KOSICE, Slovakia -- The United States rebounded from an upset loss to Slovakia in the opening game at the ice hockey world championship by routing France 7-1 on Sunday.

After losing 4-1 to the host, the U.S. was not ready for another upset. Alex DeBrincat scored twice and Frank Vatrano added one in less than two minutes to set the pace early in the opening period for the U.S. to take command in the Group A game in Kosice.

Colin White also had two goals while Patrick Kane, who captained the Americans to the bronze medal at last year's worlds in Denmark, scored his first goal in Slovakia and added an assist.

Chris Kreider added one for the U.S. while Anthony Rech had a consolation goal for France.

The U.S. next faces Finland on Monday.

In the Group B game in Bratislava, star-studded Russia recorded its second straight win after blanking Austria 5-0. Evgenii Dadonov led Russia with two goals for the second consecutive game, and Nikita Kucherov had a goal and an assist. Alexandar Georgiev made 15 saves for the shutout.

Later on Sunday, Canada faces Britain while Denmark plays Germany in Group A. Two-time defending champion Sweden takes on Italy and Switzerland meets Latvia in Group B.

The home teams have now won both Game 1s of the conference final round, as the San Jose Sharks looked dominant in their 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues.

Here's what happened in the NHL last night (check out replays of every playoff game on ESPN+) and what to watch for today, in today's edition of ESPN Stanley Cup Playoffs Daily:

Jump ahead: Last night's game | Three stars
Play of the night | Today's game | Social post of the day

About last night ...

Game 1: San Jose Sharks 6, St. Louis Blues 3 (Sharks lead series, 1-0)

This one came way too easy for the Sharks. Both teams were coming off Game 7 wins, but the Sharks were playing at a different speed than the Blues, whether it was pressuring St. Louis players into turnovers or pouncing on offensive chances in the attacking zone. Logan Couture, Gustav Nyquist and Timo Meier continued their dominant play, Couture and Meier finished with two goals and an assist apiece. Kevin Labanc and Joe Pavelski -- on a 5-on-3 power play -- were the other goal scorers.

The Blues got tallies from Joel Edmundson, Ryan O'Reilly and Tyler Bozak, but otherwise turned the puck over too much (12 giveaways) while hanging Jordan Binnington "out to dry" according to forward Robert Thomas.

Three stars

1. Logan Couture, C, San Jose Sharks. Couture has the NHL postseason lead in goals (11) and points (17) after his three-point night in Game 1. This is just the third time in Sharks franchise history they've had a player reach 10 goals in a single postseason, and Couture has been that player twice.

2. Timo Meier, RW, San Jose Sharks. Meier was the complete package for the Sharks in Game 1. He used his defense and his physicality to overpower the Blues for a turnover that led to San Jose's first goal. He used his speed and stick handling to score their fourth goal on a partial breakaway. He had a little luck on his fifth goal, bouncing the puck off of defenseman Vince Dunn's skate. (He said he was aiming for Binnington.)

3. Ryan O'Reilly, C, St. Louis Blues. The center's second-period goal, on which he collected the puck and deked around Martin Jones to tuck it home, broke an eight-game goal drought for a player who had 28 of them in the regular season.

Play of the night

6:34PM #TimoTime>#PlayoffMode>pic.twitter.com/hGwfal8jFS - x - San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 12, 2019

Sometimes one goal can tell the story. The Blues giving the puck away on a Sharks' defensive play and then a San Jose forward, Meier in this case, making a great move to beat Jordan Binnington as his skaters let him down ... yeah, that's pretty much the epitome of Game 1.

Dud of the night

The Blues' parade of turnovers was a combination of sloppy puck management by the defense, poor puck support by the forwards and, to give credit where its due, terrific pressure from a tenacious Sharks team. Or as Blues coach Craig Berube put it: "We were too spread out. In playoff time, you have to have numbers around the puck. You have to have puck support. We didn't have enough support. Couldn't make enough 10-foot passes," he said. "We didn't manage the puck very well. And they check well."

On the schedule

Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins, Game 2, 3 p.m. ET (Bruins lead series, 1-0)

Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour would like you to read beyond the box score. "You look at the score and you're like, 'Wow, that was not good,'" he said of his team's 5-2 loss to the Bruins in Game 1. "A large chunk of that game was really positive for us. Really, a small fraction that wasn't very good. At the end of the day, it's 1-0 them, right? So, you move on."

So what has to change? The Hurricanes have to stay out of the penalty box against the best power play of the postseason (30 percent!), for one. On the other side, Boston gets defenseman Charlie McAvoy back after his one-game suspension.

Social post of the day

Nate Pavelski and Jagger Burns stealing the show from their dads. �� #PlayoffMode>pic.twitter.com/ZeIH5d9zIY - x - San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 12, 2019

Nate Pavelski and Jagger Burns get their Fortnite emotes going during Game 1. I had a conversation with Nate about Fortnite in the Sharks' locker room during the Avalanche series, as we're both aficionados, and it was at that moment I realized that every time I meet my demise in that game, it's probably at the hands of a 9-year-old.

Quotable

"He was a bull." -- Logan Couture on Timo Meier's performance in Game 1.

Robin van Persie says he wants to end his playing days with dignity on Sunday when he hangs up his boots after an 18-year career.

"The goal was go out with honour because football is my passion," the 35-year-old told Dutch media on Saturday before he plays his last game for Feyenoord against ADO Den Haag in Rotterdam.

Van Persie's 50 goals in 102 appearances make him the top goalscorer for the Netherlands national team and his club achievements include winning the FA Cup with Arsenal and the Premier League with Manchester United. He also played in Turkey before returning to his first professional club to see out his career, making the decision to retire one year ago already.

"I'm glad I made that choice already because I've had a whole year to get mentally prepared for retirement. If I had only taken the decision a few weeks ago, it would have been difficult to let it sink it in such a short period of time," he told a news conference.

Sunday was due to be the last round of the Dutch season before a change in fixtures, to accommodate Ajax Amsterdam in the Champions League, saw a round move to next Wednesday. But Van Persie plans to finish in front of family and friends at the Feyenoord Stadium.

After, he says he wants to find something to do in the game but not coaching.

"To become a coach means stress," he added. "If you do it the way Pep Guardiola does, you're busy with football day and night. And after three defeats, you are the head of Jut [a reference to an infamous 19th century Dutch murderer whose head was kept in a jar and was long on display in an anatomical museum.]

"Look at how Marco van Basten was treated as a coach. The magic disappeared. It's a hard business and first I'm getting away for a while."

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been named the Premier League Player of the Season.

Netherlands international Van Dijk has helped Liverpool, second in the table with one game remaining, to keep 20 clean sheets -- the best defensive record in the top division.

He won the award ahead of Anfield teammates Mohamed Salah -- who won last season -- and Sadio Mane, as well as Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling and Chelsea's Eden Hazard.

Congratulations, @VirgilvDijk! ?

VVD is the 2018/19 @premierleague Player of the Season. ?? pic.twitter.com/TeB2n7MZ57

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 12, 2019

The centre-back, who has missed only 35 minutes of league action this season and scored four goals, was chosen by votes from the 20 Premier League captains, a panel of experts and fans.

- Kuper: How Van Dijk became Liverpool's leader

Last month, Van Dijk, who joined Liverpool from Southampton for £75 million last January, won the PFA Player of the Year award.

The 27-year-old became the second consecutive Liverpool player to win the award after Salah was crowned Player of the Year 12 months ago.

He was the first defender to win it since Chelsea centre-back John Terry in 2005.

Colorado tied the Major League Soccer record for worst start to a season as the Rapids lost 3-2 to Real Salt Lake on Saturday at Commerce City, Colo.

The Rapids are 0-9-2 and have lost eight straight to equal Real Salt Lake's 11-match winless start in 2007 (0-5-6).

Real Salt Lake (4-6-1) squandered a 2-0 lead before Sam Johnson made it 3-2 in the 53rd minute. The advantage held six minutes later when Andrew Putna saved a Kei Kamara penalty.

The Rapids had a goal by Lalas Abubakar ruled offside in the 93rd minute.

Albert Rusnak and Corey Baird also scored for RSL. Kellyn Acosta and Danny Wilson had the Colorado goals.

Rusnak converted from the spot in the 25th minute for RSL after video review was used to call a foul on Sebastian Anderson for his challenge on Sebastian Saucedo.

RSL increased the lead to 2-0 in the 27th on the goal by Baird.

In the 33rd minute, Real Salt Lake defender Justen Glad was red-carded for his tackle of Jonathan Lewis, but the card was rescinded and Glad was issued a yellow card after video review.

The Rapids made it 2-1 in the third minute of first-half stoppage time. Lewis, acquired Tuesday in a trade with New York City FC, sent a ball lateral that Glad couldn't clear. Acosta ran onto the loose ball for the shot from 15 yards.

Colorado tied it 2-2 in the 47th minute when Wilson scored after a headed shot by Sam Nicholson off a corner kick hit the post.

RSL responded when Johnson converted a pass to the middle of the box by Damir Kreilach for the 3-2 lead that was in jeopardy when Donny Toia fouled Nicholson, but Putna had no trouble with Kamara's soft penalty try down the middle.

Real Salt Lake hosts Toronto FC on May 18. The Rapids play at the LA Galaxy on May 19.

New York City FC extended its unbeaten streak to seven games with a 2-0 victory over the LA Galaxy in a match marred by an incident between Galaxy striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

Ibrahimovic was held without a goal for the second consecutive game as Los Angeles' losing streak reached three games, and his frustration seemed to rise to the surface in the 87th minute when he grabbed Johnson on the side of the neck after his near goal. The players tumbled to the ground with both earning yellow cards.

Ibrahimovic's incident came a day after he was fined an undisclosed amount for diving in Wednesday's loss to the Columbus Crew. The Swedish striker also made news last week for alleged verbal threats and a post-match confrontation with Real Salt Lake defender Nedum Onuoha.

Saturday's match was the first time the Galaxy (7-4-1, 22 points) has lost at home this season in seven games.

NYCFC's goals came on when Heber struck first in the 44th minute, for his third on the season. Maximiliano Moralez added a score from the penalty spot six minutes into first-half stoppage time. It is the first time in team history NYCFC (4-1-6, 18 points) has won three consecutive road games.

Midfielder Anton Tinnerholm fired a left-footed shot that was turned away on a diving save by Galaxy goalkeeper David Bingham. Hebert jumped on the rebound and fired his own left-footed shot into the net.

Tinnerholm was at it again a few minutes later, earning a shot from the penalty kick when his cross into the penalty area rebounded off the raised arm of Uriel Antuna for a hand ball. Moralez delivered to the bottom left corner of the goal past a diving Bingham for his second tally of the season.

- Carlisle: Does MLS have a double-standard problem with Zlatan?

The Galaxy had multiple scoring chances in the 86th minute when Ibrahimovic and Chris Pontius both hit the crossbar.

The Galaxy's much-improved defense has been exposed of late. After giving up a combined eight goals in the first nine matches of the season, Los Angeles has allowed eight during its three-game skid.

The Galaxy was without offensive playmaker Jonathan Dos Santos, sidelined with a left hamstring injury that occurred during Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Columbus Crew. Also out for a third consecutive game was right back Julian Araujo (ankle).

Mumbai Indians closed out April with four successive games on the road and then edged Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crazy super-over finish at the Wankhede. As things panned out, they had to win their final league game, also at home, against Kolkata Knight Riders to top the points table. Rohit Sharma's men ticked it off and pressed onto topple Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier at Chepauk. All of this resulted in a welcome four-day break for Mumbai before the final.

Rohit found time to visit the Tirupati temple while the rest of his team-mates and their families got together for a squad dinner in Hyderabad. On the eve of another Mumbai v Super Kings final, Rohit and coach Mahela Jayawardene were in a similar relaxed state of mind and urged their players to shelve emotions, too, and not get ahead of themselves.

"Every now and then we've spoken to the guys about not getting too emotional about the finals or playoff games you play," Rohit said. "We just want to focus on the game at hand and not think too far ahead. That particular thing has helped us as a team moving forward. So, I don't think we need to change anything else, and continue to focus in that direction. If we keep doing that, it'll work for years to come as well."

Not letting emotions cloud their judgement so far has been central to Mumbai's run to the final. Lasith Malinga was the side's bowling mentor last season, but they got him on board again as a player in the IPL 2019 auction after he had worked on his fitness and rediscovered his bowling rhythm. Mayank Markande, who was Mumbai's biggest success story last season, couldn't quite replicate his form this season, and was left out in favour of Rahul Chahar, who has produced crucial breakthroughs in the Powerplay as well as middle overs. Suryakumar Yadav had a patchy start to the tournament, but peaked against Super Kings in the first qualifier to launch Mumbai into the final.

"It's important we trust a group of players," Jayawardene said. "And we identify the guys who are performing and who are in form and once you're transparent about that everyone understands what's the best XI and they pick themselves quite easily. Mayank [Markande] started the season, but we felt Rahul [Chahar] was bowling much better and his rhythm was better. So, we went with that option. Same with Lasith [Malinga].

"Last year, Lasith was injured and not in great form. This year we thought he was back in form and would be a good foil for [Jasprit] Bumrah because at the back end lots of teams are leaking runs in that department. So, we want to have experience there. So, it's a collective decision. It's not an easy one, but as long as you're honest and there's a process behind the decision-making, things become easier and that entire group understands that and that's transparent. That has helped us become consistent over the years and that's been a part of the success as well as they come out and play fearless cricket in that environment."

Having beaten Super Kings three times in three games this season and twice in three IPL finals, Mumbai head into this IPL final with a significant advantage. When asked if performing against Super Kings brings the best out of Mumbai, Rohit simply downplayed the rivalry and said that anyone could beat anyone in the IPL, citing the example of Rajasthan Royals defeating Mumbai twice this season, but still suffering a premature exit.

"I wouldn't agree with that [Super Kings bringing the best out of Mumbai?]. The tournament itself is the biggest challenge," Rohit said. "Every team has threats in their team. You have to be good on that particular day to beat any team. Royals for example, have not qualified but they've beaten us twice. MI v CSK - the reason there's a lot of hype around is because they've been so successful in winning the championship. That's probably the reason everybody looks forward to this clash and there's a lot of talk going around these two teams. I see every team as a threat, because if you lose the grip at any stage against any opposition, you might not have the result you're looking for."

Both Rohit and Jayawardene credited collective, not individual, brilliance for Mumbai's sustained success. Five bowlers have claimed 10 or more wickets for Mumbai this season and although Rohit hasn't quite fired like he can, Quinton de Kock, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Suryakumar and Ishan Kishan have all made telling contributions with the bat.

"Finding different match-winners is something we spoke of at the beginning of the season," Jayawardene said. "It takes pressure off key players as well - otherwise, they are going to a game under pressure. Whereas when you have six-seven guys to win a battle for you out there, it gives you opportunities to win matches. That's something we realised you require in such a tournament. And playing home and away as well - different conditions suits different players. Another factor is that opposition also finds it difficult to plan or have an idea how we approach different games because different guys are actually performing.

"I've always believe that teams wins championships, individuals can win you matches, but you need a good group and team to win championships. That's something we've tried doing."

With the World Cup starting on May 30, 18 days after the IPL final, workload management has been a major talking point throughout the season. Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma reckons that the demands of the IPL will help players build towards the showpiece event in England and Wales, rather than lead to burnout.

Rohit cited the example of India winning the Champions Trophy in June 2013, which started about ten days after the end of the IPL that year. Rohit was in top form across both tournaments, following up his 538 runs in 19 innings for Mumbai Indians in their maiden run to the IPL title with 177 runs in five innings in the UK, helping India secure that title as well.

"Once the IPL started, we knew this was the window - March and April or April and May - because of the elections," Rohit said. "In 2013, we played the IPL and went on to play the Champions Trophy and in fact we went on to win the Champions Trophy. I feel the guys who play IPL and go play big tournaments right after that, they're very much in touch with their game."

Rohit also said that Mumbai were open to resting key India players - fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and allrounder Hardik Pandya, who had just recovered from a back injury ahead of the IPL - at various points during the league, but the players opted against it and were instead keen to keep playing.

Bumrah and Hardik are among six players to have featured in all of Mumbai's 15 games so far this season. While Bumrah is their leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets in 15 matches at an economy rate of 6.84, Hardik found form - both with bat and ball - after being sidelined from the India side with multiple injuries and off-field troubles earlier this year.

Hardik had missed India's most recent ODI series against Australia, but hit the ground running this IPL. He has been Mumbai's premier power-hitter, making 386 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 193. And he has smashed 28 sixes - only Kolkata Knight Riders' Andre Russell (52) and Kings XI Punjab's Chris Gayle (34) have hit more sixes this season. He has elevated his batting to an all-new plane, so much so that he can now hit yorkers - or near-yorkers - for sixes by deploying the helicopter shot.

Hardik has also been at it with the ball and in the field, claiming 14 wickets and taking 11 catches.

"We spoke at the start of the tournament that we will assess each one of players, see where they are at and what they feel about their bodies," Rohit said. "It's more an individual thing than [what] we decide for them.

"In the case of Jasprit, he's someone who likes to play games to make sure he's in good rhythm. At the start of the tournament, we spoke that at any given stage if he feels he needs to rest, we were open to that. But our physios and trainers have monitored him quite well and there was constant feedback from Jasprit as well about he's feeling. So far, we haven't had issues with Jasprit and Hardik, so we continued to play them.

"Before the IPL if they weren't in great form, this is the time they can get back to form. Hardik is the best example. Before the IPL, he didn't have a good time, was injured, and missed a few games as well. But he has been tremendous for us - both in batting and bowling. So, yeah it's [IPL's] a big tournament and you can judge yourself where you're at before a big tournament like the World Cup."