USA beats France 7-2 in WC premiere

A fairly entertaining and fast-moving game ended with a fully-expected result. Although the 7-2 score might be a bit flattering to the USA, it was important for the Americans to get some goals and success in scoring in the first game.

The game started with some wild coast-to-coast play. France opened the scoring when Nicolas Besch scored 12 minutes into the first period after some nice passing from Yohan Auvitu and Laurent Meunier, on a play that US goalie Jimmy Howard looked a bit nervous. But the French lead only lasted some four and a half minutes before Kyle Okposo managed to equalize with a nice breakaway goal, on which French goalie Cristobal Huet had no chance.

In the second period, France took too many penalties and the Americans took control of the game when Jack Johnson and Bobby Ryan scored on power plays. France came still back into the game with Bellemare's goal, but when Max Pacioretty scored at the end of the period it was pretty much clear that France wouldn't come back anymore.

In the third period, USA's skill and routine came out and France couldn't respond. As well, Huet wasn't at his best anymore in the late going. Goals from Jim Slater, Kyle Okposo and Jeff Petry finalized the game. Team USA had three players with three points: Max Pacioretty 1+2, Paul Stastny 0+3 and Justin Faulk 0+3.

France will have their most important game on Sunday when they play against Kazakhstan. USA will face their northern neighbor when they play against Canada on Saturday evening.