Butcher gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead 7:42 into the game’s opening period. The play started when a turnover in the U.S. zone created a shorthanded three-on-one rush for the U.S. that saw Sonny Milano (Massapequa, N.Y.) dish the puck across the slot to Derek Ryan (Spokane, Wash.) who slid it back to Butcher for the tap-in goal.

Team USA doubled its lead with 7:27 left in the first frame when Cam Atkinson (Riverside, Conn.) deflected a shot from the point by Butcher and into the back of the net.

Denmark halved the U.S. advantage in the final minute of the period as Team USA took a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.

Dylan Larkin (Waterford, Mich.) restored a two-goal lead for Team USA at 3:54 of the second stanza. The goal came after Butcher sent a breakout pass to Patrick Kane (Buffalo, N.Y.) who entered the Danish zone before firing a cross-ice pass to Larkin where he gathered the puck and converted short side for the score.

Denmark again cut the U.S. lead in half with another tally with 6:28 remaining in the middle frame. Team USA would hold onto the 3-2 lead after 40 minutes.

Both teams traded power-play opportunities in the final period, but neither could convert as Team USA held on for the 3-2 win.

Keith Kinkaid (Farmingville, N.Y.) played the first two periods in net for the U.S. before Scott Darling (Lemont, Ill.) stopped every shot he faced in relief during the final stanza.

Team USA opens the competition vs. Canada Friday (May 4) at 10:15 a.m. ET. That contest will be televised live in the U.S. on NHL Network.

NOTES: Cam Atkinson (Riverside, Conn.) was named the U.S. Player of the Game ... Dylan Larkin (Waterford, Mich.) and Connor Murphy (Dublin, Ohio) have been tabbed alternate captains alongside captain Patrick Kane (Buffalo, N.Y.) ... The initial 23-player roster for the 2018 U.S. Men's National Team was named this past Saturday (April 28) and includes three goaltenders, seven defensemen and 13 forwards. For the full roster, click here ... Jeff Blashill (Detroit Red Wings) is serving as head coach for the second straight year ... The staff and players of the 2018 U.S. Men's National Team are selected by Bill Zito (Columbus Blue Jackets), general manager of the 2018 U.S. Men's National Team along with members of the U.S. Men's National Team Advisory Group that includes Stan Bowman (Chicago Blackhawks), David Poile (Nashville Predators), Ray Shero (New Jersey Devils), Dale Tallon (Florida Panthers), and Jeff Gorton (New York Rangers) ... For complete coverage of the U.S. Men’s National Team, visit teamusa.usahockey.com/2018mensworlds … The official online home of the 2018 IIHF Men’s World Championship is 2018.IIHFWorlds.com … The U.S. has finished in the top four of the world championship in three of the last five years ... USA Hockey's international council, chaired by Gavin Regan (Potsdam, N.Y.), has oversight responsibilities for all U.S. national teams.