It was a come-from-behind victory for Slovenia, who trailed the Americans until the 46th minute, when Blaž Gregorc scored to reduce the US lead to 2:1.

The come-back was complete less than two minutes to go in regulation, with Jan Muršak equalising the score to 2:2 and forcing overtime.

Slovenia was quick to score and secure the win in overtime, as Muršak scored again only 38 seconds into the extra time to secure what was only the nation's third win at the Winter Olympics.

Slovenia will play Russia on Friday and wrap up the preliminary round in Group B against Slovakia on Saturday.

This is the Slovenian team's second appearance at the Winter Olympics. In their first appearance in Sochi, Slovenia made it to the quarter finals, where they were defeated by Sweden.