Ilya Samsonov and Team Russia fall to Team USA in dramatic seven-round shootout

After posting two consecutive shutouts heading into the semi-finals, Washington Capitals prospect goaltender Ilya Samsonov looked poised to push Team Russia to their third-consecutive gold-medal game. He came one save short.

Samsonov stopped 33 of 36 United States shots during regulation, and another seven in four-on-four overtime. After seven intense rounds of a shootout, Troy Terry buried his third shootout goal to give the United States the sudden death victory.

Samsonov was named one of Russia’s three best players, but looked inconsolable after the game.

The Americans will face Canada in Thursday’s gold-medal game at the Bell Centre, while Russia goes for bronze against Sweden.

Troy Terry’s game-winning shootout goal

Troy Terry sends the Americans to the Gold Medal game in dramatic fashion! @CanadianTire #BigPlay #WorldJuniors https://t.co/JLvAqi0ZFz pic.twitter.com/5rBCB59qDR

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 4, 2017