The U.S. Men’s National Team secured a 6-2 victory over Slovakia in their first game of the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship, held in Ostrava, Czechia. With less than two minutes remaining in the first period, Slovakia scored a goal from Juraj Slafkovsky to lead 1-0. However, Peter Cehárik quickly tied the game at 2-2 just 4:10 into the second period.
The U.S. regained the lead after Mikey Eyssimont scored a wraparound goal, assisted by Matthew Kessel and Luke Hughes at 8:55 in the second period. Brady Tkachuk then extended the lead to 4-2 with a goal assisted by Luke Hughes and Trevor Zegras at 9:29 in the third period. Shortly after, Smith scored to make it 5-2, helped by Boldy and Gaudreau. Kevin Hayes later scored an empty-net goal to secure a final score of 6-2 for Team USA.
Goaltender Alex Lyon made 17 saves on 19 shots in the first two periods, while Trey Augustine made four saves in the final period. The U.S. Men’s National Team had a power play advantage of 1-2 throughout the game, and outshot Slovakia by a margin of 31-23. Matt Boldy was awarded Team USA’s Player of the Game for his outstanding performance during the match.
Team USA will continue their play in the tournament against Sweden on March