The United States will open its Olympic Hockey group stage with a match against Slovakia on Thursday.

Four years ago the Americans stunned the world when they managed to finish second in the tournament. Back then, Buffalo Sabres netminder Ryan Miller led the team to the silver medal. Despite being on the squad this time around, many questioned whether he would still be the man in the net to start the team's first game.

As it turns out, he is not. That honor was officially handed over to Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings. The netminder led the Kings to the 2012 Stanley Cup championship.

"It was pretty casual," Quick said about how the goalies were informed of the decision, according to the official website of the NHL. "We were on the ice stretching and he just came over and said it. We have three great goalies on this team and everyone wants to start. I'm just fortunate for the opportunity and want to make the best of it."

"It was the coach's decision," Miller said. "Obviously I want to play and compete and do my part. Right now I will just back up Jon. He's a great goalie and he is going to do great for us. We'll see where it goes from here and I'll just be ready to play."

Slovakia will likely be led in goal by Jaroslav Halak, a goaltender who plays for the St. Louis Blues and is known for playing well in big moments.

These two sides know that they are competing in arguably the hardest group of the tournament. They have Russia and Slovenia to contend with as well, and will not want to lose any points.

Prediction: The Americans win 4-3.

Start Time: The puck drops at 7:30 a.m. EST.

Watch Live Stream & Score HERE.