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Team USA kicked off the 2023 IIHF World Championship with a win thanks to some help from multiple Pittsburgh Penguins.
The 3-1 victory was backstopped by Penguins’ goalie Casey DeSmith and it was Drew O’Connor who scored what would turn out to be the game-winning goal.
After giving up the opening tally to host country Finland, DeSmith shut the door and stopped 23 of 24 shots faced in the contest.
Finland peppered a few scoring chances but DeSmith held strong playing as Teams USA's starting netminder.
DeSmith’s efforts were rewarded by being named the tournament’s first Player of the Game.
With the scored tied at one at about the midway point of the third period, O’Connor netted Team USA’s second goal of the game.
O’Connor was just continuing a stellar pace on the international stage as he posted a pair of goals against Germany in a pre-tournament match.
The young Penguins’ forward started as the third line center against Finland.
Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres scored a pair after O’Connor to give Team USA the 4-1 victory in the tournament’s opening game.
Ironically, former Penguins’ goalie prospect Emil Larmi was in net for Team Finland.
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