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Yesterday, Team USA defeated Germany 8-0 in their first Preliminary match. Alex Galchenyuk (Habs) was selected as the Star Of The Game with a three point effort (1-2-3). He set up linemates Sean Kuraly and Reilly Barber for markers and tallied his first of the tournament, going top shelf. The trio combined for eight points (3-5-8) with Barber also registering a goal and two helpers while Kuraly notched a goal and assist in the win.

Shayne Gotisbehere and Ryan Hartman each scored during the second when the Americans increased to 6-0. Defenseman Jacob Trouba also tallied back in the first stanza. He was set up by
Blake Pietila (NJD). Pietila finished with two assists, also factoring in on Hartman’s first of the tournament. The diminutive forward was thwarted on a breakaway but Hartman followed up the rebound.

J.T. Miller (NYR) and Seth Jones (’13 Draft) each scored unassisted to close the scoring in the third. Jones also picked up a helper, earning a primary on Gostisbehere’s power play goal. Team USA went 1-for-5 on the man-advantage while blanketing Germany in six power play chances. They outshot Germany 46-26. John Gibson (Ana) stopped 19 in two periods and Jon Gillies saved all seven in the third for a combined shutout.

The competition picks up with USA facing #WJC2013 host Russia this morning at 9 ET. The game can be seen on NHL Network with replays later today.