Parting Schotts

Gostisbehere's OT goal lifts U.S. over Sweden (updates with quotes)

Union sophomore defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere scored on a slap shot 1:38 into sudden-death overtime Thursday, lifting Team USA to a 3-2 victory over Sweden in a World Junior Hockey Championships pre-tournament game in Helsinki, Finland.

Sean Kuraly drew the puck back to Gostisbehere, who blasted the shot home.

"Sean Kuraly just won the faceoff with extra effort, and I stepped into it and tried to get it on net and, thankfully, it went in," Gostisbehere said.

Gostisbehere, a third-round selection by the Philadelphia Flyers in last June's NHL draft, had 21:16 of ice time, he most of any American player. Gostisbehere was also called for two penalties.

"I felt good," Gostisbehere said. "My legs were a little gassed, but once we got going, I felt good out there. I made some good plays, and some bad ones, but overall, [it was] good."

Team USA faces Finland at 6:30 a.m. Saturday in the final tune-up before the World Juniors begin Dec. 26. The U.S. roster will be finalized after the Finland game. Gostisbehere's play may have Thursday may have secured him a spot on the roster.

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