Let the record show the United States was a participant in theWorld Cup of Hockey reincarnate, for its presence was otherwise unremarkable. Facing a do-or-die GO BLUE Jersey showdownwith rival Canada, the overwhelmingfavorite in any international hockey tournament, the Americans were eliminated from contentionby their neighbors to the north Tuesday after just two games. MORE: Thanks tothe not-as-close-as-it-looked 4-2outcomein Air Canada Centre, the Canadians and Team Europe advanced to the semifinals from their group, leaving a defeated U.S. to complete its three-gameobligation against the Czech Republic on Thursday and then watch from the stands. The big blow came Saturday, when the Americans were shut out bythe Europeans, a33-1 longshot in Vegas' eyes with a roster made up of players fromeight countries, most of whom had played with one another Matias Gasc Jersey inonly a handful of warm-up games. Even if the U.S. had beaten Canada, the odds of climbing out of group play hole weren't good. When the schedules were first announced, this meeting was supposed to serve as a primerwith le ser implications, but the unfavorable circumstances created by Saturday's lo s prompted U.S.coach John Tortorella to call it a "championship game" for his side. GENTILLE: The Americans gotoff to a much better start Tuesday when defenseman Ryan McDonagh scored 4:22 into the game the USA's first goal in nearly 65 minutes of tournament play. Thepositive feelingdidn't last long. The Canadians hosting the World Cup as it did 12 years ago, the last time NHL players convened for a non-Olympictournament of this caliber rewarded their packed arena with two goals 14 seconds apart by Matt Duchene Devontae Shuler Jersey and Corey Perry. Duchene netted his second about 6 minutes later and the juggernaut was off and running. The U.S. had nary a chance after that. American goalieJonathan Quick, who allowed three goals on 17 shots against Europe, saw almost as many shots by the end of the first period. Canada produced 34 shots overall and a fourth goal for good measure, by Patrice Bergeron. T.J. Oshie, not long ago dubbed an American hero, added a goal late in Joey Palko Jersey the third periodthat this time will serve as afootnote. VIDEO: While not totallysurprising, the early exitregisters as a significant disappointment for USA Hockey and general managerDean Lombardi. It also saps hype from a tournament that's intended to attract casual fans in a way only the Olympics can. A deep team led by the likes of NHL MVP Patrick Kane, Joe Pavelskiand Zach Pariseshould have fared better than a fleeting preliminary-stage appearance. It was a chance for redemption after failing to medal in the Sochi Games two years ago.Instead, theuninspired effort was marked by head-scratching lineup decisions byTortorella and the coach's on Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protest. Why another U.S. squad failed John Ballis Jersey to meet expectationswill be up for debate in the dead weeks leading into the NHL season, then quickly forgotten.