United States Takes WJC Gold In Thrilling 6-5 Overtime Finish

Congratulations to both teams, as that was one of the most exciting hockey games I have watched in a long, long time.

Jack Campbell was terrific in net, channeling his inner Dominek Hasek on countless occasions to make 32 saves after starter Mike Lee was pulled; Campbell is 17 years old and draft eligible next season. Forward Derek Stepan (NYR) received player of the game honors for the United States, with forwards Tyler Johnson (FA) and Jerry D'Amigo (TOR) joining Stepan for Head Coach Dean Blais' selection of Players of The Tournament honors.

With a 5-3 lead heading into the final ten minutes of the third, the United States was subject to a questionable goalie interference call on Ducks prospect Kyle Palmieri (Sharks fans will remember him as the pick that travelled 4,305 miles); we could make a joke here about him eventually replacing Corey Perry, but will refrain. Team Canada manages to knock two in the back of the net in the ensuing minutes, with both coming off the stick of miracle worker Jordan Eberle (EDM).

In overtime the pace was frantic, as Team USA attempted to avoid a shootout with Team Canada who has been dominant in the skills competition throughout recent history. After a save by Campbell off of Blues prospect Alex Pietrangelo roughly four minutes in, the Americans headed down the ice on a 2 on 1. John Carlson (WAS) managed to slip one through short side with a rocket of a wrister, all the while squaring up to center ice to keep Canadian goaltender Martin Jones (LAK) aware of a potential cross-ice pass.

It was a no-look shot for the ages, and yet another classic between these two teams. Peruse the FTF Live Thread if you're interested, and be sure to check Puck Daddy throughout the day as Bruce Peter has done a bang up job of covering the tournament throughout it's entire duration.

USA Hockey's home page will obviously have more.

Here's to hoping the magic continues a little over a month from now.

Go USA.