The Capitals prospects get a shot at medals on Sunday.
The Washington Capitals saw their prospects step up once again on the international stage on Saturday, as Ryan Leonard had a goal and assist while Cole Hutson also picked up a helper en route to a 4-2 win over Czechia.
Just minutes into the game, Leonard, wearing a full face shield after being hit up high last game, utilized his size and strength and powered past the defense along the boards before getting the puck to Gabe Perreault in tight for the game-opening goal.
Cole Hutson got on the scoresheet in the second period, as he quarterbacked the power play and moved the puck up ice to help set up Cole Eiserman. Hutson, who Washington traded up to take in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft, is tied for the lead in scoring at the tournament with nine points through six games.
Then, in the third, Leonard found twine once again, going on a 2-on-1 break with Perreault before burying a backdoor feed to extend the Americans' lead.
The Team USA captain, who went eighth overall to D.C. in 2023, has five goals and three assists for eight points in six games so far at the tournament, the second-most at World Juniors.
With the victory, Team USA will head to the gold medal game once again, this time facing off against Finland on Sunday. Finland topped Sweden, 4-3, to advance.
Meanwhile, for Czechia, Petr Sikora will get his chance at a bronze medal when the Czechs take on the Swedes in the bronze medal game. Sikora, who was taken in the sixth round of this year's draft, has been dominant for his country, putting up four goals and three assists for six points in even games.