By Logan Swinkels
USA Head Coach John Tortorella is under fire again after deciding to bench defender Dustin Byfuglien for the World Cup of Hockey opener versus Team Europe.
Byfuglien’s physical presence and booming slapshot was sorely missed in a game where the European team embarrassed them.
Despite outshooting their opponents 35-17, the Americans never really got their attack going as Team Europe’s goalie Jaroslav Halak shut the door on their superstars.
It looked as if James van Riemsdyk had one, but upon video review it was disallowed for intentionally hitting the puck into the net with his body.
The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army continued to blare out with each passing Team Europe goal.
Marian Gaborik, Leon Draisaitl and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare all scoring on a seemingly frustrated Jonathan Quick, who had little help from his defense.
Team Europe win 3-0.
USA’s next game is versus Canada on Wednesday (12pm NZT). In this tight 8-team format, every game is crucial. If they falter again, their chances of making the semi-finals will be close to statistically crushed.
Watch the highlights from the World Cup of Hockey opener in the video above.
Newshub.