TORONTO -- For the first time since Team North America came together, coach Todd McLellan had to re-instill some belief.With players slumping at their lockers after allowing Russia to score four goals in under seven minutes, McLellan told them they were better than they thought they were at that moment. Young North America was the better team Monday night, but a lopsided stretch was enough to give Russia a much-needed 4-3 victory in a fast-paced, end-to-end showcase of the sport at the World Cup of Hockey.Vladislav Namestnikov, Nikita Kucherov, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Vladimir Tarasenko scored on consecutive shots during a 6:14 stretch, and Sergei Bobrovsky made 42 saves on 45 shots to hand the 23-and-under mix of American and Canadian players its first loss of the tournament.We just lost our way for 10 minutes, McLellan said. I thought we were hesitant. ... They were quicker, they were stronger. They stripped us a number of times. We looked slow, and thats not the way we play. Slow reading, slow reacting and slow to the scoreboard.Toronto Maple Leafs 2016 No. 1 pick Auston Matthews scored on a 2-on-1 rush off a pass from Edmonton Oilers 2015 No. 1 pick Connor McDavid, and Morgan Rielly and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had goals for North America (1-1), which outshot Russia 45-23.Russias goals in quick succession were team goals, McLellan said, but they also led to the end of goaltender Matt Murrays night. Murray, who stopped the first 15 shots he faced before Russia broke through, jammed a thumb in the second period, but McLellan said he was healthy enough to play.Murray was on the wrong end of a young teams mistakes. The efficiency of speed and skill that worked in a win over Finland on Sunday stopped for a short period of time against high-powered Russia, and it proved disastrous.We got away from our game, trying to be too cute and getting pucks instead of going to the net going east to west too much, Matthews said. Theyre a team that likes to turn the puck over and get going the other way. Thats something weve got to clean up.On their heels early, the Russians responded well after opening the World Cup with a loss to Sweden. Their penalty kill went 6-for-7, led by Bobrovsky, who also stopped McDavid on a second-period breakaway.Obviously we knew we cant lose the game, Russia captain Alex Ovechkin said. If we lose the game were obviously out of the tournament. Back to back, I think we played a solid second, and our penalty-kill guys, [Ivan] Telegin, blocked the shots, Bobrovsky. You can see everybody sacrificing, and we get the result.It wasnt the result North America wanted, but a furious third-period comeback showed that it didnt lose confidence. McDavid blamed himself and his teammates for failing to capitalize on an extended 5-on-3 power play.We definitely let the team down there, McDavid said.North America still had another opportunity 6-on-4 in the final minute. Shayne Gostisbehere hit the post behind Bobrovsky with 14 seconds left, and Russia held on.Thats not the way to play the Russians, but I thought we did a good job of responding and really making a game of it, McDavid said. I think thats a good sign, but in a short tournament like this, we needed the points.North America was without top defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who McLellan called day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Jacob Trouba replaced him, but Ekblads absence created a void of extra minutes that defensemen had to fill.Many made costly mistakes, and Russia was more than willing and able to take advantage of turnovers and defensive mix-ups.I think some hockey god got on our side, and we just got good luck, Kuznetsov said.For all of Russias energy during its stretch, losing like it did taught North America a lesson about regaining composure and the value of playing a complete 60 minutes.Unfortunately, when it goes into the record books, all 60 count, McLellan said.North America wraps up round-robin play Wednesday against Sweden, while Russia faces Finland on Thursday.Game notes John Gibson faced only four shots in relief of Murray and stopped them all. ... Namestnikov scored in his World Cup debut, replacing Vadim Shipachev. Anthony Rendon Jersey Large . -- Claudio Bieler hadnt scored since early September, and not from the run of play since mid-July. Cheap Nationals Jerseys . The Nashville Predators were glad their captain was still on their side. Weber had a goal and two assists, and Roman Josi scored the shootout winner to lift the Predators to a 4-3 win over the Flyers on Thursday night. http://www.customnationalsjersey.com/ . Shot outdoors against the stunning backdrop of Banff, Alta., the networks 30-minute original production airs tonight at 8pm et/5pm pt on TSN2. The four All-Star teams will play for $100,000 in prize money during TSNs annual skins game, airing live this weekend on TSN from The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. Cheap Custom Nationals Jersey . LOUIS -- Theres no telling how these wacky World Series games will end. Authentic Custom Nationals Jersey . After slipping from the summit during the week, the Gunners overcame struggling Crystal Palace 2-0 on Sunday thanks to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlains second-half brace.Skys biggest year of golf coverage got up and running with a superb week at the Masters, and Ewen Murray pays tribute to Danny Willett and Jordan Spieth while offering advice to Tiger Woods. This is the first year Sky will broadcast all four major championships and The Ryder Cup from Hazeltine National in Minnesota. If the Masters tournament is anything to go by, 2016 will be a vintage year as the pictures are beamed live to our screens.What an amazing week in Augusta. A week we will remember for some time, and a week Danny Willett will never forget. Danny Willett was crowned Masters champion after a thrilling final day at Augusta At this point, Id like to congratulate Augustas chairman Billy Payne and his team for providing an idyllic setting for golfs most-anticipated event. Billy is the man who gave us back the Masters.There were some dull tournaments when the greens were too firm; gone were the roars that reverberate through the tall Georgia pines, gone was the excitement of birdies and eagles.No player could make a charge as the course dictated negative play, but Payne has moved on from those days and this years tournament was magnificent. Congratulations to Billy Payne for getting the course set up just right Some will remember this Masters as the one Jordan Spieth conceded, but it would be wrong to think that.Spieths win 12 months ago was based on brilliant play combined with a lethal putting stroke. This year, Jordan should be commended for challenging for the title while at loggerheads with his game.The finish to round three was damaging, his long game was in disarray, yet he kept himself in the tournament all the way to the 71st hole. Only great champions can do that.Its easy to shoot 66s when every department of your game is in perfect working order, but tough to grind out the scores when there are imperfections.Spieths only mental mistake was at the 12th on Sunday. Having bogeyed 10 and 11, the two hardest holes in Masters history, he gambled. His game was not in shape to do that. Jordan Spieth saw his five-shot lead disappear in the space of three holes A four there would not have been disastrous, pressing after the previous holes proved to be. He would still have had the lead with two par-fives to come. Spieth is one of the most impressive young men in sport, let alone golf. He is respectful of the games history as he is of his peers.He was a fine winner last year and in defeat this year, he was just as impressive. Painful as it is right now, he will learn a great deal from his disappointment. One must remember, Jordan is not 23 until July. There will be many halcyon days ahead in his career. Jordan Spieth saw his five-shot lead disappear in the space of three holes It was a privilege to see Danny Willett take the chance to win when it came. He took the Masters by the scruff of the neck and, when the door swung open, he charged through.Eighteen months ago in South Africa, Willett came of age. Decently placed after two rounds of the Nedbank Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club, the Sheffield star closed the tournament out with rounds of 65 andd 66.ddddddddddddThat is an extremely difficult course, yet once he got his nose in front, he never wavered. Willetts final-day 67 was one of the finest final rounds in Masters history From that day, Danny has been a different player. His ambitions raised, his expectations grander and after his thrilling win head-to-head with Andy Sullivan in Dubai, World Golf Championships and majors were next on his list.His final round of 67, made up of thirteen pars and five birdies, was a work of art and will go down as one of the best final rounds in major history. Yes, Jordan made mistakes, but that doesnt win the tournament for others. Willett won the Masters with golf of the very highest quality. Danny Willett and Nick Faldo are the only Englishmen to have tasted success at Augusta He joins Nick Faldo in being the only Englishman to own a green jacket.One can never be certain of anything in life, but I believe this is just the start for the new Masters champion. He will win again on the major stage, for he has everything required to do so.It was a superb event for members of the European Tour. Seven Europeans in the top ten, five of them from England. Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke would not be thrilled with his own performance, but will take heart in the display from what will be part of the nucleus of his side for September.It is an honour to be part of the Sky team to broadcast the Masters. Having Butch Harmon alongside me again was comforting. Now in his 70s, he retains his youth by coaching youngsters like Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson. Butch Harmon is not only a fine coach, he is still no mean player In the news last week there was an article stating Butch would be happy to spend a day or so with Tiger Woods and offer him some advice going forward. Not to coach him again, but just talk and help him in his rehabilitation of getting back out on the golf course.I have no idea how Tigers recovery is going, but if I was him and he is on course to return to tournament golf, I would take that opportunity with both hands.Butch is more than a coach. He understands every aspect of a tournament professionals world and he can still play. A fortnight ago he beat his age. I think he was quite proud of that as he told me the story on several occasions! Tiger Woods would be advised to give Butch a call Tiger, if your return is imminent, point your jet towards Rio Seco golf club in Las Vegas. There you will be in familiar surroundings and hear comforting words and experienced thoughts. You will leave there with the knowledge that the road ahead is clear.So one major down and three to go this year. Next up, its Oakmont in Pennsylvania. It will be hot and humid, the greens will be as undulating as Augusta and more than likely, quicker. Danny Boy goes there as the Masters champion. I can hear his words now and I echo them. Bring it on. What a start to the major season! Also See: Willett savours homecoming Who is Danny Willett? Opinion Golf on Sky Sports 4 ' ' '