Team USA and Team Russia faced off in opening round action of the 2017 World Junior Championships Thursday afternoon in Toronto. The Capitals number one draft pick from 2105, Ilya Samsonov, got the start in goal for Team Russia.
Capitals highly touted goalie prospect, Ilya Samsonov had a good game in goal for Team Russia. Samsonov stopped 34 of 37 shots by Team USA. The first goal he allowed was his fault, but the other two goals were basically unstoppable. Team Russia’s defense has looked sub par through the first few games of the tournament.
FIRST PERIOD
Team USA struck first, at 4:14 of the opening frame, as Samsonov overplayed an initial chance, leaving a wide open net in his wake, and a score for Team USA’s Clayton Keller.
Team Russia would tie the game on an unbelievable tip-in by Kirill Urakov at the 11:59 mark of the opening frame.
The period would end in a 1-1 tie. Team USA outshot Team Russia 18-6 for the opening frame.
SECOND PERIOD
Colin White would give Team USA a 2-1 on a nifty rebound at 4:03 of the middle frame.
Troy Terry would stretch Team USA’s lead to 3-1 at the 11:41 mark of the second period.
Team Russia would notch a key goal before the intermission to keep the game in reach. Kirill Kaprizov tip one home from the from in front of the net at 17:17, to close the gap to 3-2.
Samsonov would make a phenomenal save in the middle frame, to keep the game close.
THIRD PERIOD
Samsonov would shut out Team USA, and even stood tall on a Team USA penalty shot.
The third period would be scoreless, as Team USA held on for the 3-2 win.
By Jon Sorensen
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