Isaac Howard Scores Twice In U.S. 5-1 Win At World Championship Hockey

Isaac Howard scored twice and the United States beat Britain 5-1 in world championship hockey on Sunday in Zurich. The defending champions answered their opening loss to Switzerland with their first win in preliminary Group A, while Britain dropped to a second straight defeat in its top-division debut.

Paul Cotter Opens The Scoring

Paul Cotter broke the deadlock 13:55 into the game, and the U.S. never let Britain settle in front of goal after that. Devin Cooley made 18 saves, a steady backup to a lineup that produced goals from four different players.

Britain pulled level midway through the middle period when Nathanael Halbert scored on a power play. That tie did not last long. Howard restored the U.S. lead with 2:59 left in the period, putting the defending champion back in control before the final 20 minutes.

Howard, Olivier And Carlile Finish It

The Americans took charge early in the third period. Mathieu Olivier and Declan Carlile scored 15 seconds apart, turning a one-goal game into a three-goal gap before Howard added his second on a power play with 3:49 remaining.

Howard finished with two goals, while Cotter and Olivier each had three points. Carlile added a goal and an assist, giving the United States the kind of scoring spread that can ease pressure on a roster still waiting for Matthew Tkachuk, who is expected to arrive Tuesday.

Finland Waits On Monday

The result gives the United States a needed reset after the opening loss to Switzerland. Britain left Zurich with another setback, but the wider picture in Group A now turns to whether the Americans can build on this response when they face Finland on Monday.