BUFFALO, N.Y. — The U.S. hockey team opened its defense of the world junior title the way it closed last year’s tournament — with a thrilling overtime win.

Nick Bjugstad scored with 1:52 left in overtime and the U.S. beat Finland 3-2 on Sunday night.

Bjugstad snapped a wrist shot past goalie Joni Ortio, who stopped 27 of 30 shots.

“I think it was a hard win, but one that will be good for us,” Team USA coach Keith Allain said.

Goalie Jack Campbell stopped 32 of 34 shots. Justin Faulk and Jason Zucker also scored for the U.S. while Joonas Nattinen and Iiro Pakarinen — who tied the game with 7:01 left in the third — tallied for Finland.

Team USA took a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal as Faulk’s slap shot from the point sailed over Ortio’s shoulder at 18:54 of the first period.

Finland broke through at 13:50 of the second after Campbell misplayed the puck behind his net. Toni Rajala chipped the puck from Campbell, and then sent a pass to Nattinen who evened the game at 1-1.

Just a minute, 18 seconds later, Zucker gave the US a 2-1 lead. Chris Brown’s forecheck caused a turnover deep in the Finland zone. Zucker pounced on the loose puck and beat Ortio on the short side.

Team USA won last year’s title with a 6-5 overtime win over Canada - beating Finland in the quarterfinals on its way to the title.