World Juniors: USA Lineup vs. Finland

The U.S. National Junior team begins its quest for Gold Medal on Friday at 3 p.m. with a preliminary round game against defending World Junior champion Finland. The game can be seen live throughout the United States on NHL Network and also online at NHL.com.

With the announcement of today's lines for the Finland game, forward Anthony Louis and defenseman Ryan Collins are the team's two scratches. As expected Thatcher Demko gets the nod in net with Brandon Halverson backing him up. Alex Nedeljkovic will be the third goaltender.

One of the major strengths of the U.S. team is how deep the team is at the center position. Captain Jack Eichel will be the top line center with top 2016 NHL Draft prospect Auston Matthews centering the second line. A pair of Michigan Wolverines, Dylan Larkin and J.T. Compher, will center the third and fourth lines.

Forwards

Chase De Leo - Jack Eichel - Alex Tuch
Sonny Milano - Auston Matthews - Nick Schmaltz
Tyler Motte - Dylan Larkin - Hudson Fasching
Miles Wood - J.T. Compher - John Hayden

Defensemen

Will Butcher - Brandon Carlo
Noah Hanifin - Ian McCoshen
Zach Werenski - Anthony DeAngelo

Goaltenders

Thatcher Demko - Brandon Halverson

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on Twitter @JeffCoxSports.