After a dreadful tournament back in 2011, the USA will look for redemption in 2012.
The Americans failed to get out of the group stage last year with one win and three losses. They managed an 11-3 win over Denmark but followed it up with three straight losses to Finland, Czech Republic, and Canada. In the relegation round, the team won three matches out of the three, but the disappointment remained.
The goal this year is to get out of the group and make a run at a medal. With Canada and Russia in the group, the United States may find themselves in some trouble. This year's roster includes J.T. Miller, Alex Galchenyuk, Tyler Biggs, Rocco Grimaldi, Jacob Trouba, John Gibson, and the highly touted Seth Jones.
Check out the full USA Roster HERE.
Their first opponents will be a woeful German side that got off to a poor start in this year's tournament when they lost 9-3 to Canada on Wednesday. The Germans managed to limit Canada to just two goals in the first period and were only trailing 2-1 after 20 minutes. However, the team imploded for five goals against in the second period and despite adding a couple of their own, they were facing a 7-3 deficit after two. They gave up another two goals in the third period.
The goal scorers for Germany were Tobias Rieder, Leonhard Pfoderl, and Nickolas Latta. Pfoderl had a two point night with an assist on Rieder's goal.
Prediction: The United States should win; 5-1 USA.
Start Time: 9 AM EST
TV Info: TSN