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World Juniors 2016: USA vs. Russia preview, TV schedule, lineups, game thread

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Schmaltz and Team USA look to advance to the gold medal game for the first time in three years when they meet Russia in the semifinals of the 2016 World Junior Championship on Monday at Hartwall Arena.

The United States have fell in the quarterfinals the past two years to Russia; 5-3 in 2014 and 3-2 in 2015. This decade, the U.S. have reached the podium three times, including gold in 2010 and 2013. The Americans have never beaten Russia in tournament’s playoff round.The U.S. last defeated Russia, 3-2, in the preliminary round Dec. 29, 2007.

The Americans are led by Auston Matthews, who leads the tournament with seven goals. He is tied for third in points at 11 with Finland’s Patrik Laine. Matthews’ goal total puts him one shy of tying the U.S. goal scoring record in the tournament set by Jeremy Roenick. Matthew Tkachuk (eight points), Colin White and Zach Werenski (seven points) have also provided scoring for Team USA.

Schmaltz continues to improve with each game in the tournament. The North Dakota sophomore is coming off his best offensive game with a goal and two assists, which earned him U.S. player of the game honors. He has two goals and three assists in the tournament.

Alex Nedeljkovic will be in net for Team USA after posting his first shutout of the tournament with 28 saves. He has allowed just four goals in the tournament with half of them coming in the opener against Canada.

Alex DeBrincat scored in his return to the ice after missing two games with a shoulder injury he suffered against Sweden. The OHL leading goal-scorer was ejected from the team’s first game for spearing in the first period. The quarterfinal contest was DeBrincat’s first appearance after the first period in the tournament.

Lines:

Tkachuk-Matthews-White
Milano-Dvorak-Bjork
Hitchcock-Schmaltz-Boeser
Donato-Macinnis-Eansor

Werenski-Carlo
Belpedio-Borgen
Krys-McAvoy

Nedelikovic

Halverson

**Note: Lines will be updated when/if available.

How to Watch

When: Noon CT

Where: Hartwall Arena

TV: NHL-Network

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