Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko got their chance to go head-to-head one more time before the 2019 NHL Draft.

The consensus top two prospects in the draft did not factor in the scoring when the United States beat Finland, 3-2, in overtime during the preliminary round of the IIHF World Championships in Slovakia.

Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings ended the game in overtime to help the United States earn its second win of the tournament, and Devils goalie Cory Schneider made 24 saves on 26 shots in the victory.

Here are a few quick takeaways from the performances by Hughes and Kakko.

Big difference in ice time

But if you were looking to see Hughes and Kakko on the ice together, you would have been hard pressed to do so on Monday.

Hughes played just 7:03, while Kakko logged 18:01.

Given the rosters of the two teams, the ice time differential isn’t too surprising. Hughes is playing on a United States team loaded with NHL talent, including centers Jack Eichel and Larkin. Even with his talent, he’s still a 17-year-old who hasn’t turned pro yet. Hughes isn’t going to play 20-plus minutes like he did in the U18 World Championships.

Meanwhile, Kakko is on a team with significantly less NHL talent, and he’s getting much more of an opportunity to show off his talent.

They did have two notable shifts against each other, however.

The two battled along the boards in the United States’ defensive zone during the second period. Hughes was able to cut off Kakko prior to a 2-on-2 battle along the boards, but Kakko eventually emerged with the puck to continue the shift.

They then went head-to-head on a 3-on-3 overtime shift, where Finland — and primarily Kakko — had the puck for the duration. Kakko bodied defenseman Ryan Suter before creating a scoring chance in front of the net.

Kakko shows off his strength

Regardless of who he skated against, Kakko showed he can handle the physical aspects of the game.

He was incredibly tough on the boards, particularly with the puck on his stick, showing off his ability to emerge from those battles to keep plays alive.

And while he wasn’t able to build on the five goals he scored over the first two games, Kakko posted six shots. He’s not afraid to let it rip from anywhere in the offensive zone, and he works hard to create those chances whenever possible.

Kakko nearly got on the scoresheet in regulation with some strong passing. He attempted to hit a teammate at the right post with a backdoor pass. The shot would have had Schneider beat, but the Finnish skater was unable to connect on Kakko’s pass.

His overtime shift against Suter was particularly impressive. He practically toyed with an NHL defenseman while skating the puck around the offensive zone before creating space for a shot attempt.

Hughes’ last day as a 17-year-old

Hughes is easy to notice on the ice, since he’s still required to wear a full face guard since he isn’t 18 years old yet.

That will change for the United States’ next game, since Hughes turns 18 on Tuesday.

And while he’s not getting a ton of ice time to still make an impact, Hughes is still getting his chances.

Hughes’ best scoring chance came in the first period, when he crashed the net on a rush following a Clayton Keller shot. Finnish goalie Veini Vehvilainen made the stop but bobbled the puck, allowing Hughes to get his stick on it. He got a pair of shots off at the right post, with one hitting Vehvilainen’s pad and the other being deflected high out of play, though a whistle blew the play dead, so he wasn’t credited with any shots.

The United States’ next three games are against Great Britain, Denmark and Germany before the team wraps up preliminary game against Canada. Those three games are against some weaker hockey countries, so Hughes might get a little more of a chance to make an impact before the team turns to the medal round.

Chris Ryan may be reached at cryan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisRyan_NJ. Find NJ.com Devils on Facebook.