USA upset by host Slovakia in opener at World Championship

Slovakia defeated the United States in front of a raucous home crowd by a score of 4-1 in its opening contest at the 2019 IIHF World Championship on Friday.

Matus Sukel led the way with one goal and one assist, while Tomas Tatar, Erik Cernak, and Michal Kristof also found the back of the net for Slovakia.

Netminder Patrik Rybar made 25 saves for the host nation, while Alex DeBrincat scored the lone marker for the U.S.

Cory Schneider turned aside 32 shots for the Americans in his first game on the international stage since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Jack Hughes, the projected first-overall pick at the 2019 NHL Draft, recorded two shots on goal in 13:30 of ice time in his tournament debut.

Slovakia will look to continue its strong play against Finland on Saturday, while the U.S. will look to bounce back against France on Sunday.

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