Trocheck helps U.S. extend lead vs. Slovakia

Vincent Trocheck scored a pair of goals as the United States continued to build its lead and just about clinch a spot in the medal round, leading Slovakia 8-2 after 40 minutes.

The Americans had to start the period killing off the final 1:50 of Shayne Gostisbehere's slashing major, and after surviving that, they took advantage of their own man-advantages.

John Gaudreau's second goal of the game at 4:55 made it 6-2 at 4:55, and then Gaudreau set up Trocheck for a power-play goal at 6:16 to make it 7-2.

Trocheck, a Florida Panthers prospect, then scored his second to make it 8-2 at 10:00 of the period. He won a faceoff in the Slovakia end, skated to the net and scored off the return pass from Tyler Biggs.

The period wasn't all fun for the U.S., as twice they took back-to-back penalties to give Slovakia long 5-on-3 advantages.

Back with more after the final horn.

Contact Adam Kimelman at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @NHLAdamK