2025 IIHF Worlds: USA Powers Past Czechia to Secure 2nd in Group B

It was a thrilling showdown between two of the tournament’s heavyweights as Team USA faced off against Czechia in the final Group B matchup of the 2025 IIHF World Championship. With a quarterfinal spot already secured, the U.S. looked to finish strong, while Czechia, sitting atop the group, wanted the win to maintain their top position. With both teams bringing their A-game, this one didn’t disappoint.

First Period

The game kicked off with both teams showing high intensity. The U.S. took an early lead when Josh Doan scored at 9:25, assisted by Andrew Peeke and Shane Pinto.

GOAL: Josh Doan (USA) – Assisted by Andrew Peeke and Shane Pinto (9:25) – USA Leads by 1

Czechia fought back with some penalty trouble, including David Pastrnak’s roughing penalty at 6:56, sending the U.S. on the power play. Despite generating some chances, the U.S. couldn’t add to their lead during the man advantage.

Czechia also had their opportunities, but the U.S. defense stood firm, and Jeremy Swayman was sharp in net. Later in the period, Daniel Vozenilek of Czechia went to the box for roughing at 11:01, but again, the U.S. couldn’t capitalize. Both teams traded penalties throughout, with Cutter Gauthier of the U.S. called for hooking at 13:16 and Brady Skjei sent to the box for tripping at 13:46. The first period ended with a 1-0 lead for Team USA.

First Period Stats:

• Shots on Goal: USA 23 | Czechia 8
• Saves: USA 8 | Czechia 22
• Penalty Minutes (PIM): USA 6 | Czechia 8

Second Period

The second period began with Czechia pushing hard to tie the game. They didn’t waste any time, as at 20:41, David Pastrnak scored to bring the game to 1-1, assisted by Roman Cervenka. The packed arena cheered as the Czechs found their rhythm, creating more chances. The U.S. defense, however, held firm under pressure.

GOAL: David Pastrnak (Czechia) – Assisted by Roman Cervenka (20:41) – Tied 1-1

The packed Czech crowd erupted, bringing energy to their team. But the U.S. wasn’t going to let up. With power plays at a premium, Frank Nazar took full advantage when the opportunity arose. Nazar, the U.S. leading scorer, hammered home a shot on net at 41:35, assisted by Will Smith and Zeev Buium. The Americans regained the lead, and the momentum shifted in their favor.

GOAL: Frank Nazar (USA) – Assisted by Will Smith and Zeev Buium (41:35, PP) – USA leads 2-1

However, Czechia wasn’t finished just yet. At 47:01, on a power play of their own, Martin Necas capitalized, slinging a one-timer into an open net, tying it once again at 2-2.

GOAL: Martin Necas (Czechia) – Assisted by David Pastrnak and Lukas Sedlak (28:33, PP) – Tied 2-2

The back-and-forth continued, and it was clear this was going to be a nail-biter. The U.S. continued to push, with shots flying and a solid penalty kill from both sides. Czechia continued their offensive push, but the U.S. defense and goaltender Jeremy Swayman stayed strong, keeping the score 2-2 as the period ended.

Second Period Stats:

• Shots on Goal: USA 15 | Czechia 8
• Saves: USA 6 | Czechia 15
• PIM: USA 6 | Czechia 8

Third Period

The U.S. came out of the locker room in the third period determined to take control, and they did just that. With Czechia down a man due to Jakub Krejcik’s high-sticking penalty from the second, the U.S. capitalized early. Frank Nazar, continuing his hot streak, blasted a shot past Vejmelka for his second of the night at 1:35, giving the U.S. a 3-2 lead.

GOAL: Frank Nazar (USA) – Assisted by Cutter Gauthier and Zeev Buium (47:01, PP) – USA leads 3-2

The Americans weren’t done yet. At 7:01, Cutter Gauthier’s shot deflected off traffic and landed right in front of Nazar, who got his stick on it, tipping it past Vejmelka for a 4-2 lead.

Czechia pulled their goalie late, but the U.S. defense held firm. Logan Cooley added some insurance with a nice tip-in goal at 13:29, assisted by Clayton Keller, making it 5-2.

GOAL: Logan Cooley (USA) – Assisted by Clayton Keller and Zach Werenski (53:29) – USA leads 4-2

In the final minutes, Czechia had one last chance with a breakaway by Jakub Flek, but he lost control of the puck just before getting a shot off. The U.S. defense remained resolute, and Andrew Peeke put the finishing touches on the victory with an empty-net goal at 59:04, assisted by Drew O’Connor.

GOAL: Andrew Peeke (USA) – Assisted by Drew O’Connor (59:04, ENG) – USA leads 5-2

Third Period Stats:

• Shots on Goal: USA 18 | Czechia 11
• Saves: USA 11 | Czechia 14
• PIM: USA 6 | Czechia 6

Players of the Game

Game Summary

Final Score:
Czechia 2 – 5 USA

Shots on Goal:
USA 56 | Czechia 27

Saves:
USA 25 | Czechia 51

Penalty Minutes (PIM):
USA 18 | Czechia 22

Team USA wrapped up their group stage with an impressive 5-2 victory over Czechia, showing resilience and depth in their offensive game. Frank Nazar’s two goals led the charge, while David Pastrnak remained a key contributor for Czechia. Both teams had their fair share of penalties, with the U.S. spending 14 minutes in the box and Czechia 16 minutes. On the power play, Team USA capitalized twice out of five opportunities, while Czechia converted once in their five chances. The Americans also outshot the Czechians 56-27.

With their quarterfinal spots secured, Team USA and Team Czechia both now look forward to what lies ahead in the knockout rounds.

In a postgame interview, Logan Cooley reflected on the win:

“I think we had some games where we let some leads get away, and there’s some games we want back,” said Cooley. “But obviously, playing a team like Czechia, it’s an unbelievable team. They play the right way and have a lot of skilled players. Obviously, to beat them like that, it gives us a lot of confidence going into the next game too” (IIHF, 2025).

Source
IIHF. (2025, May 20). Penalty-laden affair sees USA edge Czechia 5-2 to finish second in Group B. International Ice Hockey Federation. https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2025/wm/news/67890/cze-usa