Marian Gaborik

Marian Gaborik scores to give Europe 1-0 lead over USA (Video)

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Thanks to a Marian Gaborik goal, Team Europe leads Team USA 1-0.

Entering the World Cup of Hockey, the United States expect to contend. Their start to the tournament was less than ideal. Team Europe, consisting of players from Europe whose countries don’t have a team at the World cup, scored early thanks to a beautiful finish from Marian Gaborik.

That play starts thanks to a beautiful feed from Detroit Red Wings forward Frans Nielsen. He fooled Team USA’s defense, who got caught off guard. Ryan McDonagh pinched up and Derek Stepan did not play that two on one by Europe efficiently. Matt Niskanen got fooled by Nielsen’s pass as well.

Hell of a dish from Nielsen to setup Gaborik's goal pic.twitter.com/Qx7M3MVt6U

— Kyle M. (@KyleWIIM) September 17, 2016

Gaborik hopes to rebound for the Los Angeles Kings after a very rough 2015-16 season. His 12 goals were his fewest in any season with at least 50 games played. Gaborik also set a career low with 22 points while playing in 51 games. The Kings expect more from Gaborik, who helped lead the Kings to the Stanley Cup in 2013-14.

Despite his bad season, expect Gaborik to bounce back if he can stay healthy. In 933 NHL games, he has 773 points. He has spent time with the Kings, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Minnesota Wild. Gaborik got his start with the Wild after being drafted with the third overall pick of the 2000 NHL Draft.

Team USA must improve their defense in front of Jonathan Quick if they want to win. That will be difficult because head coach John Tortorella decided to scratch Dustin Byfuglien. Byfuglien is one of America’s best defensemen. Team USA had a terrible exit at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. If they don’t improve quickly, they could have a similar disappointing exit.

Europe did not look good in exhibition games. However, through the first 12 minutes of the first period, they have dominated Team USA.