Czech out Wedgewood!

EDMONTON, Alta. -- Scott Wedgewood's executive decision paid off.

He was well on his way to a shutout when he decided to get involved in the offence. With a line change in process and a streaking forward at the opposing blueline, Wedgewood sent a pass from his own zone to Freddie Hamilton, springing him on a breakaway.

"Their last defender jumped off out of the play and Freddie jumped off the bench and he was open," Wedgewood described the play he drew an assist.

Hamilton didn't score on the breakaway, but stayed with the puck and spotted Ryan Strome standing alone to the other side of the net for a tap-in. The goal made it 2-0 for Canada over a gamely Czech squad that ran out of gas and into penalty trouble in a 5-0 loss to Canada. The Canadians remain perfect with a 2-0 record.

Hamilton, who wound up the Canadian player of the game with a solid effort in all three zones, was looking for a pass, only not from Wedgewood.

"At first I just came off the bench and was going across the other side to swing there for an option for one of our D-men, but saw him going out and I was a little surprised at first, but it was a really good play," Hamilton said.

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More at Buzzing the Net: WJC2012: 5 reasons why it’s perfectly Canadian to loathe the world juniors | Read it here

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Wedgewood was kidding with hulking defenceman Jamie Oleksiak after the game, noting his point total was now higher than his in the tournament.

"That's one of (Wedgewood's) strengths is moving the puck, so it was nice to see," forward Brendan Gallagher said.

Wedgewood stopped all 26 shots he faced to earn the shutout. The fans chanted his name after the game, giving the young goalie a surreal moment and a clear indication which goaltender may be winning the popularity contest.

Canada head coach Don Hay wasn't so quick to anoint Wedgewood his starter and hinted that Mark Visentin would be in goal when Canada faced Denmark on Thursday.

"Did he get too much work tonight? Would he be fresh tomorrow?" Hay asked before answering his own question. "I know that Visentin will be fresh, if he's the guy that we go with. The most important thing is which goalie is going to give us the best chance to have success (on Thursday) and that's what we're looking at."

Hay was very happy with the penalty kill, which remains perfect in the competition after two games. He's also pleased with the offence, which got the team going early again. Mark Stone opened the scoring with his fourth of the tournament just past the five minute mark.

Jonathan Huberdeau peeled away from a check from Lukas Sedlak, cutting around the net for a wrap around that was stopped by Petr Mrazek. The puck deflected off Mrazek and right to Stone, who stood at the side of a yawning cage.

"I try to put it on the net and lucky it went to Stone on the other side," Huberdeau said.

The goal brought the 16,417 screaming fans out of their seats, but it would be a while again before they could cheer a goal. Stone had a chance to put his team up by two late in the first period on a penalty shot after Czech defenceman Jiri Riha put his hand on the puck inside the crease.

Mrazek stayed with Stone every step of the way and made the save. So happy with the stop, Mrazek got down on one knee and pumped his fist towards the bench to inspire his teammates. The gesture drew the ire of the fans, who proceeded by booing him.

"I was so happy because that was last minute," he said. "I didn't think about it because I told my teammates they will try to do better so I just do it."

The move also drew the ire of the Canadian bench, who found Mrazek's celebration disrespectful.

"We didn't like it too much," Gallagher said. "At the same time, he was excited he made a big save, but our side didn't like that. Obviously it's showing us up a little bit."

Brett Connolly scored late in the second period to spot Canada a 3-0 lead going into the second intermission. The Barrie Colts duo of Tanner Pearson and Mark Scheifele then connected on two plays in the third to close out the scoring, with Scheifele scoring both times.

The Czechs had opportunities to climb back in the game, with a few five-on-three power-plays. However, they appeared more content in passing around the Canadian defence than shooting, and on many man advantages failed to fire a shot on goal.

Canada now has the inside track in the group to acquire the coveted bye to the semifinal. With USA's 4-1 loss to Finland, also on Wednesday, Canada is the only team in the group not to have lost a game.