Who says the United States is lacking offense? Phil Kessel begs to differ, delivering a three goals Sunday in a 5-1 victory over Slovenia.
Kessel's hat trick was the result of Team USA's best line in the Sochi Games, built of Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs linemate James van Riemsdyk and Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks. The combination is all the better for reuniting Kessel and Pavelski, linemates in the Vancouver Games.
On Saturday, the Americans defeated Russia 3-2 in a shootout, with four goals by T.J. Oshie.
MORE: Who's next? | Images from USA-Russia | Day 10 photos | VIDEO: Oshie on his game
Like Kessel, Pavelski was hot in the final weeks of the NHL season, and on Sunday contributed to another solid U.S. effort with a goal.
Ryan Miller made his first appearance in goal for the United States, allowing only a late goal in the romp.
With Russia surviving a stiff challenge from underwhelming Slovakia — 1-0, in what was the Slovaks' best game of the Olympic tournament —teams now head into the next round of competition.
The Russians needed a shootout to win. Alexander Radulov and Ilya Kovalchuk scored, saving the shutout for Semyon Varlamov. The Slovaks used Jan Laco in goal in place of Jaroslav Halak.
The United States is unbeaten.
Kessel now has four goals and three assists in three games.
MORE: Medal count | U.S. disappointment | Skier breaks spine, needs six-hour surgery