Team USA advances to quarterfinal round at Worlds

By Michael Caples –

Team USA had already secured a top-four finish in their group heading into today’s game with Germany, but they made sure to finish preliminary play of the 2014 IIHF World Championship on a high note anyways.

The Americans recorded a 5-4 win over Germany today in their final game before the playoff round begins.

Team USA will play in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

The American squad finishes preliminary play with a 4-1-0-2 (wins-overtime wins-overtime losses-losses) record. They picked up wins over Belarus (6-1), Switzerland (3-2), Kazakhstan (4-3, OT), Finland (3-1) and Germany (5-4). Their two losses came at the hands of Russia (6-1) and Latvia (6-5).

Captain Justin Abdelkader (Muskegon) scored twice for Team USA today in their win over Germany, increasing his tournament totals to three goals and one assist over six games.

Abdelkader was suspended one game due to a kneeing penalty, as well. The release said:

“As Abdelkader closed the gap between himself and Pushkaryov he maintained a wide stance. Pushkaryov, anticipating body contact moved to his right in an attempt to avoid the check. Abdelkader makes no attempt to play the puck, further widening his stance and initiating knee-to-knee contact with Pushkaryov when the two players met.”

Rochester native Jacob Trouba had racked up eight points in four games, but after sitting out Team USA’s game against Kazakhstan due to an injury, he was sent home “for precautionary reasons.”

Johnny Gaudreau, this year’s recipient of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, leads Team USA in points with 10.

Clay Township native Danny DeKeyser is logging over 20 minutes a game worth of ice-time, which puts him behind only Trouba and Seth Jones for leading on the blue line. The Red Wings’ defenseman also leads the team in penalty minutes, with 16.

Ann Arbor native Jeff Petry has recorded four assists in the seven contests.

Grosse Pointe Woods native Andy Miele has dressed for four of Team USA’s contests, and he has recorded five shots on goal.

Meanwhile, Davison native Tim Thomas has started every game between the pipes for the American squad. He holds a 3.38 goals-against average and a .867 save percentage.

Commerce native Connor Hellebuyck has let to see any action in a back-up role.