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Team USA falls to Russia in World Juniors Quarterfinals

Nikita Zadorov

Russia’s Anton Slepyshev, right, is congratulated by team mate Nikita Zadorov after Slepyshev scored 3-4 in the World Junior Hockey Championships quarter final between USA and Russia in Malmo, Sweden on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. (AP Photo / TT News Agency / Andreas Hillergren) ** SWEDEN OUT **

AP

The United States were not able to defend their 2013 gold medal winning run in this year’s World Junior Championship.

After falling short in their match against Canada in the Preliminary round, Team USA was forced to play against Russia in the Quarterfinals.

The Americans got off to a strong start and held a 3-2 lead through the first 20 minutes. Stefan Matteau, who the New Jersey Devils took with the 29th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, led the charge for Team USA with a goal and an assist.

Buffalo Sabres prospect Nikita Zadorov turned things around for Russia in the second period by scoring back-to-back goals over the span of just 61 seconds. Pavel Buchnevich collected the empty netter with 28 seconds remaining to finalize Russia’s 5-3 victory.

Team USA’s Jon Gillies allowed four goals on 24 shots while Andrei Vasilevski made 30 saves.

Russia will advance to play the winner of Sweden versus Slovakia in the Semifinals.

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