday and lost by an 8-1 count to Canada.
The U.S. and Germany have met 17 previous times in the world championship with Team USA holding a 9-0-1-4-3 (w-otw-otl-l-t) advantage. The two teams played in last year’s world championship with the U.S. earning a 3-0 victory.
Team USA and Germany also faced off in the lone U.S. pre-tournament game heading into this year’s world championship in Mannheim, Germany, on May 7. Alex DeBrincat had a goal and two assists, while Johnny Gaudreau and Noah Hanifin each recorded a goal and an assist, to help the U.S. to a 5-2 victory.
Gaudreau, who did not play yesterday, is day-to-day and will be a game-time decision. Forward Luke Kunin, who was recently added to the U.S. roster, arrived early this morning in Kosice and could be in the lineup today. Kunin will wear #11. Defenseman Zach Werenski is expected to arrive in Kosice on Monday and will don #7.
