The U.S. held a slight 10-8 lead in shots on goal after 20 minutes, but it was the visiting Capitols who got on the board first. Defenseman Colton Jamieson was the recipient of a nice passing display off an odd-man rush to get on the board with 3:32 to play in the period. 

Madison controlled the tempo of the second period, doubling up the U18s in shots, 14-7. But USA netminder Nick Kempf (Chicago, Ill.) was up to the task, turning aside all 14 in the middle frame for a two-period total of 21 stops. 

The Caps piled on four goals in the final 20 minutes, including a pair of scores from NTDP alum Austin Burnevik to extend the lead to 3-0. The St. Cloud State commit rang a late shot off the post in an attempt for his second hat-trick of the season.

Diego Johnson and Ronan O'Donnell also lit the lamp for Madison in the 5-0 final.

Kempf finished with 29 saves and took the loss for just the second time in has last seven appearances. 

The U18s finish out their weekend trio at home tomorrow afternoon against the Green Bay Gamblers. Puck drop is set for 4:00 p.m. from USA Hockey Arena.