#WCH2016 tonight: USA vs. Europe and Canada vs. Czech Republic
The games matter now because before, it didn’t. Not really.
With the World Cup exhibition play behind us, the real thing kicks off this afternoon. There are two preliminary round games on today.
Team USA vs. Team Europe
3:30 p.m. Eastern, ESPN2
Lightning players on Team USA: Ben Bishop, who will dress and back up Jonathan Quick
USA lineup updates: The lineup for this afternoon.
Here's Team USA's lineup for today vs. Europe via USAH. Schneider, Byfuglien, Palmieri scratched. Quick starts pic.twitter.com/agkV7FRH5t
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) September 17, 2016
In a move that makes everyone go WTF? Dustin Byfuglien will not dress in favor of the Johnsons for reasons probably because John Tortorella is Jack Johnson’s NHL head coach. I don’t know. Cory Schneider and Kyle Palmieri are also scratched.
Dustin Byfuglien was the top scoring American defenseman in the NHL last season. Kyle Palmieri scored 30 goals.
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) September 17, 2016
Palmieri was the late addition for the Americans, taking Ryan Callahan’s spot. But Byfuglien? The guy with size who can put up the points over the one who has issues in the defensive zone? -16 last season? Someone please explain.
Lightning players on Team Europe: None
Europe lineup updates: Jaroslav Halak will get the start in goal. The scratches: Mikkel Boedker, Luca Sbisa
EUR: Tatar-Kopitar-Hossa, Gaborik-Nielsen-Zuke, Nino-Draisaitl-Rieder, Vanek-Bellemare-Hansen; Josi-Seids, Chara-Sekera, Ehrhoff-Streit
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) September 17, 2016
Stories to hold you over before the game:
- Why I can’t root for Team USA
- Team USA may never get better chance at World Cup
- Coach Krueger’s strange journey to the World Cup
- Team Europe vets want to impress NHL suitors/
They said it:
Team Europe coach Ralph Krueger before today's #WCOH2016 opener v Team USA: "We're ready to look America in the eyes."
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) September 17, 2016
Team Canada vs. Team Czech Republic
8 p.m. Eastern, ESPNEWS
Lightning players on Team Canada: Steven Stamkos
Canada lineup updates: Braden Holtby, Jake Muzzin and Claude Giroux are the scratches
Shea Weber on ice for skate, paired with Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Jay Bouwmesester and Drew Doughty. Alex Pietrangelo and Brent Burns.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) September 17, 2016
Lightning players on Team Czech Republic: Ondrej Palat, Andrej Sustr
Czech Republic lineup updates: Staying quiet on starting goalie
Team Czech Republic still mum on starting goalie vs. Team Canada, but signs point to Michal Neuvirth: https://t.co/DoVyxxR3lm
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) September 17, 2016
Stories to hold you over before the game:
- Team Czech out to prove doubters wrong
- Czech Republic embraces underdog role
- Team Canada full of confidence/
They said it:
Asked Joe Thornton about player and puck tracking at #WCH2016: "I'm comfortable with my game so I don't care what a chip has to tell me."
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) September 17, 2016
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