The 2019 IIHF World Championships kicked off today in Slovakia. A Canadian roster stacked with NHL talent fell to Finland by a score of 3-1 in the first game of the day for Group A. Brandon Montour got caught out of position on Finland’s first goal, while Sam Reinhart was held pointless. Elsewhere, Russia topped Norway 5-2.
Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel recorded one assist in the United States’ 4-1 loss to Slovakia; he was also part of his team’s top power-play unit. Finally, the Czech Republic narrowly defeated Sweden by a score of 5-2.