The men’s U.S. Olympic team got off to a strong start, knocking off Slovakia
7-1 in their pool play opener in Sochi, Russia today.
Paul Stastny scored twice to lead the American’s, who got 22-saves in-goal from Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick.
The U.S. should have a shutout. Slovakia’s only goal came on a play that was offsides but the linesman missed the call. The Americans shook off that goal scored the next six, all in the second period to round out the scoring.
Goal differential is one of the tie-breakers which gives teams in international competition incentive to run the score up. But after striking for the 7th goal, the Americans would get no more.
Next up, a date with the Russians on Saturday.