Big game for Backes

Associated Press photos

Former Maverick David Backes has a monster first period today to help Team USA defeat the Czech Republic 5-2 in the quarterfinals of the Olympic men's hockey tournament. Backes had a goal and an assist along with some other outstanding play throughout, shutting down Jaromir Jagr in the process.

On the U.S.'s second goal, Backes checked Jagr off the puck and got the puck to safety to in the neutral zone, which started a rush that ended with a great cross-ice pass from Backes to Dustin Brown to make it 2-1. Backes made it 3-1 with 1.8 seconds left in the first period, rocketing in a Suter shot that caromed off the boards behind the net.

All in all it was a good day for the old WCHA players, with Backes, Zach Parise and Phil Kessel scoring, and Ryan Suter assisting on three goals.

The U.S. moves on to play Canada in the semifinals at 11 a.m. Friday. Canada survived a scare from Latvia and slipped into the semis 2-1. Ryan McDonagh and Joe Pavelski also had assists.