USA pushes for top spot in Helsinki

Young goalie John Gibson stopped 30 shots in his second start at the World Championship and earned his first clean sheet. Germany opted for Dennis Endras in goal, resting Rob Zepp after a game against Latvia the previous evening.

Endras was quickly called into action as US pushed for an opening goal in the very first minutes. Bobby Butler converted a powerplay into a 1-0 lead with a close range rebound and Paul Stastny gave US team a two-goal cushion with a swift move in front of the net and a rebound effort which was too good for Endras.

Tempo of the game dropped afterwards. Germany pushed forward, but failed to create any major chances against a good-working US defense and almost conceded another goal as Aaron Palushaj missed his shorthanded breakaway.

Palushaj had one more great opportunity to score as he was slashed on another breakaway midway through the game and a penalty shot was awarded. Young US forward attempted a quick deke, but put his shot wide and high of the goal.

As the game went on, Germany looked more and more tired after a hard-fought victory over Latvia the previous evening and when Michael Wolf’s one timer found only Gibson’s glove, US could breathe with ease in the closing stages.

Stephen Gionta then made it 3-0 with yet another rebound from Thompson’s shot and effectively ended any hopes of German comeback. Germans stay fifth in the table, just outside the playoff positions, while USA is once again on top of the group.

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