The U.S. will have to stay out of the box to contain the Czech power play, which leads the tournament with 11 goals on the man advantage and is second with a 47.8% conversion rate. Kulich has scored eight times throughout the championship, six coming with an extra skater.
In return, the USA penalty kill has been tops in the tournament, allowing just one goal while down a skater and killing 92.3% of penalties taken.
ALL-TIME AGAINST CZECHIA
The U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team is 14-2-1-1 all-time against Czechia after winning the first matchup this tournament, 6-2, in preliminary-round play. The two sides have met in the semifinals on three prior occasions, all wins for Team USA. Semifinal history is below:
April 28, 2018 — USA 4, Czechia 1
April 20, 2006 — USA 4, Czechia 3 (OT)
April 16, 2004 — USA 3, Czechia 2
