USA men’s hockey got off to a great start in the Sochi 2014 winter Olympics, with an opening win against Slovakia.

Within the first couple of minutes of the first period, Carlson (Washington Capitals) scored a goal to make the game 1-0.

The second period was a little more excitable, with Slovakian Tartar (Detroit Redwings) scoring a controversial goal to tie up the game early at 1-1. USA didn’t give the Slovakians time to celebrate scoring six unanswered goals in the second alone.

The first goal that started off the scoring frenzy belonged to Kesler (Vancouver Canucks). He was followed almost a minute after by USA player Stastny (Colorado Avalanche). The flood gates continued to stay open, with forward Backes (St. Louis Blues) scoring yet another goal for USA.

The scoring didn’t stop there though, with Stastny getting his second goal of the game – making it 5-1. USA didn’t engage the mercy rule quite yet… Kessel (Toronto Maple Leaves) scored USA’s sixth goal of the game, and fifth of the period. Finally, USA’s forward Brown (L.A. Kings) scored the final goal near the end of the second period.

There were no goals in the third period for either team, and it seemed USA toned down their offensive strikes.

USA goalie, Jonathan Quick (L.A. Kings), made 22-23 saves – allowing only one goal to go in.

Slovakian Goalie J. Halak (St. Louis Blues) was pulled after letting five goals (four unanswered) in, and only making 20-25 saves. He was replaced by P. Budaj (Montreal Canadians), who only made 6-8 saves.

The US hockey team is set to square off against Russia on Saturday at 7:30 a.m.