| Gibson Makes 30 Saves; Team USA Clinches Quaterfinal Berth | |
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HELSINKI – John Gibson (Pittsburgh, Pa./Anaheim Ducks) made 30 saves as the U.S. Men’s National Team shut out Germany, 3-0, here today in preliminary round play of the 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship.
“We talked before the game about getting out to a quick start, knowing that Germany had played the late game last night, and it was good to get a couple early,” said Joe Sacco, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team. “Overall, I was pleased with our effort and thought John Gibson played very well for us in goal.”
Bobby Butler (Marlborough, Mass./Nashville Predators/Univ. of New Hampshire) put home the rebound of Justin Faulk’s (South St. Paul, Minn./Carolina Hurricanes/Univ. of Minnesota Duluth) shot from the point at 2:39 of the opening period on the power play to stake the U.S. to a 1-0 advantage. Paul Stastny (St. Louis, Mo./Colorado Avalanche/Univ. of Denver) extended the U.S. lead just 2:14 later, taking a nice feed from Erik Johnson (Bloomington, Minn./Colorado Avalanche/Univ. of Minnesota) and burying his own rebound.
While the second period was scoreless, both teams had chances, including a penalty shot by Aaron Palushaj (Livonia, Mich./Colorado Avalanche/Univ. of Michigan) at the 12:40 mark.
Stephen Gionta (Rochester, N.Y./New Jersey Devils/Boston College) sealed the victory at 11:27 of the third period. After a shot by Matt Hunwick (Warren, Mich./Colorado Avalanche/Univ. of Michigan), Nate Thompson (Anchorage, Alaska/Tampa Bay Lightning) slid the puck across the crease and Gionta deposited it into the net for the score.
The U.S. has won five of its six preliminary round games and with today’s victory clinched a spot in Thursday’s (May 16) quarterfinals regardless of the outcome of its final preliminary round game Tuesday (May 14) against Slovakia. Further, Team USA leads Group H and can seal first place with a regulation win on Tuesday.
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