OSTRAVA, Czech Republic – Trevor Lewis (Salt Lake City, Utah/Los Angeles Kings) notched a goal and an assist and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (Commerce, Mich./St. John’s) made 22 saves as the U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Norway, 2-1, here tonight in preliminary round play at the 2015 IIHF Men’s World Championship.
It was the second victory in as many days for Team USA to start the tournament.
“This was a tough game,” said Todd Richards, head coach of the 2015 U.S. Men’s National Team, “and we knew it would be. I thought Norway had the better of the play in the first period and we were fortunate to get out of that period tied at one. We got better as the game went on, but it went right down to the wire and really could have gone either way. Our guys battled, and in the end, we were fortunate enough to come away with the win.”
Norway struck first at 6:39 of the opening period when Moren Ask put home a rebound off an initial shot from Ole-Kristian Tollefsen.
Nearly six minutes later, Lewis beat Norway netminder Lars Haugen from in close after Jimmy Vesey (North Reading, Mass./Harvard University) poked the puck to him during a scramble in front. The play started when defenseman Justin Faulk (South St. Paul, Minn./Carolina Hurricanes) cruised down the slot and fired a shot that Haugen saved but did not freeze.
Steve Moses (Leominster, Mass.) nearly put the U.S. ahead with under three minutes to play in the opening frame, displaying a burst of speed and creating a partial breakaway. However, Haugen got a blocker on Moses’ shot and the scored remained tied.
Team USA killed off two Norwegian power plays in the stanza and all four in the game. The U.S. has yet to allow a power play goal in the world championship.
Brock Nelson (Warroad, Minn./NY Islanders) scored what proved to be the game-winning goal 5:58 into the second period when he deflected a Tory Krug (Livonia, Mich./Boston Bruins) shot from the point. Lewis also drew an assist on the play.
While there was no scoring the rest of the way, Norway pulled Haugen in the final minute of the third period and had sustained control in the U.S. end.
“I think the most important thing is that everybody collapses and protects the house,” said U.S. defenseman Seth Jones (Plano, Texas/Nashville Predators), who logged 23:14 of ice time. “We had all five guys working hard to get pucks in and out. Guys were laying their bodies on the line to block shots and win the game.”
“They were putting a lot of pressure on us and trying to open us up,” Hellebuyck said of the hectic final minute. “I think we did a really good job of bearing down, holding our spots and playing good position. We kind of pushed them to the outside and didn’t let a lot into the middle of the house.”
U.S. captain Matt Hendricks (Blaine, Minn./Edmonton Oilers) said Hellebuyck played a key role in the victory.
“He’s just so calm back there … it’s like he has some ice in his veins,” said Hendricks. “I’m not a goaltending coach, but he seems square to the puck, his rebound control is very good and there’s a calming presence back there.
“He’s also been our number one penalty killer and that’s what you ask of your goaltender.”
The U.S. will next face Russia on Monday (May 4), with opening faceoff set for 4:15 p.m. (10:15 a.m. ET). NBCSN will televise the game live in the U.S., and it will also be streamed live through NBC Sports Live Extra.
NOTES: Connor Hellebuyck was named the U.S. Player of the Game … The U.S. has won its first two games of the world championship for the 11th time in the last 12 years … Team USA is now 17-1 against Norway all-time in the world championship … Tory Krug is the lone U.S. player to have points in all three games Team USA has played, including its exhibition game vs. Austria.
Team USA 2015 IIHF Men’s World Championship Schedule/Results
May 1-17 • Ostrava, Czech Republic
Date Opponent Venue
Time (Local/EDT)/Result
Tues., April 28 Austria (ex.) Eissportzentrum Kagran W, 4-1
Fri., May 1 Finland CEZ Arena W, 5-1
Sat., May 2 Norway CEZ Arena W, 2-1
Mon., May 4 Russia CEZ Arena 4:15 p.m./10:15 a.m.
Thurs., May 7 Belarus CEZ Arena 4:15 p.m./10:15 a.m.
Fri., May 8 Denmark CEZ Arena 8:15 p.m./2:15 p.m.
Sun., May 10 Slovenia CEZ Arena 4:15 p.m./10:15 a.m.
Tues., May 12 Slovakia CEZ Arena 4:15 p.m./10:15 a.m.
Thurs., May 14 Quarterfinals TBD TBD
Sat., May 16 Semifinals O2 Arena TBD
Sun., May 17 Medal Round Game O2 Arena TBD
*Eissportzentrum Kagran in Vienna, Austria; CEZ Arena in Ostrava, Czech Republic; O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic.
