After two days, USA remains uncompromising

Before this game, Norway beated USA only once in 1951. The concurrent generation of Norwegian hockeyists did a very good first step towards historically no. 2 victory yet in the time 6:39 when Morten Ask`s sent the puck back into the net after a rebound from USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck. And they could added several more in the first, especially during their two powerplays.

The United States were an equal opponent to Norway during the first twenty minutes, but probably would not tie the game up yet in the first part, if Norway did not offer them to do so: Yes, Jimmy Vesey appeared in a breakaway, but Lars Haugen, Norway starting goalie, covered it easily. Regardless the puck rebounded ahead of Haugen, there were three of his team mates around and should take care of it. But in a very uncoordinate way they let Trewor Lewis to shoot it into the uncovered net - 1:1.

The situation concussed Team Norway and since the time the dominant team till the half of the game became the United States. Then, most of the time the puck was in Norway defending zone. Even though even Americans did not prepared many opportunities to score either, they were succeeded once. It was in the 29th minute and the lucky goal-scorer was Trevor Lewis who hit the net by a wristshot from the blueline.

Approximately just after the half, both teams changed their roles. Norway became more active and tent to close Americans in their defensive zone. However in difference to USA, Norwegians did not transfor their pressure in any goals so they went to the dressing room with score 1:2.

Also after coming back on the ice, Norway could rely on performance of their goalie Haugen who mopped up all American efforts to score, so thus he kept his team in the play. But in the end, his effort prove to be useless, as his fellow forwards did not seriously threatened America`s net.

Haugen did what he could but it wasn't enough. Photo: Roman Kantor

In the last minute, Norway decided to try it with six players and the empty net, but neither now the hockeyists in red uniforms were able to put America under a coherent pressure which would lead to scoring opportunities.

Even during the game on May 2, 2015, Norway did not added historically the second victory over USA. On the other hand, far away they are the times when America were able to give Norway fourteen goals during a game.

After two games in two days, USA remains to be 100% successful while winning over Finland (May 1) and Norway. Norwegians did not totally fail in either game against Russia (2-6) or USA, however remains in the last spot in Group B. 

 

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