The United States put in a solid effort with a 4-0 win over host nation Denmark
in tonight's primetime game at Jyske Bank Boxen. Team USA won its second straight game of the tournament while Denmark drops its first contest after winning a thrilling opener against Germany last night.

A first period goal by Will Butcher would be the difference in the game as Keith Kinkaid once again performed at a high level earning his first shutout. Chris Kreider added a goal and an assist.

In head to head competition since 2003, Team USA came into the game winning four of six contests against Denmark. In their first meeting at the 2003 IIHF World Championships in Tampere, Finland, Denmark surprised the Americans winning the opening game of the tournament by the score of 5-2. At the time, it
was Denmark's first game in the top pool since 1949.

It was an active first period with pressure in both ends but the Americans had the far better looks on goal. Team USA outshot Denmark 13-5.

"We knew they'd come out buzzing, especially in the first five or ten minutes, and I thought we did a good job weathering that," said Team USA forward Cam Atkinson. "[It was] night and day from today and yesterday. I thought we kept it simple. We didn't force pucks. We were a lot crisper."

In the period Johnny Gaudreau and Blake Coleman were active and working the puck deep. Coleman had four shots over the first twenty minutes. Gaudreau exceled at gaining the zone and distributing the puck. Early in the period, Patrick Kane found Coleman in front where he had two cracks at the puck, but Frederik Andersen was there to make the save.

Butcher scored his first ever men's senior World Championship goal at 16:06. Gaudreau stickhandled into the Danish zone but a slight stick check by Jesper Jensen Aabo caused him to lose control. The momentum of the puck carried forward to Butcher who was also trailing on the play. He was able to collect and convert to give USA a 1-0 lead.

Denmark was not without their opportunities. Perhaps the best would come as Peter Regin, along the far board in the offensive end, sent a sharp pass to Stefan Lassen who was breaking in but unable to tie it up. Minutes later, Nicklas Jensen let go of a shot in the slot area that was saved.

Good pressure by the USA led to a power play 1:11 into the second when Jensen Aabo was called for tripping. With thirty seconds remaining on the power play, Chris Kreider scored to extend the lead. Quinn Hughes sent a low shot that was redirected by Derek Ryan's stick blade on goal, off Kreider's leg in the slot then into the net.

Denmark would catch a break and gain a two-man advantage for a brief spell. Pressure was applied but Team USA dealt with the activity in its zone calmly getting the puck out when needed.

A third goal was added when Atkinson, the hero of last night's shootout victory
over Canada, scored in the slot. Kreider sent the puck on net that Atkinson pounced on in front.

Larsen missed a sharp angle when cycled the puck and Nicklas Jensen whipped a pass across the net from the far boards that Larsen shot wide.

Regin once again found Lassen, this time sending a pass from behind the net in front. Lassens shot was saved by Kinkaid. Colin White's cross checking penalty with eleven seconds remaining set Denmark up to start the third period with 1:49 of power play time and down by three goals.

That power lay time came and went without much production. Denmark managed a lone quality chance. Still, they were cheered on by their fans who, once again,
filled the arena and provided heart, soul, and energy.

"It's so exciting to play in front of all these fans cheering for you, friends and family, and red and white everywhere," said Nicklas Jensen of the support. "It's pretty cool. It gives you energy, and we've loved it."

Team USA made it 4-0 when Nick Jensen scored at 14:11. Jensen did not score in 81 games for the Detroit Red Wings this season but was able to notch one tonight with a tip in off a Will Butcher helper.

Peter Regin earned player of the game honors for Denmark while Kreider did the same for Team USA.

"It's not easy trailing to a team like USA." Nicklas Jensen said after the game. "Even if it's a tie it's difficult, but when we're down one or two or three goals, it's awfully tough to come back. But we fought to the end. But we have to find a way to score against the good teams. You can't win if you don't score."

John Sanful

http://https://www.new-iihf.com/en/events/2018/wm/news/2371/butcher-and-kreider-power-4-0-win
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