2015 IIHF World Hockey Championship: USA Hockey Proving the Critics Wrong
With dominating performances in their first three games, USA Hockey is shedding the ‘Underdog’ title very quickly.
With the NHL and NBA playoffs going on right now, the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship has flown under the radar, but the die-hard fans are still getting their money’s worth. Many of the games have been extremely fast-paced and high scoring, which is primarily due to the lack of contact and the size of the rink. One of the most surprising benefactors, at least for some, is team USA Hockey.
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The Americans have been a powerhouse in the tournament so far and have already defeated Russia and Finland, easily the toughest teams in their group. The Americans have outscored their opponents 11-4 in three games, including a 2-1 win over Norway. Based on their success so far, USA Hockey should have no issues with their remaining round robin games.
The most interesting fact about the USA Hockey team is they were underdogs for both games against the Russians and Finnish, over 5 to 1 and 3 to 1, respectively. Based on both outcomes, Vegas was way off, but chances are those ridiculous odds are a thing of the past.
One of the major reasons for USA Hockey’s success is the play of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Having played both games against the Russians and Norwegians, the Winnipeg Jets prospect has maintained a 0.9623 save percentage and 1.00 goals against average. He has looked confident in the crease and should see a lot of action throughout the tournament, as long as he stays hot. Getting time off against the Russians, Jack Campbell manned the net and stopped 15 of 17 shots in a 4-2 victory.
In terms of skaters, Torey Krug has been one of the best defenceman in the tournament and has racked up one goal and three assists in three games, leading the Americans in points and plus/minus with a plus-6 rating. Brock Nelson is also tied for four points and has been a great addition to the team since the New York Islanders were eliminated from the NHL playoffs. With just one forward without a point, USA Hockey is flying high with a relatively easy path to the elimination rounds.
Apr 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston University Terriers forward Jack Eichel (9) celebrates after scoring an empty net goal against the University of North Dakota during the third period in a semifinal game in the men
What might be referred to as ‘the cherry on top’, Jack Eichel’s first stint with USA Hockey’s Men’s National Team will be cherished by Americans and hockey fans alike. He is a major NHL prospect and will likely bear the American colours for years to come. With one assist in three games, Eichel’s comfort level will surely grow as he gains more experience on the international stage.
Despite missing plenty of superstars, USA Hockey has put together a great team for the 2015 IIHF World Hockey Championship. They have good balance on the defensive side and are getting production from all their players at both ends of the ice.
If there was an underdog story to follow at this year’s IIHF tournament, look no further than USA Hockey.