It's not often that a player can be a difference maker without recording a single shot on goal, but that's exactly how it went for Mittelstadt Friday as he put his playmaking skills on display in front of 44,592 fans at New Era Field.
After a disappointing loss to Slovakia less than 24 hours earlier, Mittelstadt skated with a sense of urgency from the onset as he rushed out of the U.S. zone with great speed on several occasions. It became apparent, however, that the Canadians were prepared to take away his space once he crossed the red line. Canada's team defense combined with a pair of power play goals gave the Americans' rival a 2-0 lead at the first intermission.
Mittelstadt's ability to control the puck helped the Americans sustain offensive zone pressure early in the middle frame, but the snowfall picked up and with it came a slight challenge to the skating and creativity that makes him a threat any time he hops over the boards. Still, it was clear that the team's top centerman had his game in gear, leading to an impressive 9:14 of icetime in the second period alone.
The increased workload eventually paid off for Mittelstadt and his teammates.
With 3:33 left in the period and the Americans on a two-man advantage, Mittelstadt fed the puck to Kieffer Bellows (NYI), who buried a slap shot from high in the zone to cut Canada's lead to 2-1.
