Team USA scored three power-play goals to win Group A in a convincing win over Canada.
There probably wasn't a more fitting way to end 2024 than with a USA vs. Canada matchup in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.
In 11 previous New Year’s Eve meetings between the two teams, Canada was 7-3-1.
On this night, however, it was Team USA who got the champagne toast before the New Year, beating Canada 4-1 to finish first in Group A.
Team USA scored first on a power-play opportunity. Cole Hutson continued his impressive play in the tournament, having scored a goal and six points in the first three games.
Hutson put one in to the far side at the 13:02 mark past Canada goalie Carter George for a 1-0 U.S. lead. It was the first goal given up by George in the tournament.
The U.S. had a couple of other scoring opportunities in the first, with Hutson and Colin Ralph both hitting the post. Canada was unable to score in the opening period despite outshooting the Americans 11-5.
Both netminders were impenetrable in the middle frame, with the Canadians holding a narrow 15-13 shot advantage. But neither team could light the lamp.
Team Canada knotted things up 1-1 at the 2:58 mark of the third period. They finally got their own power-play chance, and just before it expired, Bradley Nadeau beat U.S. goalie Trey Augustine with a one-timer.
Hutson, however, made his presence felt yet again on a power play, this time setting up Danny Nelson on a beautiful feed.
Nelson rammed home a shot in front, beating George over the blocker to give Team USA a 2-1 lead.
That goal seemed to give the Americans a spark. Eiserman scored on another power play from the slot at 13:21 to increase his team’s lead to 3-1.
Team USA captain Ryan Leonard put in an empty-netter for the 4-1 triumph.
The Americans came into the game 2-for-11 (.182) on power-play chances, while Canada had killed 13 of its 15 penalties (.867). Canada’s frustration was evident at not being able to gain any real momentum, particularly after the first 30 minutes. The team’s lack of discipline resulted in three consecutive penalties at one point and ultimately cost them the game.
It was certainly a big win for Team USA in front of a sellout partisan crowd at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. The Americans will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals Thursday. Canada finishes third in Group A and will take on Czechia.