OSTRAVA, Czech Republic – Brock Nelson (Warroad, Minn./N.Y. Islanders) scored the game’s lone goal and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (Commerce, Mich.) turned in a 21-save shutout to carry the U.S. Men’s National Team to a 1-0 win over Denmark in preliminary round play at the 2015 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship here tonight.
The victory boosts Team USA’s record to 4-0-0-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L), currently tops in the Group B standings.
“It was a big three points for us,” said Todd Richards, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team. “It wasn’t easy, but in the end we got the job done. I thought our goaltender played extremely well and was a big reason for our success.”
Neither team found the back of the net in the first period, but Nelson managed to score 7:54 into the middle frame to break the scoreless tie. Following a flurry in front of Denmark goaltender Sebastian Dahm, Nelson scooped up the loose puck, wheeled behind the net and scored on a wrap-around.
“It was a tough game, tight checking and not a lot of chances both ways, but we found a way to win,” said Nelson, who has at least one point in all five U.S. games and is the team’s leading scorer. “That’s the main thing right now. It’s a big bounce back game for us and a big three points.”
The U.S. couldn’t widen the gap in the third period despite 14 shots and held onto its 1-0 lead thanks largely to nine saves by Hellebuyck, including several from point-blank range.
“He (Hellebuyck) was huge for us,” said U.S. forward Dylan Larkin. “He battled all game and he’s been great for us all tournament.”
The U.S. Men’s National Team plays again Sunday (May 10) against Slovenia at 4:15 p.m. (10:15 a.m. ET). The game will be streamed live via NBC Sports Live Extra and televised on a same-day delayed basis on NBCSN beginning at 3 p.m. ET.
NOTES: Seth Jones was named the U.S. Player of the Game … The U.S. outshot Denmark by a 41-21 count in the game … With tonight’s victory, Team USA moved back atop the standings in Group B with 12 points … The U.S. will not practice tomorrow … Brock Nelson has now gained at least one point in all five games of the world championship, the lone U.S. player to do so. Torey Krug had his point streak snapped at four games tonight … Charlie Coyle from the Minnesota Wild has been added to the 2015 U.S. Men’s National Team and is expected to arrive in Ostrava by Sunday.
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 W, 4-2
Thurs., May 7 Belarus CEZ Arena L, 2-5
Fri., May 8 Denmark CEZ Arena W, 1-0
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.
