3 Takeaways from Team USA's 7-0 Win vs. Team Austria - The Hockey Writers - World Junior Hockey Championship

This game was essentially over before it started. There are “David vs. Goliath” stories in hockey but this wasn’t one of them. Team USA controlled every aspect of the game from start to finish and continued its dominance over its Group B opponents with a 7-0 trouncing of Team Austria.

Luke Hughes USDP — Luke Hughes and Team USA improve their record to a perfect 3-0 (Photo: Rena Laverty)

Coaches love boring games if everything is going their way and head coach Nate Leeman’s heart rate would have barely reached 60 beats per minute all game. Here are three takeaways from this one-sided victory.

Team USA’s Skill Was More than Austria Could Handle

The Americans came out of the gate on fire and their onslaught was more than the Austrians were prepared for at puck drop. Austria was overwhelmed, and before they could blink, they had given up two goals in the first two and a half minutes.

“We knew we had to get off to a good start today. Our schedule was different today, and it was important for us to adjust quickly. I’m happy with how the team started the first period and kept it rolling.”
– Team USA Head Coach Leaman following their victory over Team Austria

The assault continued through the entirety of the first period, and by the first intermission, the Americans had a 4-0 lead and fired 26 shots on Austrian netminder Leon Sommer.

Catch the highlights from today’s win over Austria. #WorldJuniors

Full recap → https://t.co/pgxZjw441O pic.twitter.com/gDn1pb3gJb
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) August 13, 2022

The Americans were simply too fast and skilled for the Austrians to compete with. For the third consecutive game, they dominated in the offensive zone and were able to create scoring chances with their constant movement and team flow. It was a full team effort as five different players scored goals and no player had more than two points.

Wyatt Kaiser Showed Why the Blackhawks Drafted Him

The Chicago Blackhawks’ third-round selection in the 2020 Entry Draft scored 30 seconds into the game, then added another first-period goal at the 11:40 mark. The 6-foot defenseman who currently plays at the University of Minnesota-Duluth is an incredibly quick blueliner whose ability to move the puck is exceptional.

Kaiser is not a goal scorer by trade as his two goals over the past two seasons with the UMD Bulldogs indicate. His two-goal contribution for the Americans in this game was a bonus. They don’t expect to see him on the scoresheet but he has shown he can be an offensive option when the opportunity arises. His speed, physicality and ability to transition the puck from defense to offense make him more valuable than any offensive stats would suggest. He is a defensive defenseman with offensive skills who should make his way into a Blackhawks uniform in the next few seasons.

We are officially on @wyatt_kaiser5 hatty watch. 😎#WorldJuniors 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/2eCkMCE9hO
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) August 13, 2022

Kaiser was selected as the American’s best skater and recognized by being named their Player of the Game.

Red Wings Fans Should Be Excited About Carter Mazur

The Red Wings picked up Carter Mazur, a 6-foot right-handed left winger in the third round of the 2021 Entry Draft. He had a strong freshman season last year, helping his University of Denver Pioneers to their ninth national championship while contributing two assists in the championship game. With 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) in 41 games last season, Mazur proved to be a skilled and consistent player night in and night out.

Carter Mazur University of Denver — Carter Mazur, University of Denver (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

That consistency is clearly evident in this tournament, as he now has six points on four goals and two assists in the Americans’ first three games. That total is tied for second amongst all scorers behind only Canada’s Mason McTavish who has 10 points to date. Moving forward, I think you’ll see Mazur’s real skill and ability shine.

“If Mazur continues to play like he has since the Red Wings drafted him in 2020, he will end up wearing that Red Wings jersey for a long time.”
– Kevin Allen, detroithockeynews.com

Team USA has obliterated the opposition outscoring them 19-2 in three games but have faced Germany, Switzerland and Austria, who are not exactly hockey powerhouses. Their first real test comes today in the form of Team Sweden and this is where I think you’ll see Mazur stand out. His speed and offensive skill will be needed but he has shown he can handle big situations.

Next Up for the Americans

The win over Team Austria gives the Americans a perfect 3-0 record heading into the final game of the preliminary round where they will face by far their toughest test to date in Team Sweden. A win would earn Team USA first place in Group B heading into the playoff rounds. Puck drop for the August 14 game is scheduled for 10:00 pm EST.

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Team USA	Players to Watch	Roster
Team Austria	Players to Watch	Roster
Team Czechia	Players to Watch	Roster
Team Finland	Players to Watch	Roster
Team Germany	Players to Watch	Roster
Team Latvia		Roster
Team Slovakia		Roster
Team Sweden	Players to Watch	Roster
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