RESULTS: Men’s Hockey USA vs Slovenia

Team USA came away with a Group clinching win against Slovenia, defeating them by a score of 5-1. Ryan Miller got the start over Jonathan Quick and held a shutout until the last 17.6 seconds when Slovenia’s Marcel Rodman blasted a laser shot through traffic and into the net. Dan Bylsma will need to decide who to name his starter for the Quarterfinals and beyond, but Team USA has a bye so he will have a few days to decide. Miller ended up making 17 saves on 18 shots for a 0.944 save percentage. Jonathan Quick also has a 0.944 save percentage in two games played, but has a 1.44 GAA against Miller’s 1.00 GAA

Phil Kessel opened up the scoring early for Team USA, scoring at 1:04 in the first period. He ended up scoring the next two goals for Team USA as well, for a natural hat trick. Joe Pavelski had an assist on each of Phil Kessel’s goals. He has been impressive and on Team USA is tied with James van Riemsdyk and T.J. Oshie for second in points with 4. Phil Kessel is the points leader for Team USA with 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points. Only four skaters have zero points after the group round: Derek Stepan (who has only played one game), Paul Martin, Zach Parise, and Ryan Suter. Ryan McDonagh scored his first goal of the tournament in the second period and David Backes notched his second goal of the tournament in the third.

Russia won in a shootout against Slovenia 1-0, which was not enough to push Team USA from the top of Group A. There is one more game this afternoon, Canada vs. Finland, to finish the Group Round and determine Qualification seeding. Both Canada and Finland have an opportunity to win Group B. The loser could force Russia into the Qualification round if they finish with a goal differential greater than 3 goals. The Qualification round will play on 2/18 and will determine who Team USA plays in the Quarterfinals on 2/19.