One of five players on the U.S. Men's National Team that spent the 2014-15 season playing college hockey, Dylan Larkin began to find his offensive rhythm in Friday's 1-0 victory over Denmark.

The 18-year old University of Michigan center was aggressive in the offensive zone, put pucks on net and nearly scored a highlight reel goal with the the U.S. shorthanded midway through the first period.

His backhand move on Danish goalie Sebastian Dahm was barely denied.

"I got the puck in the slot and the defenseman looked tired so I decided to go after them with as much speed as possible," Larkin said of the effort which nearly opened the scoring. "I thought I had him, but the goalie made a nice play to kick the puck away."

Larkin, a native of Waterford, Michigan, who was drafted 15th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, had other good opportunities, contributed three shots on goal, and logged 16:47 of ice time.

U.S. Head Coach Todd Richards showed confidence in his young center as

Larkin played 7:07 in the third period of a tight contest, more than

any other U.S. forward.

"I think I played well, was moving my feet, had a few good shots and would have liked to put one in the net" Larkin said. "It's pretty tough at this level, but I just have to keep building as the tournament goes on."

Richards praised the rising young talent.

"I'm impressed by how he plays the game as a young player who is making great strides," Richards said. "For me as a coach, the more you watch him, the more you trust him. He's a great skater, has speed and is a committed two-way player, who plays a 200-foot game."

The six-foot, 172 pound, left-handed shooter notched 47 points (15G, 32A) in his freshman year at Michigan. Larkin, who was a member of the U.S. Men's National Under-18 Team that won gold last year, is playing with and against NHL players for the first time at this tournament.

"You've got to go hard in the dirty areas, the corners and in front of the net to win battles, and especially on faceoffs," Larkin said regarding keys to success at this level. "All these guys are men and it's been a good learning experience playing against them."

Larkin's teammate, Brock Nelson, said he has been impressed with the 18-year-old's skill set.

"He's a smart hockey player and he's got a lot of speed," said Nelson, a member of the New York Islanders, who leads Team USA in scoring. "He's a good skater with great hands. He's only been here a week and he's gotten better every game."

Although It is uncertain when Larkin will make his NHL debut, Richards is convinced that the future is bright.

"As he gets older and more experienced playing against older players and men, he's going to get much, much better," Richards said. "This kid is going to be a really good player in the NHL."