Slovakia scored a goal from Juraj Slafkovsky with less than two minutes remaining in the first period, tying the game at 2-2. Peter Cehárik then helped the U.S. regain the lead just 4:10 into the second period when he scored a wraparound goal assisted by Mikey Eyssimont and Luke Hughes.

Brady Tkachuk later extended the lead to 4-2 at 9:29 in the third period with a goal assisted by Luke Hughes and Trevor Zegras. Smith then made it 5-2, helped by Boldy and Gaudreau, before Kevin Hayes scored an empty-net goal to secure a 6-2 victory for Team USA.

Goaltenders Alex Lyon and Trey Augustine made a combined total of 17 saves on 19 shots in the first two periods, while Augustine made four saves in the final period. The U.S. Men’s National Team will begin their play in the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship against Sweden in Ostrava, Czechia on NHL Network.

Matt Boldy was named Team USA’s Player of the Game, with the team having a power play advantage of 1-2 throughout