The United States edged Germany 4-3 in a dramatic shootout at the hockey world championship, with Ryan Leonard delivering the winning penalty shot that sealed a hard‑fought victory. The Americans had fallen earlier to Finland, but a resilient performance turned the tide and left them with five points in Group A.
A Shootout for the Ages
Tommy Novak tied the game at 3-3 with 5:47 left in regulation, forcing the contest into a sudden‑death shootout. Isaac Howard and Max Sasson had already put the United States ahead with early goals, while Moritz Seider had given Germany a first‑period lead.
Goalie Devin Cooley stood tall throughout the overtime period, making crucial saves that kept the Americans in contention. When the shootout arrived, Leonard’s composure under pressure proved decisive, as he converted the final penalty to spark jubilant celebrations among the U.S. bench.
The United States will next face Latvia on Saturday, a match that could determine the group’s final standings. Coach Declan Carlisle’s squad appears to have found its rhythm, with contributions from a deep roster that includes Alex Steeves, Ryan Ufko, and Frederik Tiffels.
Switzerland continued its dominant run, routing Austria 9-0 to maintain a perfect record in the tournament. The Swiss attack was led by a barrage of goals from players such as Nico Hischier and Damien Riat, underscoring their offensive depth.
Czechia rallied late to edge winless Italy 3-1, with a late surge that saw goals from Matthew Tkachuk and Matt Coronato. The victory kept Czechia’s hopes alive as they look to climb the group table.
Sweden completed the day with a 6-0 thrashing of Slovenia, showcasing a balanced performance that featured two‑goal outings from Raymond Lucas and Jacob de la Rose. Goalie Jacob Markström posted a shutout, highlighting the team’s defensive solidity.