USA vs Czech Republic "World Domination Starts Now" World Juniors LIVE BLOG
Team USA advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2016 World Junior Championship as the 2nd seed in Group A after knocking off the Canadians 4-2 to open the tournament, dropping to the Swedes 1-0 in a game where they took about a billion and 20 shots, then wiped Switzerland completely off the map with a 10-1 drubbing and finally cruised their way through the last game of the first round with a 4-1 win over Denmark (a team that just took Russia to overtime in the Quarters today). USA ranks 3rd in scoring efficiency through the first round of the tournament so far, they’re working at 90% on the penalty kill and have only given up 5 goals in the four games played already. USA hasn’t medaled at the World Juniors since winning Gold back in 2013 and a loss today to the Czechs would keep that drought going. However, this team is primed to take a run at this thing. A win today sets them up with a semi-final match up against the Russians who don’t have quite the same level of star power as the Americans do. This team seems hungry and I think today’s game comes down to the 2nd line getting a little dirty and throwing everything they have on net.
Obviously the addition of David Pastrnak after the Russia game made the Czech Republic a completely different team. He’s a kid who has plenty of NHL experience under his belt and he’s a guy you always have to be aware of when he’s on the ice. But the Czechs haven’t really been having an above-average tournament in any area of the game so far aside from attendance so I’d start to send your T’s and P’s to the Czech Republic now while you still can. Let’s do this thing. Live Blog officially activated
Follow along on Twitter @BarstoolJordie for more action and keep checking back in for updates.
UPDATE #1 – The 2nd line is already doing 2nd line things and gives team USA the early 1-0 period just over 5 minutes into the 1st period.
Just really great work here from Sonny Milano (Columbus) to cause that turnover in the corner and what a finish by Schmaltz (Chicago) in front. #CzechYoSelf
UPDATE #2 – Once again, the 2nd line coming up huge for Team USA after Christian Dvorak (Arizona) puts away the trash in front of the net to give the Americans a 2-0 lead in the 1st period.
Also, Canada just fell to Finland 6-5 elimating them from the tournament. Absolutely hysterical. LOhL Canada. Go fist your own asshole, Peanutbutter.
UPDATE #3 – As if Auston Matthews’ draft stock wasn’t high enough already, the probably #1 overall pick next summer gives USA a 3-0 lead in the 2nd period and all of a sudden, this is starting to look like a rout.
That active stick work along the half boards from Auston Matthews is what allows this goal to happen in the first place. Keeps the play alive and then finishes it with authority and confidence.
Oh and as I was writing that last update, Auston Matthews decided to score again and put the Americans up 4-0 on the powerplay.
Great feed by Nick Schmaltz and Matthews puts away his 6th goal of the tournament. Credit to the Czech Republic. At least they showed up today…
UPDATE #4 – Scott Eansor (Undrafted) gives USA the 5-0 lead on the penalty kill and the Good Guys head into the 3rd period on cruise control.
Canada, Switzerland, Czech Republic. All countries that have been brutally murdered at the hands of the greatest nation in the world. Thoughts and prayers.
UPDATE #5 – And just 24 seconds into the 3rd period, Auston Matthews decided to fuck around a little bit and pick up his third goal of the night to complete the hat trick.
And with that, I think we can just put the Live Blog to rest. 6-0 Good Guys and honestly, I kind of feel a little bad. The Czechs seem like nice enough people and they just got murdered on live television. Great work all around by the Americans. They came out hot and didn’t take their foot off the pedal once. The 2nd line got it going and Matthews & Co. put on the finishing touches. USA will take on those commie bastard Russians on Monday in the semifinals with a trip to the gold medal game on the line. World Domination started to day, it keeps going on Monday and it ends on Tuesday. Quick recap of today’s action… (USA = The Mountain, Czechs = The Viper. Sorry for the spoiler)
