Team USA defeated Germany 5-1 to finish the preliminary round unbeaten and collect nine points, securing the top spot in Group C and the tournament's second overall seed. The victory clinched a quarterfinal berth against the winner of Sweden-Latvia. Captain Auston Matthews scored two goals; Tage Thompson, Brock Faber and Zach Werenski also scored. The team went 3-0 in Group C, showing efficiency and confidence with minimal concerns aside from Jeremy Swayman's long-distance goal allowed against Denmark. Every line contributed offensively, Jack Hughes improved next to Brock Nelson, Thompson remained effective, and the defense corps appeared deep and stout.
"Team USA's 3-0 run through Group C was exactly what it needed to be: Efficient, confidence-building and successful. There were no stumbles. There were times when their palms were moist, but no flop sweat. Outside of Jeremy Swayman's long-distance goal allowed against Denmark, there were no potential harbingers of doom. These were three games that showed GM Bill Guerin has built a medal-worthy roster -- although, admittedly, in the most manageable group in the men's tournament."
"Every line contributed offensively, most promisingly the fourth one: New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes went from looking lost on the wing at the 4 Nations Face-Off to looking like the second coming of Patrick Kane in three games skating next to Brock Nelson. Speaking of 4 Nations: Tage Thompson is still playing like a man with a snub on his shoulder. There aren't many new additions to Guerin's roster, but Thompson has been a marked improvement to the offense."
Read at ESPN.com
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