NFT: IIHF U18 Hockey World Championships (Jack Hughes)

Thanks. You are to hockey what Dunedin18 is for Yankee fans here :)

being compared with Dunedin in any way is a honor. I think he's a great poster.

My goal is really just to generate hockey discussion among my fellow Giants fans.

You know, when you're passionate about something you enjoy discussing it, so hopefully it's not over the top, I know some fans don't like my opinions (lol, they're just opinions).

Seems like Kakko is gaining steam to go #1 and it's a lot closer than people thought. Kakko has an NHL-ready body right now and can contribute right away. Hughes probably has more potential and is a natural C, but may take some time to develop.

Either way, one of these guys will be a star in New York and the Hudson rivalry between the two will be fun to watch.


Which Rangers prospects are playing in the U-18s?

I’m looking forward to seeing Hughes play. It sounds like Hughes will be the #1 pick.

Give me Kaapo at number 2!

In comment 14391849 Anakim said:

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Seems like Kakko is gaining steam to go #1 and it's a lot closer than people thought. Kakko has an NHL-ready body right now and can contribute right away. Hughes probably has more potential and is a natural C, but may take some time to develop. Either way, one of these guys will be a star in New York and the Hudson rivalry between the two will be fun to watch. Which Rangers prospects are playing in the U-18s?

I don't think any. I don't know if any U18's have been drafted. I think it may be possible, but for example Kravstov and Miller (Rangers 1st round picks last year) I believe are not eligible for U18.

Most of these players are 2019 and 2020 draft eligible, with a handful of 2021 draft eligible players.

In comment 14391822 Jay in Toronto said:

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Thanks. You are to hockey what Dunedin18 is for Yankee fans here :)

x2! Thanks, man.

I had the time wrong on USA vs Sweden, apparently those are all local times up top.

Game is on now. US down 1 - 0 in the first.

1:30 ET (today)

and 9:30 AM for the others.

ties up on a nice feed from Boldy.

Hughes looks pedestrian. Trying to do too much himself.

Beecher with a nice top shelf goal to take the lead. two quick ones.

6 - 3 Cajkovic had 2 goals for the Slovaks.

I see this guy going in the 2nd round, but he oozes skill, I think he pushes his way into the 1st round.

Nothing on the scoresheet for Podklozin

beating the Canadians 3 - 2.

Goals for Newhook (2019 eligible) and Rees for Canada.
Lundell 2019 draft eligible) (and two others) for the Fins

Spencer Knight the US best player.

Hughes doing himself no favors. If there wasn't a debate about #1 overall before this tourney, there could be now.

Other than the breakaway goal allowed (which was Hughes fault) Knight has been a brick wall.

US has controlled the play for the most part, but not a lot of high danger chances.

in the first 5 min of the 3rd.

Caufield with his 2nd of the game. He's really helping his case.

with the hat trick, PP gosl, puts US up 5 - 1 with just under 15 left in the 3rd.

on the Turcotte PP goal to make it 6 - 1, but he really hasn't looked good. the announcers say he's getting "extra attention" but I don't see it.

We'll see how he goes as the tournament progresses.

Caufield, Boldy, Turcotte, York, and Spencer Knight all stand out for the US.

I guess it's a good sign for the US to beat Sweden 6 - 1 with an invisible Hughes, but not good for him.

player of the Game.

Sweden goalie is their potg. LOL, when is the last time a goalie gave up 6 and was their teams player of the game, but he did have no chance on most of them.

for the worlds in a few weeks. Some of these guys could get cut and replaced (say for example if the Flames lose, I could see Gaudreau added - stuff like that)

Need more D obviously

scored 5 unanswered to beat defending champ Fins.

Brayden Tracey (#21 ranked NA skater in 2019 draft) the tying and go-ahead goals.

guess one has to subscribe to NHL Net to watch

and crap re. Hughes v KK; I posted on the Shesty/Kravtsov thread from yesterday re. KK

https://twitter.com/i/status/1118929759608635392

think there's some tossing of the ping pong balls here

In comment 14392550 ColHowPepper said:

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guess one has to subscribe to NHL Net to watch and crap re. Hughes v KK; I posted on the Shesty/Kravtsov thread from yesterday re. KK https://twitter.com/i/status/1118929759608635392 think there's some tossing of the ping pong balls here

I think all the games are streamed free. Try IIHF website.

(projected top 10/15 pick in the draft).

Badgers. Lets goooo

In comment 14393197 Jon in NYC said:

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Badgers. Lets goooo

Caufield and Turcotte two of the stars of the game yesterday (my stars of the game).

for yesterday, absolutely flying and dominant so far.

Hughes creates, but as usual....Caufield finishes.

He's making an early bid for tournament MVP.

scores the US 2nd goal.

they're up 2 - 0, but it could be 10.

they're dominating zone time and even on the Slovak PP, US dominated zone time.

score a PP goal, and on the next face off Matthew Boldy takes a pass goes skates in and lofts a backhand top shelf to put the US back up 2. Maybe 8 seconds.

3 - 1 end of 1.

with a redirection of a Caufield shot.

US up 4 - 1 a min into the 2nd.

again. kid is putting on a clinic,

Snipe off the faceoff, 1 second into a US power play.

again, from Caufield.

3 pts for Hughes, I think Caufield has 4 or 5 (in this game, Caufield had a hat trick yesterday)

for Lindmark, (12 forward), US up 7 - 2, the fat lady sung in this one. a while ago.

not going away, not 1 but 2 shorties on a US PP cut the lead to 7 - 4, 12 left in the 3rd.

Hughes to Caufield to restore the 4 goal lead.

Caufield has back to back hat tricks.

top shelf bullet, with a PP goal, for his own hat trick.

US up 9 - 4.

Caufied rings up another point with the second assist, Turcotte racking up the points today too.

so far for Hughes (3G/2A)

6 points for Caufield (3G/3A)

4 points for Turcotte (1G/3A)

still 6 min left.

Slovaks lost 6 - 3 to Russia, who US plays Sunday morning.

Caufield on pace to break tournament point record.

Sloppy play in the US end, Slovaks get their 5th. It's the slovaks 1st even strength goal (they had 2 PP goals and 2 SH goals)

Spencer Knight not playing this game, US backup is.

gets another (off a Slovak player) LOL, it looked like the Slovak player actually shot it in his own goal off a pass from Hughes.

Whatever, he gets the credit.

10 - 5.

4 G now for Hughes, 6 pts.

since I think it's a tie breaker, and they do.

Cam York (highly ranked US D), scores his 1st.

11 - 5 US.

gets his 4th of the game on the PP.

From Hughes and Boldy.

12 - 5 US.

No idea why the 1st PP unit is still out.

Caufield and Hughes combine for 14 points in the game.

gets play of the game for US.

Easily could have gone to Caufield.

Sunday will be harder, but then the US plays Latvia.

Pretty good chance Kessel's US U18 goal record will be broken this year by Hughes or Caufield.

Passing Kane, Matthews, and others along the way.

player of the game.

US needs to clean up their STs

In comment 14392397 pjcas18 said:

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with the hat trick, PP gosl, puts US up 5 - 1 with just under 15 left in the 3rd.

Go Badgers!

Sorry, couldn't help it. I had season tickets way back in Badger Bob days :}

In comment 14393465 Jay in Toronto said:

Quote:

In comment 14392397 pjcas18 said: Quote: with the hat trick, PP gosl, puts US up 5 - 1 with just under 15 left in the 3rd. Go Badgers! Sorry, couldn't help it. I had season tickets way back in Badger Bob days :}

All three future badgers had good games.

Is Caufield eligible for this years draft? Would he be considered in the top 2?

In comment 14393482 MadPlaid said:

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Is Caufield eligible for this years draft? Would he be considered in the top 2?

Yes, he's eligible for the June draft

He'd been lower ranked because he's just 5'7" (he's is the 8th ranked North American skater, so figure he's 12 - 15 or so overall), but I think his performance here puts him possibly back in the top 10. His shot is great and he's got scorers instincts. I think that overcomes the knock on size.

He'd been climbing already, he broke Kessel's USNTDP record for goals in a season. At the mid-point (I think in November) he was the 15th ranked North American skater, so moving up to 8 is quite a jump.

I think he'll be top 5 (north american) by the draft and probably go top 10 or 12.

Good to know. The Rangers have additional 1st round picks, I wonder if they would be able to package them to go up and select him? That is of course if they think he is worth it.

I think the Rangers wind up with 2 1st and 3 2nds for 2019.

I think the only remaining undecided pick is if the Stars make it to the conference finals, which is possible, but odds are probably against it.

I think the Rangers 2nd 1st will be around 21.

If Caufield is in the top 10, I don't think 21 and a 2nd gets it done, but who knows, proposing trades it not my strength.

I don't know I'd move up for him either. I'm just not enamored with smaller players. Someone will take him early though.

can flat out put the puck int he net. As others have said it's his size that some are concerned about which might push him out of the top 10. But from a pure skill standpoint, he has the goods. I'm also really glad Hughes had a good game, because I really think Kakko is going to be the crown jewel of this draft. Every time I watch him play, his abilities shine. He's not as flashy as Hughes, but he has some high end tools that are fun to watch. His stick handling is really something. I don't think the Devils will pass on Hughes, and I'm glad Kakko will/should be a NYR.

And wow did he not disappoint.

I like the little guys too. Probably why I was such a big fan of Zuccarello and St. Louis. Theo Fleury was fun to watch too.

In comment 14393706 MadPlaid said:

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I like the little guys too. Probably why I was such a big fan of Zuccarello and St. Louis. Theo Fleury was fun to watch too.

I generally do not like smaller players. But the ones who play with a chip on the shoulder I do like. Pat Verbeek, aka the little ball of hate epitomized it.

If I didn't hate the Bruins so much, Brad Marchand would be another.

Brendan Gallagher on MTL, more heart than 75% of the league.

and the other end of the spectrum is the supremely skilled small guy, the ones who are so skilled they play "bigger". Johnny Gaudrea and Paul Kairya in this camp (though at 5' 10" Kariya is probably not on the list of small players).

Fleury definitely falls into the former group, but like Verbeek and Marchand is insanely skilled.

I start out though preferring more size in my prototypical players.

In comment 14393609 Giantfootball025 said:

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can flat out put the puck int he net. As others have said it's his size that some are concerned about which might push him out of the top 10. But from a pure skill standpoint, he has the goods. I'm also really glad Hughes had a good game, because I really think Kakko is going to be the crown jewel of this draft. Every time I watch him play, his abilities shine. He's not as flashy as Hughes, but he has some high end tools that are fun to watch. His stick handling is really something. I don't think the Devils will pass on Hughes, and I'm glad Kakko will/should be a NYR.

I just wanted the Devils to land a top 2 pick to ensure that they get either Hughes or Kakko but now that they have their choice of both I would prefer Hughes but it's a very tough choice. Kakko is more NHL ready due to his impressive size but Hughes is going to get stronger over the next few years and once he adds to his frame he will be a stud. The fact that he is a true center also makes him the right choice but I wouldn't complain if the Devils decided on Kakko.

Hughes is just a better fit for their style of play. The Devils have a huge need at RW where they only have Palmieri and Bratt at the moment and Joey Anderson, Nathan Bastian as prospects. They could always move McLeod to RW but he's unproven as well. The Devils are in good shape at center with Hischier, Zacha, Zajac, Coleman plus prospects McLeod, Boqvist, and Talvitie on the way.

Hughes has to be the pick for Devils, with Hall uncertain to return. You can never have enough depth down the middle. However as a GM, would you be willing to gamble on Hughes not being the stud scouts pretty much unanimously say he's going to be. Still it's an exciting time to be Rangers and Devils fans right now as I'm not sure there is a right or wrong choice for either team.

In comment 14394207 Giantfootball025 said:

Quote:

Hughes has to be the pick for Devils, with Hall uncertain to return. You can never have enough depth down the middle. However as a GM, would you be willing to gamble on Hughes not being the stud scouts pretty much unanimously say he's going to be. Still it's an exciting time to be Rangers and Devils fans right now as I'm not sure there is a right or wrong choice for either team.

Hall is a LW. If the Devils take Hughes, which I think they will, I would like to see him center the first line with Hall and Palmieri. I think Hughes will be a better center than Hischier in the near future but it's unfair to expect him to be better next season at 18. I like the idea of having Hischier on the second line with Bratt and a FA signing.

I meant in terms of high end players. Hall is arguably their best player and most gifted. Hughes has that plus more upside while playing a position of great value.

on fire.

Beat the Czechs and the Fins.

Fins suffering from not having Kakko (and Kotkaniemi - one of the few drafted players who could play in this tourney).

Fins 0 - 2 and still need to play the Czechs.

USA vs Russia, tomorrow on Easter Sunday at 9:30 (reminds me of Rocky fighting Drago on Christmas, only less significant, but also it's real).

If US beats Russia they're assured top seed in group B I believe.

2 - 1 under 7 left in the 1st.

Hughes with the US goal.

with a sick pass to Turcotte on the 2 on 1 to tie it up at 2.

with a PP goal to put the US up 3 - 2. Nice set up from just-added Bobby Brink.

Really like Boldy.

I hope he drops to 15.

If you think Hughes is the better prospect but less “NHL ready”, who cares? It’s a 15 year decision not a 15 month decision.

scores (shocker) off a great pass from Hughes.

Caufield has such a quick release. his shot reminds me of Kessel.

US up 4 - 2 with 30 seconds left in the 2nd.

Question: did they not allow fans in to the arena? It looks like there are more players on the ice than fans in the stands.

In comment 14396200 John In CO said:

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Question: did they not allow fans in to the arena? It looks like there are more players on the ice than fans in the stands.

they let fans in, they're not well attended until the playoffs.

but also consider it's in Sweden and it's US vs Russia. So probably not a huge draw anyway.

Russia scores off the turnover, cuts the lead to 1.

tied the US record for goals in the U18 (Phil Kessel) with a stretch pass breakaway goal.

In comment 14396211 pjcas18 said:

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tied the US record for goals in the U18 (Phil Kessel) with a stretch pass breakaway goal.

He is making himself some money this tournament.

Caufield broke the US goals record, and will likely break the points record.

Ovie has the overall goals record of I think 18 and Kucherov the points record at 21.

Both could potentially fall.

US has the top 4 point leaders.

Caufield 11
Hughes 10
Boldy 9
Turcotte 8

All 4 could go top 10 in June

Canada is playing their 3rd game now, but I don't see anyone cracking the top 4

The Fins in danger of not advancing for the 1st time I can remember.

first round. Rangers have #2 and Wiinnipeg's and maybe the Stars pick, and ammo to move up after they make their first pick.

In comment 14393547 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I think the Rangers wind up with 2 1st and 3 2nds for 2019. I think the only remaining undecided pick is if the Stars make it to the conference finals, which is possible, but odds are probably against it. I think the Rangers 2nd 1st will be around 21. If Caufield is in the top 10, I don't think 21 and a 2nd gets it done, but who knows, proposing trades it not my strength. I don't know I'd move up for him either. I'm just not enamored with smaller players. Someone will take him early though.

I think if Winnipeg loses that pick could be as high as 18.

In comment 14396486 Jay in Toronto said:

Quote:

In comment 14393547 pjcas18 said: Quote: I think the Rangers wind up with 2 1st and 3 2nds for 2019. I think the only remaining undecided pick is if the Stars make it to the conference finals, which is possible, but odds are probably against it. I think the Rangers 2nd 1st will be around 21. If Caufield is in the top 10, I don't think 21 and a 2nd gets it done, but who knows, proposing trades it not my strength. I don't know I'd move up for him either. I'm just not enamored with smaller players. Someone will take him early though. I think if Winnipeg loses that pick could be as high as 18.

Winnipeg lost. That pick right now is 22.

The way the NHL draft works is the last two picks (31 and 30) are the SCF, winner is obviously 31.

Picks 29 and 28 are the conference finals losers.

So now that WIN lost, that pick cannot be any worse than 22.

The remainder of the 1st round, picks 16 - 27 are the remaining teams in reverse order of their standings.

So every team currently picking (16 - 21) that makes it to the conference finals the Rangers picks gets better.


In order:

COL
LVG
DAL
CBJ
STL
CAR

If DAL makes it to the 3rd round, the Rangers get their 1st round pick this year too, but forget that for now, just focus on the WIN pick.

It can be as high as 18, but no worse than 22, for each of those 6 teams that make it to the conference finals, they get 1 pick up from 22.

So for example, if TOR, NYI, NSH and SJS make it to the conference finals the pick stays 22.

If you swap out one team worse record than the Jets (say CAR) and CAR and TOR make the conference finals in the east then the pick moves up to 21.

it's not really complicated though it seems like it.

this site track it nicely

NHL Draft Order - ( New Window )

just started. This should be a laugher.

US up 1 - 0 on a bullet from Beecher, 2 min in.

actually being smart, looks like a 2 - 1 - 2 to limit the US chances. Still 1 - 0 3/4 of the way through the 1st.

Latvia headed to the PP.

scores his 10th of the tourney and now officially breaks the record for US player goals in a U18.

Kessel had 9 in 2005.

needs 4 goals to break Ovechkin's record of 14.

Kovalchuk and Kucherov both had 11 to tie for second.

two more goals and Caufield is passing some legendary names.

this kid is fun to watch.

Hughes with two assists, climbing the points leader board too.

4 - 0 with 4 left in the 2nd.

This and juniors that take place in December? Which tournament is more prestigious? Is it largely same kids or does juniors have a higher age level?

In comment 14399356 bhill410 said:

Quote:

This and juniors that take place in December? Which tournament is more prestigious? Is it largely same kids or does juniors have a higher age level?

Yes. Age. This is U18. December is U20.

Neither is more prestigious. But some U18’s play in the U20 like Hughes and Kakko. Kakko had the gold medal winning goal against the US in December.

Plus the U20 is sometimes more interested because a lot of the players have been drafted already and you get a glimpse of your teams prospects

Interesting

best team so far, but due to group and results they play the Fins in the QF, 1 vs 4.

Fins are never easy, even this year with a young team.

Thursday at 9:30 AM I believe

I'll definitely be watching the Badgers next year. Granato must be walking on a cloud.

In comment 14400412 Jay in Toronto said:

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I'll definitely be watching the Badgers next year. Granato must be walking on a cloud.

a lot of young talent, sometimes it's easy to forget these kids will be college freshmen (if they stay committed to school) and many just 18 years old and playing against players sometimes 22 or 23.

Now, a good sign for the US players from the USNDPT is they play a schedule that includes a lot of college teams and their better players thrive, but it's not a Big 10 schedule

to Boston, but holy shit, Hughes saved his best game for the Qf's to perhaps get revenge on the Fins for U20 loss.

US blanks the Fins 6 - 0

Hat trick for Hughes and so much individual talent displayed.

a total of 4 points for Hughes, as he assisted on a Caufield goals (of course he did).

So now, after 5 games:

Hughes has 16 points
Caufield has 15 points
Boldy has 11
Newhook (Canada) has 8
Turcotte has 8


Caufield needs two goals to tie Ovie's goal record of 14, 3 to break it.

Hughes with 28 points over two tourneys needs 3 to tie Ovi's career U18 mark of 31.

Kucherov has the single tourney points record of 21, Hughes needs 5 to tie that.

USA has a rematch with Russia in the semi-finals on Saturday. USA beat Russia 6 - 3 in the regulation round, but it was closer than the score.

that best shows you why Hughes is so highly regarded, I'd look at NHL Network and see if there is a replay at all.

In comment 14405446 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

that best shows you why Hughes is so highly regarded, I'd look at NHL Network and see if there is a replay at all.

I saw the highlights this morning and he was incredible. He's my pick for the Devils.

on now in the semis.

matching awful calls amounted to nothing, 0 - 0 5 min in.

USA a surprising 0 for 5. Still scoreless 5 min in to the 2nd.

to the box continues. Neither team has broken through so far. over halfway through the 2nd.

Announcer with high praise for Russia goalie Askarov "he's the best goalie I've seen since Carey Price" - Askarov is an underage U18, he'll be in the 2020 draft.

shortie to take the lead. Russian forechecker out hustles Hughes for the chance

storms back in the 3rd, two Cole Caufield goals put US up 2 - 1.

Caufield ties Ovechkin for most goals ever in a U18 tournament.

This kids is going to shoot up draft boards.

Most natural goal scorer I've seen at this age in a while. Reminds me of a better scoring Martin St. Louis

ties it up, after a giveaway/miss by Boldy.

2 - 2 12:30 left in the 3rd.

in the tie game, Russia has the momentum

4 and a half left.

Could be the game

Knight with a sick save to keep it tied.

2:03 left in regulation.

coming up.

USA turns the puck over, Knight stops the breakaway.

Russia pressing, but Knight keeps it out.

again, saves a point blank shot.

off the cross bar.

3:30 left in OT

44 seconds left in OT, Russia gets called for too many men.

on 3 rest of the way and then a shootout.

hits another cross bar, Russia escapes.

We're going to a shootout.

Shame, what a game.

coming now

lost the puck, 1 US shooter down.

Knight saves Russia first shooter.

Caufield lost the puck (poke check by Askarov)

Podkolzin goes wide. barely.

Hughes loses the puck

3 US shooters, no shots yet, WTF?

Russia shooter scores.

1 - 0 Russia after 3 rounds

4th US shooter looks lost as well.

Russia can win with a goal here.

Knight stones him.

US chances down to Boldy.

It's over, US upset.

picks up an assist so far in the bronze game.

US 1, Canada 0 in the first.

scores to tie it up, 1 - 1 end of the 1st.

1 point behind Ovechkin's record for points in a U18

US puts on a passing clinic

Hughes to York back to Hughes for the sweet top shelf goal.

US up 2 - 1.

Hughes ties Ovi, most points ever in a U18.

He's got a period and a half left to break the record.

with the PP goal to extend the US lead to 3 - 1.
didn't start the tourney with the team, but he's making up for lost time.

I like this kid.

So many quality US players.

One of the announcers who has been watching this tourney since inception said even though they won't win gold (or maybe not even bronze) this is the best US team he's seen. The US has 7 golds in the last 10 tourneys, and something like 13 straight medals, so that's high praise.

on the PP.

Jack Hughes is now the alltime leading point scorer in the U!8 tourney, breaking Ovechkin's record.

Caufield needs a goal to break Kucherov's goal record.

also needs one point to break Kucherov's single tourney point record of 21.

He broke Ovi's alltime record (that for both players was over two tourneys)

feed has a video clip of the Hughes and York give and go goal by Hughes to give them the lead
Link - ( New Window )

with a PP goal, US up 5 - 1, bronze pretty much clinched.

I think Cam York gets best D, Hughes best F, and Askarov (russia 2020 draft eligible) gets best G.

to be fair to Canada, this tourney, U18 worlds, conflicts with many of their juniors leagues playoffs so they don't always have their best team here.

There is another U18 tourney in August, called the Gretzky Hlinka cup that is U18 and Canada dominates that.

US has only won that once.

16 consecutive medals for the US (in the U18 worlds)

like Caufield comes up 1 goal shy of breaking the record (he tied it).

He had so many chances too, so he'll have no complaints.

US player of the game. Canada goalie their POTG.

It's funny, US scored 6 against Russia in regulation and 5 vs Canada and both times the Russia and Canada goalie got POTG.

2 - 0 on Russia, a few min into the 2nd.

I like Philip Broberg, D on Sweden.

Sweden has never won this tournament and they're playing at home, good crowd.

(#3 rated draft prospect) cuts the lead in half. Sweden up a goal, 5 min left in the 2nd.

Podkolzin sets up a Russia goal 20 seconds into the 3rd to tie the game.

Setting up a great 3rd.

with their 3rd unanswered goal, leads the home team 3 - 2.


And then Raymond comes right back to tie it up.

3 - 3 now under 10 left.

for the Swedes, give the Russians an PP that will take the clock to under 3 min.

still tied for now.

in Sweden, 4 on 4 for 20 and if no one scores a shootout.

hope it's not decided in a shootout.

What a sniper Lucas Raymond!! OT winner, upper corners are where he likes to go

gold. Lucas Raymond finishes the hat trick.

He's one of the top prospects for 2020 draft.

F: Caufield (should have been Hughes IMO)

D: Broberg (SWE) (I thnk could have been York, but no argument)

G: Askarov (RUS) (16 year old)

nutmegged the Russian d-man, took the puck back behind him and whipped it in the upper corner....great hands on this kid

I'll leave Athletic subscribers with an incredible article by scout Scott Wheeler, on how he does his job.
Link - ( New Window )