CANADA WINS GOLD

Here we are, the Gold medal game of the 2015 World Junior Hockey Championships. As two hockey power nations brace themselves for what is expected to be the game of the tournament. These two teams haven't played each other in the tournament, so there is no stats or results to guess what to expect. How will Canada and the Russians match up? Both played a great semifinal game, and now they prepare to duke it out for Gold. Canada will be playing the exact same lineup as last night, right down to Zach Fucale.


1st Period

Before the puck even dropped, both wingers on each team were pushing and shoving, Domi and Duclair versus Buchnevich and Leshenko. As the puck was dropped, Sam Reinhart won the draw back and Canada moved into the Russian zone. Anthony Duclair battled for the puck on the boards, slid the puck to Max Domi down low, who swiftly hit Duclair on the way to the net and Duclair made no mistake, burying a one timer top shelf less than thirty seconds into the first period. The crowd was on their feet. Just two minutes later, Brayden Point blazed by Russia's defense men wide, and slide the puck cross crease to a net-driving Nick Paul, who tapped home Canada's second goal of the game.

For the first five minutes of the first, every scrum was a shoving match and the refs had difficulty keeping the two sides from going at each other. The animosity was clear, that both teams wanted it badly. Both benches were warned about the scrums, meaning the refs were prepared to assess penalties from now on. The Russians were down by two early, and were only trying to stir the pot and knock Canada off their game. As the period continued, there were many hits and hard ones at that.

With just over ten minutes left in the first, Russia got on the board as Dmitri Yudin blasted a bomb past Zach Fucale. However, just after the Russian goal, Sharov took a roughing penalty, giving Canada a power play after the goal was scored. Canada's power play put some pressure on the Russian's but didn't really generate any high quality chances. After the Canadian power play, Russia began putting pressure on the Canadians, using momentum from their goal and penalty kill.

The period continued, as both sides exchanged chances. The game was on a very even field now, as teams were in and out of each side of the ice. Canada had a bit of trouble clearing the puck a few times, which may cost them later on in the game. The period continued and eventually the buzzer went, and no more goals would be scored in the first period as the goalies stood tall when called upon by their teams.

Shots were 12-9 for Canada at the end of period one.


2nd Period

The period started with Russia trapping Canada in their own zone, as Canada continued to either turn it over or ice the puck. Eventually, no harm was done. The line of Ritchie, Gauthier, and Crouse was able to get Canada some zone time in the Russian end of the ice, creating some turnovers themselves.  As Canada established some pressure, the Russians were forced to ice the puck. Once the Russians got the puck out of the zone and began their change, Josh Morrissey spotted Connor McDavid loose behind the Russian defense. McDavid was on a clean breakaway after not being covered due to the Russian change, and he didn't think twice shooting five hole on Ilya Sorokin, beating the Russian net minder  restoring Canada's two goal lead.

Less than two minutes after the McDavid goal, the top line for Canada took to the ice, as Max Domi grabbed the puck in his own end and sped into Russian territory. The soviets backed off and cut off passes to line mates Reinhart and Duclair, and Domi had all the time in the world to pick a spot on Ilya Sorokin, setting off the red light for Canada's fourth goal of the game. On the top line's next shift, Max Domi sent Canada to the penalty kill as he took a charging penalty. On the Russian power play, Canada only gave up one scoring chance , turning the puck over to Vyacheslav Leshenko, who was snubbed by Zach Fucale. After that chance, the Canadians did a good job of clearing the puck.

As Domi escaped the sin bin, Sam Reinhart joined him on the rush. Domi stopped up, as Reinhart drove the net. Domi, seeing Reinhart streaking, just through a puck on net that was tipped just through Sorokin's pads by the Buffalo draft pick, putting Canada up 5-1. Once again, just after Team Canada's goal, the Canadians would take another charging penalty but this time it would be Jake Virtanen committing the crime.  On the power play, Russia would convert by throwing the puck on net, and having Ivan Barbashev jam a loose puck through Zach Fucale. Just seconds after the Russian power play goal, Bowey would make a bad play and give the Russians a two on one, and Nikolai Goldobin would feed a cross crease pass to Sergei Tolchinsky who would blast the puck by Fucale. Bowey has been at fault for a lot of odd man rushed this tournament, not impressed with him.

Minutes later, Sam Morin would take down another Russian player and send Canada to another penalty kill. Russia would score again, making it a one goal game. This time it is Nikolai Goldobin potting the goal, off of Frederik Gauthier's shin pad and past Zach Fucale. As the period came to an end, both Canadian defense would get caught up ice, leaving Sam Reinhart alone to defend Pavel Buchnevich on a partial breakaway. Reinhart was forced to take a hooking call, lucky to not get a penalty shot called. The period ended and Russia will start the third period on the power play. A great start to the second period, but a sloppy ending as turnovers and penalties got them in trouble.


3rd Period

With nerves at an all time high, Canada begins the period by killing off the penalty on Sam Reinhart taken in the second period. Despite the good kill, the Canadians were still unable to get any momentum going against the Russians. Russia had the first five shots of the period. The Canadians were strapped in their zone, and could not get the puck out. It seemed like they couldn't pass to each other, as they either went incomplete or landed on a Russian stick. Finally, Russia started to get some zone time, as chances were generated for Canada finally. The teams went back an forth, the crowd cheering wildly in excitement.

The refs seemed to put the whistles away, as they missed a too many men call on Canada and a tripping and interference call on Russia. Russia began take the momentum again, forcing the Canadians to ice the puck, with the red shirts nearly doubled over in exhaustion. Canada lost the draw, but was able to get the puck out and change. This was some of the best back and forth hockey I've seen in a while, and Sorokin and the Canadian defense were both able to make huge plays to keep the score the same.

The crowd was cheering and going to silence in seconds, over and over again, as Russia and Canada exchanged rushes. Some heart stopping hockey going on in the last five minutes. As Russia pressed with the net open, Canada would hold on

CANADA IN GOLDEN IN TORONTO

Semifinal Day: Canada vs Slovakia

After Russia defeated the Swedes by a score of 4-1, the second semifinal game of the day between Canada and Slovakia would determine who meets Russia in the gold medal game. Obviously Canada comes in as the heavy favourites, sporting a 5-0 record in the tournament and already beating the Slovaks 8-0 on Boxing Day to open the tournament. However, Slovakia seems to have lost their nervous chills and has come together as a team, making quick work of Team Czech Republic in the quarterfinals to advance and meet Canada for a second time in the tournament. Slovakian goalie Denis Godla, who was pulled after allowing five goals in their last meeting stated that he and his teammates would need to play "the game of their lives" to get past the Canadians. Most fans and analysts would agree, but in an elimination situation you can sense Slovakia was going to give this game all they have,

In place of Robby Fabbri, Brayden Point will play on Connor McDavid's line along with Curtis Lazar. As Fabbri entered the Air Canada Center on crutches, no Canadian player passed him out of respect. And so,  Fabbri led the Canadians into battle against the Slovaks.

1st Period 

Less than five minutes in, Canada was sent to a power play, which was clicking at an amazing 46.7% efficiency so far in the tournament. Within a minute of the power play being called, Curtis Lazar dished the puck to Nic Petan at the hash marks on the right face off circle, where Petan roofed a shot past Godla's glove hand. The Petan power play marker put Canada on the board first, one to nothing.  Connor McDavid drew the second assist on Petan's goal. Two minutes later, McDavid was at it again, blasting by the Slovakian defense, and making Godla bite on the shot. But the crafty McDavid opted to go around the net for a wrap around, where he couldn't quite finish into an empty net.

Away from the play just a few moments later, Ottawa prospect Nick Paul was given a slashing penalty, for taking the stick away from Montreal prospect Martin Reway's hands. On the power play, Zach Fucale would go on to make a great save on a pass out front to Peter Cehlarik. After the good chance by Cehlarik, Slovakia had trouble putting anymore pressure on the Canadians and even iced the puck on their power play. As play continued, the Slovaks were noticeably clogging in front of the net, as opposed to the back door. TSN's Ray Ferraro reported that the Canadians were talking about this on the bench , and were saying how the back door pass was definitely an available option.

Montreal prospect was able to create a breakaway for himself, but Shea Theodore was able to catch up and prevent Fucale from having to make a save on the shifty Reway. With just over five minutes remaining in the period,  Slovak forward Pavol Skalicky blocked a Madison Bowey shot, and took off on a breakaway. This time there was no defense man that caught the Slovak, but net minder Zach Fucale made a great sprawling save to keep Canada's lead. Late in the period, Christian Jaros used his skate to kick out the foot of Nick Ritchie, earning Jaros a tripping penalty and sending Canada to a late period power play. Canada didn't convert on the first 1:30 of their end-of-the-period penalty, and will have about thirty seconds of power play time to start the 2nd period.

Nic Petan called this period Canada's "worst of the tournament" in an intermission interview.


2nd Period

To begin the second period, the Slovaks would kill off the rest of the penalty, making the Canadians 1/2 on the night so far. The early parts of the period were somewhat slow, however Canada controlled most of the play. They did a good job of playing behind the Slovak net and cycling, creating some chances and jam plays. Despite the zone time and shots, Denis Godla stood his ground, keeping the Canadian lead at one. The line of Lawson Crouse, Frederik Gauthier, and Nick Ritchie was exceptional at cycling and pinning the Slovaks in their own zone. They also had their fair of chances, however no dice.

To break the Canadian momentum streak, extra defense man and Flyers draft pick Sam Morin gave a high stick to a Slovak forward Pavol Skalicky, giving the underdogs a chance for some zone time and quality opportunities. Morin did not like the call, and the replays showed there was little, if any contact between Morin's stick and the Slovakian forward. Slovakia had a good chance on the power play, but it was blocked by Joe Hicketts, a free agent signing by the Detroit Red Wings. The Canadians proceeded to kill off the rest of the penalty. Almost immediately after the Canadians killed a penalty, they got a power play of their own. Slovak Sam Petras took down a Canadian play behind the play, but the ref caught the violation. The Slovaks killed the penalty, with no dangerous chances generated by the Canadians. However, seconds after the penalty expired Oilers prospect Darnell Nurse beat Godla but not the Slovakian goal posts.

Just as the period was winding down, Canada broke out on a 4 on 2,  and the two Slovaks drifted over to 3 of the 4 Canadians, and the open Canadian was none other than Nic Petan, who received the puck from Connor McDavid and made no mistake sniping it just under the bar of Godla's net. Canada got a two goal lead with about two minutes left in the second period. Curtis Lazar got another assist on Petan's goal, giving the entire line two points on the night. With one minute left, McDavid crafted himself another great wrap around chance, but could not slide the puck into an open net once again. The loose puck drifted to Curtis Lazar, who also missed the empty cage. And with 30 seconds left in the period, Anthony Duclair and Shea Theodore were sent on a 2 on 1, and Duclair made a pretty pass to Theodore who was sprung on a breakaway. Theodore and the Canadians beat Godla, for their second goal in 86 seconds to put them up 3-0. Just as everyone thought the period was over, Madison Bowey ran into Sam Reinhart and the Slovaks were sent on a 2 on 1, but as Josh Morrissey tried to block the passing lane,  Matej Paulovic found a hole through Morrissey to hook up David Soltes with Slovakia's first goal of the game with 3 seconds left in the period.

What an exciting finish to an otherwise "slow" period.


3rd Period

In the opening minutes of the period, Canada continued cycling and creating chances. It is nice to see the great chemistry between Nic Petan and Connor McDavid in the pressure filled elimination games. Godla held his ground, until Anthony Duclair was fed a pass by Sam Reinhart, and he chipped it around two Slovakian defense men and continued chasing the puck down, eventually banking in the puck off Godla's pad, making the game 4-1 Canada. Very shortly after the Canadian goal, Brayden Point would go to the box for hooking, giving the Slovaks a power play. 53 seconds into the Slovakian power play, Pavol Skalicky was called on a similar hooking call. There would be a 4 on 4 session for one minute and seven seconds.  Until David Soltes took a slashing penalty, because he snapped Josh Morrissey's stick after getting rocked on a big hit by the Jets prospects. After Canada's 4 on 3 expired and became a 5 on 3, it became the Denis Godla show. He made three huge saves on the Canadians during the 5 on 3, keeping the score at 4-1.

As Max Domi rushed up the ice, he got laid out by Christian Jaros on a clean hit, however the refs called it as a trip sending Canada to another power play. Once again, Denis Godla was standing his ground. However, he couldn't stand the constant pressure and Nic Petan finally beat the Slovak goalie on the power play, on a beautiful pass from Connor McDavid. Petan's father even threw a hat on the ice to congratulate his son on his incredible hat trick. At the time of Petan's goal, the shots in the period were 20-2, showing Canada's dominance and Godla's great performance in the period.

With six and a half minutes remaining, the Slovaks thought they had scored their second goal of the game but the referee immediately waived off the goal due to a distinct kicking motion.  The play was reviewed , and the call on the ice stood. Seconds later, McDavid spotted Petan alone out front, and as Petan went to his backhand Godla struck out his pad to make an amazing save on Petan. The rest of the period seemed like a neutral zone battle, with few hits. Slovakia admitted defeat and Canada took it easy to prevent any last minute injuries.

Final Score: 5-1 CANADA.


Final Thoughts:

- Pavol Skalicky was all over the ice tonight, drawing penalties and playing a solid game. He was awarded Player of The Game for Slovakia, which I don't understand as Godla played an insane game himself and in my mind deserved the award. Regardless, Godla got a huge ovation from the Canadian crowd.
- Nic Petan and McDavid have some great chemistry, a good new thing for Groulx to discover heading into tomorrow's game.
- Duclair/Domi/Reinhart line was solid in both ends as always.
- Habs prospect Martin Reway had a fairly quiet game, but was in the offensive zone when Slovakia got chances. Offensively one of Slovakia's best forwards, although there weren't many others.
- Ritchie, Crouse and Gauthier had a great start to the game, but I didn't notice them after the second period.
- Wow, Nic Petan is good

Tomorrow, Slovakia will face Sweden in the Bronze Medal Game at 4pm EST.

Canada will face rival Russia in the Gold Medal Game at 8pm EST.


EDIT: I found out you are not allowed to win the Player ff the Game Award more than once in an IIHF tournament, so that is why Godla did not get Player of the Game.

Montreal visits Pennsylvania to take on the Penguins

The night after 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils, your Montreal Canadiens play the tail end of a back to back in Pittsburgh. After acquiring him yesterday for their first round pick in 2015, the Penguins will dress left winger David Perron for his first game as a Penguin. Also, despite the back to back situation Carey Price will start against Pittsburgh after beating New Jersey last night. Dale Weise will start on the second line with Plekanec and Desharnais, and Manny Malholtra will draw into the lineup on the fourth line. Here is the rest of the starting lineup:

Pacioretty - Galchenyuk - Gallagher
Desharnais - Plekanec - Weise
Sekac - Eller - Prust
Andrighetto - Malholtra - Bournival

Markov - Subban
Beaulieu - Gonchar
Emelin - Gilbert


1st Period

Less than three minutes in, Tom Gilbert directed a weak shot on net, recognizing two Canadien forwards in front of Fleury. One was Brendan Gallagher, and the other was Max Pacioretty who whacked home the first goal of the game.  Just four minutes later, Dale Weise came racing across the Pittsburgh blue line, and passed the puck to the top of the face-off circle to David Desharnais, who wound up and blasted home another goal for the bleu, blanc, et rouge.

The Penguins finally got on the scoreboard just after the ten minute mark of the first period, as Sidney Crosby spotted David Perron uncovered in the slot, who slapped home his first goal as a Pittsburgh Penguin. Perron had an empty net to shoot at after a beautiful pass from Crosby. After a turnover created by David Perron, Crosby snatched the puck and nearly blazed past Subban. The rush led to several players, including Andrei Markov and Steve Downie, crashing into Carey Price. A scrum would ensue, and Pittsburgh's Steve Downie would get the only penalty. On the power play, Pittsburgh did a great job of boxing out Montreal, creating turnover and dumping the puck down the ice.  The entire penalty would be completely killed off.

As the period dwindled down, the Penguins really started to turn it on and put pressure on the Canadiens. After a big hit on Pens' captain Sidney Crosby, both Crosby and team mate Steve Downie began whining to the refs for a call on the play. As the play continued and Pittsburgh re-entered the Montreal zone, Tom Gilbert hit Downie, and a wrestling match ensued. Gilbert was given an interference penalty, and Downie got two minutes for roughing as he stormed down the home team tunnel, furious at the penalty assessed.

After the buzzer went, the Habs still led 2-1. The 2nd period will start with a brief 4 on 4. Shots in the period were 11 to 8 for the Pittsburgh Penguins.


2nd Period 

As the 4 on 4 expired, Gilbert rushed out of the box and found himself on a partial breakaway, where he sniped one past Fleury, restoring Montreal's two goal lead. Six minutes into the period, Pens defense man Robert Bortuzzo got his stick up on Jiri Sekac, who had to go to the dressing room for repairs. This gave the Habs a crucial 4-minute power play. Through the opening moments of the power play, Fleury held his ground and made multiple good athletic saves. Montreal did not establish many chances after the opening minute of the power play, much to the credit of the Penguins penalty killers. A good kill by the Penguins to keep them in the game.

The mid point of the second period was very back and forth, but more so in the neutral zone where scoring chances weren't created. Lars Eller's line with Bournival and Prust kept the Pens hemmed in their own zone for three shifts in a row. They were cycling well and creating small chances when they could. With about five minutes remaining in the period,  Montreal was given a penalty because Steve Downie's stick was held by a player on the bench. Montreal killed the penalty, in which Pittsburgh got no high quality chances to capitalize. As the period was dying down, and Pittsburgh was entering Montreal's zone, Crosby fell on the ice and tried to sneak in a trip on Tom Gilbert with his skate, giving the Pens a 2 on 1. However, the refs would have none of that. Montreal would head to the power play with 5 seconds left in the second period, giving them 1:55 of power play to start the third period.

With the Pens looking frustrated, Montreal could expect a chippy third period. The shots in the period were 13 to 10 for the Habs, bringing the teams totals to 21 shots a piece in the game.


3rd Period

Montreal had a huge opportunity to crush the Penguins at the beginning of the period, by clicking on the power play. The Canadiens did a good job of keeping possession and controlling the puck, however they could not find the back of the net.  The Penguins only got the puck out once, and it didn't even make it to the Habs' blue line. Montreal has went 0/4 at this point in the game on the power play. The Pens began to take control, and on a 2 on 1 Bryan Rust beat Carey Price, but not the goal post. Due to the pressure, Montreal needed to get the puck out but ended up icing the puck. Michel Therrien called his timeout so his tired troops could get a quick rest after a long shift in their own zone.

Sidney Crosby and his line mate had several strong shifts in the Canadien zone in the first half of the third period , but Montreal was successful in boxing them out and not allowing dangerous scoring chances. Despite a lot of offensive zone time, Montreal only allowed 1 shot from the Penguins. In need of goals, Pittsburgh began putting all their eggs in one basket, as Perron, Malkin, Crosby, Letang and Ehrhoff were all deployed at the same time. The forecheck of Lars Eller's line continued being strong, forcing turnovers and establishing a bit of zone time for Montreal.

As it was getting close to crunch time, Montreal got in Pittsburgh's zone and worked the puck back to the blue line. Alexei Emelin took a big windup, and blasted one past Fleury off the post, putting Montreal up 4-1. What a bomb of a shot by Emelin though, wow.

After the Emelin goal, Montreal did a great job of forcing the Pens to dump the puck in , so they could get it and clear the zone. There was almost a squeaker that snuck by Price, but it was yanked off the goal line. The last 5 minutes were perfectly executed, lulling the Pens to sleep.

4-1 Montreal the final. The shots were 33-31 for Montreal at the final buzzer. Emelin, Gilbert, and Price were the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd stars. Odd to see the two defense men up there.


Post Game

- Carey Price didn't need to bail out Montreal. Although he had 31 saves, they were mostly outside shots that were not difficult to stop. Great defensive effort by Montreal, keeping the Pens to the outside and not giving up many odd man rushes.
- I really like Desharnais on wing. He has a great shot and now he is forced to use it. One goal tonight and several chances, he could've had another couple goals easily.
- Lars Eller, Michael Bournival and Brandon Prust was an excellent fore-checking line, and they kept the puck in the Penguins end. Was very impressed by that trio tonight.
- Just thought I'd say Emelin's shot was a bomb. Again.

Yet Another Battle for Hockey Supremacy: Canada vs USA

Canada vs USA

Last year Canada beat the USA on New Year's Eve by a score of 3-2. This is a whole new tournament with whole new teams. Can Canada pull off another win? Who will prove victorious in the battle of McDavid and Eichel?

1st Period

It was clear Canada wanted to get into the Americans heads early on in the game. Forward Anthony Duclair was messing with the Americans right off the opening draw, annoying forward Tyler Motte at center ice. After the puck had dropped, American star Jack Eichel was granted a great scoring chance on a rebound, but it hit his own teammate Alex Tuch on the way to an open net. In the first five minutes, the game was very back and forth, with each squad getting their fair share of zone time. The shots were even, as well with both goalies making solid stops. Just prior to the 10 minute mark of the first, big hits were traded as Max Domi was rocked by former teammate Anthony Deangelo, and shortly after American forward Chase De Leo was hit hard by Jets prospect Josh Morrissey. After the hit he received, Domi was smiling on the bench and jawing at the USA bench. Both teams were getting many shots off, and by the time there was 8 minutes left in the period the shots were ten to ten. Surprisingly, the fourth line of Crouse, Ritchie and Gauthier were able to get a 4 on 2 rush and establish a good 30 to 40 seconds of offensive zone time in their shift. In the last five minutes of the first, Canada was buzzing and had several high quality chances to score but the bounces did not go their way, and USA goaltender Thatcher Demko held his ground. In the last minute,  Nick Ritchie crushed Dylan Larkin along the USA bench, and although I believe it was a clean hit, Ritchie was given a charging penalty. A bad call on the Canadians and the USA would head to the power play, and they will start the 2nd with a minute of power play time. There were plenty of shots this period, but no goals. Shots would finish 17-13 for the Canada.

2nd Period

Canada would go on to kill  the remaining 59 seconds of Nick Ritchie's first period penalty. On and odd man rush, Darnell Nurse was sprung on a breakaway but was denied by Thatcher Demko. Nurse has been jumping into and leading rushed all game, I'm very impressed with his skating and decision making on when to jump into the play.Seven minutes into the 2nd period Max Domi would score, off a nice pass in tight by Sam Reinhart.  The Nation rose to their feet and the Bell Centre went crazy.  When Domi went to the bench after his goal to get a well deserved props from his teammates, he did a pose  imitating Captain Morgan instead of the regular skate-by-and-bump. Canada would get their first power play of the game at the eleven minute mark, because Dylan Larkin delivered a stick to Robby Fabbri's face. It was more of a follow-through, rather than a high stick as Larkin was clearing the puck from his zone. On the power play, Demko would stand tall and fend off several Canadian chances. As the power play was dying down, Josh Morrissey would receive a pass from team mate Robby Fabbri, who drew the power play. Morrissey made no mistake at bombing the puck through Demko to put Canada up 2-0. Jets prospect Nic Petan would also get his tournament-leading sixth assist on Morrissey's goal. The shots in the period at the time of the goal were 12-3 for Canada. Canada received a penalty just a few minutes after their 2nd goal, when Duclair tripped up an American player. On the power play, the USA didn't make a mistake as Tampa Bay Lightning first round pick Anthony Deangelo would creep in and bury a deflection right to his stick. Sonny Milano and Jack Eichel would draw assists on Deangelo's  power play marker. As the final five minutes approached, McDavid laid a big hit on American forward John Hayden, and held him offside. A scrum ensued, but no penalties were handed out. Between whistles, Darnell Nurse approached Jack Eichel and grabbed him, after which he received multiple gloves in the face. Nurse would get the only penalty on the scrum. However, Canada would successfully kill the penalty. Less than a minute later bottom six USA forward Miles Wood took a weak penalty himself, getting called on a slash. Canada would keep possession until the period expired, giving them a full two-minute power play to begin the third period. This period was a high tempo, exciting period of World Junior Hockey we all know and love.

3rd Period

Power plays at the beginning of a period always look rusty, and this one was no exception. By no means was Canada's period-opening power play a bad power play, but it wasn't a superb as their previous ones. There just wasn't the same level of pressure on the Americans. Through the opening minutes of the third, neither team was able to sustain offensive pressure. Connor McDavid took a big rush up center ice, and chipped the puck between the American blue liners. It looked like he was going to split the defense and win the race for a short breakaway, but he was taken down instead with no call. After the no call on McDavid, Canada strapped the Americans in their own end, until the puck was played by a high stick. That whistle was the first of the period. The period was tweet-less for just over eight minutes, full of back and forth exciting hockey. Shortly after the first whistle of the period, the Americans mustered up a 4 on 1, caused by a pinch by Josh Morrissey. The only right handed defense man on Team Canada Madison Bowey took it upon himself to break up the American scoring chance, breaking up a pass on the odd man rush. Just after that, Connor McDavid blew past the Americans and chipped a shot high on Demko, who stopped it with his shoulder. Curtis Lazar, who crashed the net hard pushed the puck into the net to put Canada up 3-1. However, he made contact with the goalie and was deep in the blue paint, causing the play to be reviewed. After a long debate, the officials ruled it a good goal, restoring Canada's two goal lead. The next few minutes would be filled with back and forth hockey through the neutral zone, with no high quality scoring chances. McDavid blew by the USA defense and passed it across the crease, but Demko got a piece of it keeping USA in the game. Shortly after, Canada would turn over the puck and USA made no mistake, as Hudson Fasching held the puck long enough to freeze Canada's defense and pass it to Dylan Larkin, who tapped the puck into the back of the net making it a one goal game. With two minutes remaining. USA called its timeout and pulled their goalie with a face off in Canada's zone. After some frightening pressure in the Canadian zone, USA defense man Anthony Deangelo failed to hold the blue line. He beat Canadian Sam Reinhart to the puck, but gave it away to Reinhart to put in the empty net. Just when everyone thought the game was over, Dylan Larkin beat Eric Comrie with a perfect shot upstairs with 42 seconds left. With the nations heart racing, and another American empty net, Sam Reinhart gets his second point in the last minute of play, by getting control of the puck and banking it off the boards to a streaking Max Domi, who puts the game away for sure. Domi's empty net goal came with 5 seconds left, meaning Canada wins the game by a score of 5-3.


What a hockey game, this one definitely lived up to its expectations, and I'd even say it surpassed them.

Players who stood out:

Canada 

Darnell Nurse: Despite his large size, he proved hes a great skater and more than a shutdown defense man. Had some nice chances and was in the rush often and at the right times.
Max Domi: After he got hit hard, he was up and chirping at the USA bench with a smile on his face. Not to mention his electric offence he and his linemates Sam Reinhart and Anthony Duclair. Reinhart also played a very solid two-way game.

USA

Dylan Larkin: Dylan Larkin is USA's leading scorer, and he scored another two goals this game. His line was defensively reliable, and was very speedy. He and line mates Hudson Fasching and Chase De Leo played very well.

Hockey Powers Collide: Russia vs Sweden

Russia vs Sweden

This was the game of the group, the two teams that have been battling for first in the division. This game was going to be a great one, as Sweden and Russia both look to re-assert themselves as hockey powers.

In the first period, it was a little slow and not very chippy. About halfway through the first, Russia's captain Rushan Rafikov took a hooking penalty that he would regret in the near future. Vancouver's 5th round draft pick in 2014, Gustav Forsling, blasted a bomb past a screened Ilya Sorokin to put the Swedes up one in the first. That would be all the scoring in the first period, that was a fairly slow pace compared to other games that have been going on.

Less than a minute into the 2nd, Swedish defense man William Lagesson tapped Russian Vyacheslav Leshenko in the side and Leshenko went tumbling. Lagesson got a penalty for hooking, which would have sent Russia to the power play had Leshenko not gotten an embellishment call for diving after being softly tapped by Lagesson. Later in the period, however, Leshenko would redeem himself by tying the game on a backhand clean-up job in front of the net, after Linus Soderstrom made a point-blank stop on Russian defense man Ziat Paigin. Leshenko's goal would set the stage for a very exciting third period.

As if Leshenko didn't help the Russians enough by tying the game, just three minutes into the third he found himself with the puck on his backhand again, from a rebound shot created by Pavel Buchnevich which Leshenko made no mistakes on putting in the net.  But the Swedes did not take long to respond to the go-ahead-goal, as they put pressure on the Russians in their own end. On the ensuing power play, Gustav Forsling along with William Nylander and Adrian Kempe would form a triangle , with Forsling at the center of the blue line, and the forwards on the half wall. Nylander and Forsling played catch a few times, until Forsling blasted his 2nd of the night and the tying goal past Sorokin. This triangle would go to work, and generate multiple shots on a power play gained Sweden late in the third.

Less than a minute after the goal by Sweden, Russian Ivan Barbashev would get robbed by Soderstrom on a cross crease pass, followed by a whistle and a scrum. The play went under review, as the puck squeaked through Soderstrom and landed on the line, but it was ruled no goal. Two penalties were handed out after the scrum that followed the whistle. Then, with nine minutes left in the third, William Nylander made a rush through center ice, and into the slot of the Russian zone where he lost the puck. However, winger Oskar Lindblom picked up the loose puck and slid it across the crease to an open Axel Holmstrom, who buried the puck past Sorokin, putting the Swedes up 3-2! Moments later in the play, the Swedish bench started going ballistic. It took me(and the refs, apparently) a few moments to figure out what was wrong, when I noticed the Russians had six players on the ice. They were in the Swedish zone, cycling, and for about 20 seconds had six players on the ice. The refs caught on to Russia's shenanigans and rewarded the Swedes with a late power play. The triangle that was previously set up went to work again, which gave Forsling multiple chances at his third goal of the game but no dice. The Russians pulled their goalie, but were not successful in tying the game.

SWEDEN WINS 3-2.

Outstanding Players

As a Habs fan and writer, I don't like to admit it but William Nylander is the real deal. He was fast, he controlled the puck well, and made things look easy. Whenever he was on the ice he made crisp and creative passes and rushed the puck into the Russian zone many times, making it look like a cake walk. It seemed like when he was on the ice, his opponents were skating in sand. Hes a very smooth skater.

Another shifty forward that caught my eye was Russian Sergei Tolchinsky, who is Carolina Hurricanes property. He also had very creative zone entries and set up a lot of nice plays.


Czech Republic vs Denmark

This game ended 4-3 for the Czech Republic in overtime. Denmark collects another point in the tournament against the team it looks like they will be battling to get out of the relegation round with. David Pastrnak was woken up this game, earning three points along with the overtime winner. Oliver Bjorkstrand also got his second goal of the tournament.


USA vs Slovakia

This game was dominated by the USA, as shots were heavily in their favour. One USA forward who is really impressing me in this tournament is Dylan Larkin, who was drafted 15th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in this past year's draft. Larkin has been speedy, defensively sound and chipping in points more than anyone else on his team, including "phenom" Jack Eichel. Larkin has 5 points in 3 games now, as he got one goal and one assist against the Slovaks. The only issue for Larkin is that he is stuck behind great USA center depth, with Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews and J.T Compher competing with him for top 6 ice time. Larkin should have that time by the elimination rounds if USA goes with the hot hands.  USA wins this game by a score of 3-0.


CANADA vs Finland

This game was a must-win for Team Finland. Now they cannot get a top spot in the group after losing to Canada, meaning they will be playing one of Russia or Sweden in the quarter finals. The Canadians top line continued playing well, however this game was the game that Sam Reinhart woke up, scoring his first and second goals of the tournament. Anthony Duclair also scored to put Canada up 2 goals in the third. Lazar scored Canada's fourth goal to seal the game late in the third period. Canadiens prospect Artturi Lehkonen was the lone goal scorer for Finland, as one Habs prospect scores on another in Zach Fucale. The final score of this one was 4-1 for Canada.


Now the Canadians must turn their attention to the USA, who they will play at 3:30 EST on New year's eve for top spot in the division. Coach Benoit Groulx has confirmed Eric Comrie will start the game in net. It will be a fun one, ladies and gentlemen.

Canada vs Germany

Following Canada's 8-0 crushing of Team Slovakia, tonight Canada returned to the Bell Center in Montreal to take on the Germans.

Germany has a really weak team this year, especially with the absence of Leon Draisaitl. Edmonton would not loan Draisaitl to Germany, despite making him a healthy scratch and possibly loaning him back the WHL, if his rights were to be traded to the Kelowna Rockets. One player that Germany has that remains dangerous is Dominik Kahun, a forward who helped keep Germany in the World Juniors last year with 7 points in 7 games. However, I can see Germany being relegated this year as Denmark, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic all have much stronger teams in my opinion.

Canada started the game with the same line combinations they finished with against Slovakia. The only change in the lineup is that Jets prospect Eric Comrie will get his first start of the tournament.

Domi - Reinhart - Duclair
Ritchie - McDavid - Lazar
Paul - Petan - Fabbri
Crouse - Gauthier/Point - Virtanen

Nurse - Theodore
Morrissey - Bowey
Heatherington - Hicketts
Morin


1st Period

To start off, Connor McDavid gets his first of the tournament on a power play just three minutes into the game, and celebrated excitedly, pounding the glass and scaring Canadians fearing another hand injury. Nic Petan and and Josh Morrissey drew assists on McDavid's goal. The goal was scored scored by McDavid attempting a cross crease pass from beside the net, which was blocked. McDavid stayed with it and jammed in the loose puck past German net minder Kevin Reich.

After that, Canada took a penalty of its own sending Max Domi to the box. Upon the penalty expiring, Domi was sprung on a clean breakaway, but was stopped by Reich.  Canada took another penalty, less than 3 minutes after the Domi penalty. This time it is Nick Ritchie headed to the sin bin, for goalie interference. Canada had a goal waived off last night due to a goalie interference call. They may want to ease up in the blue paint to avoid penalties, as this call is clearly much easier to make in international play with stricter rules.

Canada's depth is striking the tournament again. On another Canadian power play, on a play similar to McDavid's first goal the pass was successful to line mate Curtis Lazar, who notched his first of the tournament. Nic Petan collected his 2nd assist of the game, and fifth point of the tournament on Lazar's goal. Following the goal, Jake Virtanen got a breakaway but missed. Lots of penalties in the first period, as Canada committed their 3rd foul of the night on a Joe Hicketts hold. They can't be taking these penalties, especially against a weak team. In the dying seconds, Canada looked as though they were about to score another greasy goal but German defense man Patrick Kurz saved the puck just as it was about to cross the goal line. The 1st period ends, two to nil Canada.


2nd Period 

Lazar missed a wide open net within the first two minutes,off a scramble in front of Kevin Reich. Lazar was also the player who last touched the Kurz goal line save late in the first period. The period started off slow, with Germany putting a bit more pressure on Canada but nothing to worry about. Canada ends up taking their 4th penalty of the game, sending the Germans to another powerplay. Nick Ritchie heads to the box again, for a careless interference penalty. It looked like Ritchie just hit Dominik Kahun for the sake of hitting him. Ritchie needs to be more disciplined if he plans on continuing his top 6 role next to Connor McDavid. However, Ritchie's strong net drive has its positives as well, as he IS on a line with Connor McDavid who is able to create chances, especially for people in the right position. Screens, tips, and greasy rebound goals are what Canada will need later on in the tournament.

Germany did a good job of not letting Canada play their game. I also didn't see the speed Canada used against Slovakia, which is probably a good reason the game is only 2-0 at this point. Canada needs to pick it up, and not take this game off. In the last five minutes, Canada takes their fifth penalty of the game. This time its seventh defense man Samuel Morin, a Flyers prospect who goes off for tripping. On the power play, German forward Mark Michaelis crept behind the Canadian defense corps for a breakaway, but was stopped on a five hole shot by Eric Comrie. Other than the breakaway, Canada's penalty kill looked good against a German team with few offensive threats. Near the end of the period, Germany got a bit over-aggressive, as Nico Sturm took a cross-checking penalty with two minutes remaining.  Sturm also received a 10 minute misconduct for the penalty. Canada's powerplay didn't look as good as it did in its first two attempts, as Canada couldn't connect on the triangle down low and started taking shots off of the wing which were unsuccessful. Canada will start the 3rd with just under 30 seconds of power play time. No goals for either side, and a lackluster period for Team Canada.


3rd Period

Canada's short power play would be killed by the Germans. Also, a new line emerged in the 3rd, a line of Connor McDavid, Robby Fabbri and Jake Virtanen. Perhaps Ritchie could be getting a smack in the wrist for the penalties. Or Canada is simply trying to shake things up to wake up the players. McDavid, Virtanen and Fabbri have all played well in the past 5 periods, so its worth a shot to combine 3 hot players. The only line that stayed the same in the 3rd period was the Duclair - Reinhart - Domi line, which has been together since pre-tournament. Later in the period, Ray Ferraro pointed out that Ritchie had indeed become the 13th forward.

Early in the 3rd, Canada and Germany played fairly even at 5 on 5, which is a positive for Germany in itself. At the 14th minute mark, Anthony Duclair took a hit from behind penalty, in which Ritchie serves the 2 minute penalty while Duclair was serving his 10 minute misconduct. Canada killed Duclair's penalty to make them a perfect 6/6 on the penalty kill.

9 minutes into the period, McDavid was sprung on a partial breakaway, but elected to pass to Robby Fabbri, who dropped behind the German defense instead of across the crease, which is where McDavid passed the puck. Moments later, McDavid set up Jake Virtainen who was robbed by Kevin Reich, who flashed the glove on the Vancouver draft pick. Max Domi scored on the faceoff following Reich's big glove save. Domi was set up by a backhand pass across the German crease by Buffalo first round pick Sam Reinhart.  A few minutes later, Nic Petan who was now on a line with Crouse and Lazar, went backhand in tight but hit the far post, which bounced right to Crouse who put the puck wide.

Canada got another chance on the power play with 5 minutes left in the 3rd. German Kai Wissman took a hooking penalty to send Canada to their 4th power play on the night. Canada would strike on this power play, giving them their third power play goal on the night. Nic Petan passed the puck to Madison Bowey, who buried the rubber past Reich's glove after pinching in from the blueline for his first World Junior goal. That is Nic Petan's 3rd assist and power play point of the night, as well as his team-leading sixth point. That would be just about it regarding scoring chances, as both teams awaited the end of the game.

CANADA WINS 4-0 OVER GERMANY


Final Thoughts

- Back to back shutouts to start the World Juniors for Canada, but they were against 2 weaker teams in Germany and Slovakia. Its still great that no fatal mistakes occured causing a goal, but we'll see how Canada's defense will react to tougher teams in Finland and USA.
- Obviously Petan's numbers are good, but he is playing great. Fast, shifty, and very creative.
- McDavid got player of the game for Canada, well deserved with one goal and two assists.
- Virtanen surprises me too, his play in the last 2 games has been good. Hes strong on the puck, fast along the boards, and hes been taking shooting, which some players find difficult to do.
- It will be interesting to see Canada's lines against Finland, will Groulx go back to the lines that started the game, or will he go with new-found chemistry? We'll have to see.




Notes from other games today:

Sweden vs Denmark

- Jacob De La Rose and William Nylander both got their 2nd goals of the tournament, while De La Rose also notched 2 assists
- I was expecting more out of Mikkel Aagaard, who led Team Denmark and the tournament in scoring last year in the lower divison. He didn't get any points today, and wasn't noticeable yesterday.


Finland vs Slovakia

- Great rebound game for Slovakia. If they came into this game down and deflated this game could've gotten ugly as well.
- Surprised to see the defending champs 0-2 so far in the tournament.
- Mikko Rantanen has Finland's only 2 goals of the tournament.
- Good to see Denis Godla rebound as well, making 37 saves and only letting in one goal. Godla was pulled after Canada's 5th goal last night.
-  Canadiens prospect Martin Reway set up 2 goals in this game, earning him 2 assists and his first points of the tournament.


Czech Republic vs Switzerland

- I would've predicted the Czech Republic winning this game, I thought they had a better team on paper with Jakub Vrana, Dominik Masin, David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha.
- David Pastrnak got his first point of the tournament, a secondary assist on Lukas Klok's 1st period tally
- Kevin Fiala scored 2 goals, including an end to end rush that was topped off with a shot bar down
- Noah Rod, who got 3 penalties vs Canada in pre-tournament play, scored his first goal of the tournament



Oh yeah, and the NHL resumed play today. However, the Canadiens did not play.

Day 1 of the World Junior Hockey Championship

Today I took a trip to the ACC to catch the opening ceremony, and very first game of the 2015 World Juniors. I also got home in time to watch most of Sweden vs Czech Republic, and of course Canada stomping on Team Slovakia.

Denmark vs Russia

Wow. Lets just say I wasn't expecting Denmark, a team who is in this year's tournament due to Latvia's relegation to play this well against an experienced Russian team. To start off the game, both teams had a fairly even level of play. There were not very many high quality scoring chances until just after the 7 minute mark of the first period, where Denmark got their first power play of the game. They made short work of the power play, as Portland Winterhawk and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Oliver Bjorkstrand ripped a slap shot glove side past a screened Ilya Sorokin. A few minutes later, another Denmark power play came on a careless interference penalty by defense man Rushan Rafikov(Yes, his name is Rushan. Yes, he is Russian.). It took a bit longer for Denmark to make use of the powerplay, but about half way through the penalty 2014 9th overall pick Nikolaj Ehlers blasted home another slap shot, putting the underdog Danes up 2-0.

The 2nd period was even, however both goalies holding their ground. Not many high quality scoring chances, but there were some decent chances on both sides. In the final 2 minutes of the second period, Denmark fell victim to flipping the puck over the glass, giving them a delay of game penalty. Former Sarnia Sting(and former Alex Galchenyuk teammate) Nikolai Goldobin banked a shot off the Denmark netminder Sorensen. Goldobin was drafted 27th overall in the 2014 Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks. The period expired with a score of 2-1 for Denmark.

In the 3rd period, the inevitable happened. Russia picked up their game, and ended up tying up the score with a goal from Maxim Mamin, who deflected a shot off his skate into the net. In the dying minutes of the 3rd, Sorensen held his ground and had to make some difficult saves as Russia continued to press the Danes. This game headed to a five minute, 4 on 4 overtime.

In overtime, Mads Eller got a breakaway, all alone with Ilya Sorokin but was unsuccessful in shooting blocker side on the Russian goalie. In the final minute of the overtime, a Russian forward blasted by the Danish team, slid around the net and was about to tuck in an open wrap around, but the Danish goalie got a piece of it with an outstretched pad. After seeing a replay, it appeared the puck slipped off the young Russian's stick, and would've went right through the crease, had Sorensen not knocked the puck in himself. It was still good on Sorensen to get over and prevent any mishaps. Sorensen finished with 37 saves to keep Denmark alive. Overtime expired, and the game headed to a 3 round shootout.

1st shooter(DEN): Nikolaj Ehlers, miss on a shot.
1st shooter(RUS): Sergei Tolchinsky, GOAL on a quick 1-2 deke going blocker side
2nd shooter(DEN): Oliver Bjorkstrand, miss on a shot.
2nd shooter(RUS): Nikolai Goldobin, GOAL on a flurry of moves in tight, however he lost the puck which slid fivehole, ending the game and completing Russia's comeback.

FINAL SCORE: 3-2  Russia(SO)
Notable Players:

Nikolaj Ehlers: Wow, this kid has some hands. Every time he entered the zone, he was pulling the puck through his legs, through Russian legs, through teammates legs. He also drew a penalty, which led to his goal on the power play. He was chasing a puck which would've given Denmark an odd man rush, so Rushan Rafikov had to choice but to try and contain the young Dane. With his assets of speed and skill, he should be a dangerous NHLer in the future.

Oliver Bjorkstrand: Bjorkstrand is a goal scorer. He has a shot, wrister or clapper, that he can release hard, quick, and accurately. He took a lot of shots in the game(6), and ended up with one goal, one assist, and one cross bar from an almost impossible angle.

The Russian Team: The entire team seemed a bit sloppy. Perhaps they were the only team suffering from jetlag? Although the entire ACC almost was against them, cheering on the underdog Danes, I thought the Russians would be a lot more impressive with names like Ivan Barbashev and Pavel Buchnevich on the team. One forward that seemed like he had a smooth game and created chances was Vladislav Kamenev(2nd round in 2014, Nashville Predators). Obviously Nikolai Goldobin got things done in the numbers category as well.


 Sweden vs Czech Republic(Notes)

- Jakub Vrana, drafted 13th overall in 2014, put up 2 goals, which were Czech's only goals.
- William Nylander(Do I have to say who drafted him?) had a goal, and created some chances. Good game overall from what I saw.
- David Pastrnak, Boston's first rounder from 2014 seemed like he tried to do too much against the Swedes. He tried to dangle through high traffic zones and wasn't very successful in doing so, often resulting in turnovers
- Habs prospect Jacob De La Rose put up a goal, driving hard to the net and shoveling in a backhander to beat Czech netminder Vanecek.
-Oskar Lindblom, a 5th round selection by the Flyers put up 3 assists

FINAL SCORE: 5-2 Sweden


CANADA vs Slovakia(Notes)
- Canada started out with a boom, scoring 3 goals in less than 5 minutes
- Canada was creating many scoring chances by driving wide and beating the Slovaks with their speed
- Canadiens prospect Zach Fucale "earned" a 12 save shutout, playing a calm and focused game despite not facing much action
- Canada seems to have a lot of depth, but also some key combinations. Robby Fabbri(4) and Nic Petan(3) combined for 7 points. Of course Canada also has their top line of Anthony Duclair(NYR), Sam Reinhart(BUF), and Max Domi(ARZ) stayed together and earned 2 points each.
- Other scorers were Nick Paul, Brayden Point andJake Virtainen. Canada had 7 different goal scorers, 7 players with multi-point games, and 11 players earning at least one point
- Montreal's Martin Reway was named Slovakian Player of the Game.

FINAL SCORE: 8-0 Canada


USA vs Finland(Notes)
- I didn't watch this game, only going from highlights and TSN reports
- Canadiens prospect and Finnish Captain Artturi Lehkonen played a strong game and netted a goal in the shootout
- Jack Eichel had a nice no-look backhand pass to an open Alex Tuch out front of the Finnish net. Eichel also scored in the shootout for USA.

FINAL SCORE: 2-1 USA(SO)


Tomorrow I will cover Canada's game. After going to the ACC for Denmark and Russia, I can't wait to return for Sweden and Russia on the 29th. The whole building cheered on Denmark it seemed like. Any chant started by Russian fans was quickly drowned out by "LETS GO DENMARK" by Danes and Canadians alike. Great atmosphere in the ACC despite some empty seats. I expect the place to be packed with the two  top teams in the division facing off.