U.S. survives Czechia's upset bid in shootout

The United States eked out a 4-3 win against Czechia in a shootout at the World Junior Championship on Friday.

Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Isaac Howard scored the decisive goal in the seventh round.

After Buffalo Sabres first-rounder Jiri Kulich beat Jacob Fowler, New York Rangers draft pick Gabe Perreault fooled Michael Hrabal in a must-score situation to extend the shootout.

A pre-tournament favorite for gold, the U.S. was tested by a resilient Czech squad that lost its opener 6-2 against Slovakia.

Czechia took the lead twice in the second period, only for the United States to answer within three minutes on both occasions.

The U.S. was unable to convert on a full two-minute power play in overtime.

Fowler made 20 saves on 23 shots, while Hrabal stopped 30 of 33 in the losing effort.

The winner of USA and Slovakia on Dec. 31 will earn the top seed in Group B.