4-3 victory: The U.S. can thank Jacob Fowler and Lane Hutson in particular

Earlier today, the Americans played their third match of the competition at the World Junior Championship.

They took on the Czech Republic, and the focus was on Jacob Fowler and Lane Hutson.

How did it go for the two Canadian prospects, you might ask?

Simple: Hutson was named Player of the Game and Fowler stole the show in the shootout.

Fowler was so solid that he earned comparisons with Patrick Roy on Twitter / X!

Jacob Fowler in that Shootout pic.twitter.com/clQhHHNLC3

– Mike Bartner (@MikeBartner) December 29, 2023

The goaltender was a little shaky in the first two periods, allowing three goals on 17 shots, but he was really solid after that.

I’d have given him the Player of the Game award myself, because he made so many fine saves in the shootout.

It’s impressive because he was so good under the pressure. But that’s Jacob Fowler.

A guy who thrives on great moments…

Great shootout save by #GoHabsGo prospect Jacob Fowler. pic.twitter.com/4ory2SXZ0Z

– Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) December 29, 2023

Lane Hutson earned the honor and we recognized the Lane Hutson we know on the ice. He was decent, but nothing more, in his first two games of the competition…

But the defenseman was really better today.

He got up at an important moment to serve a ridiculous pass to his teammate in the enclave, while stationed behind the opposing net:

Lane Hutson pass from behind the offensive net through multiple defenders to the slot? Classic. https://t.co/KjHOhz6Nui

– BurntBoats (@BurntBoats) December 29, 2023

The USA will cross swords with Slovakia and Filip Mesar on Sunday.

Both teams are still unbeaten at the start of the tournament and will be battling for top spot in Group B.

Emotions are likely to run high, and the Slovaks will be hungry as lions. This is a great opportunity for Mesar and his team-mates to surprise the hockey world…

And with Mesar, Dvorsky and co. so talented up front, it’s sure to be an interesting duel for fans to watch.

In gusts

– Sad.

As a member of the QMJHL Hall of Fame Selection Committee, I can confirm that Reginald Savage was part of the 2024 class.

He will therefore be inducted posthumously.

The news was to have been communicated to him in January. He will not be forgotten #Triste #RIP

– Stephane Leroux (@StephRDSJunior) December 29, 2023

– I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Dumais will have to learn to reduce the length of his appearances, he’s like that in the QMJHL already, but he’s doing it even at World Junior, which won’t go down well with pro coaches…

– Michel Bouchard (@bouchardmichel) December 29, 2023

– He’s still injured. That’s unfortunate.

Werenski sidelined againhttps://t.co/08UtpuflKc

– RDS (@RDSca) December 29, 2023

– Happy reading.

“You have this persona of what this guy is and you’re afraid of him a little bit, but at the end of the day, he’s a teddy bear as well.”

Meet the man you’ll never know, the real John Tortorella, as he becomes the first US-born coach to reach 1,500 games. https://t.co/Elby0azYue

– Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) December 29, 2023

– What will they do?