HERNING, Denmark (AP) — Cam Atkinson scored the winner for the United States to prevail over Canada 5-4 after a penalty shootout in their opening game at the world ice hockey championship on Friday.
Dylan Larkin also scored twice for the United States to hand Canada a bitter start to its quest for a third world title in four years.
Olympic champion Russia thrashed France 7-0.
At 4-3 down, Canada captain Connor McDavid found defenseman Colton Parayko between the circles to equalize with 9:12 remaining.
In overtime, both teams wasted a power play, and the game was decided in the shootout.
Later Friday, defending champion Sweden played Belarus, and Olympic runner-up Germany faced host Denmark.