Matthew Tkachuk Leads U.S. Past Hungary 7-3 at Iihf World Championship Usa Hungary

The United States beat Hungary 7-3 on Monday in Zurich at iihf world championship usa hungary and stayed in contention for the quarterfinals. Matthew Tkachuk scored two goals and added two assists, and the U.S. now needs a win over Austria on Tuesday to secure a berth.

Tkachuk Drives the U.S. Start

Justin Faulk opened the scoring with a low slap shot midway through the opening period, and Tkachuk made it 2-0 with a power-play goal with 1:38 left in the period. The United States built a 4-0 lead before the midpoint of the middle period and never let Hungary close the gap enough to threaten the result.

Faulk finished with two goals, Ryan Leonard also scored twice, and Tommy Novak set up five goals. Joseph Woll stopped 14 shots as the Americans controlled the game in Zurich from the first period through the final horn.

Hungary Answers Twice

Csanad Erdely got Hungary on the board and later added a second goal in the final period. Gabor Tornyai cut the margin to 5-3 before Tkachuk’s empty-net goal and Max Plante’s finish closed out the scoring for the United States.

The Americans have made the last eight every year since 2011, so Tuesday’s game against Austria carries direct quarterfinal stakes. A win sends the defending champion through; anything else leaves the bracket path dependent on the final Group A result.

Austria Sets the Finish Line

The U.S. enters its seventh and final Group A game with the simple task of beating Austria. Norway’s 4-1 upset of Czechia in Fribourg also shifted the wider quarterfinal field in Group B, but the American route still runs through Tuesday in Zurich.