USA Hockey knocked off Latvia 4-2 in an important group game today. One of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far has been the play of host country Latvia. The Latvians entered the game a point ahead of the Americans in the group standings. The two teams combined for 4 goals in the first period and headed to the second tied at 2. In the second period USA forward Trevor Moore (LA Kings) scored his team-leading 4th goal to put the Americans ahead 3-2, a lead they would not lose. 18 year old Matty Beniers (University of Michigan) scored Team USA’s 4th goal to give the Americans some breathing room. USA goalie Cal Petersen (LA Kings) had another strong game in net, stopping 17 of the 19 shots he faced. Here are the highlights from the game.
Brian Boyle
The 36-year-old veteran had his best game of the tournament. He scored the Americans’ second goal of the game and also assisted on Beniers’ goal. After sitting out this year from the NHL, Boyle is hoping to showcase to teams that he still has some game left in the tank. I talked to Brian after the win and he made it clear his goal was to play in the NHL next season, in his quest to win a Stanley Cup.
I talked with @usahockey & former @NYRangers center Brian Boyle after scoring his first goal of the @2021iihfworlds. He said his goal for next year is to play in the #nhl and win a #stanleycup. Possible Rangers reunion? #nyr #IIHFWorld #MensWorlds @BellyUpSports @4EverBlueshirts pic.twitter.com/srk58DiDRU
— Kyle Hall (@KHallNY) May 27, 2021
Matty Beniers
We talked about the oldest player on Team USA, now let’s talk about the youngest. Beniers had a fantastic season at the University of Michigan and is projected to be a top 10 pick at this year’s upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Matty scored his first goal of the tournament and has seen his ice time go up as the tournament has progressed. I asked him postgame about playing with Boyle, who is from the same hometown but is twice his age.
I talked with @usahockey & former @NYRangers center Brian Boyle after scoring his first goal of the @2021iihfworlds. He said his goal for next year is to play in the #nhl and win a #stanleycup. Possible Rangers reunion? #nyr #IIHFWorld #MensWorlds @BellyUpSports @4EverBlueshirts pic.twitter.com/srk58DiDRU
— Kyle Hall (@KHallNY) May 27, 2021
Upcoming for Team USA
After their third straight win, Team USA finds themselves tied for second in the group standings. Their next game will be against Norway, who has just 1 win in 4 games. I talked to USA Hockey coach Jack Capuano postgame about what he liked from his team’s effort today and what they can do to improve off their performance.
Important win today for @usahockey beating a tough @latviahockey team that they were trailing in the standings. I talked to coach Jack Capuano postgame about the win and about what he has liked from Boyle and Beniers this tournament #MensWorlds #IIHFWorlds #nhl @BellyUpSports pic.twitter.com/FojOJHlWW0
— Kyle Hall (@KHallNY) May 27, 2021
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