USA builds the basis for another Miracle on Ice

Russia produced two more shots than USA in the first twenty minutes, however the most of five American attempts were more dangerous than offensive actions of Russia. Both clubs also had one powerplay during the first period, but either Russia or USA did not let the opponent to occupy their defensive zones. But the first period did not end up scoreless.

It was for the first time during Ostrava`s part of the tournament, when a faceoff in the attacking zone made the difference when Jack Eichel won a faceoff for Seth Denis who let it rip and Trevor Lewis scored by a lob shot off a bouncing rebound.

Russia tied the score early in the second. After receiving a pass from behind the net, Artemi Panarin appeared to be all alone on top of Jack Campbell`s goalie crease, however he quickly realized his chance to score from such a short distance is low, thus he loured both Campbell and a defender, and put the puck for Anton Belov coming from the second wave, who had an easy situation to score from - 1:1

Just three minutes later, Americans received an opportunity to play 1:38 in a 5on3 power play and they called for a timeout. And it proved to be a good idea. For ninety seconds, Americans did not allow Russia neither to change the players or interrupt the game, and finally seven seconds before expiring the first of two Russian penalties, Torey Krug hit top of the net by a wristshot.

The style of game during first forty minutes was technical, typically European. Like if the young squad of USA was grow up on the other side of Atlantic. And there was no reason for the Stars and Stripes even during the third period to change the strategy. Instead of playing defensive and hitting the opponent in a manner to keep the one goal lead, they went attacking.

By doing this, USA even increased the lead on 3-1. Mark Arcobello skated into the zone, waited for the moment and then finished it by sending a wristshot. However the disconsolated sold-out audience - mostly Russian - received some hope less than four minutes to go in the third. A super-clever crossing pass by Dmitri Kulikov found Artyom Anisimov uncovered on the other post so it was enough for him to just put his stick to the way of puck to make it 3:2 in time 56:19. 

Russia, eagerly looking for a tying goal, recalled Bobrovski from the net to play with six players, but nine seconds before the last horn cashed in from the stick of Brock Nelson.

During Day Four of the championship, this was the third game for both teams. USA remains unbeaten, Russia gets the first loss, while keeping a record 2-1.

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