The Daily: Riley Barber Sparks USA to 4-1 Win at World Championships

Detroit Red Wings minor leaguer Riley Barber scored a first period goal to launch Team USA to a 4-1 win against Latvia at the World Championships Friday.

Red Wings goalie Alex Nedeljkovic is expected to be USA team’s No. 1 goalie. But coach David Quinn went with former Michigan goalie Straus Mann in USA’s opener. Mann, who recently signed with the San Jose Sharks, made 24 saves for the Americans. Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins was in net for Latvia.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones chipped in a goal and an assist for USA. Former University of Michigan player Thomas Bordeleau also scored for USA.

Barber played five games for the Red Wings and also led the Grand Rapids Griffins with 28 goals. He is one of 12 former Griffins who are involved in the World Championships. Here is the breakdown:

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Hockey Now Network

Boston: Defenseman Hampus Lindholm makes a difference on the Boston Bruins defense.

Colorado: Despite once being fired by the St. Louis Blues, Colorado coach Jared Bednar holds no grudge.

Montreal: Habs are going to dive deep into the analytics next season.

New York: Kieffer Bellows had a solid effort to help Team USA down Latvia 4-1 at the World Championships.

Philadelphia: Hockey Now’s Sam Carchidi says the Flyers’ signing of 6-foot-7 goalie Ivan Fedotov could be a really big deal.

Vancouver: It’s now official that Bruce Boudreau will be back behind the Vancouver Canucks bench.