The World Cup gets going at the top of the hour. At 3 PM in Toronto, USA takes on Team Europe in round robin play. The game can be seen on ESPN2.

Surprisingly, USA coach John Tortorella has decided to scratch Dustin Byfuglien. He will sit while American mainstay Jack Johnson will play on the blue line. That seems kind of funny. Tortorella coaches the Blue Jackets and is showing loyalty to his guy. Johnson has always represented USA and done well. Maybe he prefers his skating.

Tortorella tried Byfuglien at forward looking to use his size and strength to wreak havoc during tune ups. But Byfuglien is most effective as a defenseman. Right now, USA’s back end features Jack and Erik Johnson, John Carlson, Ryan McDonagh, Matt Niskanen and Ryan Suter. That set up gives three left and three right D. Something coaches prefer. Not sure if that’s the logic. But I don’t like it.

As for the forwards, Kyle Palmieri will sit. That means Justin Abelkader is in along with David Backes, Brandon Dubinsky, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, T.J. Oshie, Max Pacioretty, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Derek Stepan, James van Riemsdyk and Blake Wheeler.

As expected, Jonathan Quick gets the start with Cory Schneider backing up. Ben Bishop in reserve.

We’ll see how it goes today.