Team USA closed out the Group B stage with a gritty 5–3 comeback win over Germany, rallying from three separate deficits to remain perfect heading into the quarterfinals. Forward Richard Gallant led the way with two clutch goals, including a short-handed game-winner and a last-second empty-netter. With the result, the Americans finish first in Group B, while Germany takes the fourth seed—both advancing to the elimination round.
“Germany is tough competition,” said U.S. forward Richard Gallant, who netted two goals in the win. “They beat the Czechs. They play hard, structured hockey, and they’re skilled off the rush” (International Ice Hockey Federation [IIHF], 2025).
Period One – Germany Strikes First, USA Responds
Germany opened the scoring at 8:22 with a highlight-reel setup—Gustavs Griva froze the defense with a delayed move at the top of the circle before threading a no-look pass to Dustin Willhoft, who buried it into a wide-open net.
That goal lit a fire under the Americans. At 11:03, Asher Barnett corralled a rebound in front and fired high past Aaron Kaiser to tie the game 1–1.
GOAL (11:03): Asher Barnett (USA) – Even Strength
Assists: Casey Mutryn, Ben Kevan
Germany nearly replicated their opener with another backdoor look, but Patrick Quinlan made a crucial stop on Mateu Spath Mariscal to keep things even.
Period Two – Punch and Counterpunch
Just over three minutes into the middle frame, Elias Schneider (#9) found space in the slot and snapped a low shot past Quinlan for a 2–1 German lead. But USA answered on the power play—Mikey Berchild found twine off feeds from Drew Schock and Cullen Potter.
GOAL (25:23): Mikey Berchild (USA) – Power Play
Assists: Drew Schock, Cullen Potter
Germany pulled ahead one more time after a net-front scramble led to a loose puck that bounced awkwardly past Quinlan—Willhoft was credited with his second of the game.
That was the final wake-up call. The U.S. responded with two goals in 70 seconds. First, Will Horcoff beat Kaiser clean with a high wrister at 35:22.
GOAL (35:22): Will Horcoff (USA) – Even Strength
Assists: Will Moore, Cullen Potter
Then, down a man, Gallant stripped the puck and scored on a short-handed breakaway for the go-ahead goal.
GOAL (36:32): Richard Gallant (USA) – Short-Handed
Unassisted
Period Three – Gallant Delivers Empty-Net Dagger
Germany stayed in it late, skating stride-for-stride and pressing hard with the extra attacker in the final minute. But Gallant sealed the result with his second goal of the night—an empty-netter with 2.2 seconds left on the clock.
GOAL (59:58): Richard Gallant (USA) – Empty Net, Even Strength
Unassisted
Postgame Highlights
- #4 Richard Gallant (USA): 2 goals (SH GWG, EN), game-changer
- #12 Cullen Potter (USA): 2 assists, steady hands
- #28 Gustavs Griva (GER): High-IQ playmaker
- #29 Patrick Quinlan (USA): Calm in net when it mattered most
Up Next – Quarterfinals Await
With Group B locked down, the U.S. turns its attention to Latvia in the quarterfinals. “We’ve been watching Latvia. They compete hard, have good goaltending,” said Gallant. “Every team levels up, but if we play our best, I think we’re the best team here” (IIHF, 2025).
Germany, now fourth in Group B, advances to their own quarterfinal matchup looking to build on the defensive structure and rush execution they demonstrated in this game. “We played good defense tonight,” said German captain Maxim Schafer. “Our goal was to make the quarters—now we want the semis. We believe we can do more” (IIHF, 2025).
Team USA Performance Analysis – Through Preliminary Round
Team USA ranks third overall in scoring efficiency, with 25 goals on 140 shots for a shooting percentage of 17.86%. Their power play has converted 2 of 10 opportunities for a solid 20.00%, placing them eighth overall in the tournament. Most impressive, however, has been their penalty kill, ranked first overall with a 92.08% success rate—having allowed only one power play goal on 13 disadvantages.
Goaltending has also been a major strength. Quinlan and the U.S. crease crew have stopped 93 of 101 shots, giving them the second-best save percentage at 92.08%. Discipline has remained a focus as well, with just 13 minor penalties taken and no major infractions through the round.
With this level of balance—elite special teams, high-efficiency offense, and goaltending consistency—Team USA enters the elimination round as one of the most complete teams in the tournament.
Sources
International Ice Hockey Federation. (2025, April 28). Americans beat Germany, Latvia next. https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2025/wm18/news/66880/americans_beat_germany_latvia_next
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