The boys in Blue with Red and White trim were all over the ice controlling much of the action. Many posts and cross bars gave chances early into the game.  It was still all tied at zero through the first period.

Period number two started quickly as Sweden took advantage of their power play and Sandberg gave them the early lead. That was only the second power play goal allowed by the Americans this tournament. Special teams and Goalie play carried them to Gold. John Gibson was spectacular in net. Rocco Grimaldi answered with a pair of goals to give the US the lead after two periods of play. Each team had chances in the third and action was end to end. An empty net goal was added but no further scoring was needed. 3-1 victory meant Gold for the USA and Silver for Sweden.

Team Canada one of the favorites were sent packing without a medal of any color. They were obviously upset and disappointed but their frustration showed as a Canadian swung his stick in a threatening manner at a taunting Russian skater who was shaking his jersey toward the benches after the final buzzer. These teams obviously hate each other. The home team salvaged a Bronze medal for Mother Russia with a 6-5 victory in which it was all Russia early. Team Canada got some nice bounces to make it close but not enough to silence the home crowd. First time in seventeen tries the Canadians went without a medal.

Team USA’s bench exploded in celebration after the empty net goal. Defending champs Sweden sat  on and off the ice in disbelief as they were not able to get much going this game.

Players of the tournament for Team USA were John Gibson, Jacob Trouba, and Johm Gaudreau. Gibson added top goalie of tournament and Trouba was top defensemen.

Team MVP went to John Gibson who was very deserving and had stats to but him at the top of many categories. He even racked up assists.

The refs controlled the action calling penalty after penalty. Early on the Americans killed off all their penalties while dominating on the power play.  Gaudreau was the fortunate recipient of a few rebounds early on netting his first two  goals. Ryan Hartman followed with a very nice goal of his own. Riley Barber added the next two which put this game in the old deep freeze.

Tough fought first period between both squads led to a tight 1-0 game after a period of play. Then the second period happened. It was all Team USA. Czechs pulled their goalie bringing in a kid with bright green pads and helmets from his regular club. Obviously not expecting to see action. It was the least embarrassing part of the game for the Czechs who were suppose to be very strong at forward. After several goals the team in red got as hot as their sweater color.

Gaudreau completed his hat trick late in the 2nd to cap a wonderful performance from his line who was unstoppable. John Gibson stopped all 31 shots faced to stay hot. He has allowed 2 goals to both Canada and Russia in 2-1 losses in Group play. He will need to be equally sharp to advance to the Gold medal game. The skaters for the US will need to get more than 1 goal as they did against everyone else.

Team USA and Team Canada will meet again for a chance to play for the Gold. No rest for the Americans who will face a rested Team Canada team in less than 24 hours after beating the Czechs. The semi final will take place at 2am Arizona time.  Canadians had a BYE based on their domination of Group play and will have fresh legs Thursday morning very early US time.