Kyle Palmieri skates at Devils training camp

NEWARK, N.J. -- Right wing Kyle Palmieri called losing three straight games as a member of Team USA at the World Cup of Hockey 2016 a huge disappointment.
Palmieri, who was on the ice at Barnabas Health Hockey House to participate in New Jersey Devils training camp Monday for the first time since returning from the World Cup in Toronto, had no points and four shots on goal in two games for Team USA.
Team USA finished seventh (0-3-0) among eight teams with a minus-6 goal differential, ahead of only Team Finland.

"It was really disappointing for everyone in our room and I'm sure for all the USA hockey fans around the country but it's a tough tournament," Palmieri said. "It's the best-on-best and with only three preliminary-round games, you don't have too much room for error. Our group didn't accomplish what we went there to do but it's about looking forward and now I'm looking forward to the start of the season with the Devils."
Palmieri, who replaced injured forward Ryan Callahan on Team USA's roster, is entering his seventh NHL season and second with the Devils. He had 30 goals, 27 assists and 57 points last season, all NHL career highs.

Palmieri was asked about having to sit out of the 3-0 loss to Team Europe in the preliminary-round opener.
"It was tough because obviously you want to play," he said. "You gear up and try to get yourself as ready as you can to play in those games. But there were some pretty good players sitting out. Cory Schneider and Dustin Byfuglien were also sitting that first game. The coach has to sit someone so it wasn't anything I beat myself over but it was tough to watch the guys go out. I was glad to get into the lineup for the next two games."
Devils coach John Hynes was one of five assistants under John Tortorella for Team USA. He returned to the ice at Devils training camp Saturday after Team USA lost 4-3 against Team Czech Republic on Friday.
"It was disappointing for all of us who were involved," Hynes said. "I think coaches, players, management, we all had higher expectations and put a lot into the tournament but it didn't go well or as well as we would have liked. Personally, I learned a lot, created good relationships with players, coaches and general managers but it was a tough time.
"One of the things I got out of the experience was just how special it was to see the players stick together; it was a real character group to be a part of. I just wish we could have done better on the ice."