GOTHENBURG, Sweden – Cutter Gauthier (PHI) scored a power-play goal with 3:13 to play in regulation to help the U.S. secure a 3-2 victory over Finland in the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship semifinal. The Americans will play host Sweden for gold on Friday.

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• Sweden beats Czechia to advance to final

🚨 To quote #TeamUSA captain Rutger McGroarty... Goal scorers love to score.

Cutter Gauthier (PHI) puts the US 🇺🇸 ahead
3-2pic.twitter.com/LiI71c3M6x

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) January 4, 2024

USA did not get off to a good start as Finland managed to pounce on mistakes. A defensive-zone turnover led to Finland’s first goal as Tommi Mannisto getting an open look on his Michigan State roommate, Trey Augustine (DET) and Mannisto’s shot just went over the line.

A few minutes later, Rasmus Kumpulainen (MIN) redirected a point shot that squeaked through Augustine to give Finland a 2-0 advantage.

The Americans roared back in the second period, however, with a barrage of 14 shots on goal while allowing just three. Jimmy Snuggerud (STL) drilled a one-timer into the top of the net on the power play to cut the deficit in half. 

SNUGS!
Jimmy Snuggerud (STL) draws the penalty and then scores on the power play!#TeamUSA 🇺🇸 is on the board#WorldJuniors #USAFINpic.twitter.com/UmHqn2ImHl

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) January 4, 2024

Team USA got another 4:06 later when Gabe Perreault (NYR) found Will Smith (SJS) at the back door to tie the game. Smith made a nice play to evade a check before sneaking into a spot where Perreault was able to give him a wide-open net with a quick pass.

Will Smith (SJS) 🚨 and the Stars and Stripes have tied this one up 🫣

2-2#WorldJuniors #USAFIN #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/zDpACjVNQo

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) January 4, 2024

The third period was incredibly tense, with both teams trading a few chances here and there. Shots on goal were not easy to come by as the offensive zone was clogged up between the faceoff dots. However, Frank Nazar (CHI) drew a hooking penalty that saw the U.S. get a late power play.

That was the opening they needed and Gauthier found the net with a wired shot through Rutger McGroarty's (WPG) screen to beat Kokko and put Team USA in front.

The game wasn't in hand, though, as a late penalty call against Gabe Perreault (NYR) gave Finland a power play of their own in the dying minutes of the game. They pulled Kokko for an extra attacker, but never had a clean look at Augustine. 

Time ticked down and the celebration was on as USA booked their tickets to the gold-medal final.

Now the Americans will have a quick turnaround as they'll play Sweden Friday night at 7:30 to attempt to win the first gold for the U.S. since 2021. 

Stay tuned for a full gold-medal game preview on FloHockey.

2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships Finals

The Bronze Medal Game of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships begins at 9 a.m. EST on Jan. 5. 

The Gold Medal Game is at 1:30 p.m. EST.  

World Juniors Stream In 2023- 2024

The World Juniors Championships will air the NHL Network in the U.S.. Select games will be available on ESPN+.

World Juniors Hockey On TSN In Canada

In Canada, the event will be televised on TSN and streamed on TSN+.

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