Saturday, May 6, 2017
5:00 p.m. local time

COLOGNE, Germany -- Team USA awoke this morning in an upbeat mood despite dropping a tough 2-1 decision to Germany here last night in the opening game of the 2017 IIHF Men’s World Championship.

An optional skate was on the team’s agenda today. Goaltenders Jimmy HowardConnor Hellebuyck and Cal Peterson hit the ice with forwards J.T. CompherAndrew Copp, and Anders Bjork, and defenseman Daniel Brickley. Coaches Seth Appert and Rand Pecknold led the group through a 45-minute skate at the practice arena, which is a short walk or bus ride from LAXNESS Arena. Sweden, Italy and Denmark have their permanent lockerrooms at the practice arena, while the other five teams, including the U.S., have their lockerrooms at LAXNESS Arena, which is the competition venue here.

Other players were at the rink to use the gym and get treatments, while the coaching staff worked on preparation for tomorrow’s game against Denmark and watched games being played here in the tournament today.

It’s a beautiful day in Cologne, the first sunny day since Team USA arrived. Many players and staff ventured out and about the city, some choosing to rent bikes to see the sites.

The team will have a meeting later tonight to discuss tomorrow afternoon’s game vs. Denmark (4:15 p.m. local/10:15 a.m. ET live on NHL Network).

Small samplings

• Team USA fired 43 shots on goal last night against Germany, including 10 by Jack Eichel and seven from Johnny Gaudreau

• Bill Guerin, part of the U.S. Men’s National Team management group for the 2017 IIHF Men’s World Championship arrived yesterday and his here for the next three days. Guerin is the assistant general manager of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.

• Jacob Trouba played 24:05 in last night’s game against Germany, the most of any player in the contest.

• Autograph seekers are a regular site, including outside hotels and arena entrances and exits.

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Inside Story With Team USA alternate captain Dylan Larkin

Favorite hockey moment
Playing in my first NHL game and winning the U18 world championship are my two favorite moments for sure. Hope to be adding another world championship here in Germany.

Best thing about hockey
Scoring goals and winning

Favorite Olympic sport outside of hockey
Love the Olympics overall. Really enjoyed watching swimming and track and field in the last Summer Games. Lot of history there.

Best Movie You’ve Seen Recently
Hacksaw Ridge

Go To Warm-Up Music
Rap or Hip Hop

My Pre-Game Meal
Chicken and penne pasta with palomino sauce