Team USA beat Russia 4-3 tonight in the shootout in Montreal to advance to the gold medal game against the winner of the Canada-Sweden match later tonight. This is no surprise to those who have watched the team throughout the tournament. The biggest test, aside from this game, was from Team Switzerland, where they won 3-2 thanks to goals from Luke Kunin, Jordan Greenway, and Jeremy Bracco.

Team USA Advances To IIHF World Junior Championship Gold Medal Game

Team Russia, much like the first time the two teams played in the group, gave Team USA plenty to handle. It was an exciting game for the neutral fans, and a nerve-wracking one for Russia and USA fans.

The game saw Team USA continue their streak on the man advantage, as they’ve scored a powerplay goal in every game during the tournament now. Along with that it also saw a penalty shot for Clayton Keller, who was stopped by a nice glove save from Russian goalie Ilya Samsonov.

The goals from Team USA came from Luke Kunin and Colin White, White had two goals. Along with those two, Jeremy Bracco, Clayton Keller, and Jordan Greenway had very good games as well.

Win or lose, this will be a great year for Team USA, but they’ll surely be going for gold. If Team USA beat either Team Canada of Team Sweden it will be their first gold medal in the tournament since 2013, and fourth overall. If they lose, it will be their first silver medal since 2007 when the tournament was held in Switzerland and second ever silver medal.

Regardless of what medal they win, it will be the 10th medal for Team USA overall. It will also be their fifth medal in the last eight tournaments for the United States. This is showing the massive growth of the sport at the youth level in the country.

The gold medal game will be held at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Thursday night at 8:00 PM EST.

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