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	TEAM LINE UPS
	EVENT SUMMARY

BUFFALO N.Y- Team USA won the bronze medal with a 4-2 victory over Sweden at HSBC Arena.

Team USA’s win makes this the first time the Americans have won back-to-back medals in the history of the World Junior Championships.

USA took control in the first period with quick skating and hard shots as they showered Swedish goaltender Fredrik Petersson Wentzel with 13 shots on goal.

Petersson Wentzel was forced to make several diving saves, including a power-play screen shot on Chris Kreider. Although, Petersson Wentzel wasn’t alone on that desperate penalty kill. As the Americans gained steam and threw several consecutive shots together, the entire Swedish defense created a barrier of support in front of the net.

The Swedes were unable to keep steady control of the puck as a result of the Americans strong forecheck in their zone. USA’s offense also made sure that goaltender Jack Campbell would see as few pucks as possible as they increased their number of total blocked shots.

The first goal of the game came in the second period from Sweden’s Oscar Lindberg as he raced to throw the puck at Campbell. The American goaltender dove too soon and the puck dribbled right under his chest and into the net, for a 1-0 score in favor of Sweden.

A tripping penalty on Sweden was assessed less than 30 seconds following their goal, which gave the Americans they chance they needed to respond.

Kreider netted his third goal of the tournament on the power play after snapping the puck past two Swedish players and over Petersson Wentzel’s shoulder from the bottom of the left circle.

The Americans scored again less than one minute into the third period, with a shot rifled from the point by Drew Shore, his fifth of the tournament.

USA’s Jack Campbell would once again prove how valuable he is in the third period with the challenging shots he faced. Sweden attacked the offensive zone trying to even the playing field in the first ten minutes of the third. Campbell faced multiple bouncing pucks and made sprawling saves to hold the American’s lead.

"After two periods we knew we were doing something right and we said to each other in the dressing room that we just need this last period to win something tonight," said Campbell.

"I just hope I can come back next year and help the Americans win another gold if I can," Campbell added.

USA added to their lead with another goal in the third period from Nick Bjugstad, assisted by Nick Leddy and Ryan Bourque for a 3-1 contest.

Sweden responded after Jesper Fasth shot in his own rebound past Campbell as he shook off USA’s defender right in front of the net. Fasth’s goal would be his fourth of the tournament, making his point total six.

The US secured their win with another goal in the last two minutes of the game.  Krieder netted his second goal of the game as he wired a powerful shot from the circle that sent Petersson Wentzel’s water bottle to the ice. 

Both teams would battle hard in the final minute of the game but Sweden could not come back from the American 4-2 lead.

Team USA was awarded their medals in a ceremony following the game. Kreider was credited as the best player of the game with two goals.

USA's Captain John Ramage commented, "We just wanted to go out with a bang and keep our heads held high." He added, "This is a really tough tournament and the results are showing that anyone can win."

American head coach Keith Allain noted, "I think this game proves the depth and breadth USA Hockey is gaining." This is also USA's first medal won at home.