AFP, LOS ANGELESTeam USA came out the blocks firing blanks on Saturday as they were outskated and outworked in a 3-0 upset loss to Team Europe in the opening game of the World Cup of Hockey. “That’s one aspect that nobody would have given us credit for is how well we can play offensively,” Team Europe coach Ralph Krueger said. Europe next face Team Czech Republic today in Group A action of the World Cup, which was also held in 1996 and 2004. Some think the revival of the World Cup could become a substitute for the Olympic hockey tournament if the International Ice Hockey Federation cannot convince the NHL to shut down for two weeks in the middle of the season for the 2018 Winter Games. The Americans get a chance to rebound when they face top-ranked Team Canada tomorrow.

Source: Taipei Times September 18, 2016 15:56 UTC