Team USA scratches Jack Johnson, Brandon Dubinsky vs. Canada

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Tuesday, September 20, 2016

TORONTO -- Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien and forward Kyle Palmieri will replace Jack Johnson and Brandon Dubinsky in the United States lineup for a showdown against Canada at the World Cup of Hockey.

Coach John Tortorella says Byfuglien and Palmieri will be on the power play as the U.S. seeks its first goal of the tournament. Those players were healthy scratches for the opening game against Team Europe, a 3-0 loss.

Jonathan Quick is expected to start in goal with Ben Bishop backing up.

Tortorella says he has to separate his NHL job from this decision in scratching Johnson and Dubinsky, two of his Columbus Blue Jackets players. He says his focus is on this tournament and winning this game.

The U.S. must defeat Canada on Tuesday night to avoid elimination.