USA beats Slovenia but wants to play better

Coach Todd Richard's analysis of USA's 3-1 win against Slovenia was that it was a reminder that work needs to be done before the team is ready for the medal round at the World Ice Hockey Championships in the Czech Republic.

"We found a way to win the game, but we were opportunistic," Richards told Paste BN Sports. "But going forward, we have to get better as a team."

Richards said that was the message he delivered as his team raised its record to 5-1 with the win.

"We need to (improve) in how we manage the puck and in our compete level, our battle level," said Richards, who is the Columbus Blue Jackets' coach. "We have to compete harder and play faster."

The Americans lead the B Pool and can wrap up the No. 1 seed if they defeat Slovakia on Tuesday (10:15 a.m., ET, NBC Sports Network). If the Americans win the pool, they likely would play Switzerland in the quarterfinals, although that is far from settled.

Early in the tournament, the Americans were very impressive in downing Russia and Finland. But over the past three games, they have been sloppier, giving up too many odd-man breaks.

"I just think we need to clean up some things," said New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson, who had two goals and an assist against Slovenia.

The Americans have medaled once (a bronze in 2013) in the past 10 years. The last time a U.S. team reached the final of a World Championships was in 1950.

"I think everyone's expectations here is to win," Nelson said.

Raised expectations is probably why Richards is pushing his team to improve its level of play.

"Our game has to get better in the process of winning," Richards said. "The little details, our D zone coverage, execution through the neutral zone … it's getting better at all of those things. If we do all of those things, generally the results take care of themselves."

Nelson has been the USA's offensive leader, registering six goals and nine points. He is the second-highest scorer in the tournament. Nelson also played well in last year's tournament, with four goals and six points in seven games.

"He's big and strong and can skate," Richards said. "But what you really see with him are his hands and touch around the net."

He's playing on a line with Trevor Lewis (Los Angeles Kings) and Boston University's Jack Eichel, who is expected to be the No. 2 overall pick in the June draft. Eichel scored his first goal of the tournament against Slovenia.

"We have high expectations," Eichel said. "We have the personnel (necessary) to get a medal in this tournament. We look at this as a great opportunity."