The Olympic Games are in full swing and this morning, Winnipeg Jets prospect, Nathan Smith and Team USA played in their full game of round-robin play in the preliminary round against reigning 2018 silver medalists, Germany.
USA and Smith were looking to cap off their group play with a perfect record and could book their ticket to the Quarterfinal round by picking up a point in today’s game.
Winnipeg Jets prospect, Nathan Smith, scored the game winning goal for the USA today
This was a close-affair for the United States and they took a one-goal, 2-1, lead into the final twenty minutes of play.
Less than three minutes into the third period, the United States forecheck caused a turnover in their offensive zone that led to a loose puck in the slot. Smith was the first man to the loose puck and he took a one-timed backhand shot that went through the goaltender’s five-hole and into the back of the net to put the give the USA a 3-1 lead.
Smith’s first Olympic goal made the difference in this game as Germany was able to score their second goal in the closing minutes of the contest, but then their comeback ran out of time and the USA won 3-2.
https://twitter.com/NBCSportsHockey/status/1492876566380097540?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
This goal is also historic as Smith is the first player from the State of Florida to score a goal in the Olympics for Team USA.
The Winnipeg Jets‘ former 2018 third-round draft pick has played in all three preliminary games for the USA and has one goal, no assists, six shots on goal, two penalty minutes, and a plus-two plus/minus while averaging nine minutes and fifty-eight seconds of ice time per game.
The United States has now gotten a bye into the Quarterfinal round and they will play the winner of the Qualification game between Slovakia and Germany. The USA versus Slovakia/Germany game will take place on February 15 at 10:10 p.m. Central Time.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Have you been impressed with Nathan Smith’s performances so far at the Olympics? Leave your comments below!