The2016 World Cup of Hockeyhas officially kicked off for Team USA and LA Kings fans.
Three Kings players are set to make their World Cup debuttonightin dramatic fashion, when Team USA plays Team Canada for the first of three exhibition matches.
Kings starting goaltenderJonathan Quickwill be tasked to start in net and defend against long-time teammates and top Kings defensemenDrew DoughtyandJake Muzzin.
According toESPN, however, Team USA coach John Tortorella will only allow Quick to play either half the game or two periods.
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltenderBen Bishopis expected to replace him for the remainder of the game.
Canada will counter with star goalieCarey Price, who is coming off a nearly year-long absence from play due toinjury.
Quick is no stranger to being the go-to goaltender for Team USA in international competition.
“Obviously no matter when you play — preseason, regular season, playoff, World Cup — doesn’t matter,” Quick said. “You’re always trying to help your team win.
Drew Doughty on Quick: "If there's a whistle or something & I'm driving by him then I'll definitely say something & try & get in his head"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters)September 9, 2016
Quick previously served as the main starting netminder during the Vancouver and Sochi Olympics, in 2010 and 2014 respectively.
Friday’s exhibition game is the first of two back-to-back games against Team Canada.
Cory Schneiderof the New Jersey Devils is set to start in net for the team tomorrow.
Meanwhile, other Kings have already made their debuts.
Team Europe captainAnze KopitarandMarian Gaborikplayed for Team Europe on Thursday against the youthful Team North America.
It was anything but a smashingdebutfor Team Europe, who gave up three goals in a five minute span. They ultimately got shut-out 4-0 by Team North American starting goaltenderMatt Murray.
Captain@AnzeKopitaris battling.#TeamEUR#WCH2016pic.twitter.com/hLGeDl7Yny
— Team Europe (@TeamEUR_WCH)September 9, 2016
Fatigue may have been a factor in Team Europe’s performance.
Many players, including Anze Kopitar, had been playing for their respective countries in the Olympic qualifying tournament earlier this week.
Kopitar and Team Slovenia managed toclinchan Olympic berth at the Pyeongchang games in 2018.
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