HERNING, Denmark — Tage Thompson completed his hat trick with a power-play goal in overtime to give the United States a 6-5 win over Norway after Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman and the Americans squandered a four-goal lead at the IIHF World Championship on Wednesday.
Norway forced OT when defenseman Stian Solberg scored with 1:27 left in regulation, as the Anaheim Ducks prospect completed a hat trick of his own.
Thompson, a Buffalo Sabres center, scored the winner 4:09 into OT for the US, which has 8 points in Group B, while Norway earns its first point.
“We did some good things and it was obviously great to get the win,” US coach Ryan Warsofsky said. ”We’ll build on this as we get set to take on a very good Germany team on Saturday.”
For the Americans, captain Clayton Keller had a goal and two assists, and Cutter Gauthier and Michael McCarron added a goal each as the US rebounded from a loss to Switzerland.
Gauthier put the US ahead, 1-0, 4:50 into the game, before Keller hit the top corner of the net to double the lead 7:18 into the frame.
Gauthier is tied with Canada forward Bo Horvat atop the goal-scoring table with four.
Solberg reduced the deficit to 2-1 on the power play, before Thompson and McCarron completed the four-goal period for the US.
Thompson added his second 2:55 into the middle period for a 5-1 lead.
Norway was not done, though.
Solberg had his second goal on a power play, and Martin Ronnild added another on a breakaway.
Midway through the third, Noah Steen made it a one-goal game, before Norway pulled its goalie for an extra attacker — and Solberg scored to make it 5-5.
“It was an important game for us and taking a point was huge,” Solberg said. “I am happy for the team and happy for myself.”
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski had an assist for the US in his first game at the Worlds. He arrived Monday but his equipment was delayed and he couldn’t play in the 3-0 loss to Switzerland that day.
Werenski is one of three finalists for the Norris Trophy given to the NHL’s top defenseman.
In Stockholm, Slovakia beat France, 2-1, for its second win.