After 7-1 win, U.S. hockey team prepares for Russia

  • By Chip Scoggins Minneapolis Star Tribune
  • Thursday, February 13, 2014 11:10am
  • SportsSports

SOCHI, Russia — Upon arriving here for the Olympics, members of the Team USA men’s hockey team talked at length about the challenge of establishing chemistry, adjusting to new roles and getting acclimated to a larger rink in such a short period of time.

All of those areas are certainly important if the team hopes to contend for a gold medal again after finishing as the runner-up in Vancouver four years ago.

Or they can just score goals in such rapid-fire succession that nothing else seems to matter.

Team USA followed that script and looked relaxed and comfortable on the Olympic stage in a 7-1 laugher over Slovakia at Shayba Arena.

“I don’t think we expected it to be that kind of game but we kept scoring goals,” Patrick Kane said. “It’s fun to watch and fun to be part of, too. Good start for the team.”

Good start? That’s putting it mildly. The Americans scored six unanswered goals in the second period alone, a relentless attack that felt like it might never end.

And now comes the real fun. While Slovakia offered little resistance, Team USA will encounter an entirely different challenge Saturday when it faces Olympic host Russia in its second game. The U.S. won’t see many friendly faces in the crowd that night.

“We think it’s special to play the host city,” Team USA forward Dustin Brown said. “We had an opportunity to play Canada in Vancouver in 2010. Those are the type of games you want to be in. You want to play the host team. It’s obviously going to be a tough match. But it’s a tough, fun game to play in because of the atmosphere and excitement around the arena.”

The U.S. turned the opener into a yawner by sprinting away from Slovakia like Usain Bolt. Team USA scored three goals in less than seven minutes after Slovakia tied the game at 1-1 on Tomas Tatar’s goal 24 seconds into the period.

The U.S. chased starting goalie Jaroslav Halak from the game after making it 5-1. He was replaced by Peter Budaj, who promptly gave up two more goals.

“We just kept driving the net, creating chances,” said Paul Stastny, who led the charge with two goals.

In all, six Americans scored goals and 11 recorded at least one point.

“The best part about today is that everyone had a hand in it,” defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk said. “You like to see that start. A lot of different guys were clicking.”

In what could prove to be a sign of Team USA’s depth, the fourth line of Stastny, Max Pacioretty and T.J. Oshie was the best line all game. That trio contributed two goals, three assists and seven shots.

“Not only did they find they find themselves on the scoresheet, but I think every time over the boards they made something happen positively,” Team USA coach Dan Bylsma said. “That’s the kind of depth throughout your lineup that you need to have.”

Especially as the level of competition increases. The U.S. also will need solid goaltending. Jonathan Quick got the nod over Ryan Miller in the first game and stopped 22 of 23 shots. In truth, he really wasn’t tested. Bylsma declined to name his starting goalie for the Russia game.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.