PLAYOFF HOPES STILL ALIVE FOR U.S. MEN
WCF / Celine Stucki
After falling short to the Italians in Tuesday evening’s matchup, the United States remains in playoff contention.
“We've been here before,” said John Shuster, who led his Team to Olympic gold in 2018. “Tonight, we just struggled with the ice. I know if we win our last game the worst we can be is tied for fourth. And hopefully, if we're tied for fourth and the tiebreaker goes the right way then that puts us in the medal round."
The U.S. men’s team (John Shuster, Chris Plys, Matt Hamilton, John Landsteiner, and Colin Hufman) currently have a 4-4 record. The even record currently lands the U.S. tied for fourth place in the standings with ROC.
With one round-robin game remaining against Denmark, the Team has a chance at qualifying for the playoffs by making the final four of ten teams.
"We have to beat Denmark,” said second Matt Hamilton. “We got into the playoffs at the (2018) Olympics with five wins, so we'll see.”
In a day that started with a “win-and-in” scenario for the Americans, the Team will now need a few games to work in its favor to have the advantage in a tiebreaker scenario.
While Team USA has the day off tomorrow before its final round robin game on Thursday, losses by either Switzerland or ROC will likely create a “win-and-in” scenario for the defending Gold Medalists.
Team USA will face Denmark at 9:05am (local time) on Thursday.
USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Toyota, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People.
