NHL Postseason Caterwaul: Vatrano lights the match in Team USA’s 7-1 rout of Denmark

Florida Panthers forward Frank Vatrano scored the opening goal on a two-on-none break in the United States 7-1 rout of Denmark Saturday for the Americans’ fourth straight victory during group play at the IIHF World Championship in Slovakia. Vatrano logged 9:47 of ice time and finished with a +2 rating. Alex DeBrincat scored two goals and assist and Chicago Blackhawks teammate Patrick Kane added three assists. Jack Eichel had a goal and an assist and Clayton Keller, Chris Kreider and Dylan Larkin also scored. Goalie Cory Schneider made 21 saves for his third victory of the tournament.

Evgenii Dadonov set up Nikita Gusev’s game-winning goal in Russia’s 3-1 over Latvia. Dadonov registered one shot on goal and finished with an even rating in 17:20 TOI. Russia moved to 5-0 and is atop Group B with 15 points.

Vincent Praplan registered one shot on goal and finished with a -1 rating in Switzerland’s 4-3 loss to Sweden. Praplan played 15 minutes in the game and was on the ice when William Nylander put Sweden up 2-1 early in the second period.

Other results

Canada 8, Germany 1

Slovakia 7, Great Britain 1

Norway 7, Italy 1

Today’s games

Germany vs. USA (Frank Vatrano) 10:15 a.m. NHL Network, TSN3

Austria vs. Czech Republic 10:15 a.m. TSN2

France vs. Finland (Juho Lammikko) 2:15 p.m. TSN2

Switzerland (Vincent Praplan) vs. Russia (Evgenii Dadonov) 2:15 p.m. NHL Network, TSN3

Western Conference Final (Game 5)

St. Louis Blues at San Jose Sharks 3 p.m. NBC (Series tied 2-2)

Pregame at St. Louis Game Time - Fear The Fin

LBC Poll O’ the day

Who will win Game 5 of the WCF?