USA tops Slovakia on Eichel's overtime winner, clinch top spot in Group B

Jack Eichel, your country thanks you.

The American youngster and consensus No. 2 pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft potted the game-winning overtime goal against Slovakia on Tuesday, clinching the top spot in Group B for the U.S. at the World Championship.

The game's scoring got underway in the first period when U.S. forward Ben Smith tipped in a Mark Arcobello point shot.

Nashville Predators defenseman Seth Jones followed Smith with the period's second goal for the American side, thanks to a sweet cross-ice pass from Eichel.

The second goal spelled the end of the day for Slovakian goaltender Jan Laco, who failed to record a save before being yanked.

Slovakia had one good scoring chance in the first period when a one-timer from Michal Sersen was denied by the glove hand of U.S. netminder Connor Hellebuyck.

The U.S. got off to a quick start in the second period as defenseman Justin Faulk unleashed a hard slap shot that was re-directed by forward Anders Lee passed Laco's replacement, Julius Hudacek, just 20 seconds into the frame.

After the third American goal of the contest, the Slovakians made things interesting.

First, the underdogs got onto the board thanks to a re-direct on the power play courtesy of Los Angeles Kings forward Marian Gaborik.

The Slovaks then moved to within a goal when Adam Janosik flipped a backhander - which was deflected by U.S. forward Brock Nelson - over Hellebuyck after a quick rush into the American zone.

With momentum firmly swinging Slovakia's way, things continued to unravel for the Americans. After Vladimir Dravecky tied the game at three, Slovakia quickly potted their fourth unanswered goal to take the lead, as Milan Bartovic was allowed to walk in on a breakaway.

Minnesota Wild forward Charlie Coyle would finally shut the flood gates, tying up the game with a late re-direct.

Tempers flared in a chippy third period, as Torey Krug and Libor Hudacek got into a scuffle and Richard Panik smacked Nelson in the kisser, but the rough-housing led to nothing as the period ended tied at four.

In overtime, Eichel decided enough was enough and ended the contest with a wrist shot.

With the hard-earned victory, the U.S advance to take on Switzerland.