The United States easily won its second and final preseason game at the World Junior Hockey Championship on Wednesday in Moncton, defeating Sweden 5-1.
As in Monday’s 5-2 win over Finland, Montreal Canadiens gem Lane Hutson picked up an assist.
At the end of the second period, Logan Cooley pierced the Swedish zone with speed before leaving the puck behind to Hutson. The diminutive defenseman deftly set the table for Cutter Gauthier, who stormed toward the net, to triple the American lead.
Captain Luke Hughes opened the scoring for Uncle Sam’s team.Kenny Connors, Jimmy Snuggerud and Charlie Stramel also stepped on the needle. The latter is also seen as a likely first-round pick in the next National Hockey League draft.
In front of the Swedish cage, Carl Lindbom was often left to his own devices. The hopes of the Vegas Golden Knights could not silence the powerful American attack force, stopping only 29 of 35 opposing attempts.
His opposite Kaidan Mbereko made just 15 saves to seal the win. Only Fabian Lysell was able to demystify it in a massive attack at the end of the first twenty.
Sweden takes over the title on Friday, against Switzerland. The Americans begin their round robin against Latvia on Monday.
