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United States avoids early tournament scare, holds on to defeat Latvia


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Cooper Godin
December 26, 2022  (6:40 PM)
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It was a battle of David and Goliath in the third game of Day One at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship as the United States took on Latvia.

The Latvians held there own and actually played a relatively good first period, but after 20 minutes, the game was scoreless. The United States thought they had a goal with 30 seconds remaining in the opening frame, but the whistle was blown before Tyler Boucher poked the puck into Latvia's net. It went to a review and the call on the ice was confirmed, no goal.
24 seconds into second period, St. Louis Blues prospect Jimmy Snuggerud jammed at the loose puck in the crease and put it home to make it 1-0 for the United States.
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Just over four minutes later, the Latvian struck back. On a give-and-go play, Rainers Rullers passed the puck to Anri Ravinskis, who scored to tie the game at 1-1.
Approaching the half-way mark of the second period, the United States regained their lead as Colorado Avalanche prospect Sean Behrens threw the puck on net from the point and it found a way past Latvian goaltender Patriks Berzins. 2-1 United States.
Roughly five minutes later, Latvian defenceman Niks Fenenko shot the puck from the points through a screen andpicks the top corner over Trey Augustine's shoulder to tie the game 2-2.
Just under two minutes into the third period, Winnipeg Jets prospect Chaz Lucius made a nice play to chip it on his backhand over the glove Patriks Berzins to give the United States a 3-2 lead.
The United States added a fourth goal nearly five minutes later. Detroit Red Wings prospect Red Savage was left alone beside the Latvian net, picked up the rebound and put it past Berzins to make it 4-2.
New Jersey Devils top prospect Luke Hughes added to the United States' lead. Hughes took a shot from the point that went off both posts and in, which put the United States up 5-2.
The United States held on and avoided an early tournament scare by defeating the Latvians, 5-2. Latvia will be back in action on Tuesday against Switzerland, while the United States gets tomorrow off and will face Slovakia on Wednesday.
Previously on Markerzone
Sabres announce another postponement due to winter storm
Sweden thrashes Austria 11-0 to take opening game in Group A
Airline comes through, agent faces backlash after star World Junior player's equipment lost
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