Canada drew first blood in their World Cup of Hockey final against Team Europe.
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Canada drew first blood in their World Cup of Hockey final against Team Europe.
The tournament hosts enjoyed a 3-1 victory on home ice in Toronto and are now just one more win away from retaining the title they won in 2004.
Brad Marchand put the Canadians ahead in game one of the best of three finale and soon afterwards Steven Stamkos doubled their lead to cap off a fine first period.
Team Europe, which is a medley of players from eight different countries and a rank outsider before the event began 10 days ago, pulled one back in the second period thanks to Slovakian Tomas Tatar.
But Canadian keeper Carey Price would not be beaten again on the night.
Two time reigning Olympic champions Canada put the game to bed in the third period.
Patrice Bergeron made the most of a superb backhand pass from the team’s star player Sidney Crosby to nail his third goal of the tournament.
Game 2 of the best-of-three Cup final takes place on Thursday and if necessary, Game 3 would be played on Saturday, October 1.