Here’s the moment Slovenia ripped out Team USA’s heart in OT (Video)

GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 14: Jan Mursak
GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 14: Jan Mursak /
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The United States men’s hockey team started their Olympic opener pretty well, but Slovenia rallied in the third period and paid it off in overtime.

For two periods on Wednesday morning (United States time), the American men’s hockey team controlled things against Slovenia. A 2-0 lead, on goals by Brian O’Neill and Jordan Greenway, didn’t really seem to do Team USA’s performance total justice as Slovenia didn’t get a lot going in their offensive zone.

But Slovenia rallied with two goals in the third period, including one with less than two minutes to go in regulation after they pulled their goalie. A 3-on-3 overtime period creates a lot of space on the ice in international competition, and the Slovenians took full advantage very early in the extra period.

If you missed the game, we’re here for you. First, here’s Slovenia’s game-tying goal late in the third period.

Slovenia captain Jan Mursak, a former draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings, scored that tying goal. He also delivered the game-winner, just 38 seconds into overtime.

American hockey fans will now surely lament the fact NHL players are not in the Olympics, more than they already have been, and the great amount of relative unknowns on the United States roster. But no matter who was on the ice, Team USA was outplayed for basically an entire period and Slovenia’s finishing momentum carried them right to a quick overtime win. Olympic upsets happen, and the United States was on the wrong end this time.

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Team USA’s next preliminary round game will be against Slovakia at 10:10 p.m ET Thursday night in the United States (12:10 p.m. on Friday in PyeongChang). So there’s no time to dwell on their shocking Olympic-opening loss, and head coach Tony Granato is tasked with making sure it doesn’t snowball into something worse–like not coming home with a medal.