USA falls to Russia in World Junior Championships

Team USA fell to 1-1 in the International Ice Hockey Federation's World Junior Championships, falling to Russia, 2-1, Friday morning in Ufa, Russia.

The Americans knew that playing against the host team would likely be a struggle, and their fears were realized early when they fell behind 1-0 in the first period. Team USA spent the majority of the period on the penalty kill and had few scoring opportunities.

Jacob Trouba scored the only goal for the Americans in the second period to tie the game, but the Russians fired back early in the third period with the game winner.

Flyers prospect Shayne Gostisbehere, who scored a goal in the Americans' 8-0 rout of German a day earlier, was again one of the standout stars in the game for Team USA. The puck-moving defenseman was constantly in motion and took the puck to the net any chance he got.

Gostisbehere, a third round pick in the 2012 draft, was having a good sophmore year at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., and has impressed Flyers director of player development Ian Laperriere with his performance on the international stage thus far.

The Inquirer's Sam Carchidi reports,

"Laperriere said Gostisbehere reminds him of a young Duncan Keith, a 29-year-old standout defenseman with the Chicago Blackhawks who is known for his stellar two-way play.

'I'm not saying he's him yet, but I like the way he wants the puck,' Laperriere said. 'Every chance he gets, he moves into the [offensive] play, sometimes too much. But I'd rather see someone who wants to get involved than the other way around.'"  [For the full story click HERE]

Team USA gets a break tomorrow but will be back early Sunday morning at 4:30 a.m. when it faces off against Team Canada, which leads Group B with a 2-0 mark.

All of the games will be broadcasted live on NHL Network, and will be replayed in the evening. For the full TV schedule visit USA Hockey.