HAT TRICK!!! Cutter Gauthier Keeps Flying At World Championships

The goal machine otherwise known as Cutter Gauthier rolled on at the World Championships on Sunday.

The Flyers’ top prospect scored three goals in Team USA’s 9-0 victory over France. The Americans are 6-0 in the tournament and Gauthier has scored six goals.

Give Cutt some open ice and he'll score ¯_(ツ)_/¯ @GauthierCutter | #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/wBRU7JMjL0

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) May 21, 2023

Gauthier is second in goals scored in the tournament, two behind the Red Wings’ Dominik Kubalik, of Czechia.

Besides the goal-scoring, Gauthier is impressing teammates and opponents with his play.

🖐️ holeee @GauthierCutter | #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/1LIOF69te3

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) May 21, 2023

“When you get on the ice with Cutter at first, the first time he rips it, everyone’s kind of looking at each other: ‘Did you just see that?’ ” linemate T.J. Tynan said.

“The sky’s the limit for him. He’s been a joy to play with. And he’s going to be incredible. It’ll be fun to watch.”

Young And Impressive

Gauthier is 19 years old, the second-youngest player on Team USA. He is playing with full-grown men and he often looks like the best player on the ice.

Gauthier scored Team USA’s second, fourth and ninth goals against France. He also picked up an assist on the third goal.

AND THAT'S A HAT TRICK!

Can we get some 🧢🧢🧢 in the comments for @GauthierCutter?? #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/21sqd65eqL

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) May 21, 2023

“It was good,” Gauthier said. “Our coaches preached at the beginning of the game: ‘It doesn’t matter which opponent we’re facing.’ So that’s what we stuck to. And I thought we had a good 60 [minutes].

“It feels good. Any time you’re able to score, especially for your country, is amazing. Winning this game today is what matters the most.

“It’s only helping us go into [the] Sweden [game] in two days.”

Gauthier was named “Player of the Game” for the second time this tournament.

Team USA defenseman Scott Perunovich, of Minnesota-Duluth, assisted on Gauthier’s first two goals.

“He’s a great player,” Gauthier said about Perunovich in a TSN between-periods interview. “He’s one of my tightest friends throughout this tournament and it shows in our on-ice connection.”

The nine goals were the Americans’ highest-scoring output since a 9-3 victory over Korea in 2018. That team also won its first six games and won the bronze medal.

Team USA has dominated Group A, outscoring opponents, 30-5.

Team USA plays Sweden at 9:20 a.m. Tuesday. The game will be on NHL Network. The Swedes are in second place with four wins and one overtime win. Sweden plays Denmark on Monday.

Power Rankings

The IIFH released power rankings Sunday and 6-0 Team USA is ranked No. 1.

1. United States — “Circumnavigating the Worlds with a 6-foot-2 Cutter.”

2. Switzerland

3. Sweden

4. Czechia

5. Finland

6. Canada

7. Latvia

8. Germany

9. Slovakia

10. Denmark

11. France

12. Norway

13. Kazakhstan

14. Hungary

15. Austria

16. Slovenia

Flyers, In Case You Missed It:

Cutter Gauthier powers Team USA’s 3-0 win over Denmark.

Scott Laughton, Canada lose at Worlds.

Flyers associate coach Brad Shaw linked to Ducks head-coaching job.

Around The National Hockey Network:

Vegas Hockey Now: Not their best game, but Golden Knights go up 2-0 over Stars, with both wins in overtime.

Florida Hockey Now: Panthers have imposing 2-0 series lead over Hurricanes.

Calgary Hockey Now: Craig Conroy is the right man for the Flames’ GM job.

Detroit Hockey Now: Red Wings’ Joe Veleno (Team Canada) suspended five games for kicking at World Championships.

Montreal Hockey Now: Canadiens could target forward Ryan Leonard in draft, a player linked to the Flyers in several mock drafts.

Tonight’s Playoff Game:

Game 3: Hurricanes at Panthers, 8, TNT.