World Junior Championships Recap: USA v Germany, Round 1

BUFFALO NY - DECEMBER 30:  Niklas Treutle #1 and Konrad Abeltshauser #6 of Germany defend against Chris Brown #10 of the United States  during the 2011 IIHF World U20 Championship game between United States and Germany at the HSBC Arena on December 30 2010 in Buffalo New York.  (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Team USA recorded another easy win last night. Their defensive play was so efficient that the Germans could not get any offense going for the entire game, giving Jack Campbell his first shut out of tournament and back up goaltender Andy Iles about ten minutes of playing time to close out the third period. USA’s offense was as big of a threat as it has been throughout the WJC, and if it wasn’t for a spectacular game by Germany netminder Niklas Treutle, they would have scored three times as many goals as they did.

The word had it that Germany was a trap team that slowed the pace of games, clogged up the middle, and threw big hits. Their system worked for about five minutes. The United States’ speed took over, they found a way to maneuver through the neutral zone, and they came out hitting first. As they were adjusting, though, Jeremy Morin took a tripping penalty less than three minutes in. Though you always need to be sharp on a PK, odds were against Germany on converting as they were 1 for 16 on the tournament while the US was sporting a 100% kill rate. (Of course, this was only their third penalty in the tournament...)

The strong play and aggressive penalty kill by the Americans kept Germany out of their zone, holding them up at the blue line. They never got a shot on net. Shortly thereafter, Ryan Borque (pops Ray was in attendance, by the way) corralled a puck onto his stick to bring it into the offensive zone, but he rang the shot off the post. It started an offensive flurry during which time Treutle was fantastic. The Germans were already getting flustered and Tom Kuhnhackl was called for roughing.

The United States’ power play was like a well-oiled machine. They used an umbrella style, allowing the defenders on the weak side to pinch in easily. They dominated control for an entire minute, with Germany unable to get anywhere near the puck. After a quick clear, they came back in to do the same for the remainder of the PP. Although they didn’t score, they had three quality shots on net. Again, Treutle was a beast.

The Germans got their first big scoring chance on a two-on-one, but Campbell made the save easily and moved the puck up to his forwards who penetrated the offensive zone without too much difficulty. The US used a system that would prove successful throughout the night: get bodies low and out-work the defenders in front of the net while taking against-the-grain shots to the goalie’s stick side. Someone must have watched some tape on the kid.

Because of the constant onslaught, tempers started to flair and Benjamin Hufner of Team Germany took a roughing call. This time, the Americans were able to capitalize as they held in an attempt at clearing the puck along the boards, and Charlie Coyle and Kyle Palmieri rushed the net. Coyle faked a pass, pulled to his backhand and then used his forehand to send the puck over Treutle’s shoulder. Power play goal, US up one to zero.

Team USA came right back into the zone after the face off to set up what looked like a power play, even though it was 5-on-5. Emerson Etem landed a timely check along the boards, forcing a turnover which Jerry D’Amigo, who was the recipient of a scary hit last game, sent to the back of the net stick side from the circle. This put the Americans up 2-0.

Again letting their frustrations get the best of them, Marcel Ohmann took a hooking penalty, the third penalty of the game for the Germans. It was on a delayed call during which time, the US used as a 6-on-1 power play. They kept the puck in the offensive zone for a full minute before Germany was able to gain control for the whistle. They continued their strong pressure by staying on the attack for one and a half minutes of the power play before Germany was able to clear and kill off the penalty. At the end of the period, the US converted on one of their three power plays and netted an even strength goal for a score of 2-0.

In the second period, Germany came out a little stronger and was able to get some offense going around Campbell’s net. However, the Americans utilized their strong defense to prevent any real scoring opportunities. Taking the puck into Germany’s territory, Etem barely - and I mean barely - missed a wrap-around goal after having fooled Treutle to commit to his right, leaving a wide open net on the other side. Etem just wasn’t able to tuck it home because of the angle with which he came around the net.

Any time Germany was able to push the puck out of the zone, the US defenders were there to intercept and slide break out passes to their forwards, allowing easy entry into the offensive zone. Once there, they set up camp for long stretches of time. By mid-way through the second, the shots on net were 25-4 USA. Nick Bjugstad took such a pass and muscled his way into the high slot. He then passed the puck to Jon Merrill who recorded the third goal of the night for the United States.

Tempers really got going at this point, and a huge scrum started up around Germany’s net. D’Amigo was shoved down after the whistle by Germany’s Konrad Abeltshauser for which a few US players got a bit upset. D’Amigo got a shove in on Abeltshauser in retaliation, angering Bernhard Keil who then crosschecked D’Amigo for yet another penalty. In the scrum, an American player speared one of the German players with the end of his stick, yet there wasn’t a call on it. Big miss by the refs. Regardless, the US went on the power play and made good. Coyle and Palmieri did some nice criss-cross passing to get the puck to Chris Dreider who got his first of the tournament. Four-zero, US.

With six minutes left in the second, the shots registered at 35 to 5 in favor of Team USA. More frustration as Marius Mochel of Germany was called for slashing. The US didn’t score on that power play although they again kept the puck in the zone for over a minute, cycling it well. Germany got their best scoring opportunity of the game when Ohmann came screaming through center ice, barreling down on Campbell. However, Nick Leddy used his speed to catch up to him and made an amazing defensive play by getting his shoulder on Ohmann and forcing him off the puck at the last minute. Both skaters plowed into Campbell; fortunately, he hopped right back up and was actually checking in with Leddy to make sure he was okay.

In the final two minutes of the period, Germany put up some good shots on net and kept Campbell busy. But despite not getting much action, he was sharp and turned away the pucks fairly easily. The second period ended with 38 shots to 12 and the US on top 4-0.

Germany started the third with better defensive play and some aggression on offense. For a third time in the night, a multi-bodied scrum broke out. This time, both an American (Chris Brown) and a German (Jannik Woidtke) went to the box for matching roughing penalties. Neither team got much going on the 4-on-4, with the US registering the only shot. With 9:30 left, Campbell was pulled to give him some rest as Team USA is playing tonight. Iles stepped in and continued the strong play of his predecessor.

Borque took a stupid penalty (tripping) in the offensive zone and sent Germany on the power play with 3 mintues left. Still, the US kept the puck in Germany's zone; overwhelmed, Treutle tripped D’Amigo (the poor kid is getting worked over in this tournament; good thing he’s a tough bugger), but there wasn’t a call. The power play continued with Germany unable to get things set up as the US continued to take away the puck and get short-handed opportunities going. Neither team got a shot on goal, however. The game ended with the score remaining 4-0, United States.

Game notes:
 

• With the win, the US moved into first place in their group, one point ahead of Finland.
• The Americans remain 100% on the PK, having only taken 4 penalties in the tournament, the fewest of all teams. Canada is the next fewest with 9.
• Final shot count: 48-14, USA
• Emerson Etem received more boos during the first period although they were about half the volume and ended by the time the second period began. I’m going to withhold commentary on this at the risk of offending some Buffalonians.
• Ken Holland, the GM for the Red Wings, was interviewed during the second period. When asked about the value of the experience the Wings got by playing in the Winter Classic, he said (among other things), "It was in a great building." Yes, because the point of the Winter Classic isn’t that it’s played outdoors. Lord.

Players of the Game:
USA - Charlie Coyle (1 goal/1 assist)
Germany - Niklas Treutle (44 saves)

Next up: Switzerland, tonight (Dec. 31) at 6 pm MT/8 pm ET

World Junior Championships Recap: Canada v. Norway, Round 1

Canada's Brayden Schenn celebrates with Erik Gudbranson (#5)
and Ryan Johansen (#19) following following a goal against
Norway. Photo: Matthew Manor / HHOF-IIHF Images

Spoiler alert. You’re going to get the score up front, or at least part of it. That’s because the lead story to this game involves records. In an amazing display of offense, Brayden Schenn of Team Canada tied the record for the most goals scored in a single WJC game at 4. Who else holds that record, you ask? Oh, just this Simon Gagne dude and some hack named Mario Lemieux. Schenn entered a ring of elite players last night, and his name will forever be mentioned in the same breath as two NHL greats when goals at the World Junior Championships are discussed. Another guy who went down in the record books is Ryan Ellis. With his 3 assists on the night, Ellis moved into sole possession of the most points scored by a defenseman in the WJCs. His 23rd point came in only his 15th game and moved him in front of Finland's Reijo Ruotsalainen, who recorded his 21 points in 24 games. Pretty amazing, if you ask me.


As for the rest of the game, well, let’s just say Brayden wasn’t the only Canadian introducting pucks to twine. Although Canada was down to 10 forwards (Jaden Schwartz and Cody Eakin were out with injuries, as was defenseman Calvin de Haan; Zack Kassian was serving the first of his two-game suspension), the team was still an incredibly potent group of players.

Canada came out hittin’ and kept it up throughout the game. They laid out some of the biggest hits and checks I’ve seen so far in the tournament, two or three in one shift sometimes. The Nords looked like they were in a pinball machine at times. They also seemed jittery as they turned over the puck constantly, unable to connect on passes. Early in the first, one of their forwards tried to break out of the zone, but twisted a knee or ankle or something and went down inexplicably, looking hurt. Brett Connolly didn’t stop to ask what happened; he just picked up the puck, slid it across the crease to Casey Cizikas, and celebrated a goal. This would be the first of many times Norwegian goalie Steffen Soberg would watch the other team celebrate.

Shortly thereafter, Canada won a clean face off, dropping the puck back to the blueline where it was shot purposefully wide to the left of the net. It bounced off the boards out to the right side where Ryan Johansen grabbed it, cruised behind the net and sent the puck to Schenn across the crease for his first of the night. This put the Canadians up 2-0.

Norway got a little bit of offense going by using their speed along the boards and getting shots off quickly. Mark Vesentin, who started in goal for Canada as they were coming off a game last night, made good on the action he saw. Though he had a bit of trouble controlling his rebounds, he was usually able to get back into position quickly to stop the second attempt. Norway continued to challenge offensively - they settled down more and more as the game continued - which provided for some nice back and forth play.

Canada got their third goal off a hard, high velocity slap shot from the point by Erik Gudbranson. I don’t think Soberg is used to seeing shots like that because he looked completely stunned. The three to nothing score jumped up to four-nothing moments later as Louis LeBlanc scored a wrap-around from behind the net. He worked hard for that goal, using his body to protect the puck as he muscled off a defender along the boards. It was a pretty weak goal, though, and I’m sure Soberg would like it back.

Norway didn’t let that deflate them, however, as they came right back and scored themselves. From the face off, Rasmus Juell took control of the puck and created space as he weaved between four Canadian players to beat Visentin. Norway couldn’t hold on to the 4-1 score, though. Schenn received a long, cross-ice pass while moving into the offensive zone and sent a wrister home for his second of the night. At 5-1, Soberg didn’t even wait to be called off the ice. He just skated to the bench without looking back while Lars Volden quickly got his gear situated and his butt on the ice. With about five minutes left in the period, Canada had put 12 shots on net...and scored on almost half of them.

They weren’t done yet, however, as Marcus Foligno wanted to get in on the action, too. It was a weird goal; Foligno moved pretty slowly into the zone, fumbled the puck on his first attempt, but gathered it together again - all while he was moving toward the net - and scored. The period ended with a tally of six to one in favor of the Canadians.

Canada showed they were the faster team in the first, regularly winning races to the puck. Norway was pretty good along the boards and in the battles down low, but they were simply outmatched that period. It seems they have been historically, too, as the last win Norway had in the WJCs was in 1990. This game would end up being their 16th consecutive loss. Ouch.

The scoring slowed way down in the second period with only one goal recorded. Schenn got the hat trick as Quinton Howden strolled right into the offensive zone and passed the puck to Schenn who just threw it on net. It was probably the softest goal I’ve seen the past few days. So now the Canadians had scored 7 goals on 17 shots. You would think that Norway wasn’t getting anything going, but surprisingly, they were just about even on shots. The Nords were just kept to the outside for bad angle attempts, and Visentin was on his game.

Trying to contain the speed of Canada, Norway’s Nicolai Bryhnisveen took a holding penalty, sending their opponents on the power play. The Canadians kept the Norwegians battling in their own zone for nearly the entire time, but Norway’s defensive play and Volden's spectacular goaltending kept Canada off the scoreboard. Taking momentum with them, they moved quickly into the Canadian zone, but had too many men on the ice in the process. Again, the Nords did a great job on the PK and didn’t let Canada get much going.

Record-breaker Ellis (whose agent, none other than The Bobby Orr, was in attendance), slashed away at Norway’s Hans Kristian Anderson Hollstedt, and the Norwegians got the man-advantage. They did a great job of cycling the puck and keeping it in the zone, but Visentin stoned them, keeping the score at 7-1 as the period ended.

The first half of the third period was just a lot of back and forth action, with both teams playing very good hockey. Most of the turnovers were the result of solid defensive play by the opposing team, and rushes into the zone, in addition to shots that created nice offensive opportunities, were frequent. I started to think this paragraph wasn’t going to be very long, but then Canada got on a roll. First, Schenn scored that fourth goal which tied him for the record. Tyson Barrie got the assist on that one by pinching in and putting a shot on net. Schenn picked up the rebound and simply beat Volden. Then Sean Couturier scored off of a tip in which was the result of some solid puck movement starting at the blueline. Gudbranson wasn’t satisfied with just one goal, so he one-timed it from the circle off a rebound.

Had Norway played the entire game like they did the 30 minutes from the second through the middle of the third, this would have been a competitive game. Alas, they did not, and Canada ran away with a 10-1 victory.

Players of the Game:
Canada - Erik Gudbranson - not exactly sure how this happened...Gudbranson had 2 goals, 1 assist was a +5 (not bad, but mind you...) Schenn had 4 goals, 1 assist and was a +6. Odd.

Norway - Tobias Skaarberg - 0 points/0 assists (You’re probably wondering why he is their player of the game. Well, every other member of the team was a minus-something. Skaargerg ended the night even.)

Next up for Canada: Sweden, Dec. 31st, 4pm MT/6pm ET 

The Curious Case of Emerson Etem

By now, you’ve heard the story: Emerson Etem Tweeted less than favorable things about the city of Buffalo during the World Junior Championships. In case you haven’t read his supposed hate-filled rant, I’ll share it with you.

"Buffalo is a ghost town. The worst city ever! It makes Medicine Hatlook like paradise. I never thought I'd say that."

In return for this comment, Etem was subjected to boos from the crowd at the HSBC Arena every time he touched the puck in Team USA’s game against Slovakia on Tuesday night (Dec. 28, 2010). Now, I don’t know this for sure, but I think it’s safe to assume the booers were Buffalo residents offended by his comment. Did you catch that? Buffalo residents...Buffalo, NY...Buffalo, NY, USA. Americans were booing a player on the American team, a team they came to see and, I would hope, cheer on to victory in the championship. It seems counter-productive to me to do that, but perhaps that’s just me.

Perhaps it’s also just me, but I just can’t understand why those comments warranted booing in the first place. An 18-year-old kid doesn’t like your town because he thinks it’s boring. So what? The truth is that in the dead of winter on a weeknight when the colleges are on break, Downtown Buffalo IS a ghost town. Or at least, that’s what all the residents are saying. I’ve read comments like, "What does he expect..." and "The city is a victim of bad politicians and a terrible economy..." So let me get this straight: you folks are admitting that your city does not have much going on right now, yet you are mad that a kid on a hockey team points out that your city does not have much going on right now? Yeah, that’s worth booing him over and risking the on-ice offense he could provide.

This begs the question as to what action warrants booing? Do players who are traded without warning to an inter-division rival deserve it? What about players who choose to leave after their contract is over? Is there ever a time to boo a player because he did not sign with your team? How about a player who isn’t playing well or seems to be mailing it in? If a team is having a rough go of it, should they get the booing treatment? Really, these are asinine reasons to boo a hockey player.

In Denver, one player will always get booed every single chance the fans get to do so: Todd Bertuzzi. Why do Avs fans do this? They do it because Bertuzzi ended the career of one of their own via a ruthless and unnecessary act. If you ask me, that’s the kind of player who deserves the boos. Matt Cooke deserves them, too, for the dirty tricks he’s unleashed on opponents. You could also make an argument for booing guys like Chris Pronger and Sean Avery. But to boo a guy like Ilya Kovalchuk because he came to your city on the pretense of signing with your team without intending to actually do so or Adam Foote because he asked to be traded to another team is an insult to the reasons guys like Bertuzzi and Cooke are booed.

Etem didn’t deserve the kind of treatment he received Tuesday night. For those that think he did, well, he’s been told in no uncertain terms that the residents of Buffalo don’t appreciate his comments. I hope, however, the fine folks in the HSBC Arena let it die and give Etem and the rest of Team USA the support they need to win this tournament. If they don’t, what does it say about them and their commitment to seeing their country honored by their team taking home the Gold?  Perhaps it says they may be the ones who deserve the boos.

World Junior Championships Recap: USA v. Slovakia, Round 1

Jack Campbell had an off night last night. By off, I don’t mean he played poorly. In fact, he played quite well. It’s just that he didn’t have to play much. Like the Canadian-Czech Republic game before them, this was a one-sided affair with Team USA dominating the Slovkians from the first puck drop.

The US team spent the majority of the game in the Slovakian zone. The trend started right away in the first, and Slovakian goaltender Dominik Riecicky was tested early and often. Kyle Palmieri started the offensive attack with a great shot that challenged Riecicky though he was able to handle it. Then Palmeri got a two-on-one going with teammate Charlie Coyle due to a physical turnover at the blueline. Palmieri drove to the net to receive a clean pass from Coyle across the crease. It was an easy goal, and Team USA was up 1-0 within 5 minutes.

The US forecheck was so strong that Slovakia simply couldn’t enter the zone, and Campbell wasn’t facing any shots. Trying to create energy for his team, Peter Hrasko laid a big and nasty hit on Jerry D’Amigo, getting his elbow up and slamming the American into the glass head first. It was a scary moment as D’Amigo was on the ice for quite a while, but he was able to skate to the bench and return to the game. Hrasko, on the other hand, was given a five minute major, game misconduct and a one-game suspension as well as two more games due to the severity of the hit to the head.

On the ensuing power play, the US was able to keep the puck in the offensive zone for nearly two of the five minutes, at which time Palmieri (get used to hearing that name) tallied his second of the night. It was a bad angle, throw it on net from the right side kind of shot that slipped perfectly behind Riecicky. Two to zero.

Within the first ten minutes, the United States was already outshooting the Slovakians eleven to one. Although the Slovakian PK got better as time went on, it was still a US show. They net another goal, but it was waved off because the net was dislodged a moment before the puck went in. The scrum landed another penalty for the Slovak team, and the US went on another power play. The PP produced a ton of quality chances, forcing Riecicky to come up big, but he held on. At the end of the first, it was still a two-nothing affair.

Having already given up 22 shots on net, The Slovakians came out in the second upping the physical play in the hopes to throw the Americans off their game. Immediately after the announcers commented that Campbell needed some action so that he wouldn’t go cold, Team Slovakia got a rush going, and he had to make a blocker save. Unfortunately, that’s all they got, and the play ended up back in their zone. Due to strong pressure that kept the Slovakians scrambling, Andrej Kudrna shot the puck over the glass, resulting in a delay of game penalty. Another power play for the US.

Once again, the Americans were all over the Slovakians, working the puck and getting bodies in the crease. Palmieri won a battle to the puck and took another tough angled shot from the side of the net, which landed right in front of Coyle who patiently waited for the goaltender to go down to score the third goal of the night.

Thus far, the United States was two for three on the power play. Still, they didn’t slow down. Coyle fought off three defenders to maintain possession and set up a shot on net. The continued pressure forced the Slovakians to take yet another penalty: Peter Trska for hooking. They put up a better showing on this penalty kill, not allowing the USA to set up a cycle and getting the puck deep into the US’s zone. Penalty killed.

Campbell was doing a great job of handling the puck which helped his forwards push the play back into the offensive zone. More pressure, another hooking penalty on the Slovakians, this time by Adam Janosik. The power play was much more effective this time around, resulting in a huge defensive breakdown and yet another goal. Chris Brown was all alone in front of the net. This put the Americans up four to zip.

With seven minutes to go in the second, the United States already had 35 shots on net to Slovakia’s 6. Do you think Campbell was a bit bored? Yeah, me too. Sudenly, though, the Slovakian’s showed some life; with some good work down low, they forced Campbell to overcomit to the right and lose sight of the puck. This allowed Tomas Jurco, who was parked in front of the net, to score an easy goal. As the fans began to chant "Campbellll, Campbellll" (it was one goal, people), the US had to go on the defensive a bit - until they scored again. Drew Shore squeezed his way through the D, slid a puck under the Slovakian’s stick, and used his backhand to lift the puck and send it just under Riecicky’s arm. The five-one lead didn’t last, however, as Riecicky let in a super soft goal to Emerson Etem. After six goals, the Slovakian coach decided enough was enough and pulled his goaltender.

Holly came in and faced the same onslaught. Palmieri took a puck to the face at center ice, but he got up - slowly - and then made the defensive play to transition the puck out of the zone. It seemed every battle for the puck - whether in the corners, at the blueline, along the boards, at center ice - ended up in the American’s favor. Thus, at the end of two, the scoreboard had the United States leading 6-1.

Team USA picked up in the third right where they left off in the second. Pressure, takeaways, shots on net, everything you’d expect to see when one team is dominating the way they were. Campbell was finally tested with a hard, point blank shot, yet he handled it easily. Brown landed a huge hit center ice, and Jason Zucker followed it up along the boards with another. Martin Marincin lost his cool and retaliated, even though Zucker’s hit was totally clean. The Slovakian nailed the American hard in the head with his elbow, sending Zucker to the ice for a couple of minutes. When he did finally get up, he looked disoriented and shaky. As per regulations, Marincin received a five minute major, game misconduct, and a one-game suspension with 3 more games thrown in.

The US wasn’t able to capitalize on the power play and, instead, took their first penalty of the night: Team Captain, John Ramage, for cross checking. That didn’t stop the offensive power, however, as Ryan Borque raced up the ice for a slick 360 followed by a backhander. Holly handled it well and kept the Americans to 6 goals. The USA took their second and final penalty of the night as D’Amigo was called for slashing. This gave the Slovakians a 5 on 3, and they stepped on the gas. Stuck in their own zone for the remainder of the period, Campbell came up huge and stopped a flurry of shots. Yet, he was playing so well and had such confidence, he would challenge shooters from outside the blue paint. Nobody was getting anything more past him.

The final score: Team USA 6, Slovakia 1

Some notes:

• US won 95% of their face offs (yes, 95%)
• They ended the night with 57 shots on goal to Slovakia’s 18
• Slovakia amassed 58 penalty minutes while the United States only had 4
• The Americans were without two players: forwards Jeremy Morin and Brock Nelson
• Emerson Etem was booed every time he touched the puck for recently Tweeting that Buffalo was a ghost town with nothing to do and that it made Medicine Hat look like paradise. Tsk, Tsk Emerson. Did you learn nothing from Dan Ellis?

Players of the Game:
USA - Kyle Palmieri - 2 goals/1 assit
Slovakia - Juraj Majdan - 1 assist/plus-one

Next up for USA: v. Germany, December 30th at 5 pm MT/7 pm ET

World Junior Championships Recap: Canada v. Czech Republic, Round 1

I’m not sure what happened, but the Czechs must have gotten lost on the way to the arena. Had to be since this game was all Canada. The Czech Republic team showed a bit of life in the first five minutes or so, but for the remaining 55 minutes, they just couldn’t keep up.
 
The Czechs quickly got on the board within the first two minutes on a creative little play by Honesjek Antonin who picked up the puck in the neutral zone, skated up the middle by squeezing through a few Canadians, and zipping the puck in high glove side and off the post. That would nearly be the end of the Czech offense, however, as Olivier Roy stopped all but one of the remaining (few) pucks he faced.

There were quite a few injuries in the game, starting with Jaden Schwartz of the Canadian team (and of Colorado College). He went down awkwardly into the boards, but was able to come back into the game (and put up points). At this point, the "Let’s go, Canada" chants started and continued throughout the night at various times. Was this game really in Buffalo, NY, because I could have sworn it was in Canada?

The Canadian team pulled a penalty and proceeded on a very aggressive PK. The Czechs cycled well enough, but they turned over the puck due to poor passing. This would be the story of the night. Hemmed down in their own zone, the offense couldn’t even get going. Halfway through the first, shots on goal were 7-1 in favor of the Canadians; the only shot on net the Czechs got ended up in the back of it.

Canada took another penalty for abusing Filip Novotny: goalie interference on Casey Cizikas. (BTW, it happened off a good offensive drive started by none other than our own Tyson Barrie. The guy knows how to pinch. Cue TWSS coments). The PP didn’t matter much because the Czechs couldn't get past Canada into the offensive zone. A big part of the Canadians’ strength in this game was their physicality. They laid out some huge hits throughout the game.

Frustrated, the Czechs took a penalty of their own. Martin Frk (yes, that’s how it’s spelled) mauled a guy - something he’d do throughout the night. Canada’s PP was effective all night; Ryan Johansen tied up the game on a wrister from Brayden Schenn, who beat the defense straight up. The Czech Republic team got a one-on-break soon after, as Petr Straka stole the puck and got off a backhander just wide. He slid into Roy, but there wasn’t a penalty, and Roy wasn’t hurt.

However, soon after, Canada went on the PP again as Petr Senkerik did a little cross-check. Another goal. They boys engaged in some nice cross ice passing, Schenn slipped one to Schwartz, and in it went. At this point, Team Canada had two shots on their two power plays - and both were goals. Canada up 2-1.

The second period began with a big hit on Canada’s Calvin de Haan, which tweaked his knee and sent him to the locker room. Clean hit so no penalty. The goaltenders traded big saves in a lot of back and forth play. Zack Kassian of Team Canada then plowed into Senkerik so hard, he went down with a smack of the head on the ice. Head injuries are a big deal in the juniors, so whether it was intentional or not, Kassian got a 5 minute major, a game misconduct, and a one game suspension. Unfair? Yeah, I think it was. But it’s automatic, folks. No judgement calls here. (Update: Kassian ended up getting an extra game, for a total of 2 games out.)

The Czechs were able to get some sustained pressure going, but Roy stood tall. Schenn picked up a rebound and immediately took the puck down the length of the ice for a shorthander after a slick pass to Louis Leblanc. Three-one Canada.

A humorous moment came with Marcus Foligno and a Czech player got tied up on the ice, went down, and were tangled there for an extended period of time. Play continued though, right around them. The Czechs ended up taking a penalty, but Canada scored on the delay, negating the power play. Schenn, from behind the net, passed the puck right into the slot for a waiting Ryan Ellis. Four-one Canda.

Another Czech penalty, another Canada power play, another goal. This time, Cizikas took it up the boards, feathered a pass to Cody Eakin, who beat Novotny high blocker side. With only 16 seconds left, the Canadians were up five-one.

Things didn’t get better in the third for the poor Czechs. The Canadian bench started out light as de Haan and Schwartz were still in the dressing room nursing injuries, and Kassian was out for the game. It didn't stop them, though. Sustained pressured kept the play in the Czech zone for minutes at a time. Lots of shots on net, including a rocket by Barrie from the point. The Czechs got to go on the power play as Foligno got a little too aggressive with his stick (TWSS), but it was to no avail. By now, the shot count was 35 Canada, 6 Czech Republic.

At this point, frustrations overwhelm and Frk (remember him?) committed a heinous penalty on Erik Gudbranson: he hooked him between the legs, blade up, pulled back with some force, and gave an extra whack for measure. Every male in the arena winced at the same moment. Gudbranson, understandably, crumpled to the ice; Frk got a 5 minute major, game misconduct, and one-game suspension - the same as Kassian. I say intent to injure deserves harsher penalties.

The Czechs were still on the PP, so it was four-on-four action for a while. Then the Canadians went on the power play for 3:20. The Czech Republic’s Jakub Jerabek got called for tripping (pretty weak, embellishment for sure), but it gave the Canadians a 5-on-3 nonetheless. Novotny took the pressure well, but ended up taking down Foligno with a chop to the legs, causing him to limp off the ice. Told you there were injuries in this game. Even with the penalty, it stayed 5-on-3 for the rest of the original time. Canada worked the puck well, cycling down low; a rebound popped back to Barrie who netted a wrister in the top right corner. Six to one. Since Novotny was called on that whack to Foligno, Canada was still on the power play and scored yet another goal. Barrie set up Jared Cowen who sent a hard one timer in for another goal. Seven to one.

Canada continued to pressure and throw the hits, but Quinton Howden pulled a penalty, sending the Czechs on the power play. Jerabek made the most of it and scored off a bullet of a shot over Roy’s shoulder, glove side. The game ended at Canada 7, Czech Republic 2.

Players of the Game:
Canada - Schenn - 3 assists
Czech Republic: Straka - random selection, I’d say

Next up for Canada: Norway, tonight at 5:30 pm MT/7:30 pm ET


An interesting tidbit: Marcus Foligno is American-born, but he has dual-citizenship as he grew up in Canada. He chose to play for the Canadian team because his mother asked him to before she died of cancer in 2009.

Shermanator Leaving His Mark

Big Boss Cheryl has been hassling me about writing some articles for this here hockey blog, but unfortunately I've been pretty busy traveling. So, here's the last significant hockey thing that I did write. It was originally posted on Mile High Hockey on December 1st.

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Avalanche Sophomore GM Greg "The Shermanator" Sherman is finally showing Avs fans that he is a man with a plan, other than "hurry up and wait" for our youth to take us to new heights. Under Sherman's leadership, the organization is finally cashing in on all those years of great drafting (especially of blue-liners), and though his style may not be that of big trading Pierre Lacroix, under whom the Avs enjoyed constant success, he is certainly crafting a team that's going in the right direction.

Since Sherman took the reigns after the organizational house-cleaning of '09, we the fans have been skeptical. We continued to get our solid drafting, but who was this guy and how did we know he wasn't just another Lacroix puppet, doomed to mediocrity under the new CBA? The Shermanator led us through two boring off-seasons and one uneventful trade deadline. Was the inexperienced GM just going to toe the "building from within" line while saving Uncle Stan precious pennies?

Honestly, I thought so. After an off-season that nearly led me to boredom-induced self-mutilation, I really wasn't expecting any moves out of this team. I was pleasantly surprised by the snatching of Ryan O'Byrne for prospect Michael Bournival, but my world was not rocked.

Then Sherman went CRAZY! I think I wasn't the only fan here at MHH who was shocked, confused, and experiencing strange heart palpitations when the team made two trades in as many days. I was initially pretty pissed that we'd traded Colby Cohen for Matt Hunwick, especially with our plethora of NHL-ready defensemen already fighting for ice-time.

And Sherman didn't even give me time to come around before he flipped Scott Hannan for Tomas Fleischman. I was just uttering the words "Well, uh...maybe there's another trade coming" when it came.

And I gotta say, I like what I'm seeing.

Essentially, in the three mid-season trades we've seen this year, Sherman has flipped one NHL player for 3. Scott Hannan is the only proven entity we lost, and while defense continues to be a concern for this young team, to replace him, we ended up with a bigger and more physical Ryan O'Byrne, and a quicker, more offensively gifted (but still solid in his own end) Matt Hunwick.

But that's not all! Without losing any NHL pieces, Sherman also added a natural left winger in Tomas Fleischman. Fleischman is a top six winger that will help us out while we're injured and perhaps beyond. And we're not weighted down with a bad contract, as he can go away via unrestricted free agency if we don't like. In fact, all three of our new acquisitions are free agents at the end of the year.

And perhaps most interesting of all: our already young roster got younger. We rid ourselves of Hannan (31), and gained O'Byrne (25), Hunwick (25), and Fleischman (26). All come with NHL experience, but none come with gray hairs.

Now, of course, Hannan isn't the only asset we gave up. Colby Cohen and Michael Bournival will be missed in our system, for sure. But from what I've read, Bournival wasn't ever going to be much more than a 3rd liner, and Cohen would probably max out at a 4-6 d-man and powerplay specialist. We've known it for years: our defensive prospect cup runneth over. And our biggest weakness on forward is top-six winger prospects.

While looking at each of these trades individually, there's an argument to say that the Avs "lost" the trade each time. But when looking at the bigger picture, I'm really liking the mark that Sherman left. We got

Younger, trading a 30+ and 2 prospects for three twenty-somethings.

More experienced, especially on the blueline.

More physical, because Hannan never was, and O'Byrne is.

Bigger, again O'Byrne brings the size.

Faster, with Hunwick faster than Hannan, and Fleischman no slouch himself.

Deeper, getting a legitimate top-six left wing where we needed one, and adding to our already deep defensive corps.

And all of that without sacrificing too much out of our prospect pool.

So, I say good job, Shermanator! We still have more defensive depth to work with, so maybe there's another deal or two coming. But I think this new, small-deal-making GM is doing a great job. I think in the end it will turn out to be more effective than Lacroix's big splashing and Giguere's big (and ill-advised) off-season spending. So, despite what anyone says, Sherman has addressed our needs without giving up any vital pieces or sacrificing our future.

World Junior Championships Recap: USA vs. Finland, Round 1

USA and Finland faced off as the last set of teams to play in Buffalo tonight. Both teams came out with nerves affecting their game, but settled down as the period wore on. Finland is a tough team that plays with physicality and a focus on clogging up the neutral zone to prevent offensive pressure. They sometimes seem to lack communication and, as a result, end up chasing opposing players in a man-on-man defensive style.

Team USA is a fast team that transitions well. They are skilled passers and work well as a unit with the defensemen jumping in the play often. Their ability to cycle the puck when gaining the zone gives them extended time to create scoring chances.

Finland got the first few shots on net, but USA goaltender Jack Campbell held up well. He’s calm and steady, which is bound to help the US as the tournament goes on. The pressure from Finland caused the US to earn their first penalty, but the strong kill by the US created momentum, especially after a two-on-one shorthanded breakaway chance.

Team USA was able to set up some quality scoring opportunities by holding the puck in the zone, but they couldn’t convert as Finland did an excellent job closing in on the middle and using their strength to prevent their opponents from setting up shop in front of the crease. However, sustained pressure from the US drew a penalty, and they got a power play out of it. Again, the US was able to set up and cycle the puck well, but Finland closed ranks and kept the play to the perimeter. Despite being able to keep the puck in the offensive zone for over a minute, the US remained scoreless. Two minutes later, however, Finland took yet another penalty, and this time the US capitalized. With one minute in the period to go, Dustin Faulk got a bomb of a shot off from the blueline, beating Finnish goalie Joni Ortio. He never had a chance on it.  At the end of the first, Finland had more shots on net, but the US dominated in scoring chances. USA ahead 1-0.

The Fins came out more aggressive in the second, but not more disciplined as they took a tripping penalty off a strong forecheck by the Americans. This time, however, the Americans were able to get more bodies in front of the net, as well as create a ton of room. Finland had to give respect to the playmaking of the US’ blueline and closed in tightly. Again the US got plenty of time in the offensive zone, but Finland was able to kill the penalty. This shifted momentum, which resulted in a lot of bad turnovers by the US and a nice shot by the Fins that rang off the post. The Americans started to develop some chances yet, after some scrambling, Finland regrouped and put on big pressure. Using good screening, Joonas Natinen for Finland got a strong shot on net that Campbell mishandled. Tie score 1-1. US responded and created a turnover which University of Denver player Jason Zucker picked up and sent home top left corner. Finland came back again, causing Campbell to make a sprawling save. End of second, US up 2-1.

The third period showed the US changing up their style a bit, doing more dump and chase than carrying the puck into the zone. Unfortunately, it didn’t work; Campbell had a lot of shots to face. He did a very poor job of handling the puck repeatedly. The Americans coughed up the puck which set up a gorgeous chance by Finland, but the US returned the favor with a great chance of their own. Finland took yet another penalty; US worked their power play magic for a sweet goal that was waved off due to a player sliding just into the blue paint. Instead of the US gaining confidence, Finland took the opportunity and was able to tie up the game on a goal by Iiro Pakarinen. Despite opportunities for both teams, the game went into OT tied at 2.

Overtime was a back and forth affair with the teams trading chances and the goaltenders coming up big. Then Finland left a puck sitting all alone inside the blueline, which American Nick Bjugstad picked up and got on net. The puck dribbled underneath Ortio for a Team USA 3-2 overtime win.

Players of the game:
US - Jack Campbell
Finland - Joni Ortio
It was a goaltending show, for sure.

Next game: December 28th vs. Slovakia, 6pm MT/8 pm ET

World Junior Championships Recap: Canada vs. Russia, Round 1

I'll try to bring as much recap coverage as I can from the WJCs. Unless someone has a specific request or a game is particularly awesome, I'll be focusing on Teams Canada and USA.

I came into the game as the second period began, so I don’t have anything for you about the first. Sorry! My general first impressions were that Canada had the better defenseman, especially offensively. Strong, smart play in the offensive zone with intelligently timed pinching. They seemed to struggle some in the defensive zone, however, scrambling when the Russians put on pressure through cycling the puck.

The Russians are a fast team with creative cycling and a keen ability to take away the puck in the neutral zone. They also have a tendency to give away the puck a lot, and their defense just wasn’t up to snuff a lot of the time. Brilliant plays followed by face palms. Remind you of anyone?  Yeah, me too.

The worst team on the ice was wearing black and white stripes. I could not believe the missed calls; it was crazy. It almost seemed like old time hockey where grabbing, tripping, and rough stuff after the whistle were all overlooked. Their off-side calls were horrendous, as well. The good news is that there wasn’t any favoritism; both teams got the shaft (or the breaks, depending on how you look at it).

Neither team was sporting great goaltending. The goalies seemed to overcommit too often and be slow to react. Each let in soft goals. In the end, Olivier Roy, Canada’s goalie, got the win, but I give the rest of the Canadian team a lot of credit for that as they prevented almost half as many shots as they took. To their credit, however, both net minders did have some great saves.

Russia struck first in the initial period, but Canada answered back. In the second, scoring opened up as Canada lit it up again; Ryan Ellis let one fly from the point, shooting wide purposefully. It bounced off the boards right behind Igor Babkov, who kicked it in his own net. Then Russia’s Nikita Dvurechenski netted one five hole off a slick wrister. Canada’s turn again off a blistering shot by Erik Gudbrandson from the point. Russia didn’t let that get to them, though, as Danil Sobchenko scored their third of the night on the power play off some great cycling.  Canada ended the period with some sustained pressure, which they took into the third.

Canada dominated from the get-go, and Russia got frustrated. Taking a couple of stupid penalties, they put the nail in their own coffin as Canada capitalized on their opportunities. On the first PP, Russia was stuck in their zone and scrambling in front of their net. It was only a matter of time before Canada’s Ryan Johansen shoveled one in. 4-3 Canada. Fast forward to the next power play two minutes later when Russia broke down defensively, leaving Brayden Schenn wide open to receive the pass as he was pinching in. Canada up 5-3.

Russia started to create some offense, but our very own Tyson Barrie put a stop to it with a HUGE hit behind the net. The Russians were never able to reorganize and get things going after that. They even seemed to have given up, failing to get to pucks first because of lackluster skating. Canada finished the game with a last goal by Curtis Hamilton with 26 seconds left.

Players of the game:
Canada - Ryan Ellis
Russia - Vladamir Tarasenko

Interesting facts:

• about ½ as many Russians are in the NHL now as were in the league 10 years ago
• Canada is 32-1 in the first round
• 12 Canadians had points in the game

Next Game for Canada: December 28th v Czech Republic, 2pm MT/4pm ET


Other scores today:
Sweden: 7 - Norway: 1
Switzerland: 4 - Germany: 3