"The U.S. trailed 2-0 in the first period and then 4-3 late in the second period before Hagens tied the score in the final minute of the frame. Team USA built on that momentum when Hagens scored just 18 seconds into the third period. It was the United States' first lead of the game. The Americans doubled their advantage a few minutes later when Will Zellers scored a power-play goal. It ended up being the game-winning tally after Slovakia scored to make it 6-5 later in the period. The U.S. held on for a 6-5 victory to improve to 3-0-0 in the preliminary round of the tournament."
""We knew we had to have each other's backs," Hagens told NHL Network postgame when asked about Team USA's early deficit. "We came out and were firing right away. We knew we were going to face some adversity at some point, so it's just how you come out to that." Hagens has four points (two goals, two assists) in three games."
The Boston Bruins have lost six straight games, including a 2-1 overtime defeat to the Calgary Flames that ended on an OT power-play goal. Penalties have been a recurring problem for the team. Boston's record sits at 20-18-2 (42 points), placing them fifth-worst in the Eastern Conference, but only eight points separate first through tenth, so a brief winning streak could restore playoff positioning. James Hagens and Will Zellers are producing offensively for the United States at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, including a 6-5 win over Slovakia fueled by Hagens' quick third-period goal and Zellers' power-play score.
Read at NBC Sports Boston
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