Minnesota freshman Nick Bjugstad scored the overtime winner Sunday night to give the United States a 3-2 win over Finland in both team’s opening game at the World Junior Championship at HSBC Arena.
Minnesota-Duluth freshman Justin Faulk and Denver freshman Jason Zucker also scored for Team USA, while goaltender Jack Campbell finished with 32 saves.
On the game-winner, Bjugstad’s shot from the top of the circle squirted through Finland goalie Joni Ortio’s legs at 3:08 of the extra session.
Ortio, named player of the game for Finland, made 27 saves. Campbell was the U.S. player of the game.
Joonas Nattinen and Iiro Pakarinen scored for Finland.
Team USA is next in action Tuesday night at 8 p.m. EST at HSBC Arena against Slovakia.
