Boston College’s Gaudreau leads US to 7-0 WJC win
A whopping five power play goals helped lift the US to a 7-0 win over the Czech Republic in their latest matchup at the World Junior Championships. More important than the win itself is the result, a semifinal round rematch against rival Canada.
Boston College Eagle Johnny Gaudreau came alive offensively, netting three of those five power play goals and putting the US back in position to medal. Gaudreau was unable to get on the score sheet in the first three games of the tournament, but turned it on with five goals and an assist through the past two games. Defenseman Seth Jones also notched four assists against the Czechs.
“He is tough to handle down low because he is quick and shifty,” Jones said of Gaudreau via USA TODAY Sports. “He’s a great player. He is so smart, and he knows he lacks a bit of size against some defensemen. But when he gets the puck near the net, he is tough to contain. He has a great shot.”
The US will face Canada again Thursday at 4 a.m. ET after falling 2-1 in the preliminary round. Even with the loss, the close score was more than some expected against a strong Canadian team.
“We did play a good game, but we just couldn’t put the puck in the net in that game,” Jones said. “We just have to get more guys to the net [against Canada] and get some screens in front of [Canada goalie Malcolm Subban].”
And the American offense has without a doubt stepped up since that early round, scoring 16 goals in their last two and outscoring their opponents 26-7 in their last five.
