• HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • Site Index
  • NHL Salary Caps
  • Hockey 101: A Beginner’s Guide
  • Join Our Team
  • Free Newsletter
  • Store
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
Home
International Hockey
World Junior Hockey Championship

2021 WJC: 3 Takeaways From USA’s Quarterfinal Win Over Slovakia

By Jonathan Amatulli January 3rd, 2021

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

The United States defeated Slovakia 5-2 to advance to the semifinals against Finland on Monday. It was another strong showing for the Americans, who outshot their opponents 43-18 in a game that felt more spread out than the score indicates. This was the first time the American goaltenders have allowed a goal since their opening night loss to Russia, but their strong play remained. They have a few notes to make after this one but should be prepared going forward.

The Americans will face an even tougher test in Finland for a chance to play in the gold medal game. The Finns have ended the Americans’ tournament in each of the last two World Juniors tournaments. This year’s strong United States team will look for revenge and an opportunity to face the winner of Canada and Russia on Monday.

Shutout Streak

After taking a shutout into the second period of this game, the American goalies set a record for the longest shutout streak at the World Juniors. The streak lasted 218:53, with Matej Kaslik scoring the first goal against the United States since an empty netter against Russia. Both Spencer Knight and Dustin Wolf contributed to keeping the shutouts going, with Knight’s rebound performances being one of the highlights of the American tournament thus far.

Spencer Knight
Spencer Knight (Rena Laverty/USA Hockey’s NTDP)

As the United States advances in the tournament, the team’s confidence in both goaltenders gives them an advantage if either one falters or suffers an injury. Knight just became the first American goalie to record back-to-back shutouts and should continue to be the starter as long as the United States remains in the tournament.

Third Line Steps Up

The United States has had consistent scoring from its top six, but supplemental scoring has been hard to come by. The third line broke through against the Slovaks, with two goals coming from John Farinacci. Linemate Bobby Brink added two assists, while Brett Berard also added a helper in the win.

John Farinacci of Dexter Prep School
John Farinacci of Dexter Prep School (courtesy Dexter Southfield)

The team’s top scorers contributed as well, but it was the unexpected help from Farinacci and company that pushed the United States to victory. More consistent depth scoring will be a key to the team’s next game against Finland if they want a chance at the gold.

Power Play Stays Hot

The United States power play added to its strong tournament with two more goals against Slovakia. Arthur Kaliyev’s power-play tally was the only goal in the first period, and Cole Caufield’s acted as the game-winner. Trevor Zegras, who is leading the tournament in assists and points, had two more helpers with the man advantage.

Wicked wrister from Cole Caufield #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/9SPt9wkcx4

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 3, 2021

While they were capitalizing on the power play, the Americans did take more penalties than they typically do. The Americans were shorthanded three times, with an additional coincidental minor, and allowed a shorthanded goal to assist in Slovakia’s comeback attempt. More disciplined play will be an adjustment as the Americans prepare to face a very opportunistic Team Finland.

Semifinal Preview

Finland is coming off a comeback victory against Sweden, following back-to-back losses for the Swedes in preliminary play. Finland was down early and managed to recover, which the United States should pay attention to as most of their games have been lopsided.

The United States’ top scorers are all on hot streaks, and should be looking to throw anything they can on net against Finland. Even though Knight let in two goals in this game, he has still had a strong tournament overall and should be relied upon accordingly. Monday night’s game should be a good one, and the winner will have a fair chance of taking the gold when all is said and done.

All the 2021 World Junior Championship Team Information:

Austria — Team Preview — Roster

Canada — Team Preview — Roster

Czech Republic — Team Preview — Roster

Finland — Team Preview — Roster

Germany — Team Preview — Roster

Russia — Team Preview — Roster

Slovakia — Team Preview — Roster

Sweden — Team Preview — Roster

Switzerland — Team Preview — Roster

USA — Team Preview — Roster

Selection Camp Invites by NHL Team

Roster Breakdowns by NHL Team

Draft Eligible Players to Watch

One Player to Watch for Each World Junior Team

7 Predictions for the 2021 World Junior Championship

All Your THW 2021 World Junior Championship Coverage


Sign up for our regular 'Prospects Newsletter' for all the latest.

  • Tags
  • 2021 WJHC
  • Team Slovakia
  • USA Hockey
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

Get theScore App Now!
Recent Posts
Jan 17th 1:42 PM
Archives

2013 NHL Entry Draft: Where Are They Now?

Jan 17th 1:37 PM
Archives

Most Games Played By A Goalie in One NHL Season

Jan 17th 12:10 PM
Calgary Flames

Calgary Flames Have Never Been Good at Building Through the Draft

Jan 17th 11:50 AM
Washington Capitals

What We Learned From the Capitals’ First Two Games

Jan 17th 11:25 AM
Calgary Flames

How It Felt for Flames’ Markstrom to Shut Out Canucks [Video]

Jan 17th 11:05 AM
Chicago Blackhawks

4 Takeaways From Blackhawks’ Rough Series With the Lightning

Jan 17th 10:55 AM
San Jose Sharks

Sharks See Improvements Early in 2020-21 Season

Jan 17th 10:45 AM
Anaheim Ducks

3 Takeaways From the Ducks’ Series Against the Golden Knights

Jan 17th 10:35 AM
Los Angeles Kings

Kings’ Dustin Brown Scores 300th Career Goal With More to Come

Jan 17th 10:25 AM
Calgary Flames

Flames’ Markstrom Dominant in Shutout Win Against Canucks

Editor’s Picks
World Junior Championship All-Time Leading Scorers

World Junior Championship All-Time Leading Scorers

2021 Guide To the World Junior Championship

2021 Guide To the World Junior Championship

Masthead

Newsletters

RSS Feeds

Privacy Statement

Contact Us

About THW…

Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Updated daily with news and features from over 130 writers worldwide. Over 2 million monthly readers now come to THW for their hockey fix.

© The Hockey Writers 2020. All rights reserved.
logo
  • HOME
  • Hockey Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • North Division
    • Calgary Flames
    • Edmonton Oilers
    • Montreal Canadiens
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Toronto Maple Leafs
    • Vancouver Canucks
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • East Division
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • New Jersey Devils
    • New York Islanders
    • New York Rangers
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Pittsburgh Penguins
    • Washington Capitals
  • Central Division
    • Carolina Hurricanes
    • Chicago Blackhawks
    • Columbus Blue Jackets
    • Dallas Stars
    • Detroit Red Wings
    • Florida Panthers
    • Nashville Predators
    • Tampa Bay Lightning
  • West Division
    • Anaheim Ducks
    • Arizona Coyotes
    • Colorado Avalanche
    • Los Angeles Kings
    • Minnesota Wild
    • San Jose Sharks
    • Seattle Kraken
    • St Louis Blues
    • Vegas Golden Knights
  • World Juniors
  • CHL
    • Ontario Hockey League
    • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
    • Western Hockey League
  • THW Podcast Network
  • Store
  • FREE Newsletter
  • Search THW
  • More…
    • Join Our Team
    • The THW Archives
    • Prospects
    • The Goalie Page
    • NHL Salary Cap Information