Augustine, USA Overturn Two-Goal Deficit to Knock Off Finland, Advance to WJC Gold Medal Game

Trey Augustine and Team USA beat Finland to advance to the World Junior Gold Medal Game, where they will face Sweden

For a team as talented as the side David Carle and Team USA brought to Gothenburg for the 2024 World Juniors, there can be no moral victories, and nothing short of a gold medal could constitute a successful tournament.

After the first period of their semi-final matchup with Finland, that outcome looked very much in doubt.  The Fins grabbed a 2-0 lead in that period, looking every bit the faster and more coherent team through the opening 20 minutes.  If it weren't for Detroit Red Wings 2023 second rounder Trey Augustine in the American net, Finland could easily have led by more.

However, the Americans found their legs in the second period, and goals from Jimmy Snuggerud and Will Smith brought the game back even heading into the final 20 minutes of regulation.

Over the course of the second and into the third, the game grew more and more open, with the U.S. tending to drive play but the Fins earning a decent share of quality chances.  Though neither side enjoyed an especially high volume of scoring opportunities, both had ample dangerous looks to notch an all-important go-ahead goal.  However, as the clock ticked under five minutes to play, the score remained tied at two.

Then, with Team USA on a late power play, Cutter Gauthier of Boston College and the Philadelphia Flyers fired the decisive shot, beating Niklas Kokko high glove to give the Americans a 3-2 edge with 3:13 left to play.

A late Gabe Perreault hooking minor afforded the Fins a chance to level the game at six-on-four, but, thanks in no small part to Augustine in net, Team USA survived Finland's final push to secure a 3-2 win.

Augustine finished the night having stopped 19 of the 21 shots he faced, a stat line that understates his importance to the victory considering the number of premium looks he turned aside.

For Augustine and the Americans, hosts Sweden await them in tomorrow's gold medal game at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg.

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