Spencer Knight is one of the most well-known players in the United States.
He is doing his third JVM and was the first goalkeeper to be picked in the draft last year and most likely has many years ahead of him in the world's best league.
Tonight's premiere against the eternal rival Russia, he probably wants to forget as soon as possible.
The goalkeeper was replaced halfway into the second period.
Then Russia had pulled away to 4-1 after two quick goals if caused by less successful passes from the goalkeeper.
Legends in the Russian booth
Knight should of course not be blamed entirely.
The Russian leadership was well deserved.
The parallel draw to the 80's Soviet red machine is always a bit close at hand when a Russian national team puts a few passes in a row.
But last night that parable was not too far-fetched.
Igor Larionov is on the bench as the head of the Russian team.
It is no wild guess that he has a lot to do with the bubbling attack hockey that the Russians showed.
The United States woke up late
When the Americans looked the most calculated, the wind turned.
At the end of the match, they also offered equal resistance.
A couple of unnecessary Russian expulsions later, it was suddenly 4-3.
Even if it was not enough all the way, the American finish bodes well for the rest of the tournament for them.