Overview
- The United States jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first 16 minutes on goals by Max Plante, Chase Reid and Will Horcoff.
- Germany answered through Timo Kose late in the first period, then Simon Seidl and Lenny Boos in the second to narrow the gap twice.
- Will Zellers delivered two second-period goals and an assist to restore control for the hosts.
- Cole Eiserman scored with 1:53 left in the second to rebuild a three-goal cushion that held through the third.
- Analysts highlighted U.S. contributors including Zellers, Reid and Cole Hutson and German bright spots Lennart Neisse, Carlos Handel and Tobias Schwarz, with group play continuing Saturday as the U.S. faces Switzerland and Germany meets Slovakia.