[GT] WJC: Quarterfinals. CAN vs CZE 6pm MT and 3 other games

[sureLoss]

The 4 teams with Flames prospects playing today. The quarterfinals are single elimination games, lose and your tournament is done. The semifinals will be played on the 4th.







Denmark vs Russia - 11 am MT TSN1
Flames prospect:
Russia #19 Karnaukhov 4GP 1G 1A 2Pts +1

The Danes have been a good surprise at the tournament thus far, but Russia has a deeper roster and can probably coast by on the individual skill game they are known for.

Karnaukhov has shown a willingness to battle for pucks and get them to his more offensively talented linemates (e.g. Guryanov)




Slovakia vs Sweden - 1:30 pm MT TSN1
Flames prospect:
Sweden #7 Kylington 4GP 0G 2A 2Pts +3

Sweden is strong this year, Slovakia not so much. Kylington has been a top pairing d-man for them and been solid outside of a bad shift or two. While he doesn't have as many points as you would expect to see from an offensive d-man with his reputation, he has been good at creating scoring chances for the Swedes




USA vs Switzerland - 3:30 pm MT TSN3
Flames prospects:
USA #8 Fox 4GP 0G 1A 1Pts +2
USA #1 Parsons .9231 sv% 1.50gaa

Many people expect Parsons to get the nod for the US for the rest of the tournament, but Woll's strong performance against Canada may have muddied the picture as to who they will start today.

Fox has been used as a 3rd pairing d-man by the Americans. He gets 2nd PP unit time as well. While a solid puck mover and a bit of a nasty streak emerging, it looks like he is being groomed for next year's WJC rather than being counted on as an impact player this year.

The Swiss have a history of upsetting favorites in international tournaments. The Americans need to show up here.




Canada vs Czech Republic - 6pm MT TSN1
Flames prospect:
Canada #9 Dube 4GP 0G 3A 3Pts +2

Canada will be without Myers who suffered a concussion in the NYE game against USA. Myers is a big loss who was a big minute cruncher for them and looked like one of the best d-men in the tournament. Expect to see Chabot's role increased with Myers out.

Dube has been used primarily in a 3rd line energy role. He has been good in the ice time he does get from the coaches, creating scoring chances and being strong on the forecheck. i also think he is being groomed for a larger role next year in the WJC, and if this year is any indicator, he will get a big role on that team.

[innercliff]

Go canada go! ��������

[The Professor]

Random thoughts:

I haven't seen all the games but I think Dube has been excellent and very noticeable for the Canadians.
When was the last time a Flames prospect played a big role at the WJC? Phaneuf?
Why would the Americans play Woll in their biggest game if Pasons was their main guy. I don't get this logic at all. Sheltering him for when we meet in the finals?

[Heavy Jack]

Originally Posted by The Professor

Random thoughts:

I haven't seen all the games but I think Dube has been excellent and very noticeable for the Canadians.
When was the last time a Flames prospect played a big role at the WJC? Phaneuf?
Why would the Americans play Woll in their biggest game if Pasons was their main guy. I don't get this logic at all. Sheltering him for when we meet in the finals?

Lots of reasons for playing Woll, it really was a nothing game that really only determined who would win the prelims as well as which team would play the Swiss and which would play the Czechs. Now they've rested Parsons and if Canada and the states play again they have options in net - play Woll who showed great against the Canadians or go with Parsons if he's rolling and the Canadians have no experience against him in the tourney.

The Americans have looked to me to have the best gameplan so far this WJC. Hoping the Canadians keep putting their heads down here and just working hard as they don't seem to have the same elite skill some teams have had in the past.

Dube has been incredible from a 200 foot perspective as well as battling along the boards, probably our best boards guy from what I've seen. Just needs to learn how to bare down in key situations when he does get opportunities from all the great work he does battling. Obviously still a long road for Dube but he's looked great this tournament and has been especially awesome on the defensive side of the puck which is great to see.

[Tawiskaron]

Hop Suisse. Hopp Schwiiz. Forza Svizzera.

[868904]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Dube has been used primarily in a 3rd line energy role. He has been good in the ice time he does get from the coaches, creating scoring chances and being strong on the forecheck. i also think he is being groomed for a larger role next year in the WJC, and if this year is any indicator, he will get a big role on that team.

Sounds like we finally got ourselves our Paul Byron replacement. Now if only we could find the next Sven Baertschi.

[sureLoss]

Wow does Finland want to get relegated?

1-1 vs Latvia in the 3rd, in the 1st game of a best of 3 series...

[Street Pharmacist]

Yikes

[getbak]

Originally Posted by The Professor

When was the last time a Flames prospect played a big role at the WJC? Phaneuf?

Gaudreau in 2013.

[sureLoss]

Finland manages to win 2-1 against Latvia.


Denmark goalie Dan Cloutier's an shot from center ice to give the Russians a 1-0 lead.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Finland manages to win 2-1 against Latvia.


Denmark goalie Dan Cloutier's an shot from center ice to give the Russians a 1-0 lead.

I think you're being a little charitable on the Clouts there, that shot went in from the blueline which started the running joke of; 'which one?'

And it was the far one. Damn that guy was a bad goalie.

[RougeUnderoos]

But Dan Cloutier was real tough!

That's a tough start for the Danes, and now they are down 2-0 on a Kaprizov power play goal.

[midniteowl]

Go Denmark Go!!!

Go Switzerland Go!!!

Go Slovakia Go!!!

Go Canada Go!!!

[Strange Brew]

Danes going too to toe with the Russians, deserve better than score indicates so far.

[Jore]

karnaukov just scored the back-breaking 3-0 goal for the russians. looks strong and energetic.

also looks like parsons will get the start for the usa. taken from hfboards:

Originally Posted by Woodhouse

Parsons gets the start; projected USA lines:

[GranteedEV]

Kylington off to a strong start today. one extra pass away from an assist on their lone goal, and could have had two more assists on grade a chances if slovakia's goalie weren't so sharp. And almost a goal right there but another great save. And an excellent quick read to make a simple, accurate chip against the forecheck right there to get the puck out immediately.

[bubbsy]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Kylington off to a strong start today. one extra pass away from an assist on their lone goal, and could have had two more assists on grade a chances if slovakia's goalie weren't so sharp. And almost a goal right there but another great save.

He shoukd get the assist. Been strong so far, Ferraro talking highly of him.

[cofias]

[GranteedEV]

another great shift for Kylington, could have had an assist two or three times, first on the high end stretch pass and then set up a chance right in the slot. Snakebitten.

And of course Sweden scores on their first or second grade A chance without Kylington on the ice.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by cofias