OTTAWA – Canada’s lack of discipline and USA’s ability to capitalize on three of seven power play opportunities helped make up the difference in an emotional 4-1 victory for the Americans on New Year’s Eve at the World Juniors.

 U.S. goalie Trey Augustine (DET) made 38 saves in the game in a bounce-back effort after two sub-par starts in his appearances of the tournament. Augustine picked up his 10th career win at the World Juniors, which ties him for No. 1 on USA’s all-time wins list at the WJC. 

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There were no even-strength goals scored in the game as USA scored three power-play goals and an empty-netter, while Canada’s goal came with two seconds remaining on a third-period power play.

Here’s a look at what went right for Team USA, what went wrong for Team Canada and what we learned from an emotional, physical New Year’s Eve Showdown.

Why Team USA Won

"Big Game" Trey Augustine Is Back In Business

Trey Augustine (DET) made 38 saves, bouncing back from allowing eight goals in his previous two starts. It always seems that he has his best when the lights are brightest. Augustine had to make some key saves when the game was still in doubt. Any shakiness lingering from the previous two starts were gone.

Despite the raucous environment or perhaps because of it, Augustine thrived. After the game, he said "I love it" when the crowd is against him and his team. Some of the biggest saves he made were when Canada had a lot of bodies in front. Both in the first and second period, he had a lot of work and managed it well.

He allowed no goals at even strength, with Canada's lone goal coming on the power play with a great look thanks to their puck movement.

Augustine now has 10 career wins, which ties him with Jack Campbell for most in a WJC career by an American netminder. 

Should USA beat Switzerland in the quarterfinal, Augustine will get the record to himself with a chance to extend it.

After the game, David Carle admitted that the coaching staff had discussions about the possibility of starting Hampton Slukynsky (LAK), but ultimately went with Trey which was the initial plan before the tournament began. They got the result they were looking for and got their No. 1 goalie back on track in the process.

Second Power Play Unit Cooked

Two of USA’s goals came with the second power play unit out and the third came with a mix of players mid-line change between the first and second units. Either way, that group was on fire, with a member of that unit scoring each of the three power-play goals.

The group on that unit includes Cole Hutson (WSH) at the top of the point, Trevor Connelly (VGK) on the left wing half wall, Cole Eiserman (NYI) at the right half wall, Danny Nelson (NYI) in the bumper and Brodie Ziemer (BUF) at the net-front.

Hutson had a goal and an assist, making great plays on both, to push his team-best point total to eight points. Hutson is a real driver of the unit and can make so many plays. His goal came off of a quick shot that was perfectly placed. It was the first goal that beat Carter George all tournament.

Hutson also created the second goal as Nelson scored to make it 2-1 after Hutson hypnotized the Canadian penalty killers who left Nelson all alone in the high slot. Nelson had a wide-open look and made no mistake with it.

We also saw Cole Eiserman (NYI) make an impact with two points of his own. He didn't get a lot of five-on-five ice time, but he delivered in key moments for his team including the 3-1 goal that created the breathing room. He held up when the puck wasn't in the perfect one-time spot, curled up to the top of the circle and wired a quick wrister past George.

Defense Kept It Simple

USA's defense allowed 39 shots on goal, but an awful lot of them came from the outside. That group was never caught in odd-man situations, they rarely turned the puck over and they were making strong plays to get out of their zone. Every single defenseman on USA's roster saw action and I thought all of them played at a high level.

Zeev Buium (MIN), played the fewest minutes he's seen in the preliminary round at 22:57. USA didn't have to overly rely on him in this game. Logan Hensler (2025) made some really nice plays in the defensive zone and played a very simple, composed game. Aram Minnetian (DAL), who was a healthy scratch in the last game, ended up playing close to 17 minutes in this game and played really well, using his skating and active stick to make some plays and be disruptive.

This defense was never overwhelmed by the forecheck and always was back in transition. It was the first game I thought USA had balance on their blue line and got contributions.

Carle also called out Cole Hutson picking his spots better for when to take chances and let him keep playing the game that's been working for him.

USA got the most it could out of their blue line in their biggest game to date.

Why Team Canada Lost

Penalty Trouble Sunk Canada

No even-strength goals allowed is what Canada can hang their hat on. What they can't ignore is that they were shorthanded seven times and only ended up with three power plays. There were a few soft calls here and there, but Canada earned a lot of their trips to the box. Even when they were chasing the game, they took penalties that were fairly blatant.

The IIHF calls games tighter. Everyone knows it. The referees were not intimidated by the home crowd and called it that way.

It's really hard to win a hockey game with margins as tight as this one when you're shorthanded for nearly 12 minutes of actual game time. Canada's having enough trouble scoring when they're at five-on-five right now. 

This was an emotional game, but a lot of the penalties came more from carelessness or not being quick enough. It can't happen here.

Canada's Scoring Is Broken

I can't really explain it. Maybe it's roster construction, maybe it's lineup construction. Maybe it's coaching. Maybe it's just bad luck. Canada cannot score.

This is the stat that I just can't wrap my head around: Canada has scored 10 goals in this tournament on 173 shots on goal. That's a shooting percentage of 5.78% -- dead last in the tournament. Kazakhstan, Switzerland and Latvia are the only teams with fewer goals for in this tournament. USA, Sweden and Czechia each have 22 goals or more in this tournament.

Canada's inability to create at five-on-five is really troubling and it's only getting worse. You can say there's no way a shooting percentage that low is sustainable. But in short tournaments, sometimes it doesn't get fixed. Now Canada has to play a tougher quarterfinal matchup against a Czech team that is leading the tournament in scoring efficiency with a solid goaltender.

Canada pours shots on net, but so few of those shots have come from prime scoring areas. They had a few more looks at even strength against the U.S., but they're just not getting consistent Grade A scoring looks. 

They're going to need all of New Year's Day and probably most of Jan. 2, to figure things out before they take on a Czech team that is looking to go to the semifinals for a fourth straight year.

Players Of Note

Carter George (LAK), G, Canada

This one is not on him. George gave his team a chance until the power plays just became too much. The loss to USA was his first ever loss in a Team Canada jersey at the IIHF level. It's a tough pill to swallow because he's been so good, but his team didn't do him any favors. George made some big saves throughout and gave Canada every reason to believe they could win the game. He made 24 saves as USA definitely had the better of the goo scoring opportunities.

Cole Hutson (WSH), D, USA

Hutson is now up to eight points and he is making so many plays out there. This is the tournament where it seems like he's starting to really showcase his full complement of skills. His skating, his puck skills and his shooting ability are all top class among defensemen. He's put on a show here and is now tied for the tournament lead in scoring. He has stepped up repeatedly for this team and today did so while not taking too many unnecessary risks.

Zeev Buium (MIN), D, USA

I thought this was Buium's best game so far in this tournament. He had an assist, played nearly 23 minutes and was a real thorn in Canada's side. He took some punishment, but dished it out, too. He drew penalties, made some high-end skill plays and played a very steady game. He does not get enough credit for how far his defensive game has come and how much better it is this year compared to last year. He is an all-situations player for David Carle.

Cole Eiserman (NYI), RW, USA

Two points in just under nine minutes of ice time is good efficient work. Eiserman was listed as the 13th forward and did not see the ice much at five-on-five. Head coach David Carle praised Eiserman for accepting that and making the most of the time he was given. He had effective power play shifts, scored the big 3-1 goal and handled himself well in a situation he's certainly not used to. There's value in that and it worked out.

How To Watch The 2025 World Junior Championship

The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship will air on TSN and RDS on television in Canada. The tournament will be streamed on TSN+ in Canada, as well. 

In the United States, NHL Network will be the television home of the World Junior Championship. There is no streaming of USA or Canada games in the United States. Select games will appear on ESPN+.

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