Team USA crushes Team Germany

The International Ice Hockey Federation's 2013 under 20 World Junior Hockey Championship began preliminary rounds this week. Team USA played their first game on Thursday in Ufa, Russia against Team Germany. USA crushed Germany in an 8-0 shutout win.

The IIHF's Lucas Aykroyd reports,

"The top American line came out on fire. Alex Galchenyuk and Riley Barber notched a goal and two assists apiece, while Sean Kuraly added a goal and an assist.

Jacob Trouba, Shayne Gostisbehere, Ryan Hartman, J.T. Miller,and Seth Jones also scored for the Americans." [Click here to view the full story]

Having survived the roster cuts needed for the competition, Flyers prospect Shayne Gostisbehere was among the top goal scorers in the game with a power play goal.

The Americans used their bigger size to their advantage over the smaller German players. They also were quicker on the attack by assaulting Germany's goalie Marvin Cüpper with 46 shots throughout the game.

Due to the Americans constant attack of Germany's net, American starter goaltender John Gibson only had to make 19 saves throughout the game.

The Americans are set to play Team Russia on Friday at 9 a.m. EST. Team Russia will have the home ice advantage. The Russians also have a talented roster with tough players like Nail Yakupov and Mikhal Grigorenko.

The game against Team Russia will be more of a challenge for Gibson, but he and the rest of the talented young players on Team USA are anticipating the battle.