HELSINKI (AP) — The United States has defeated France 7-2 in the first game of the International Ice Hockey World Championships in Helsinki.
France’s Nicolas Besch opened the scoring in the 12th minute, but four minutes later New York Islanders’ Kyle Okposo equalized, assisted by Ryan Lasch and Justin Faulk, in the first of his two goals in the game.
Four goals in quick succession in the 2nd period, by Jack Johnson, Bobby Ryan, French forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Max Pacioretty gave the Americans a 4-2 lead over the French.
Winnipeg Jets’ Jim Slater started the third period scoring at 45 minutes, followed by Okposo and Edmonton Oilers’ defender Jeff Petry.
Later Friday Canada meets Slovakia.
