USA Hockey (Just Barely) Qualifies For Quarterfinals at IIHF World Championships

Going in to this morning's game against Slovakia, the US had a 3 point lead over the Slovaks for the 4th and final spot in the quarterfinals out of Group B at the 2016 IIHF World Championships in Russia. With a regulation win counting for 3 points, the US needed to at least push the game to overtime to advance. They did exactly that and not a thing more, losing 3-2 to Slovakia in OT.

The one point the US locked down keeps them in 4th, so they'll play the Group A winner, the Czech Republic, in Thursday's quarterfinal. It will be a tough task for this youthful US roster, which limps in to the medal rounds after losses to Germany and Slovakia in their final two games.

It was a quiet day for the four Eagles on the roster. Thatcher Demko continues to be relegated to third goalie duty behind Keith Kincaid and Mike Condon. Miles Wood played pretty well in a fourth line role, but saw limited ice time. Steve Santini only played two shifts.

The Eagle who's stood out the most has been Noah Hanifin, who's been a blueline stalwart during this tournament. He ended the game as the team's leader in ice time with 22:44. He has 3 points and is a +1 with 16 shots on goal over the course of the seven-game group stage.

Last year, the Americans defied expectations to earn a Bronze Medal at the Worlds, topping the Czechs 3-0 in the Bronze medal game. We'll see if they can pull a similar feat this time around.