Photo: Tom Sorensen/USA Hockey

Capitals fifth-round pick Shane Gersich stays hot. After a tremendous start to the season with Omaha of the USHL that has him third in the league in goals, the Minnesota-native forward got the call to represent the US at the World Junior A Challenge. He’s done well there too.

The versatile forward has two goals in two games for Team USA. The team has gone a perfect 2-0 in the preliminary round, defeating Switzerland 7-0 and Canada East 3-2.

In the game against Canada East, Gersich scored a buzzer-beating game-winning goal. With the score tied at two, Gersich’s tip-in gave Americans the lead with just 2.5 seconds remaining, which is basically a guaranteed victory, even by Jon Cooper’s standards.

After helping his team win the board battle, Gersich set up shop in front of the net and deflected a shot by defenseman Bobby Nardella. The puck found its way past the goaltender and the Americans emerged victorious, clinching a spot in the semifinal.