McAvoy scores in US win

Team USA defeated Slovakia, 5-2, for its second preliminary round win in the World Junior Championships. Assistant captain Charlie McAvoy had a goal while Clayton Keller and Kieffer Bellows each contributed an assist.

ICYMI | Highlights from yesterday's 5-2 win over Slovakia at #WorldJuniors. #USAWJC 🇺🇸

Recap & postgame comments: https://t.co/vkSSNJ67hD pic.twitter.com/dYqcQvb5Bo

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) December 29, 2016

In the first period, Keller set up Team USA’s second goal with a perfect saucer pass to BC’s Colin White to complete a 2-on-1 break.  In the second period, Bellows found UConn’s Tage Thompson in front of the Slovakian net for what would be the game-winner. Six minutes later, McAvoy one-timed a rocket from center point for his first goal of the tournament.

Keller would have two goals disallowed in the third period—the first because of uncertainty whether the puck crossed the goal line; the second because Keller was ruled to have pushed the goalie and puck into the net at the end of a breakaway.

A lengthy NHL.com feature between the second and third periods—virtually a BU infomercial—focused on the Terriers having six players on the US squad, a feat last done in 1979.

Why does #TeamUSA play with such cohesion? Maybe it's because quite a few guys play together at Boston University! @TerrierHockey @USAHockey pic.twitter.com/FMt3AXOwY3

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) December 29, 2016

Another look at Tage Thompson’s goal pic.twitter.com/aY7JMvDQdp

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) December 29, 2016

Clayton Keller with some mild sauce to set up Colin White for USA pic.twitter.com/LIJIuyFt2a

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) December 29, 2016

Chucky Cheese. McAvoy. Good night for Hockey East. 3 goals. 4-1 🇺🇸 https://t.co/v3yxBHJjQB

— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) December 29, 2016

.@TerrierHockey Has scored or assisted seven of Team USA's 11 goals at the WJCs

— Andrew Battifarano (@squidthoughts) December 29, 2016

● USA Hockey recap and video highlights

● IIHF recap, video, photos

● SB Nation recap

● United States of Hockey: 5 Takeaways, top performers

● Stanley Cup of Chowder: McAvoy scores
● Boston Hockey Blog recap

Team USA is back on the ice this afternoon to face Russia at 3:30 p.m. ET. Russia has a 1-1 record after having dropped the opening game to Canada. NHL Network and TSN will air the game live.

● NHL.com 3 Keys to success for US vs. Russia

● NHL.com US has struggled vs. Russia
● United States of Hockey preview

Dante Fabbro and Team Canada take on Latvia at 8:00 p.m. ET tonight and should go into Saturday night’s game against Team USA with a perfect 3-0 record. Fabbro has no points and 3 shots on goal in two games.

► Boston Cup of Chowder: Two Terriers give Bruins fans hope

Looking ahead

2017 recruit Hank Crone scored his 9^th and 10^th goals in Fargo’s 5-2 win against Cedar Rapids. The speedy left wing has a team-best 26 points in 22 games for the Force and is tied for fourth among USHL scorers.

Looking back

Kevin Shattenkirk scored his eighth goal of the season as St. Louis doubled up Philadelphia, 6-3. The former BU captain has 24 points in 36 games.

● NHL.com recap, video