Nick Bjugstad scored a goal, his first of the tournament, and added an assist as Team USA rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat a game Latvia by a 5-3 count at the IIHF World Championship in Cologne. Bjugstad finished the game with a +2 rating and won all six of his faceoffs while logging 14:49 of ice time. The Americans are now 4-1 at the tournament and in second place in Group A behind Russia.
In Paris, Switzerland stunned Canada 3-2 in overtime on Fabrice Herzog’s second goal of the game. Mike Matheson took a delay of game penalty, posted an even rating and logged 11:16 TOI, and Jason Demers had two shots on goal, took a interference minor and also finished a even rating in 19:10 TOI for Canada. Denis Malgin did not play for Switzerland.
The United States will take on Slovakia this morning (NHL Network – 10 am). Switzerland will do battle with Finland at 2 pm.
In the ECHL, Sam Brittain made 44 stops and Thomas Schemitsch had an assist and finished with a +1 rating as the Manchester Monarchs beat the South Carolina Stingrays 4-3 to take a two games to none lead in the Eastern Conference finals.
In Stanley Cup playoff action, Bobby Ryan scored the game-winner 4:59 into overtime, and also had an assist, and Craig Anderson made 27 saves as the Ottawa Senators beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 to take Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
The Anaheim Ducks will look to even their series with the Nashville Predators tonight at Honda Center (NBCSN – 7:30 pm).