Alex Lyon Injured in Men’s Worlds Game, Trey Augustine Wins in Relief for Team USA
In a 6-1 win against Germany at Men’s Worlds, Red Wings goaltender Alex Lyon left midway through the game with an injury before Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine clinched the win for Team USA.
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports - Alex Lyon Injured in Men’s Worlds Game, Trey Augustine Wins in Relief for Team USANot one but two Red Wings affiliated goaltenders played in Team USA’s 6-1 win over Germany at the Men’s World Championships on Saturday. However, the Americans probably wish it was only one.
Detroit goaltender Alex Lyon started the game and stopped all 14 shots he faced, but he left the game with an injury in the second period. Then, Red Wings second round pick and Michigan State starter Trey Augustine entered the game and stopped 11 of 12 shots in relief. His first save came almost instantly, off a German breakaway by Yasin Ehliz that he calmly kicked aside. Ehliz beat him with a goal 10 minutes later in the game, but that was Augustine's only blemish on a great performance.
As for his partner, some speculate that Lyon’s injury was a cut on his hand that came from an opponent stepping on him during a scramble at the net. Team USA has not made an official comment on the injury or Lyon’s health for the remainder of the Men’s World Championships.
In a tough circumstance, Augustine’s success is a positive sign not only for Team USA, but also Detroit’s future in net. As top goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa leads the Grand Rapids Griffins in a Calder Cup Playoff run, Augustine is getting great reps against world class competition at Men’s Worlds, not to mention the goalie coaching he’s receiving. Playing so well in relief is also a feather in his cap, a sign of his continued poise as a goaltender.
But, it’s doubtful the Americans want their starting goaltender injured, either. Lyon had a remarkable season for the Red Wings, playing a career high 44 NHL games this season and becoming Detroit’s starter after being signed as a third-stringer in the offseason. Lyon has kept his momentum going into Men’s Worlds, stopping 47 out of the 50 shots he faced through two tournament games.
Against an underpowered German team relative to USA’s roster, the win was a step in the right direction regardless of how many goaltenders it took to get it. The Americans opened the tournament with a 5-2 loss to Sweden yesterday, which stands to be the toughest opponent they face the remainder of group play. The performance against Germany was a big bounceback effort that saw six different players score. Three players tallied two assists. Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators earned player of the game honors. As a team, the Americans will need to keep their momentum going to close out round robin play.
Lyon’s status could have bigger implications for the rest of Team USA’s tournament. The Americans face Slovakia on Monday, then France, Poland, Kazakhstan and Latvia. None of those teams are particularly strong, though Slovakia has a decent crop of NHL talent. But that means Team USA has to handle them, as opposed to dropping a game and subsequently dropping in the standings.
Augustine proved he’s a capable goaltender at this tournament, and the Americans also have former Red Wing Alex Nedeljkovic as a third option. Overall, the goaltending room is a little light compared to a rather strong forward and defense group for Team USA. If Lyon isn’t to play, that only hurts the position’s strength more.
Regardless of which goaltender leads the charge, the Americans hope they’re in good hands with whichever past, present or future Red Wing is between the pipes.