In the first period of their match against Slovakia, the U.S. Men’s National Team scored a goal with less than two minutes remaining to take a 2-0 lead. However, Slovakia tied things up at 2-2 just 4:10 into the second period when Peter Cehárik scored a goal assisted by Matthew Kessel and Luke Hughes.
The U.S. regained the lead quickly after Mikey Eyssimont scored a wraparound goal, which was assisted by Matthew Kessel and Luke Hughes. Brady Tkachuk then extended the lead to 4-2 at 9:29 in the third period with a goal that was assisted by Luke Hughes and Trevor Zegras.
Shortly after, Smith scored to make it 5-2, helped by Boldy and Gaudreau. Kevin Hayes later scored an empty-net goal to secure a 6-2 victory for the U.S. Goaltender Alex Lyon made 17 saves on 19 shots in the first two periods, while Trey Augustine made four saves in the final period.
The U.S. Men’s National Team will begin their play in the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship against Sweden in Ostrava, Czechia on May