The Czechs overcame a two-goal deficit after the first period against the United States, thanks in part to a David Pastrnak hat-trick, to claim the bronze medal at the World Cup by virtue of an 8-4 victory on Sunday in Tampere.

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This is the first medal at the World Championship since 2012 for the Czech Republic. It was also bronze.

Karson Kuhlman, with two goals, and Adam Gaudette had struck early at the expense of goalkeeper Karel Vejmelka. The latter was also removed from his net after facing eight shots. In relief, Marek Langhamer stopped the bleeding, allowing his teammates to get to work.

Besides Pastrnak, David Kampf also made life difficult for Jeremy Swayman with a brace. Roman Cervenka, Jiri Smejkal and Jiri Cernoch were the other scorers, while Tomas Hertl had three assists.

Thomas Bordeleau also hit the mark in a losing cause.