Team USA out of medal contention at World Juniors
By Nick Barnowski –
Team USA’s goal of a goal medal escaped yesterday.
Led by goalie Petr Mrazek, a Detroit Red Wings prospect, the Czech Republic ended American’s chance in the medal round with a 5-2 win at the Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta.
Mrazek made 52 saves on 54 U.S. shots, while Peter Holik scored midway through the third period to break a 2-2 tie to seal the win for the Czech’s.
Team USA now faces their first trip to the relegation round since the U20 tournament went to a playoff format in 1996.
The game was tied 1-1 after a first period in which the Czechs were lucky to get out of. Petr Straka gave Team USA a five-minute power play after boarding Derek Forbort, and TJ Tynan converted to give the Americans the lead. The Czech’s struck right back though, after Tomas Fillipi’s shot snuck through USA goalie Jack Campbell’s pads.
Through the first the Czech’s had 8:58 of shorthanded time and the shots were 18-6 for Team USA. Bill Arnold scored to open up the second but Tomas Hertl even it up at two.
A cautious third period gave way to a penalty shot for USA’s Josh Archibald, which Mrazek stopped, giving two fist pumps after, and the Czech’s never looked back. Petr Holik recorded two goals, Filipi added another, and the Czechs held USA off the scoresheet.
Team USA takes on Canada tonight.