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Team Europe stuns U.S. at World Cup of Hockey

Team Europe's Leon Draisaitl takes a pass and is about to score on American goalkeeper Jonathan Quick in the second period Saturday.
(Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
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Marian Gaborik, Leon Draisaitl and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare scored, Jaroslav Halak made 35 saves and Team Europe upset the United States, 3-0, on Saturday in a stunning opening game at the World Cup of Hockey.

Playing his first game since March 8 because of a groin injury, Halak was up to the task, especially in the third period.

Jonathan Quick allowed three goals on 17 shots but fell victim to blunders in front of him. A mistake by defenseman Ryan McDonagh allowed Europe to get a 2-on-1 rush for Gaborik’s goal, and a turnover by Hart Trophy winner Patrick Kane set up a 2-on-0 for Draisaitl’s.

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The U.S. outshot Europe 35-17, went 0 for 4 on the power play and had a goal disallowed.

Losing in regulation puts the Americans in a deep hole with only two games left in the preliminary round.

The Americans face favored Canada on Tuesday night.

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