Transition Game Powers Team USA Advances To Semifinals

Team USA is heading to the semifinals after defeating Latvia by a score of 7-2 in the quarterfinals on Tuesday behind the best transition game in the tournament.

From the drop of the puck, the Americans were the better team. Most expected Team USA to win this game going away, and they did. The Americans were too much for Latvia as they used their transition game to perfection. Team USA knows how to move the puck quickly, going from defense to offense just like that. It showed against Latvia.

Team USA has the most potent attack in the tournament. There is so much skill on both sides of the puck. You have seen it from Day One of the 2024 World Juniors. Even when they did not play their best game against Czechia, the talent found a way to shine. Not to mention that transition game. That first pass out of the zone is deadly.

However, Lane Hutson’s mistake inside the American zone cost them a goal. However, he did not shy away from making that outlet pass again later in the game. The Americans still played their game even up by such a big margin. They had to in order to be ready for a tough team in the semifinals. This game allowed Team USA to roll four lines and hone their game for the next round.

2024 World Juniors: Early Upsets Define 2024 World Junior Championship Quarterfinals

2024 NHL Draft: Macklin Celebrini Showing World Junior Stage Not Too Big

It was a balanced offensive attack by the Americans. Entering the quarterfinals, the Americans scored 29 goals to lead the 2024 World Juniors. They added to that number by scoring seven on Latvia to move that total up to 36 goals for the tournament.

As we have seen all tournament long, familiarity from this team played a role. Head coach David Carle kept players together that had chemistry. As Russ Cohen of Full Press Hockey documented before the World Juniors began, the BC Line of Will Smith, Ryan Leonard, and Gabe Perreault. That line was electric again in the quarterfinals. Perreault had two goals and an assist, Will Smith had a goal and an assist, and Leonard finished with one assist.

Seamus Casey, a New Jersey Devils prospect, had his best game of the tournament, recording three assists. While Rutger McGroarty continued to lead his team. Overall, it was a good team effort by the Americans as they continue to build upon each passing game, only getting better.

Trey Augustine was solid. He played the first two periods to get a little extra rest, while Jacob Fowler came in to play the third period. Fowler was solid for Team USA, he needed to be as the Americans came out a little slow to start the third period.

Overall, it was a solid game. It will be interesting to see how they match up against a team like Finland. We saw how they played against Czechia, who plays with a structure. However, Team USA still used that transition game to perfection. But getting out to an early lead will be key. So is keeping the game within the dots.

Team USA is off to the semifinals after a wild and crazy day at the World Juniors. Canada and Slovakia are out. While Sweden needed overtime to beat Switzerland.