The preliminary round of the 2024 IIHF World Championships in Czechia is wrapping up on Tuesday. In games of Flyers-related interest, Team USA skated to a 6-3 win over Latvia, while Sweden is leading Slovakia (as of this writing) in the later-starting Group B game.

In the USA vs. Latvia game, the Americans built a 4-1 lead early in the third period. However, the Latvians stormed back from two closely spaced goals to narrow the gap to 3-3 with 15 minutes left in the final stanza. Shane Pinto (Ottawa Senators) restored some breathing room for Team USA.

Finally, with Team USA killing a Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets) cross-checking penalty and Latvia attacking 6-on-4, Flyers left winger Joel Farabee got behind the defense with an empty net staring at him. Farabee was slashed on the hand from behind in desperation by Janis Jaks. Farabee's altered shot attempt missed the net. The referee, however, correctly signaled for a goal.

The refs say GOALLLL!

Farabee scores with 45 seconds left on an empty net to give the US an extra insurance goal! 🚨 #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/wTBJGfDBi0

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 21, 2024

Under IIHF rules, this is an automatic goal because a penalty shot cannot be awarded against an empty net. Farabee was credited with a shorthanded empty net goal for his first tally of the tournament. He has two points (1g, 1a) through seven games. Farabee has been skating for the last three games on a five-on-five line with former Flyers center Kevin Hayes and Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras.

Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson, who started three of Sweden's first six games, is backing up Minnesota Wild netminder Filip Gustavsson in their game against Slovakia. Tre Kronor leads, 1-0, at the first intermission.

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