Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel finished with a game-high 10 shots, but it wasn't enough as The United States kicked off the 2017 IIHF World Hockey Championships with a 2-1 loss to Germany. Team USA outshot the Germans 43-27, including 20 shots in the third period, but a late goal from Patrick Hager proved to be the difference.
Eichel and his linemates Johnny Gaudreau [Flames] and Anders Lee [Islanders] combined for 22 shots and had what seemed like countless scoring chances from start to finish.
That Lee-Eichel-Gaudreau line ??
All over Germany with their speed. #IIHFWorlds
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— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) May 5, 2017
It clearly wasn't how the Americans wanted to kick off the tournament, but when looking at the game through an Eichel microscope there was a lot to like. He was all over the place and single-handedly generated plenty of chances for Team USA. Sure, you would like to see those chances go in, but sometimes the bounces don't go your way.
Kudos to New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss -- he was outstanding and deserves some sort of statue after his performance on Friday.
The United States will have to wait two days for a shot at redemption -- they take on Denmark Sunday at 4:15 p.m.
Sticking with the Sabres -- Ryan O'Reilly kicked off the scoring for Canada in a 4-1 win over the Czech Republic. O'Reilly buried a perfect pass from linemate Mark Scheifele. Canada is looking to win their third straight title. Russia and free agent defenseman Viktor Antipin started the tournament with a win, knocking off Sweden 2-1 in a shootout.
We have a #ROR goal ?
Early 1-0 lead for Canada vs. Czech Republic. #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/uDf0H4qPtZ
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) May 5, 2017
