O’Connor Scores Twice in 9-0 U.S. Rout of France

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Drew O’Connor continued his strong play for Team USA at the world championships in Finland Sunday.

O’Connor opened the scoring for the U.S. in its 9-0 victory against France at Nokia Arena in Tampere at 6:03 of the first period, then added an insurance goal at 2:22 of the third.

He has three goals and two assists in the tournament.

Cutter Gauthier, who was Philadelphia’s first-round draft choice in 2022, had a hat trick for the U.S. which also got goals from Los Angeles farmhand T.J. Tynan, St. Louis prospect Scott Perunovich, Chicago minor-leaguer Rocco Grimaldi and Vancouver forward Conor Garland.

Cal Petersen of the Kings was in goal for the U.S. for most of the game, but was replaced by his backup, Drew Commesso of Boston University, midway through the third.

Two other Pittsburgh Penguins players on Team USA — goalie Casey DeSmith and center Nick Bonino — did not dress against the French.

DeSmith was given the day off after making 22 saves in a 4-0 victory against Denmark Saturday while Bonino, who is the U.S. captain, reportedly was ill.

Team USA is 6-0 and guaranteed a spot in the tournament quarterfinals, which begin Thursday. The U.S. will face Sweden in its final Group A game Tuesday.