After an up and down preliminary round, Team Canada still finished atop its group for the most favourable road to the final possible. But between here and there, the Canadians will face a lot of stiff competition.
With the medal round set to kick off Thursday, Sam Cosentino shares some of his observations through the initial round of the 2020 WJC.
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How Swede is it?: Once again the Swedes went undefeated in pool play and have extended their 13-year streak to 52 straight wins in the round. It was in question on boxing day, when arch-rival Finland took them to overtime before falling 3-2. Will the Swedes win their second gold medal in that stretch?
Russian Rope-a-dope: The Russians won two games in pool play, sending Canada to its worst WJC loss ever by virtue of a 6-0 win on December 28. They then needed a win in their final preliminary game to avoid playing in the relegation round. No problem, the Russians responded with a 6-1 win over Germany to advance to the quarters. And they still might win it all.
Swiss step: The Swiss took a major step forward with a second place finish in Group A, shocking the Finns on New Year’s Eve with a 5-2 win. Their reward? A date with the Russians in the quarters.
Zeg-Zag: Trevor Zegras, who slipped to Anaheim at ninth overall in the 2019 draft, looked magician-like in leading the tournament with nine points, all assists, through Team USA’s first four games. The Boston University forward is a star in the making.
Sam-I-M: Samuel Fagemo, a Swedish prospect, whose rights are owned by the L.A. Kings, lit the lamp six times to lead all players in goals through pool play. He was given the unofficial moniker of the most improved player in all of Europe during the 2018-19 season.
Czech it out: I’ve heard through the grapevine the beer in the Czech Republic is unparalleled in the world. Aside from the beer, I loved the support of the Czech crowd and their constant cheering and jeering for their team. It’s not just Canada that embraces this event.
Roller-Coaster Canada: After the high of an opening night win against the USA, the Canadians took it in the teeth with a 6-0 loss to the Russians. Back-to-back wins against the Germans and the Czechs resulted in a first place finish for Canada in Pool B, though. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the country respond in such roller-coaster fashion.
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Barrett Boo-boo: When Barrett Hayton didn’t remove his helmet for the playing of the Russian national anthem, some of the Russian players responded by not shaking Hayton’s hand and Grigori Denisenko went to the officials to complain of the wrong-doing. I thought the Russian response was appropriate. Imagine if it happened the other way around?
Up-start Germans: It was great watching the likes of Tim Stutzle, Lukas Reichel, and John Peterka, all draft eligibles, who should have Germany well appointed for the next two years in this event.
German leader: And don’t forget about the play of Moritz Seider. The Detroit first-rounder was brilliant in pool play, logging just under 26 minutes per game through Germany’s first four preliminary games. His 1:03:47 time on ice was 7:45 more than any other player in pool play.
Lacrosse-lander: Sick lacrosse goal scored at full speed by Swedish star Nils Hoglander against the Finns on opening night. He’s got the hands to do it — and we’re seeing this move pulled off more and more now.
Hofer one: Joel Hofer started the tournament as a back-up to Nico Daws, but his relief appearance against the Russians where he stopped 20 of 22 lead to a start against the Germans in which he made several key saves to earn the start and the win against the Czechs that clinched the pool. Not bad for the St. Louis prospect who had never played an international game for his country.
Lafreniere on hold: After his four-point effort against the Americans, you couldn’t help but look forward to the rest of the tournament for the projected first overall pick in the 2020 draft. You can’t blame his camp for keeping him out of the remaining preliminary games. Thankfully, we’ll get to see him in this tournament again, as he’s expected to suit up against Slovakia.