Hendricks scores twice, United States handles Finland

Forward Matt Hendricks (Edmonton Oilers) scored two goals and the United States defeated Finland 5-1 in its opening game at the 2015 IIHF World Championship at CEZ Arena in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Winnipeg Jets goalie prospect Connor Hellebuyck had 29 saves for the United States

"Connor made a lot of key saves for us to keep the game where it was and later we capitalized on our chances," Hendricks told the IIHF website.

"It was a really fun game and I thought the whole team played well," Hellebuyck said. "[Finland] had a lot of good power plays. They really move the puck well so I had to be ready for that. They're a good team."

Forward Steve Moses (Nashville Predators) had a goal and an assist. Moses was signed by the Predators on April 9 after he set the Kontinental Hockey League single-season goal record with 36 in 60 games while playing for Jokerit this season.

Forwards Nick Bonino (Vancouver Canucks) and Dan Sexton also scored for the United States. Defenseman Torey Krug (Boston Bruins) had two assists.

Moses scored with 23 seconds remaining in the first period to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead. Defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka (Dallas Stars) tied the game for Finland 5:40 into the second period before the United States scored four straight times.

Hendricks, the U.S. captain, scored into an empty net with 2:38 remaining to make it 5-1.

Forward Jack Eichel, ranked No. 2 by NHL Central Scouting in its final ranking of North American skaters for the 2015 NHL Draft, was held without a point; he had two shots on goal and two penalty minutes for the United States, which plays Norway on Saturday.

Goalie Pekka Rinne (Nashville Predators) had 22 saves for Finland, which faces Denmark on Sunday.

Russia 6, Norway 2: Former NHL star Ilya Kovalchuk had two assists, and forward Artem Anisimov (Columbus Blue Jackets) scored to lead Russia to a 6-2 win against Norway in its opening game at the 2015 IIHF World Championship.

Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (Columbus Blue Jackets) made 17 saves on 19 shots for Russia.

Russia will continue group play Sunday against Slovenia; Norway plays Finland on Monday in its next game.