Byfuglien, Palmieri scratched for US in World Cup opener
TORONTO (AP) Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien and forward Kyle Palmieri are the odd men out for the United States in its World Cup of Hockey opener against Team Europe.
Coach John Tortorella announced his lineup Saturday, confirming also that goaltender Cory Schneider will not dress.
Scratching Byfuglien means the U.S. won't have his big shot on the power play. The decision comes after the Winnipeg Jets all-star played forward in the final exhibition game.
Palmieri out means Justin Abdelkader will play against Europe. Tortorella says Abdelkader will be counted on to kill penalties and likes that the Detroit Red Wings forward brings grit around the net.
Jonathan Quick starts in goal for the U.S., and Ben Bishop will back up. Jaroslav Halak starts for Europe.
