Third Period
I ran out of thoughts before the end of the middle frame, but Snuggerud took a high sticking penalty. The final two minutes of the frame, the Swiss pushed for their second of the game. The U.S. penalty killers, and perhaps their best penalty killer - Jacob Fowler, stood tall.
Snuggerud was the story of the first period and Brindley for the second - who's next? With the American still having a bit of penalty time to kill, Fowler started the period strong for his team. He helped kill of the penalty swimmingly.
Fowler left a little too much space open under his arm, and Swiss seventh defenseman Gael Christe. It's not as though it's a huge goal, but it doesn't hurt the confidence. Nice shot from Christe, quick and accurate.
Huet stopped nice individual efforts by Nazar, then Nazar sent Brindley in on a partial breakaway. Despite the score, Huet has continued to compete, showing shades of his Dad. McGroarty took a high shoulder to his head, and the Americans are off to the powerplay.
With 14:52 in the third, USA's man advantage just expired, but it was an opportunity to give their second unit some reps. Finley received a nice feed from Nazar, and it was off his tape and in the net almost instantly. Nazar has been dangerous the whole game. Every line has a goal now.
Switzerland missed on their first try, but the puck came back around to the net. Swiss forward Thierry Schild who was parked in front potted a quick shot. Third goal on the board for Switzerland.
USA powerplay at the 5:39 mark of the period, with the Americans up 10-3. Pohlkamp received a nice feed from Nazar, who was the beneficiary of a nice two-foot pass by Finley. 11-3 USA with under five to go in the game.
Buium got caught reaching, and the Swiss are off to a powerplay, but no bueno. Snuggerud was named the best player of the game for the U.S. The St. Louis Blues 2022 23 overall draft pick scored three goals and was an offensive driver.