so the world juniors starts in 4 days, but there are already exhibition games going on.
Most of the teams with fans on here have players in this tournament. This is IMO the best chance to see the kind of players your teams drafted and some draft eligible players.
Czech Republic is loaded: Martin Necas (CAR), Martin Kaut (COL), Zadina (DET) = all three were 1st round picks, Zadina and Kaut last year, Necas in 2017.
but they're not the favorites.
IMO Canada is.
Owen Tippett (FLA), Nick Suzuki (MTL), Joe Veleno (DET), Bouchard (EDM), Dobson (NYI), Brook (MTL), Ty Smith (NJD), Frost (PHI), Hayton (ARI), probably the best goalie prospect in Cody Glass and the 2020 (yes 2020) projected #1 pick with Alexis Lafreniere, - Canada is absolutely loaded, right now it's Canada then everyone else.
USA has some great talent too, highlighted by:
projected 2019 #1 overall pick Jack Hughes, but also his older brother Quinn Hughes (VAN)
K'Andre Miller (NYR)
Dylan Samberg (BUF)
Mattias Samuelsson (BUF - Kjell's son, Ulf's nephew)
Joel Farabee (PHI)
Josh Norris (OTT)
Ryan Poehling (MTL)
Oliver Whalstrom (NYI)
and solid goalies (Cayden Primeau (MTL) - Keith's son) and Spencer Knight - draft eligible - not sure who the primary goalie will be)
and I've mentioned him before, but one of my favorite players to watch is 5'3" Sean Dhooghe. He has everything you want in a hockey player, other than of course...height. He's 2019 draft eligible, not sure if he gets drafted or not, but I love to watch him play, I hope he gets ice time.
NCAA leading scorer Evan Barratt (Penn state) (CHI) is also on the team and could show some people what that means.
Other teams/prospects to watch:
Finland:
Kupari (LAK)
Ylonen (MTL)
Kakko (draft eligible, #2 ranked player right now)
Tolvanen (NSH), hard to believe he's still in this tournament, seems like I've been hearing about him forever.
Russia:
Kravstov, NYR
Podkolzin, draft eligible
Romonov (MTL)
Slovakie:
Cajcovik (lit this tourney up last year, one of my favorite players in the 2019 draft)
Sweden:
Boqvist (CHI)
Broberg - draft eligible
Lundqvist, NYR
I'm sure I missed some players too.
USA schedule (All games on NHL Network):
12/26: vs Slovakia @6:30 PM ET
12/28: vs Kazakhstan @10:30 PM ET
12/29: vs Sweden @10:30 PM ET
12/31: vs Finland @10:30 PM ET
QF: 1/2
SF: 1/4
Medal Games: 1/5
Link to the IIHF website is below.
Link - (
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USA over Canada in the final.
USA over Canada in the final.
Last year I felt the US or Sweden had the best team. And of course Canada wins with what I thought was a down year for them, from a talent standpoint.
Carter Hart was unreal. Canada was deep and I loved Kyrou's speed, but didn't think they had super star talent per se.
This year they definitely do.
USA will have a tough time making out of their bracket with Sweden and Finland.
Just need to hope Canada doesn't lose to the Czech's so they avoid Canada until the finals (assuming US comes in 1st or 2nd in group B)
Canada is loaded up and down the roster, but I think Quinn Hughes may be the best defenseman in this tournament.
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Their defense is incredible. I've read that Ty Smith and Noah Dobson have been paired together frequently and are likely to be the top pairing.
Canada is loaded up and down the roster, but I think Quinn Hughes may be the best defenseman in this tournament.
You're probably right. You do know far more than I do on the subject. I'm disappointed that D Reilly Walsh didn't make the roster. He is having a great sophomore season with Harvard with 5 goals and 7 assists in 11 games. Apparently the USA coaching staff wasn't confident in his progress defensively.
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In comment 14229304 Jay on the Island said:
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Their defense is incredible. I've read that Ty Smith and Noah Dobson have been paired together frequently and are likely to be the top pairing.
Canada is loaded up and down the roster, but I think Quinn Hughes may be the best defenseman in this tournament.
You're probably right. You do know far more than I do on the subject. I'm disappointed that D Reilly Walsh didn't make the roster. He is having a great sophomore season with Harvard with 5 goals and 7 assists in 11 games. Apparently the USA coaching staff wasn't confident in his progress defensively.
I just know the guys we're talking about. Dobson, Smith, Bouchard, Hughes, etc...all awesome. Offensively, none skate like Hughes though so he'l stand out. Defensively they all probably have an edge on him, but in a tourney like this offense rules (for getting attention).
I love Adam Fox from Harvard as a prospect. Calgary pick traded to CAR in the Hamilton trade.
For a non top 2 round draft pick I think he'll contribute in the NHL.
He's a Jr though now, so I'd be nervous he goes back to school. If he goes for his Sr. season I think there's a good chance he becomes a FA (like Vesey, Hayes, Butcher, etc.)
No, I don't think anyone that short was drafted, but I don't know. I definitely don't think he'd get drafted early, if he gets drafted at all, but watch the tournament. he plays bigger than his size. I think that might work at NCAA, but not in the NHL, but we'll find out.
So Ranger prospects:
Miller on Team USA, Kravtsov for Russia, Lundkvist (probably) & Ragnarsson for Sweden & Nico Gross for Switzerland.
Here is the schedule. Starts Wednesday
Looks like the US play 13:30 EST
Link - ( New Window )
So Ranger prospects:
Miller on Team USA, Kravtsov for Russia, Lundkvist (probably) & Ragnarsson for Sweden & Nico Gross for Switzerland.
Dhooghe cut too. Oh well.
Everyone on the roster besides those two have been drafted or signed by an NHL team.
7 1st round picks.
4 2nd round picks
2 3rd round picks
over half the team picked in the first 3 rounds of the draft (2018 and 2017).
Highest picks are Quinn Hughes (#7 overall in '18) and Oliver Wahlstrom (#11 overall in '18). Though Jack Hughes expected to go #1 this coming draft.
I am not a Whalers fan, but grew up in CT and their leave was not celebratory event. there is almost no connection between the Whalers and Hurricanes except maybe a couple hundred die hard fans, but even still I have to believe they view this not a as a tribute, but as a slap in the face.
Only good things to come out of this was a "Whalers" win and we got to hear Brass Bonanza (Whalers theme song) after 5 goals. Plus see the best uniforms in sports.
Sorry, this is not world juniors related, but I didn't want to start a thread for it.
Quinn Hughes (VAN) and Josh Norris (OTT via Karlsson trade) named alternates.
Anderson's brother Joey (NJD) was captain last year of the bronze medal team. Mikey was on that team too.
Games start tomorrow.
Meant Michael Dipietro. He reminds me a little of Carter Hart, the Flyers youngster who stole this tourney last year.
Glass is an awesome prospect and I meant to include him in the talent and depth Canada has, but he's not a goalie. Glass is a C, drafted by LVG.
I'll put that line up against any line in the tournament.
Not sure about the European teams, but not on USA or CAN.
there are a few draft eligible goalies, but I don't know about any free agents. I bet there are some on some of the Euro teams.
Free stream - ( New Window )
Holy pubes.
W is a W and in this tourney that's all that matters, but man that was ugly.
Quinn Hughes best player on the ice. Jack Hughes flashed his greatness, Barratt, Poehling, Robertson, Madden, Miller, Samberg all looked good at times.
Wahlstrom looked apathetic, Farabee too, didn't even realized he played until he took a penalty, and some others were invisible.
USA plays like this vs Sweden and Finland it will be a short tourney for them, since they'll likely move on once they beat Kazakstan, but playing Canada in the QF would be bad.
Hard to remember sometimes that players like Jack Hughes, who is 17 years old can play in this tournament 2 more times (but obviously won't) and in some cases they're playing against 19 year-olds. 17 to 19 can be a big physical difference. Players like Brady Tkachuk, Rasmus Dahlin, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Andrei Svechnikov, Filip Chytil, Robert Thomas, Nico Hischier, etc. can still be in this tournament.
Canada has a lot of 19 year olds I believe. US has a few.
No, I watched the game first before checking in here. I wouldn't have cared anyway.
I liked the US goalie too. I thought Spencer Knight would start, but this kid played well.
both penalty shots were horse shit calls, even for IIHF where they generally call a much tighter game.
Here is a free stream link of today's games.
Stream World Juniors - ( New Window )
Romonov? didn't see this game, my daughter had a game same time.
Joel Farabee who I criticized after game 1 responded with a hatty (natural) and other than giving up the two goals USA the game was not a contest in any way.
Now it gets interesting.
USA vs Sweden tonight at 10:30 ET and then Finland on New Yesr's Eve at 10:30 ET.
USA vs Sweden could be for #1 seed in group b, because Sweden already beat Finland. If US beats the Swedes I think they'll win Group B no matter what they do vs the Fins.
not 100% sure of the tiebreakers, but this is the pivotal game nonetheless.
Down 1 - 0 almost halfway through the game.
No Jack Hughes again for the US.
No offense or sustained pressure for the US.
Now 2 - 0 as I type this.
Ryan Poehling (MTL) is going to be a good pro. Nervous though he stays in school and becomes a FA. I think he's a junior at St. Cloud State now, and this is where it begins getting in players heads. One more year, graduate, then become a FA and sign with anyone.
wonder if Jack Hughes is back today.
Swedes are good, but I take the Americans if they play again.
If Jack Hughes plays the US can beat Sweden. If he doesn't it should be close like last game, just not getting there the same way.
I think Canada beats anyone.
and it's costing the team.
Some of the US D have been exposed, mostly Samuellson IMO, he's massive, but slow. Not a good match for the Swedes.
he said a lot of years they seem like they don't give a shit about this tournament. but when they do, they tend to do well. Seems like they care this year. Looking forward to Russia vs Canada tonight almost as much as USA vs Finland.
Canada has a couple habs, Suzuki and Brook and Russia has 1 with Romonov.
Poehling has been the story for the US so far, I hope they keep him at C. Even in the 5 v 3 vs Sweden when he was the only US forward his instincts took over and he was able to help kill off the 2 man advantage.
Probably tourney MVP at this point. Lots of hockey left though.
USA dominating the Fins. Need this kind of performance to advance in this tourney.
USA likely 2nd in group B.
Canada surprised by Russia, finishes 2nd in group A.
USA needs more grit. They miss Tkachuk and Bellows.
Canadiens get the Fins.
Swedes vs Swiss
and
Russians get the Slovaks.
With a win, the US would play the Russia vs Slovak winner.
Sweden vs Canada (assuming chalk) would be a great semi-final and a repeat of last year's gold medal game.
USA (B2) vs the Czechs (A3)
Canada (A2) vs the Fins (B3)
Russia (A1) vs Slovakia (B4)
Sweden (B1) vs Switzerland (A4)
Speculation is Jack Hughes will return tonight. He was seen participating in an optional team skate yesterday, but he was allegedly a full participant in team practice on NYE so who knows for sure.
I would normally says he's hurting his stock by missing out on the premier showcase event for prospects, but Kaapo Kakko the consensus #2 hasn't done much to help himself.
If chalk holds, the semis would be some compelling hockey. USA vs Russia and Canada vs Sweden.
Oddsmakers have the Canada vs Sweden winner as the gold favorite, but US the favorite in their bracket.
Some good hockey to see tonight.
Canada is deeper than the US, but I like the top end of the US roster more and still maintain US over Canada in the finals.
Canada is deeper than the US, but I like the top end of the US roster more and still maintain US over Canada in the finals.
Have you see Josh Brook at all? I haven't watched Canada much, but sounds like Suzuki looks good, though not on the score sheet, haven't heard much about Brook.
I agree with you on Canada's D, opposite of last year where they had Mete and Makar in the top 4. two smaller puck movers. This year they are much bigger, physical, big shot D, but not as good as skating with the puck.
And I agree with you about the top end talent, but if that's all that mattered the Czech's would win, hard to match a line of Necas, Zadina, and Kaut. but they're not very deep and so far have been very undisciplined.
In the end I think depth and goaltending prevail, so whoevers goalie gets hot moves on.
Mike Morreale
Verified account @mikemorrealeNHL
17s17 seconds ago
Jack Hughes, who has missed past 3 gms with an inj, on the ice for USA morning skate .... USA v CZE tonight in WJC 1/4 rd
TSN
Verified account @TSN_Sports
12s12 seconds ago
Hughes to play for U.S. in WJC quarters. MORE: https://www.tsn.ca/hughes-to-play-for-u-s-in-wjc-quarters-1.1234821
Bob McKenzie
✔
@TSNBobMcKenzie
Team USA says Jack Hughes will be back in the lineup tonight in QF game against CZE at the @iihf_wjc
326
1:39 PM - Jan 2, 2019
Won't last, but man the Swiss are a tough out. GF/GA of 11:12 with no luck to show for it.
5 min left in the 2nd. This would obviously be an epic upset. Still doubt they hold on, but they're sure making it fun.
Love seeing the smile and exuberance on their faces.
They were solid all tournament, and finally pays off.
Canada's path got easier. If they take care of their own business.
USA up 1 - 0.
only downside is just 1 goal.
Czech's can strike quickly.
Shocker.
Yes, '60 throw backs. I really don't like the blues. I like these much better.
Outs shooting the Czech's 26 - 12.
I am amazed at how many composite sticks break.
when I grew up it was all wood stick, there was some fiberglass sticks toward the end of my career, but mostly wood. In high school, I went to what was considered a prestigious high school in terms of hockey and before each season we got a dozen sticks. no one used half of them. And those sticks if we did have to buy them cost $15 in the late 80's (and of course my father complained about it).
composite sticks cost around $300 for the high end sticks (and they have a 30-day warranty) and watch an NHL game and you see 5 - 10 break every game.
anyway, back to the game. what a save by the Czech goalie.
Wouldn't mind another upset, but USA Russia would be awesome too.
Hughes was electric every time he had the puck, he was creative, he created scoring chances, good along the walls, and he played defense.
Zadina and Necas are both insanely talented but both were neutralized by the US defense, the Czech's held Hughes to 1 assist, but he had or created a ton of scoring chances.
up 3 - 0 still in the first.
This game he looked really good. He was sick the past couple games and didn't play (some weird shit with this tournament, December 28th every year kids just get sick. this year apparently half the Sweden team got sick. And Miller as far as I know was the only US victim this year).
He had some nice defensive plays, showed a little bit of offense, I'd have to look again but I thought he was on the ice for the Czech PP goal and lost his guy for a split second (the one who scored, but that might have been Samuelsson).
I think he's got a bright future.
So, they had that loss coming imo. Good game though. I didn't stay up for the Russia game, but the other three were great games.
but agree, the other three games were all good games.
I posted this before, but one of the analysts talked about Russia and their involvement in this tournament and having what he called "the give a shit factor" and sometimes they just don't give a shit and their performance suffers.
This year it appears they give a shit. I saw some highlights and I didn't expect Romonov to be this good. the Canadiens were criticized for that pick.
I am less worried about his offense (that is his background) but hoping he develops as a shutdown Dman. I'm biased, but I think he is getting good coaching at UW.
Miller was involved in one rush, but for the most part with the skill the US has on offense they're asking their D to be solid in the defensive zone.
Miller I think was also the 7th D, so he wasn't playing a regular shift. Hard to tell between he and St. Ivany if they were alternating or not - by the 3rd period it looked like Miller was taking St. Ivany's shifts. Miller had just around 10:30 TOI, so I think that makes him 6th or 7th among the D.
He looked good while out there IMO.
US plays Russia at 4pm ET Friday.
"In the semifinals there is a good chance to meet with the United States. He has a curious background: the Americans include Oliver Wahlstrom, who after the draft said that the Rangers made a mistake by taking Kravtsov over him at 9th overall. Vitali remembered it. Oliver is somehow too narcissistic about himself, says Kravtsov. Let's see what he shows at the World Junior Championships. Is he as good as he says? But I dont dwell on Wahlstrom. Of course, I much more want to win this tournament, to prove to everyone and to myself, and not to Wahlstrom or conditional Canadians, that we, including myself, are capable of anything. Vatanen said Finland will beat Russia. These words passed to Yevgeny Kuznetsov. As a result, we won and that quarter-finals, Kuznetsov scored from under Vatanen and said that one Chelyabinsk is bigger than the whole of Finland. I like that.""
Why does Kravstov all him a conditional Canadian.
What does that mean?
I guess in IIHF you can't redirect it into the net.
LOL.
Nice pass
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Samberg could be out a while.
Kravstov looked like he might be hurt.
Samberg could be out a while.
Kravstov looked like he might be hurt.
Russia shouldn't accept this interference from the Americans!
It would probably piss me off too, but already down a man I don't know I would have done that. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have.
US caught a break. again.
Still down, but it could be worse.
Watch yourself, son.
Cockerill and Wahlstrom doing work on the forecheck.
Euro trash to the penalty box.
He needs to get his head in the game. All tournament in fact.
Turnovers, over-skating, cavalier play
though it seemed like they blew the whistle when US touched the puck.
if you take that shot on a 3 - 2 you have to score. that's my rule to my kids.
that guy did. lol.
Farabee looks good to me.
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if you take that shot on a 3 - 2 you have to score. that's my rule to my kids.
that guy did. lol.
Guys I play with like shooting it straight into the guys chest instead.
Did the Kravtsov shot deflect off someone?
Krvstov blamed himself because the net was wide open, but it was a really good defensive play.
Haven't seen Jack Hughes or Jack Drury in a while.
ice titled for Russia right now a little, but not great scoring chances, just controlling the play more.
US D turn the puck over a lot.
Playing for the gold.
Lucky to escape with a W here.
I thought he was electric vs the Czech's, but not so much today.
No idea. They had the chance to do it too.
US should be big favorites, but so was Canada.
In 1980 though if the US lost they wouldn't have even medaled.
what a weird system.
Music to my ears
Klim Kostin (their Captain) the worst. Someone should have pulled him off the ice, they knew the cameras would be all over him.
Like Starman said well, for many of these players, this is the end of their amateur careers. many have been playing with and against each other for 5 or 6 years in international tourneys and now it ends and in a close game like this emotions take hold.
no reason the cameras need to be on him like that, but i get it.
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best player on the ice for either team this game
Music to my ears
couldn't finish though. he had so many shot and scoring chances.
he was physical, good with the puck, all over the ice on the forecheck and even back checked.
if he was able to finish a couple of those chances Russia is playing for gold.
still, he was the best player IMO.
Yes. Another Habs prospect (Ylonen) scored the early goal on the turnover.
That's some massive size for Juniors. Samuellson 6'4 220, Miller 6'4" 210.
US missed a golden opportunity on the PP, Poehling fed across to Chmelevski couldn't bury it.
US going to the PK now.
Primeau shining.
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as was Primeau (MTL).
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Were both 7 round picks.
as was Primeau (MTL).
Aren't you pleased ;)
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In comment 14248823 Jay in Toronto said:
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Were both 7 round picks.
as was Primeau (MTL).
Aren't you pleased ;)
Hard to know, goalies are the hardest players to project in these tourneys IMO, but he looks great.
Canadiens traded back into the draft with the Flyers just to take Primeau. they really liked him I him I guess.
Back to the PP
Fins to the PP
Need to generate more offense.
They're being too cute with the puck and looking for the perfect shot. they need to get traffic in front and just shoot.
Fins up 2 - 0
US cuts the deficit to 1.
Norris buries it.
All tied up.
Crowd is disappointed.
Fins have most of the momentum right now.
Kaapo Kakko.
They deserved it other than the goal the refs robbed from the US.
Finland gets the Swedes.
maybe he's injured somewhat. He missed a couple game with undisclosed injury.
I thought he looked better than Kaapo Kakko who wasn't very noticeable until the end.
Past two games Hughes looked small, easily knocked off the puck, couldn't take the physical pounding, and his speed wasn't enough to negate it.
And I was very disappointed in Quinn Hughes. Terrible puck management. Great skater, not great with his decisions.
Apparently the IIHF has some bizarre rules about players being in the crease. I guess the ref thought that the playw was dead as soon as the US player entered the crease? I dunno, those rules seem ridiculous. Congrats to the Finns though.
Russian goalie got best goalie - which very easily could have gone to Primeau or the Canadiens would have swept the "best" players.
Rangers prospects had a good showing IMO.
The Flyers had players all over this tournament.