Slovakia vs. Team USA final score: Americans dominant in 7-1 rout

Team USA scored six goals in the second period on their way to a dominant win over Slovakia on Thursday.

By Brandon Worley@brandonworley Feb 13, 2014, 10:09am EST

Team USA exploded for six goals in the second period on the way to a 7-1 rout of Slovakia in the opening game for both teams in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

The Americans were expected to boast one of the more explosive offensive attacks in the tournament and after a relatively quiet first period, the hype did not disappoint. Team USA led just 1-0 after the first 20 minutes in what was seemingly a bit of a feeling-out period for both teams before Slovakia answered to tie the game just 24 seconds into the second period.

The goal by Tomas Tatar lit a fire under the USA bench, as the Americans responded with a dominant second period that at one point had them at 24 shots to Slovakia's 7. Paul Statsny scored twice in the frame, with Phil Kessel, Ryan Kesler, David Backes and Dustin Brown also getting in on the offensive fireworks.

Jonathan Quick finished with 22 saves on 23 shots for Team USA, but Ryan Miller is expected to get the start in goal on Sunday against Russia.