Jonathan Quick went into the World Cup exhibition schedule as the favorite to start for Team USA, and he did nothing to cast any doubt.
In two pre-tournament appearances, Quick stopped 62 of the 65 shots he faced (.954). He was especially brilliant in beating Team Canada last Friday in Columbus, turning aside 29 of 30 shots.
Head coach John Tortorella confirmed today that Quick, a two-time Stanley Cup winner for the Los Angeles Kings, will be in goal when the Americans begin group play tomorrow against Team Europe. Ben Bishop is expected to back up, after Cory Schneider struggled in his only exhibition appearance.
The way things went in pre-tournament action, if Team USA has any chance of winning the World Cup, Quick could be the key.
“I mean, he can outright steal a game that swings the whole tournament,” said defenseman Matt Niskanen, per NHL.com. “It’s completely a real possibility that he not only makes all the easy saves and makes it look easy, but there’s going to be a couple doozies in there that could swing momentum. He has that ability for sure.”