The defending champions, Czech Republic, shut out the Americans in the opening game of the quarterfinals in the 2011 IIHF World Championship as they remain undefeated in this year's tournament.
The Czechs were powered by 39-year-old Jaromir Jagr who earned a hat trick in the victory that sends them to the semifinals.
Team USA was able to keep pace with Czech Republic in the first period before Jagr pounced on a US mistake late in the first frame. The US couldn't capitalize on opportunities of their own and then got into penalty trouble as Jagr notched his second of the night on a five-on-three power play early in the second. In the third, the Czechs locked it down and the Americans made it worse with four more penalties giving the Czechs the opportunity to maintain control and skate away with the 4-0 victory.
A disappointing finish for Team USA who had hoped to play for a medal, but a better placement (8th) than many outside USA Hockey expected from a team with very little experience either with the national team or at the men's level. There are a lot of good things to take away from this team that bodes well for the future of USA Hockey and their individual careers.
- The great play of Derek Stepan and Craig Smith. They played together at Wisconsin so I'm not surprised by their "instant" chemistry, but I am surprised they lead the team in points and goals respectively. Stepan, with just one professional season under his belt with the New York Rangers, and Smith, a Predators prospect who is planning to return to Wisconsin for his junior season, were two of the youngest, yet brightest, stars for the red, white and blue.
- How easily Andy Miele's game translates at a higher level. There was some concern about his smaller stature and his ability to maintain his speed and skill against bigger, faster, stronger players. While he only played in two games, if I'm with the Coyotes, I'm pretty happy we signed him right about now and excited to see him bring it at camp.
- The great play of Ty Conkin and Al Montoya. Both put forth a solid showing as they look to open some eyes for a job opportunity down the road.
- USA's goalie of the future, Jack Campbell was able to get his feet wet without actually seeing any game action. He roomed with Jack Johnson, who always answers the call from USA Hockey and has become a tremendous mentor for several up-and-comers in the program, and certainly learned a bit more about what it takes to be a pro.
- Chris Kreider, a Rangers prospect who has committed to his junior season at Boston College, continued to show his strengths as a dominate power forward.
It all, it was a better showing than last year and in my eyes that's a step in the right direction for USA Hockey. Hopefully, the trend continues and next year they'll playing for a medal.
In other Quarterfinal action, Sweden and Germany will faceoff this afternoon, with Finland and Norway and Canada and Russia squaring off tomorrow.
Julie
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