It was a rematch of last year's Spengler Cup final, as Team Canada and HC Lugano both found their way back to this game. It was a hard fought game from both teams, with both putting up 40+ shots on net. The scoreboard wasn't as reflective, as Team Canada found the net more often, winning 5-2 over HC Lugano. The win helped Team Canada defend their Spengler Cup title.
Team Canada 5 - HC Lugano 2
It didn't take long for the scoring to start in this one. Just 31 seconds in, Dario Bugler's blast from the top of the faceoff circle, beating Zach Fucale to put HC Lugano up 1-0. Team Canada had a chance to tie the game moments later, as Max Lapierre was called for interference. Team Canada was unable to get anything going on their powerplay, and HC Lugano escaped the two minutes unharmed. Canada managed to keep up the pressure though, and would find their way onto the scoreboard. A scramble in front saw Chay Genoway sneak in and put the puck past Elvis Merzlikins, tying the game. The younger Genoway soon found himself in the penalty box, getting called for slashing. Ryan Vesce had the best chance for Lugano on the powerplay, but his shot would be gloved down by Fucale. Lugano kept up the attack after the man advantage, getting a few shots in the process. Canada managed to turn the tables, starting with Francis Pare getting a backhand shot from the slot. Team Canada spent most of the last few minutes of the period on the powerplay, as James Wisniewski was called for hooking. The Canadians managed a few shot, but Merzlikins had little trouble stopping them. The period ended, as both teams headed to the intermission tied 1-1.
Just like the first, the second period started with a quick goal. Jacob Micflikier's blind pass to the crease found Marc-Antoine Pouliot, who redirected it into the Lugano net. Moments later, Chay Genoway once again put Canada down a man, as he was sent off for goaltender interference. Burgler had a chance to tie the game early in the powerplay when a rebound went right to him, but Shaun Heshka slid over to block the shot. Canada turned the puck around, as Cory Emmerton streaked up ice, split the Lugano defense, and tucked a backhander five hole on Merzlikins to give Canada the lead. Team Canada kept at it while being shorthanded, as James Sheppard and Gregory Campbell went in on a two-on-one. Campbell received the pass, but his shot was stopped by Merzlikins. Sheppard got a whack at the rebound, as the puck trickled all the way to the goal line before Merzlikins' stick prevented a goal. It was reviewed and determined that the puck did not fully cross the line. The nightmare of a powerplay for Lugano would end early, as Gregory Hofmann was called for hooking. Neither team got anything going on the four-on-four, and Canada only mustered two shots on the shortened powerplay. Mason Raymond got a chance later on, when he kept on a two-on-one, but his shot hit the crossbar. Midway through the period, Pouliot was called for tripping, giving Lugano another shot on the man advantage. It went better for the Swiss club, but once again they failed to capitalize on a powerplay. HC Lugano had another powerplay minutes later, when Chris DiDomenico was called for slashing. Again, Lugano showed improvements on the powerplay, but left it goalless. Lapierre had a prime chance moments after, getting a breakaway, but his shot was stopped by Fucale. Team Canada extended their lead late in the period, when Raymond found Andrew Ebbett in the slot. Ebbett's redirection bounced off Merzlikins and into the net. The Canadians ended the period with a powerplay, as Tony Martensson got called for tripping with 13 seconds remaining. The buzzer went to end the second period, as Team Canada went into the break up 4-1.
Looking to shake things up, HC Lugano changed goalies before the start of the third. Stefan Muller came on to replace Merzlikins. Team Canada started the period on the man advantage, but managed to do little with it. HC Lugano had their turn on the powerplay minutes later, when Mark Flood was called for tripping. Burgler finally solved Lugano's powerplay woes, as he drove to the net and slid the puck under Fucale's pad, giving him his second goal of the game. HC Lugano looked to have woken up after that goal, as they kept up the pressure on the attack. Fucale stood strong though, not letting Lugano get a shot past him. Canada managed a few chances of their own later on, but Muller stopped what was shot at him. HC Lugano was back on the powerplay midway through the period, as Heshka was called for holding. Lugano worked the puck around well, but had little to show for it. Both teams had their chances once even strength play continued, with neither able to add to their respective scores. It was a bit feisty late in the period, with a scrum in front of the Canadian net resulting in both Colby Genoway and Raffaelle Sannitz going off for roughing. Four-on-four came and went, with both teams getting a few shots. Muller was pulled once play went back to five-on-five, as HC Lugano had less than two minutes to tie the game. Nick Spaling would ice the game for Canada, tapping the puck into an empty net. Wisniewski (high sticking) and DiDomenico (unsportsmanlike conduct) were sent to the penalty box after the goal. Team Canada held on to the puck for the remaining 17 seconds, as they won the game 5-2. The win gives Team Canada their second straight Spengler Cup, and 14 all time.
Players of the game: Cory Emmerton (CAN), Dario Burgler (HCL)
Emmerton was buzzing in the first for Team Canada, and scored a highlight reel goal in the second. He finished the game with a goal and two assists. Burgler was the only one who could beat Fucale. The Swiss forward scored both of HC Lugano's goals.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
2016 Spengler Cup Recap - Day 5
It was semi-finals day at the Spengler Cup. Dinamo Minsk and Team Canada went at it in the early game, with HC Lugano and HC Davos facing off in an all-Swiss affair.
Dinamo Minsk 2 - Team Canada 3
The game started out quickly, with both teams not willing to sit back. Team Canada caught the firs break of the game two minutes in, when Kristian Khenkel was called for interference. Dinamo Minsk managed to hold on though, killing Khenkel's penalty. Canada kept up the attack on even strength, and would be rewarded for their efforts. Seven minutes into the period, Marc-Antoine Pouliot buried one from in close to open the scoring. Just minutes later, a Francis Pare centering pass managed to find itself going past Scrivens, but not past the post. Roman Graborenko found himself in the penalty box minutes later, when a hit on Daniel Vukovic resulted in a two (head contract) and a ten (misconduct, automatic with head contact penalty). It was questionable if Graborenko even touched Vukovic's head on the hit. Team Canada's powerplay wasn't over when it became a two man advantage. Dmitry Korobov was called for boarding Jacob Micflikier. Ben Scrivens was also penalized on the play after having some choice words for the ref (Sergei Drozd served those two minutes). The five-on-three was beneficial to the Canadians, as they found the back of the net after a few opportunities. Chris DiDomenico's passing attempt bounced off a Minsk defender and into the net, making it 2-0. Minsk killed off the man advantage after the goal, but it didn't take long for them to once again play shorthanded, as Evgeny Lisovets was called for holding. Minsk did kill off that penalty, and even got a chance as Rob Klinkhammer was unable to beat Zach Fucale. It was Canada's turn to be undisciplined, as the last minute of the first saw Mark Flood and Cory Emmerton were sent to the box just seconds apart. The opening frame ended with Team Canada up 2-0.
Starting with a two man advantage, Dinamo Minsk got chance after chance. Fucale stood his ground though, tracking the puck well and not letting it go behind him. While the two man advantage was unsuccessful, Minsk did managed to score while up a man. Andrei Stepanov took a few strides into the Canadian zone and wrist one, beating Fucale high blocker. Minsk controlled play for the most part, trying to tie the game. That ended when Alexander Materukhin was called for interference. Canada almost extended their lead on the powerplay, managing to get Scrivens out of position and the puck out to the slot. Mark Flood could not convert on his attempt though, getting blocked by a fallen Alexander Kulakov. Shots were exchanged for a while, with both teams looking for the game's fourth goal. Minsk caught a break halfway though the period when James Sheppard went off for slashing. Dinamo Minsk tried, but were unsuccessful on the man advantage. Minsk kept up the pressure, but to no avail. Team Canada spent the remaining minute-plus on the powerplay, as Scrivens was called for a delay of game after batting the puck out of play. The second period expired without another goal, as Team Canada remained in the lead 2-1.
Dinamo Minsk went on the attack in the third, trying to tie the game. They would get a powerplay four minutes in, when Pouliot went off for hooking. Klinkhammer's play near the crease helped Minsk get multiple chances, but none of them found their way into the net. Team Canada went back on the attack after killing Pouliot's penalty. They resulted in the Canadians getting a powerplay of their own, as Graborenko was reacquainted with the penalty box (this time for hooking). Team Canada didn't get much on the man advantage. Minsk got a good chance when it went back to five-on-five, as Aaron Pulushaj's one-timer was stopped by Fucale. It would be 12 minutes into the period when a goal was finally scored. A two-on-one saw Pouliot keep and take a shot. Scrviens made the save, but Pouliot got the puck back and no-looked a pass to a streaking Chay Genoway. Genoway wasted no time getting the shot off, as the puck found its way past two Minsk defenders and Scrivens and into the net. Just a minute later, Canada would find themselves shorthanded, as Francis Pare was called for tripping. It got worst for the Canadians, as Shaun Heshka was given a two and a ten for catching Lisovets head with a hit. The two man advantage helped Minsk get back in it. Matt Ellison's one-timer from the high slot beat Fucale and found the back of the net. The Belarusian team could not do much with the remaining minute-plus of powerplay time. Dinamo Minsk pulled Scrivens for an extra attack with just under two minutes left in the game. They came close to tying the game, as Klinkhammer hit the post. Team Canada hung on, beating Dinamo Minsk 3-2 and earning a spot in the Final.
Players of the game: Rob Klinkhammer (DIN), Marc-Antoine Pouliot (CAN)
It's weird to give it to a guy who was held off the scoresheet, but Klinkhammer was a special teams dynamo. He had multiple chances on both the powerplay and penalty kill, and almost tied the game in the final seconds. Pouliot was in on all three Canadian goals, and was buzzing around in the first period, He finished with a goal and two assists.
HC Lugano 4 - HC Davos 0
HC Davos started on the attack in the early going, trying to get a quick goal. HC Lugano's defense had other plans, keeping their Swiss counterparts at bay. HC Davos got the first powerplay of the game four minutes in, as Philippe Furrer went off for tripping Enzo Corvi. Davos' powerplay could not muster much on the man advantage. Midway through the period, Ken Jaeger had a chance to go one-on-one with a Lugano defender, but wound up tripping himself up at the blueline. That shift ended a bit heated, as Marc Wieser and James Wisniewski started jawing at each other. HC Davos went on the powerplay moments later, when Ryan Gardner was called for hooking. Once again, the Davos powerplay did little with the man advantage. HC Lugano had their chance on the powerplay a minute later, thanks to Tino Kessler getting sent off for hooking. While Lugano's powerplay failed to convert on the opportunity, it wasn't long after when they struck. Wisniewski's point shot would go wide, but the puck kicked out to Linus Klasen at the side of the net. Klasen had a couple of whacks at it, eventually putting the puck past Melvin Nyffeler's pad. HC Lugano finished the period on the powerplay when Gregory Sciaroni was called for holding. HC Davos easily killed off Sciaroni's penalty. Both teams headed into the intermission, with HC Lugano leading 1-0.
Both teams had a chance on the powerplay early on, starting with HC Lugano, as Noah Schneeberger was sent off for high sticking. Ryan Vesce almost extended Lugano's lead, connecting on a backdoor pass. It wasn't to be though, as Nyffeler slid over to make the save. HC Lugano's powerplay ended prematurely, as Gardner went to the box for tripping. HC Davos got a few shots on their shortened powerplay, but none found their way past Elvis Merzlikins. Klasen had a chance on even strength, dancing through a couple of Davos defenders. One defender did get a skate on Klasen's tripping him up and ending the chance. Despite Klasen's plea, no penalty was called. HC Davos would lose a player moments later, as a bump-back check by Lugano's Alessio Bertaggia caused Sciaroni to fall and hit the ice hard. Sciaroni needed help to get off the ice and into the room, and would not return to the game. The pace starting to quicken, and was highlighted by a Lugano two-on-one. Max Lapierre would receive a pass on the odd-man rush, but could not beat Nyffeler. Moments later, Marc Wieser found himself in the box for slashing, and that ended up being costly for the host. Vesce found Dario Burgler alone in the slot, and the Swiss forward didn't waste the opportunity, snapping a shot past Nyffeler. HC Davos challenged the goal for offside, but lost, and the goal stood. HC Lugano added to their lead four minutes later, as Alessandro Chiesa slid behind the Davos defense and redirected Julian Walker's pass into the Davos net. Tensions would boil over when Daniel Rahimi pushed a Lugano defender into Merzlikins. A scrum ensued, and cooler heads prevailed after a bit. Rahimi wasn't done though, as he started jawing at Lapierre on the bench. Both were sent to the penalty box and assessed ten minute misconducts. HC Davos had a powerplay to end the period, as Wisniewski was called for slashing, then given another two minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct. Robert Kousal had Davos' best chance on the extended powerplay, ringing a shot off the post. The period ended, as HC Lugano headed into the break up 3-0.
Penalties were called early in the third. Just under two minutes in, HC Davos' Samuel Walser went off for hooking. Seconds after that, Wisniewski once again was sent to the box (this time for holding). Marc Weiser had a chance to score between the two penalty calls, deking out Merzlikins but unable to finish off the backhand attempt. Gregory Hofmann got a chance on the four-on-four, but Nyffeler stopped the shot. Play went back to five-on-five for a couple of seconds, as Luca Fazzini got called for slashing while trying to negate a HC Davos scoring chance. HC Lugano ended up benefitting from being shorthanded. Bertaggia snapped one over Nyffeler's blocker, as the HC Lugano penalty killer made it 4-0. Things got worst for HC Davos, as Marc Wieser ended up taking a lazy tripping penalty. The host did managed to kill off that penalty. HC Davos pushed trying to find their way onto the scoreboard. Merzlikins was having none of it, stopping anything that was shot at him. HC Lugano also got their chance on offense, highlighted by Lapierre getting stopped in close by Nyffeler. Both teams had penalties in the last few minutes. Time expired, and HC Lugano shut out HC Davos 4-0. The win puts HC Lugano back into the Spengler Cup Final for the second straight year.
Players of the game: Elvis Merzlikins (HCL), (HCD)
Merzlikins is the only goalie in this year's tournament to earn a shutout. He stopped all 35 HC Davos shots. Since I can't give it to the Davos band, I'll give it to Enzo Corvi. He drew a couple of penalties and got two shots on net.
Dinamo Minsk 2 - Team Canada 3
The game started out quickly, with both teams not willing to sit back. Team Canada caught the firs break of the game two minutes in, when Kristian Khenkel was called for interference. Dinamo Minsk managed to hold on though, killing Khenkel's penalty. Canada kept up the attack on even strength, and would be rewarded for their efforts. Seven minutes into the period, Marc-Antoine Pouliot buried one from in close to open the scoring. Just minutes later, a Francis Pare centering pass managed to find itself going past Scrivens, but not past the post. Roman Graborenko found himself in the penalty box minutes later, when a hit on Daniel Vukovic resulted in a two (head contract) and a ten (misconduct, automatic with head contact penalty). It was questionable if Graborenko even touched Vukovic's head on the hit. Team Canada's powerplay wasn't over when it became a two man advantage. Dmitry Korobov was called for boarding Jacob Micflikier. Ben Scrivens was also penalized on the play after having some choice words for the ref (Sergei Drozd served those two minutes). The five-on-three was beneficial to the Canadians, as they found the back of the net after a few opportunities. Chris DiDomenico's passing attempt bounced off a Minsk defender and into the net, making it 2-0. Minsk killed off the man advantage after the goal, but it didn't take long for them to once again play shorthanded, as Evgeny Lisovets was called for holding. Minsk did kill off that penalty, and even got a chance as Rob Klinkhammer was unable to beat Zach Fucale. It was Canada's turn to be undisciplined, as the last minute of the first saw Mark Flood and Cory Emmerton were sent to the box just seconds apart. The opening frame ended with Team Canada up 2-0.
Starting with a two man advantage, Dinamo Minsk got chance after chance. Fucale stood his ground though, tracking the puck well and not letting it go behind him. While the two man advantage was unsuccessful, Minsk did managed to score while up a man. Andrei Stepanov took a few strides into the Canadian zone and wrist one, beating Fucale high blocker. Minsk controlled play for the most part, trying to tie the game. That ended when Alexander Materukhin was called for interference. Canada almost extended their lead on the powerplay, managing to get Scrivens out of position and the puck out to the slot. Mark Flood could not convert on his attempt though, getting blocked by a fallen Alexander Kulakov. Shots were exchanged for a while, with both teams looking for the game's fourth goal. Minsk caught a break halfway though the period when James Sheppard went off for slashing. Dinamo Minsk tried, but were unsuccessful on the man advantage. Minsk kept up the pressure, but to no avail. Team Canada spent the remaining minute-plus on the powerplay, as Scrivens was called for a delay of game after batting the puck out of play. The second period expired without another goal, as Team Canada remained in the lead 2-1.
Dinamo Minsk went on the attack in the third, trying to tie the game. They would get a powerplay four minutes in, when Pouliot went off for hooking. Klinkhammer's play near the crease helped Minsk get multiple chances, but none of them found their way into the net. Team Canada went back on the attack after killing Pouliot's penalty. They resulted in the Canadians getting a powerplay of their own, as Graborenko was reacquainted with the penalty box (this time for hooking). Team Canada didn't get much on the man advantage. Minsk got a good chance when it went back to five-on-five, as Aaron Pulushaj's one-timer was stopped by Fucale. It would be 12 minutes into the period when a goal was finally scored. A two-on-one saw Pouliot keep and take a shot. Scrviens made the save, but Pouliot got the puck back and no-looked a pass to a streaking Chay Genoway. Genoway wasted no time getting the shot off, as the puck found its way past two Minsk defenders and Scrivens and into the net. Just a minute later, Canada would find themselves shorthanded, as Francis Pare was called for tripping. It got worst for the Canadians, as Shaun Heshka was given a two and a ten for catching Lisovets head with a hit. The two man advantage helped Minsk get back in it. Matt Ellison's one-timer from the high slot beat Fucale and found the back of the net. The Belarusian team could not do much with the remaining minute-plus of powerplay time. Dinamo Minsk pulled Scrivens for an extra attack with just under two minutes left in the game. They came close to tying the game, as Klinkhammer hit the post. Team Canada hung on, beating Dinamo Minsk 3-2 and earning a spot in the Final.
Players of the game: Rob Klinkhammer (DIN), Marc-Antoine Pouliot (CAN)
It's weird to give it to a guy who was held off the scoresheet, but Klinkhammer was a special teams dynamo. He had multiple chances on both the powerplay and penalty kill, and almost tied the game in the final seconds. Pouliot was in on all three Canadian goals, and was buzzing around in the first period, He finished with a goal and two assists.
HC Lugano 4 - HC Davos 0
HC Davos started on the attack in the early going, trying to get a quick goal. HC Lugano's defense had other plans, keeping their Swiss counterparts at bay. HC Davos got the first powerplay of the game four minutes in, as Philippe Furrer went off for tripping Enzo Corvi. Davos' powerplay could not muster much on the man advantage. Midway through the period, Ken Jaeger had a chance to go one-on-one with a Lugano defender, but wound up tripping himself up at the blueline. That shift ended a bit heated, as Marc Wieser and James Wisniewski started jawing at each other. HC Davos went on the powerplay moments later, when Ryan Gardner was called for hooking. Once again, the Davos powerplay did little with the man advantage. HC Lugano had their chance on the powerplay a minute later, thanks to Tino Kessler getting sent off for hooking. While Lugano's powerplay failed to convert on the opportunity, it wasn't long after when they struck. Wisniewski's point shot would go wide, but the puck kicked out to Linus Klasen at the side of the net. Klasen had a couple of whacks at it, eventually putting the puck past Melvin Nyffeler's pad. HC Lugano finished the period on the powerplay when Gregory Sciaroni was called for holding. HC Davos easily killed off Sciaroni's penalty. Both teams headed into the intermission, with HC Lugano leading 1-0.
Both teams had a chance on the powerplay early on, starting with HC Lugano, as Noah Schneeberger was sent off for high sticking. Ryan Vesce almost extended Lugano's lead, connecting on a backdoor pass. It wasn't to be though, as Nyffeler slid over to make the save. HC Lugano's powerplay ended prematurely, as Gardner went to the box for tripping. HC Davos got a few shots on their shortened powerplay, but none found their way past Elvis Merzlikins. Klasen had a chance on even strength, dancing through a couple of Davos defenders. One defender did get a skate on Klasen's tripping him up and ending the chance. Despite Klasen's plea, no penalty was called. HC Davos would lose a player moments later, as a bump-back check by Lugano's Alessio Bertaggia caused Sciaroni to fall and hit the ice hard. Sciaroni needed help to get off the ice and into the room, and would not return to the game. The pace starting to quicken, and was highlighted by a Lugano two-on-one. Max Lapierre would receive a pass on the odd-man rush, but could not beat Nyffeler. Moments later, Marc Wieser found himself in the box for slashing, and that ended up being costly for the host. Vesce found Dario Burgler alone in the slot, and the Swiss forward didn't waste the opportunity, snapping a shot past Nyffeler. HC Davos challenged the goal for offside, but lost, and the goal stood. HC Lugano added to their lead four minutes later, as Alessandro Chiesa slid behind the Davos defense and redirected Julian Walker's pass into the Davos net. Tensions would boil over when Daniel Rahimi pushed a Lugano defender into Merzlikins. A scrum ensued, and cooler heads prevailed after a bit. Rahimi wasn't done though, as he started jawing at Lapierre on the bench. Both were sent to the penalty box and assessed ten minute misconducts. HC Davos had a powerplay to end the period, as Wisniewski was called for slashing, then given another two minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct. Robert Kousal had Davos' best chance on the extended powerplay, ringing a shot off the post. The period ended, as HC Lugano headed into the break up 3-0.
Penalties were called early in the third. Just under two minutes in, HC Davos' Samuel Walser went off for hooking. Seconds after that, Wisniewski once again was sent to the box (this time for holding). Marc Weiser had a chance to score between the two penalty calls, deking out Merzlikins but unable to finish off the backhand attempt. Gregory Hofmann got a chance on the four-on-four, but Nyffeler stopped the shot. Play went back to five-on-five for a couple of seconds, as Luca Fazzini got called for slashing while trying to negate a HC Davos scoring chance. HC Lugano ended up benefitting from being shorthanded. Bertaggia snapped one over Nyffeler's blocker, as the HC Lugano penalty killer made it 4-0. Things got worst for HC Davos, as Marc Wieser ended up taking a lazy tripping penalty. The host did managed to kill off that penalty. HC Davos pushed trying to find their way onto the scoreboard. Merzlikins was having none of it, stopping anything that was shot at him. HC Lugano also got their chance on offense, highlighted by Lapierre getting stopped in close by Nyffeler. Both teams had penalties in the last few minutes. Time expired, and HC Lugano shut out HC Davos 4-0. The win puts HC Lugano back into the Spengler Cup Final for the second straight year.
Players of the game: Elvis Merzlikins (HCL), (HCD)
Merzlikins is the only goalie in this year's tournament to earn a shutout. He stopped all 35 HC Davos shots. Since I can't give it to the Davos band, I'll give it to Enzo Corvi. He drew a couple of penalties and got two shots on net.
Friday, December 30, 2016
2016 Spengler Cup Recap - Day 4
Today was the pre-semifinals matchups, with Mountfield HK and Team Canada going at it in the early game, and the host HC Davos taking on Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg.
Mountfield HK 1 - Team Canada 5
Play was fairly even to start the game, with both teams getting a few shots apiece. That changed three-an-a-half minutes in, when Martin Planek went off for holding. Team Canada capitalized on the man advantage, as Andrew Ebbett buried a rebound to make it 1-0 for the Canadians. James Sheppard had a chance to make it 2-0 minutes later, but could not shake his defender, and ended up shooting the puck wide of the net. Canada continued on the attack, with their best chance being Mason Raymond trying to so short side on Ondrej Kacetl, he was stopped. Mountfield HK found themselves back on the penalty kill, as Bedrich Kohler went to the box for hooking. The Czech club managed to kill off that penalty, but found themselves back down a man two minutes later, when Travis Ehrhardt was called for interference. Mountfield once again managed to kill off the penalty. Despite not scoring, Canada would keep up the pressure. Rudlof Cerveny got Mountfield HK's best chance late in the period, slapping one from the top of the faceoff circle. Zach Fucale would stop the shot, marking his first save in 11-minutes of play. Team Canada got a chance soon after, but Cory Emmerton could not finish the tic-tac-toe play, getting stopped by Kacetl. Lukas Lhotak got called for hooking late in the period, putting Team Canada on their fourth powerplay. The Canadians didn't waste this opportunity, as Maxim Noreau snapped one past Kacetl. Team Canada ended the first period up 2-0.
Team Canada had the better share of puck possession to start the second, getting a few chances during that time. It wasn't until seven minutes in when Mountfield registered their first shot of the period, courtesy of Thibaut Monnet. The Czech club looked to have woke up after that, as they started to get the puck on net. Cerveny might think otherwise though, first fanning on a backdoor pass, then getting cut by the stick of David McIntyre after the two got tangled. Mountfield tried to argue for a call, but to no avail. The Czech club did get their powerplay midway through the period, when Jacob Micflikier was called for holding. The man disadvantage didn't hinder Team Canada much, as they managed to get a two-on-one rush. Kacetl shut it down though, sliding over to stop Emmerton's shot. Mountfield's powerplay lasted just over a minute, as they were called for too many men, making it four-on-four for a bit. Team Canada pounced on the opened up ice, as Brandon Gormley whacked home a loose puck to make it 3-0. Mountfield's woes continued when Ehrhardt went off again, this time for holding. Luckily for Mountfield, Team Canada failed to do much on the powerplay (which included a short time on a two man advantage). Team Canada would soon find themselves in penalty trouble, starting with Sheppard getting caught for holding. Just before Sheppard returned to play, Gormley would be sent off for tripping, extending Mountfield HK's time on the man advantage. This was what the Czech club needed, as Jaroslav Bednar one-timed a shot over Fucale's shoulder and into the net.
Team Canada got a powerplay a minute into the third, when Stanislav Dietz was called for holding. The powerplay was helpful for extending their lead, as Mason Raymond wasted no time burying a rebound. Canada's attack continued, and moments later, Francis Pare outmuscled a defender in the slot and put home a loose puck to make it 5-1. Penalties started to be called soon after, starting with Nick Spaling getting sent off for interference. Mountfield HK managed to get one good chance on that powerplay, as Michal Dragoun tip a shot past Fucale, but it rang off the post. Blaz Gregorc was called for tripping, negating the last 42 seconds of Mountfield's powerplay. Team Canada didn't do much on the four-on-four or their powerplay, and would end up getting called for another penalty (Micflikier was called for holding). Mountfield could not muster much on that powerplay. Team Canada spent most of the later half of the third on the offense, partly thanks to two powerplays. Despite this, it was Mountfield who got the best chance at finding the back of the net. Bednar would be sprung on a breakaway, but Fucale kept with him, turning aside his backhand attempt. Mountfield finished the game on the powerplay, as Team Canada took a too many men call late in the period. The Czech squad didn't get much going as time ticked down to zero. Team Canada's 5-1 win eliminates Mountfield HK, and sets them up for a semi-final match against Dinamo Minsk.
Players of the game: Jaroslav Bednar (MHK), Andrew Ebbett (CAN)
The 40-year old Bednar was the only one who found the back of the net for Mountfield. Ebbett's goal opened the scoring for Canada, and his play to keep the puck in the zone was key in setting up Raymond's goal. Ebbett finished with a goal and two assists.
HC Davos 3 - Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg 1
Just 19 seconds into the game, Yekaterinburg found themselves on the powerplay, as Sven Jung was called for hooking. The Russian clubs best chance came after the powerplay though, as Alexander Torchenyuk and Dmitry Monya worked a give-and-go. Torchenyuk's shot was ultimately stopped by Gilles Senn. HC Davos would get a powerplay opportunity minutes later, when Yegor Zhuravlyov was called for holding Dino Weiser, taking away a prime scoring chance. HC Davos used the powerplay (and their home rink) to their advantage, as Drew Shore's dump in bounce off the boards and right to a streaking Tuomo Ruutu in the slot. Ruutu made no mistake, putting the puck into the net to make it 1-0. Yekaterinburg went on the attack afterwards, but could not find a way to tie the game. HC Davos managed to turn the tables, and it paid off, as Drew Shore's wraparound attempt beat Ivan Lisutin. It didn't get much better for Yekaterinburg. Just seconds later, Torchenyuk was called for slashing. HC Davos wasn't as successful this time, only managing a couple of shots on the man advantage. Yekaterinburg got another chance on the powerplay later in the period, as Enxo Corvi was called for tripping. While the powerplay wasn't successful for the Russian squad, they would find their way onto the scoreboard. Anatoli Goleshev streaked down the right wing, and released a shot that beat Senn high glove, giving Yekaterinburg their first goal. The first period wound down, and HC Davos headed into the intermission up 2-1.
Both teams were sloppy to start the second, with missed passes and neither team able to hold onto the puck for long. Petr Koukal had Yekaterinburg's best chance in the early going, sending a one-timer from the slot just wide of the post. The Russian club would start to push play, looking for a way to tie the game. HC Davos did get their time in the offensive zone, but could not get much in the way of chances. Midway through the period, the Swiss club caught a break, as Nikita Shchitov was penalized for tripping. HC Davos' powerplay was ineffective, as Yekaterinburg hung on to kill the penalty. Seconds later, Yekaterinburg would be the ones going on the man advantage, thanks Jung getting called for holding. A hit from behind by Pavel Turbin cancelled Yekaterinburg's powerplay prematurely, and play went to four-on-four for 45 seconds. Yekaterinburg had the best chance, with Koukal unable to get a stick on Artyom Gareyev's pass. HC Davos went on a shortened powerplay afterwards, and got a couple of opportunities to add to their lead. First was a pass from Shore to Adam Hall, who could not handle the bouncing puck. Moments later, it was Shore streaking in with the puck, but he was stopped trying to go short side on Lisutin. HC Davos had one more chance before the period ended, as a partial breakaway led to Dino Wieser having to shield the puck from a defender and one-hand a drop pass to a trailing Gregory Sciaroni. Sciaroni's shot ended up wide of the net. The line of Alexei Mikhnov, Koukal, and Gareyev were buzzing for Yekaterinburg in the last few minutes, getting multiple chances to tie the game, but could not find the back of the net. Rok Ticar had a last-second rush, but Senn was in position to stop him. The second period closed with HC Davos still up 2-1.
HC Davos got an early powerplay in the third when Koukal was called for hooking. Davos was once again unable to get anything going while up a man. The scoreline would finally change, thanks to Marc Wieser burying a pass from Ruutu. Now down by two, Yekaterinburg tried to put on the pressure. They did catch a break when Noah Schneeberger was called for slashing. Their powerplay was once again futile though, unable to muster any offense. HC Davos went back on the powerplay seconds later, thanks to Denis Mingaleyev going off for holding. Once again, nothing came out of Davos' powerplay. Yekaterinburg started to play desperate, trying to find a way to get back into this game. Senn was up to the challenge though, as he was determined to stop anything Yekaterinburg shot at him. A hooking penalty by Koukal in the last minute all but sealed Yekaterinburg's fate. HC Davos killed off the remaining time until the buzzer went. HC Davos beats Atvomobilist Yekaterinburg 3-1, eliminating the Russian club and setting up an all-Swiss semi-final matchup with HC Lugano.
Players of the game: Gilles Senn (HCD), Anatoli Goleshev (AVT)
There are a few Davos players that could get it, but while the team was flat at times, Senn was consistent. The Swiss goaltender stopped 31 of 32 shots in the winning effort. Goleshev was the only Yekaterinburg player to find the back of the net. He had a few more chances during the game, but was unable to convert on them.
Mountfield HK 1 - Team Canada 5
Play was fairly even to start the game, with both teams getting a few shots apiece. That changed three-an-a-half minutes in, when Martin Planek went off for holding. Team Canada capitalized on the man advantage, as Andrew Ebbett buried a rebound to make it 1-0 for the Canadians. James Sheppard had a chance to make it 2-0 minutes later, but could not shake his defender, and ended up shooting the puck wide of the net. Canada continued on the attack, with their best chance being Mason Raymond trying to so short side on Ondrej Kacetl, he was stopped. Mountfield HK found themselves back on the penalty kill, as Bedrich Kohler went to the box for hooking. The Czech club managed to kill off that penalty, but found themselves back down a man two minutes later, when Travis Ehrhardt was called for interference. Mountfield once again managed to kill off the penalty. Despite not scoring, Canada would keep up the pressure. Rudlof Cerveny got Mountfield HK's best chance late in the period, slapping one from the top of the faceoff circle. Zach Fucale would stop the shot, marking his first save in 11-minutes of play. Team Canada got a chance soon after, but Cory Emmerton could not finish the tic-tac-toe play, getting stopped by Kacetl. Lukas Lhotak got called for hooking late in the period, putting Team Canada on their fourth powerplay. The Canadians didn't waste this opportunity, as Maxim Noreau snapped one past Kacetl. Team Canada ended the first period up 2-0.
Team Canada had the better share of puck possession to start the second, getting a few chances during that time. It wasn't until seven minutes in when Mountfield registered their first shot of the period, courtesy of Thibaut Monnet. The Czech club looked to have woke up after that, as they started to get the puck on net. Cerveny might think otherwise though, first fanning on a backdoor pass, then getting cut by the stick of David McIntyre after the two got tangled. Mountfield tried to argue for a call, but to no avail. The Czech club did get their powerplay midway through the period, when Jacob Micflikier was called for holding. The man disadvantage didn't hinder Team Canada much, as they managed to get a two-on-one rush. Kacetl shut it down though, sliding over to stop Emmerton's shot. Mountfield's powerplay lasted just over a minute, as they were called for too many men, making it four-on-four for a bit. Team Canada pounced on the opened up ice, as Brandon Gormley whacked home a loose puck to make it 3-0. Mountfield's woes continued when Ehrhardt went off again, this time for holding. Luckily for Mountfield, Team Canada failed to do much on the powerplay (which included a short time on a two man advantage). Team Canada would soon find themselves in penalty trouble, starting with Sheppard getting caught for holding. Just before Sheppard returned to play, Gormley would be sent off for tripping, extending Mountfield HK's time on the man advantage. This was what the Czech club needed, as Jaroslav Bednar one-timed a shot over Fucale's shoulder and into the net.
Team Canada got a powerplay a minute into the third, when Stanislav Dietz was called for holding. The powerplay was helpful for extending their lead, as Mason Raymond wasted no time burying a rebound. Canada's attack continued, and moments later, Francis Pare outmuscled a defender in the slot and put home a loose puck to make it 5-1. Penalties started to be called soon after, starting with Nick Spaling getting sent off for interference. Mountfield HK managed to get one good chance on that powerplay, as Michal Dragoun tip a shot past Fucale, but it rang off the post. Blaz Gregorc was called for tripping, negating the last 42 seconds of Mountfield's powerplay. Team Canada didn't do much on the four-on-four or their powerplay, and would end up getting called for another penalty (Micflikier was called for holding). Mountfield could not muster much on that powerplay. Team Canada spent most of the later half of the third on the offense, partly thanks to two powerplays. Despite this, it was Mountfield who got the best chance at finding the back of the net. Bednar would be sprung on a breakaway, but Fucale kept with him, turning aside his backhand attempt. Mountfield finished the game on the powerplay, as Team Canada took a too many men call late in the period. The Czech squad didn't get much going as time ticked down to zero. Team Canada's 5-1 win eliminates Mountfield HK, and sets them up for a semi-final match against Dinamo Minsk.
Players of the game: Jaroslav Bednar (MHK), Andrew Ebbett (CAN)
The 40-year old Bednar was the only one who found the back of the net for Mountfield. Ebbett's goal opened the scoring for Canada, and his play to keep the puck in the zone was key in setting up Raymond's goal. Ebbett finished with a goal and two assists.
HC Davos 3 - Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg 1
Just 19 seconds into the game, Yekaterinburg found themselves on the powerplay, as Sven Jung was called for hooking. The Russian clubs best chance came after the powerplay though, as Alexander Torchenyuk and Dmitry Monya worked a give-and-go. Torchenyuk's shot was ultimately stopped by Gilles Senn. HC Davos would get a powerplay opportunity minutes later, when Yegor Zhuravlyov was called for holding Dino Weiser, taking away a prime scoring chance. HC Davos used the powerplay (and their home rink) to their advantage, as Drew Shore's dump in bounce off the boards and right to a streaking Tuomo Ruutu in the slot. Ruutu made no mistake, putting the puck into the net to make it 1-0. Yekaterinburg went on the attack afterwards, but could not find a way to tie the game. HC Davos managed to turn the tables, and it paid off, as Drew Shore's wraparound attempt beat Ivan Lisutin. It didn't get much better for Yekaterinburg. Just seconds later, Torchenyuk was called for slashing. HC Davos wasn't as successful this time, only managing a couple of shots on the man advantage. Yekaterinburg got another chance on the powerplay later in the period, as Enxo Corvi was called for tripping. While the powerplay wasn't successful for the Russian squad, they would find their way onto the scoreboard. Anatoli Goleshev streaked down the right wing, and released a shot that beat Senn high glove, giving Yekaterinburg their first goal. The first period wound down, and HC Davos headed into the intermission up 2-1.
Both teams were sloppy to start the second, with missed passes and neither team able to hold onto the puck for long. Petr Koukal had Yekaterinburg's best chance in the early going, sending a one-timer from the slot just wide of the post. The Russian club would start to push play, looking for a way to tie the game. HC Davos did get their time in the offensive zone, but could not get much in the way of chances. Midway through the period, the Swiss club caught a break, as Nikita Shchitov was penalized for tripping. HC Davos' powerplay was ineffective, as Yekaterinburg hung on to kill the penalty. Seconds later, Yekaterinburg would be the ones going on the man advantage, thanks Jung getting called for holding. A hit from behind by Pavel Turbin cancelled Yekaterinburg's powerplay prematurely, and play went to four-on-four for 45 seconds. Yekaterinburg had the best chance, with Koukal unable to get a stick on Artyom Gareyev's pass. HC Davos went on a shortened powerplay afterwards, and got a couple of opportunities to add to their lead. First was a pass from Shore to Adam Hall, who could not handle the bouncing puck. Moments later, it was Shore streaking in with the puck, but he was stopped trying to go short side on Lisutin. HC Davos had one more chance before the period ended, as a partial breakaway led to Dino Wieser having to shield the puck from a defender and one-hand a drop pass to a trailing Gregory Sciaroni. Sciaroni's shot ended up wide of the net. The line of Alexei Mikhnov, Koukal, and Gareyev were buzzing for Yekaterinburg in the last few minutes, getting multiple chances to tie the game, but could not find the back of the net. Rok Ticar had a last-second rush, but Senn was in position to stop him. The second period closed with HC Davos still up 2-1.
HC Davos got an early powerplay in the third when Koukal was called for hooking. Davos was once again unable to get anything going while up a man. The scoreline would finally change, thanks to Marc Wieser burying a pass from Ruutu. Now down by two, Yekaterinburg tried to put on the pressure. They did catch a break when Noah Schneeberger was called for slashing. Their powerplay was once again futile though, unable to muster any offense. HC Davos went back on the powerplay seconds later, thanks to Denis Mingaleyev going off for holding. Once again, nothing came out of Davos' powerplay. Yekaterinburg started to play desperate, trying to find a way to get back into this game. Senn was up to the challenge though, as he was determined to stop anything Yekaterinburg shot at him. A hooking penalty by Koukal in the last minute all but sealed Yekaterinburg's fate. HC Davos killed off the remaining time until the buzzer went. HC Davos beats Atvomobilist Yekaterinburg 3-1, eliminating the Russian club and setting up an all-Swiss semi-final matchup with HC Lugano.
Players of the game: Gilles Senn (HCD), Anatoli Goleshev (AVT)
There are a few Davos players that could get it, but while the team was flat at times, Senn was consistent. The Swiss goaltender stopped 31 of 32 shots in the winning effort. Goleshev was the only Yekaterinburg player to find the back of the net. He had a few more chances during the game, but was unable to convert on them.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
2016 Spengler Cup Recap - Day 3
Just like yesterday's games, there were similarities in both games today. This time, it was seeing Swiss teams go up 4-1 before their opponents started to comeback. Both would hold on to win, but only one of them finished on top of their respective groups as a result.
HC Lugano 4 - Mountfield HK 3
The game started slowly, with both teams exchanging a few shots. Things picked up a couple minutes in, when Roman Kukumberg managed to split the Lugano defense before drawing a hooking call on Alessandro Chiesa. The powerplay wasn't much help to the Czech squad though, as they could not muster much on the man advantage. They did keep the pressure up as play went back to even strength, with Rastislav Dej getting the best chance. HC Lugano would get their chance on the powerplay midway through the period, when Tomas Knotek got called for hooking. It ended up being what the Swiss club needed, as Gregory Hofmann blasted a point shot past a screened Patrik Rybar to open the scoring. Just 35 seconds later, Mountfield would respond. Jiri Simanek redirected a pass from Rudolf Cerveny into the Lugano net, tying the game. Mountfield wasn't content on just tying the game, as they kept up the attack. This lead to another powerplay for them, as HC Lugano's Linus Klasen was sent off for hooking. Once again, Mountfield had little to show for on the man advantage. HC Lugano started to pick up their attack after the penalty, first with Klasen going in on a partial breakaway, but shooting over the net. Pressure off an offensive faceoff resulted in Hofmann intercepting a pass, cut near the crease, and beating Rybar five-hole to put HC Lugano up 2-1. Richard Jarusek had a chance to tie the game before the period ended, but his shot would miss the net. The first period ended with HC Lugano leading Mountfield 2-1.
Mountfield controlled most of the play early in the second, as the Czech club looked to once again tie the game. Penalties started to get called five minutes into the period, starting with James Wisniewski going off for cross-checking. Just seven seconds into Mountfield's powerplay, Jarusek was called for hooking, making play go to four-on-four. Klasen got the best chance on the opened up ice, but Rybar had little trouble making the save. 20 seconds before the first penalty expired, Lukas Lhotek was called for slashing, giving HC Lugano a powerplay. The Swiss club could not take advantage of the short four-on-three, and it was much of the same when it became five-on-four. It ended up being Mountfield's penalty kill getting the best chance, as Dej's breakaway attempt was stopped by Daniel Manzato. Luca Fazzini would open the scoring for the period, toe-dragging around a Mountfield defender before beating Rybar high blocker. HC Lugano kept buzzing, and were rewarded for their efforts. Ryan Vesce kept on a two-on-one, and snapped it past Rybar. That was it for Rybar's day, as Ondrej Kacetl came on in relief. The later half the game was back-and-forth, with Lugano getting the better share of shot attempts. The middle frame ended with HC Lugano up 4-1.
The highlight of the first two minutes of the third was Roman Kukumber's stick exploding on a slapshot and flying rink-wide. It looked like Mountfield's fortunes would not improve, as Alexandre Picard was called for a questionable slash. The Czech club managed to capitalize on being shorthanded though, as Andris Dzerins kept on a two-on-one and beat Manzato. Once Mountfield was done killing their penalty, they would go on the powerplay, thanks to Raffaelle Sannitz getting called for hooking. It got chippy near the end of the powerplay, with Picard and Wisniewski getting into a shoving match in front of the Lugano net. Both would get sent to the box for roughing, with Wisniewski getting an extra penalty for slashing. Despite that powerplay, and another one after when Vesce was sent off for interference, Mountfield's powerplay was impotent, unable to do much with the man advantage. The Czech club did score seconds after Vesce's penalty expired, but it was not without controversy. Manzato looked to injured his groin going for a save, and was down for a couple of seconds. This allowed Cerveny to score on a wide open net. Manzato was helped off the ice, as Elvis Merzlikins (who is reportedly suffering from a hip issue) came into the game. Protest by HC Lugano fell flat, as the goal stood, making it a 4-3 game. Mountfield pushed, looking for a tying goal. Their hopes of tying the game took a hit when Cerveny was called for a hook late in the period. The penalty would be killed, and Mountfield had about a minute left on the clock. Jake Newton had the best chance, receiving a cross-ice pass, but his shot missed the net. HC Lugano held on, winning the game 4-3 and getting a bye to the semi-finals.
Players of the game: Gregory Hofmann (HCL), Rudolf Cerveny (MHK)
His play might have tailed off a bit after the first, but the two goals by Hofmann was helpful to HC Lugano. Either one of Cerveny, Dzerins, or Simanek could be player of the game, as they were the best line for Mountfield. His goal is debatable given the circumstances, but Cerveny helped get the Czech club on the board in the first.
Dinamo Minsk 4 - HC Davos 5
HC Davos had the best chance early on, with Andreas Ambuhl trying to set up Tino Kessler with a cross-crease pass. Sergei Dzord was on Kessler though, tying his stick up so the HC Davos forward could not get a shot. A minute later, it was Minsk's turn to get a chance, as Aaron Palushaj shot wide on a partial breakaway. Davos was still in control for the most part, and ended up drawing a penalty about five minutes into the game. Despite taking the penalty, it was Minsk who would score. Rob Klinkhammer intercepted a pass at the blueline, skated in on a breakaway, and tucked a backhand by Melvin Nyffeler. HC Davos could not get anything going for the rest of their powerplay. The Swiss club kept up the attack though, trying to tie the game. Dinamo Minsk took a bit of a hit when Nikita Komarov took a shot off the wrist, but he managed to stay in the game. Kessler would get his chance midway through the game, but Kevin Lalande denied him with a glove save. Matt Ellison had a chance to extend Dinamo Minsk's lead later in the period, with Nyffeler giving up a rebound after Roman Graborenko's point shot. Unfortunately for the Belarusian team, Ellison was unable to jam the rebound home. HC Davos found themselves back on the powerplay moments later, when Kristian Khenkel was called for slashing. The Swiss club had a couple of chances, and managed to bury one of them just before the powerplay expired. Adam Hall tipped Drew Shore's shot past Lalande, tying the game. HC Davos got one more powerplay before the period was over, with Klinkhammer going off for hooking. Five seconds wasn't enough to do anything though, as both teams headed into the intermission tied 1-1.
Starting the period with a powerplay was helpful for HC Davos. Noah Schneeberger blasted a shot from the point that beat Lalande clean. Davos' lead quickly increases, as a minute later Perttu Lindgren finished off a tic-tac-toe play to make it 3-1. The momentum of the two goals were short-lived. Per Ledin was called for hooking half-a-minute later, giving Minsk their first powerplay of the game. Dinamo Minsk's puck movement was on display during the man advantage, but Nyffeler was not letting any of their chances get by him. HC Davos hung on to kill the penalty, and went back on the attack. Shore had a couple of solo efforts minutes apart, but could not convert on them. Davos' ability to keep up the attack led to Kirill Gotovets getting called for holding. HC Davos' powerplay was once again successful. Shore finally connected on an opportunity, snapping one over Lalande's glove. The 4-1 lead for HC Davos would evaporate quickly. Just 15 seconds later, a turnover by Enzo Corvi led to Danila Karaban burying a loose puck. 52 seconds after that, Alexander Pavlovich slid past the defense and buried a backhander, cutting HC Davos' lead to one. Just before the goal, Tuomo Ruutu leveled Matt Ellison with a big hit away from the play. Minsk was arguing for a call after the play stopped, but it ended up with them getting a bench minor. Davos' powerplay wasn't gold this time, as the powerplay came and went with not much in the way of chances. Dinamo Minsk would have their turn on the man advantage later in the period, starting with Shore going off for slashing. During the penalty kill, Corvi flipped the puck over the glass, as Minsk was given a two man advantage for a minute-plus. Once again Minsk was able to move the puck around, but were unable to capitalize on it. A faceoff late in the period saw Dino Wieser and Sergei Drozd agitate each other, leading to the ref calling both of them for unsportsmanlike conduct. The 52-second four-on-four didn't result in anything, as HC Davos finished the period leading Dinamo Minsk 4-3.
The third period started with both teams still at four-on-four, but neither team did much with the opened-up ice. Enzo Corvi would redeem himself from his turnover early in the game, as he collected a loose puck, deked out Lalande, and slid the puck into the net to make it 5-3 for the host. HC Davos started to get into penalty trouble again, as Lindgren and Ambuhl were penalized 32-seconds apart. Dinamo Minsk got chances on the two man advantage, but could not jam the puck into the net. While Minsk again failed to convert on the two man advantage, they did score on the remaining powerplay. Klinkhammer found Pavlovich for a one-timer. Pavlovich wouldn't get much on the shot, but a bit of luck as the puck bounce off Beat Forster and Nyffeler on its way into the net. HC Davos did challenge the play for offside, and after a couple of minutes, it was determined Davos brought the puck back into their zone, negating the offside. When play resumed, Davos went back on the attack. Dino Weiser had a good shot at getting that goal back, but was unable to get the puck past the pad of Lalande. Minsk soon returned the favour, with Evgeny Kovyrshin ringing one off the post. Komarov had a chance as well, but could not get a proper shot. The pace continue to quicken, with both teams exchanging chances. Nyffeler had to stand tall for his team, first by stopping Andrei Stepanov on a breakaway, then deflecting Palushaj's shot with his glove. Minsk kept coming with the chances, but Nyfeller was on his game. HC Davos hung on to win 5-4. Despite the loss, Dinamo Minsk had the advantage in goal differential, giving them first place in the group and a bye to the semi-finals.
Players of the game: Rob Klinkhammer (DIN), Drew Shore (HCD)
It was Klinkhammer's play on the penalty kill that opened the scoring. He also made a great pass to set up Pavlovich's second goal. Drew Shore was an offensive buzz saw for HC Davos. He finishes with a goal, an assist, and numerous scoring chances.
HC Lugano 4 - Mountfield HK 3
The game started slowly, with both teams exchanging a few shots. Things picked up a couple minutes in, when Roman Kukumberg managed to split the Lugano defense before drawing a hooking call on Alessandro Chiesa. The powerplay wasn't much help to the Czech squad though, as they could not muster much on the man advantage. They did keep the pressure up as play went back to even strength, with Rastislav Dej getting the best chance. HC Lugano would get their chance on the powerplay midway through the period, when Tomas Knotek got called for hooking. It ended up being what the Swiss club needed, as Gregory Hofmann blasted a point shot past a screened Patrik Rybar to open the scoring. Just 35 seconds later, Mountfield would respond. Jiri Simanek redirected a pass from Rudolf Cerveny into the Lugano net, tying the game. Mountfield wasn't content on just tying the game, as they kept up the attack. This lead to another powerplay for them, as HC Lugano's Linus Klasen was sent off for hooking. Once again, Mountfield had little to show for on the man advantage. HC Lugano started to pick up their attack after the penalty, first with Klasen going in on a partial breakaway, but shooting over the net. Pressure off an offensive faceoff resulted in Hofmann intercepting a pass, cut near the crease, and beating Rybar five-hole to put HC Lugano up 2-1. Richard Jarusek had a chance to tie the game before the period ended, but his shot would miss the net. The first period ended with HC Lugano leading Mountfield 2-1.
Mountfield controlled most of the play early in the second, as the Czech club looked to once again tie the game. Penalties started to get called five minutes into the period, starting with James Wisniewski going off for cross-checking. Just seven seconds into Mountfield's powerplay, Jarusek was called for hooking, making play go to four-on-four. Klasen got the best chance on the opened up ice, but Rybar had little trouble making the save. 20 seconds before the first penalty expired, Lukas Lhotek was called for slashing, giving HC Lugano a powerplay. The Swiss club could not take advantage of the short four-on-three, and it was much of the same when it became five-on-four. It ended up being Mountfield's penalty kill getting the best chance, as Dej's breakaway attempt was stopped by Daniel Manzato. Luca Fazzini would open the scoring for the period, toe-dragging around a Mountfield defender before beating Rybar high blocker. HC Lugano kept buzzing, and were rewarded for their efforts. Ryan Vesce kept on a two-on-one, and snapped it past Rybar. That was it for Rybar's day, as Ondrej Kacetl came on in relief. The later half the game was back-and-forth, with Lugano getting the better share of shot attempts. The middle frame ended with HC Lugano up 4-1.
The highlight of the first two minutes of the third was Roman Kukumber's stick exploding on a slapshot and flying rink-wide. It looked like Mountfield's fortunes would not improve, as Alexandre Picard was called for a questionable slash. The Czech club managed to capitalize on being shorthanded though, as Andris Dzerins kept on a two-on-one and beat Manzato. Once Mountfield was done killing their penalty, they would go on the powerplay, thanks to Raffaelle Sannitz getting called for hooking. It got chippy near the end of the powerplay, with Picard and Wisniewski getting into a shoving match in front of the Lugano net. Both would get sent to the box for roughing, with Wisniewski getting an extra penalty for slashing. Despite that powerplay, and another one after when Vesce was sent off for interference, Mountfield's powerplay was impotent, unable to do much with the man advantage. The Czech club did score seconds after Vesce's penalty expired, but it was not without controversy. Manzato looked to injured his groin going for a save, and was down for a couple of seconds. This allowed Cerveny to score on a wide open net. Manzato was helped off the ice, as Elvis Merzlikins (who is reportedly suffering from a hip issue) came into the game. Protest by HC Lugano fell flat, as the goal stood, making it a 4-3 game. Mountfield pushed, looking for a tying goal. Their hopes of tying the game took a hit when Cerveny was called for a hook late in the period. The penalty would be killed, and Mountfield had about a minute left on the clock. Jake Newton had the best chance, receiving a cross-ice pass, but his shot missed the net. HC Lugano held on, winning the game 4-3 and getting a bye to the semi-finals.
Players of the game: Gregory Hofmann (HCL), Rudolf Cerveny (MHK)
His play might have tailed off a bit after the first, but the two goals by Hofmann was helpful to HC Lugano. Either one of Cerveny, Dzerins, or Simanek could be player of the game, as they were the best line for Mountfield. His goal is debatable given the circumstances, but Cerveny helped get the Czech club on the board in the first.
Dinamo Minsk 4 - HC Davos 5
HC Davos had the best chance early on, with Andreas Ambuhl trying to set up Tino Kessler with a cross-crease pass. Sergei Dzord was on Kessler though, tying his stick up so the HC Davos forward could not get a shot. A minute later, it was Minsk's turn to get a chance, as Aaron Palushaj shot wide on a partial breakaway. Davos was still in control for the most part, and ended up drawing a penalty about five minutes into the game. Despite taking the penalty, it was Minsk who would score. Rob Klinkhammer intercepted a pass at the blueline, skated in on a breakaway, and tucked a backhand by Melvin Nyffeler. HC Davos could not get anything going for the rest of their powerplay. The Swiss club kept up the attack though, trying to tie the game. Dinamo Minsk took a bit of a hit when Nikita Komarov took a shot off the wrist, but he managed to stay in the game. Kessler would get his chance midway through the game, but Kevin Lalande denied him with a glove save. Matt Ellison had a chance to extend Dinamo Minsk's lead later in the period, with Nyffeler giving up a rebound after Roman Graborenko's point shot. Unfortunately for the Belarusian team, Ellison was unable to jam the rebound home. HC Davos found themselves back on the powerplay moments later, when Kristian Khenkel was called for slashing. The Swiss club had a couple of chances, and managed to bury one of them just before the powerplay expired. Adam Hall tipped Drew Shore's shot past Lalande, tying the game. HC Davos got one more powerplay before the period was over, with Klinkhammer going off for hooking. Five seconds wasn't enough to do anything though, as both teams headed into the intermission tied 1-1.
Starting the period with a powerplay was helpful for HC Davos. Noah Schneeberger blasted a shot from the point that beat Lalande clean. Davos' lead quickly increases, as a minute later Perttu Lindgren finished off a tic-tac-toe play to make it 3-1. The momentum of the two goals were short-lived. Per Ledin was called for hooking half-a-minute later, giving Minsk their first powerplay of the game. Dinamo Minsk's puck movement was on display during the man advantage, but Nyffeler was not letting any of their chances get by him. HC Davos hung on to kill the penalty, and went back on the attack. Shore had a couple of solo efforts minutes apart, but could not convert on them. Davos' ability to keep up the attack led to Kirill Gotovets getting called for holding. HC Davos' powerplay was once again successful. Shore finally connected on an opportunity, snapping one over Lalande's glove. The 4-1 lead for HC Davos would evaporate quickly. Just 15 seconds later, a turnover by Enzo Corvi led to Danila Karaban burying a loose puck. 52 seconds after that, Alexander Pavlovich slid past the defense and buried a backhander, cutting HC Davos' lead to one. Just before the goal, Tuomo Ruutu leveled Matt Ellison with a big hit away from the play. Minsk was arguing for a call after the play stopped, but it ended up with them getting a bench minor. Davos' powerplay wasn't gold this time, as the powerplay came and went with not much in the way of chances. Dinamo Minsk would have their turn on the man advantage later in the period, starting with Shore going off for slashing. During the penalty kill, Corvi flipped the puck over the glass, as Minsk was given a two man advantage for a minute-plus. Once again Minsk was able to move the puck around, but were unable to capitalize on it. A faceoff late in the period saw Dino Wieser and Sergei Drozd agitate each other, leading to the ref calling both of them for unsportsmanlike conduct. The 52-second four-on-four didn't result in anything, as HC Davos finished the period leading Dinamo Minsk 4-3.
The third period started with both teams still at four-on-four, but neither team did much with the opened-up ice. Enzo Corvi would redeem himself from his turnover early in the game, as he collected a loose puck, deked out Lalande, and slid the puck into the net to make it 5-3 for the host. HC Davos started to get into penalty trouble again, as Lindgren and Ambuhl were penalized 32-seconds apart. Dinamo Minsk got chances on the two man advantage, but could not jam the puck into the net. While Minsk again failed to convert on the two man advantage, they did score on the remaining powerplay. Klinkhammer found Pavlovich for a one-timer. Pavlovich wouldn't get much on the shot, but a bit of luck as the puck bounce off Beat Forster and Nyffeler on its way into the net. HC Davos did challenge the play for offside, and after a couple of minutes, it was determined Davos brought the puck back into their zone, negating the offside. When play resumed, Davos went back on the attack. Dino Weiser had a good shot at getting that goal back, but was unable to get the puck past the pad of Lalande. Minsk soon returned the favour, with Evgeny Kovyrshin ringing one off the post. Komarov had a chance as well, but could not get a proper shot. The pace continue to quicken, with both teams exchanging chances. Nyffeler had to stand tall for his team, first by stopping Andrei Stepanov on a breakaway, then deflecting Palushaj's shot with his glove. Minsk kept coming with the chances, but Nyfeller was on his game. HC Davos hung on to win 5-4. Despite the loss, Dinamo Minsk had the advantage in goal differential, giving them first place in the group and a bye to the semi-finals.
Players of the game: Rob Klinkhammer (DIN), Drew Shore (HCD)
It was Klinkhammer's play on the penalty kill that opened the scoring. He also made a great pass to set up Pavlovich's second goal. Drew Shore was an offensive buzz saw for HC Davos. He finishes with a goal, an assist, and numerous scoring chances.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
2016 Spengler Cup Recap - Day 2
The second day saw both games be close games, and both finished with the same score! The first game saw the newbies Mountfield HK take on an Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg team that was looking to reverse course after losing their first game. The second game was the always hyped up HC Davos and Team Canada matchup.
Mountfield HK 4 - Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg 3
The action started as soon as the puck dropped, with Rudolf Cerveny getting a chance in the first couple of seconds. The opening goal would go to Yekaterinburg though, as Dmitry Monya tipped Nikolai Timashov into Mountfield HK's net. The Czech squad had a chance to tie the game, when Nikita Shchitov went off for tripping. The powerplay was what they needed, as Richard Jarusek snapped on past Vladimir Sokhatsky to tie the game. Mountfield HK's play would give Yekaterinburg some trouble. The Russian squad started to get called for penalties midway through the period, starting with Tommi Kivisto going off for hooking. Just a minute after killing off that penalty, Yekaterinburg would see another defenseman, Michal Cajkovsky, called for holding. Mountfield HK once again had a couple of chances while up a man, but nothing would come of it. Yekaterinburg had a chance just after their penalty expired, with a two-on-one that resulted in Jan Buchtele getting stopped by Patrik Rybar. Mountfield's cycle game gave then a few chances, but none would find the back of the net. Their play though did result in another powerplay, with Yekaterinburg's Dmitri Megalinsky getting called for holding. Mountfield couldn't do much with it, as Yekaterinburg's aggressive penalty kill made it difficult for the Czech team. Seconds after that penalty expired, it would be the Russian club getting a chance on the man advantage. Mountfield HK managed to kill off their penalty as the period expired. Both teams headed into the intermission tied 1-1.
Buchtele got the best chance for Yekaterinburg to take the lead early in the second, receiving a pass in the slot. Rybar was once again there to stop him though, preserving the tie. The Russian club would go on the man advantage minutes later, when Michal Dragoun was called for high sticking. Mountfield managed to kill off their penalty though, and went back on the attack. A point shot by Blaz Gregorc would be tipped by Roman Kukumberg and into Yekaterinburg's net, giving Mountfield HK a 2-1 lead. Yekaterinburg pushed back, trying to tie the game. Kivisto had the best opportunity, receiving the puck cross-ice, but his attempt would miss a fairly wide open net. The Russian squad kept up their attack, and while they could not find the back of the net, they did managed to draw a penalty. Yekaterinburg did get a couple shots on net, but could not beat Rybar and the Mountfield penalty kill. Mountfield would get their first crack on the powerplay in the second when Anatoli Golyshev was called for holding. The penalty ended up being a blessing in disguise for Yekaterinburg, as seconds after stepping out of the box, Golyshev scored. The Russian club had one more chance on the powerplay late in the period, when Dragoun was called for holding. The powerplay was what Yekaterinburg needed. Cajkovsky's point shot found it's way past Rybar and into the Mountfield HK net. The period ended with Yekaterinburg up 3-2.
Alexander Torchenyuk had a chance to extend Yekaterinburg's lead a minute into the third, but could not jam the puck past Rybar. Yekaterinburg was awarded a powerplay moments later, but despite moving the puck around well, they could do nothing with it. Mountfield HK had their chance with the man advantage minutes later, when Denis Mingaleyev was called for hooking. It ended up with Yekaterinburg getting the best chance in those two minutes, with Torchenyuk's short side attempt being stopped. Shots would be exchanged, but it wasn't until 12 minutes into the period when a goal was scored. Ales Pavlas blast from the faceoff dot was stopped, but Kukumberg was right there to put home the rebound, tying the game in the process. The momentum kept going Mountfield HK's way, as minutes later Torchenyuk was called for slashing. The Czech club's puck movement on the powerplay paid off, as Jarusek potted home a rebound to put Mountfield in the lead. Yekaterinburg caught a break late, when Dragoun would once again make himself familiar with the penalty box. The Russian squad could not capitalize on the man advantage, and pulling the goalie for an extra attacker afterwards wasn't much help. Mountfield HK held on to win the game 4-3.
Players of the game: Richard Jarusek (MHK), Nikolai Timashov (AVT)
When Mountfield was on the powerplay, Jarusek was gold. He scored twice on the man advantage, one of which was the game winning goal. Timashov was Yekaterinburg's best defenseman this game. He played well at both ends of the ice, finishing with an assist for his efforts.
HC Davos 3 - Team Canada 4
The home team started out strong, as HC Davos got a couple of chances early. Zach Fucale stood strong in the Canadian net though, not letting anything get by him. Team Canada would catch a break about five minutes in, when Tuomo Ruutu got called for slashing. Canada's only chance on the man advantage came off the stick of Jacob Micflikier, whose one-timer was stopped by Gilles Senn. HC Davos went on a powerplay of their own seconds after killing their penalty, as James Sheppard went off for slashing. Canada did well in killing off the penalty though, and did such a good job, that seconds after stepping out of the box Sheppard went right back in for tripping. HC Davos did not squander this powerplay chance. Some great puck movement led to a scramble in front of the net, where Per Ledin buried a rebound to put the home team on the board. Team Canada went on a powerplay a minute later, thanks to Daniel Rahimi getting called for a slash. They got a couple of chances this time, but could not convert on any of them. Team Canada continued to get chances when even strength play returned. They did managed to break though, as Mason Raymond deflected Chay Genoway's slap-pass into the Davos net. Both teams exchanged shots for the remaining minutes of the period, but neither broke the deadlock. The period closed with Team Canada going on a powerplay, as Beat Forster was called for hooking. The first period ended with both teams tied 1-1.
Starting the period on a powerplay, Team Canada managed to get a few shots. They did draw another penalty in the process, as Ledin was called for holding. They had a couple of chances in the short time they has a two man advantage, along with the remaining time on Ledin's penalty, but Team Canada could not convert on any of them. Canada maintained their attack when it went back to even strength, getting a multitude of good chances. Senn did what he could though, stopping shots (and a pass) in order to keep the game tied. HC Davos looked to have caught a break when Gregory Campbell got called for slashing Senn. A bad line change by Davos on the powerplay led to Cory Emmerton getting sprung on a breakaway. Emmerton made good on his chance, snapping it past Senn's glove to put Team Canada in the lead. Gregory Sciaroni would get a breakaway as the powerplay expired, but failed to get a shot on net. Andreas Ambuhl would get a chance off the rush, but rang his shot off the post. HC Davos went back on the powerplay midway through the period, when Blake Parlett took out a streaking Dino Wieser. HC Davos could not convert on the man advantage, and to make it worse, Felicien du Bois would head to the back near the end of the powerplay and not return to the game (there was nothing noticeable on the play that indicated he was hurt). Both teams continued to exchanged shots, but neither goalie was willing to let anything by them. The second period ended with Team Canada up 2-1.
The third period was relatively slow for this game, and didn't really pick up until about five minutes in, when HC Davos had a couple of chances near the crease. The host team's efforts would pay off, as Rahimi snapped a shot from the point past Fucale, tying the game. HC Davos' fortunes took a turn for the worst a minute later, when Forster was called for delay of game after flicking the puck into the crowd. It didn't take long for Team Canada to capitalize on the man advantage. Mcflikier carried the puck to the high slot and snapped a shot that beat a screened Senn. HC Davos put on the pressure after that goal, looking to tie the game again. They would not have any luck, and the increase in intensity would see a couple of post-whistle scrums. Weiser would be penalized in one of them, as he went to the box for slashing. Team Canada got a few shots on the powerplay, but could not convert on the man advantage. Luckily for them, Ambuhl was called for boarding just after Wieser's penalty expired, giving the Canadians another powerplay. Team Canada didn't waste this attempt, as Genoway's point shot was tipped by Andrew Ebbett on it's way to the back of the net. Now down by two, HC Davos took a time out to regroup. It took a couple of minutes, but the Swiss club would respond. Marc Wieser fed a streaking Ledin in the slot, and all Ledin needed to do was redirected it into the Canadian net. The ice opened up for a bit, as Dino Wieser and Shaun Heshka were called on coincidental roughing minors. It opened up a bit more a minute later, when Noah Schneeberger was called for hooking. The powerplay wasn't miuch help for Canada, as they failed to convert on it. HC Davos looked like they were going to finish the game shorthanded, as Simon K was called for holding and tackling Raymond to the ice. Raymond didn't leave unscathed though, as he was also sent to the box (for roughing). HC Davos managed to pull Senn in the last minute, making it a 5-on-4. It was all for naught though, as Team Canada held on to win the game 4-3.
Players of the game: Per Ledin (HCD), Chay Genoway (CAN)
Not often the two players awarded the best players of the game are the same as mine, but they are here. HC Davos' reinforcement's nose for the net helped the Swiss club in this game. Ledin tapped home two goals for the host. Genoway was one of Canada's best defensemen this game. He finished with two assists.
Mountfield HK 4 - Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg 3
The action started as soon as the puck dropped, with Rudolf Cerveny getting a chance in the first couple of seconds. The opening goal would go to Yekaterinburg though, as Dmitry Monya tipped Nikolai Timashov into Mountfield HK's net. The Czech squad had a chance to tie the game, when Nikita Shchitov went off for tripping. The powerplay was what they needed, as Richard Jarusek snapped on past Vladimir Sokhatsky to tie the game. Mountfield HK's play would give Yekaterinburg some trouble. The Russian squad started to get called for penalties midway through the period, starting with Tommi Kivisto going off for hooking. Just a minute after killing off that penalty, Yekaterinburg would see another defenseman, Michal Cajkovsky, called for holding. Mountfield HK once again had a couple of chances while up a man, but nothing would come of it. Yekaterinburg had a chance just after their penalty expired, with a two-on-one that resulted in Jan Buchtele getting stopped by Patrik Rybar. Mountfield's cycle game gave then a few chances, but none would find the back of the net. Their play though did result in another powerplay, with Yekaterinburg's Dmitri Megalinsky getting called for holding. Mountfield couldn't do much with it, as Yekaterinburg's aggressive penalty kill made it difficult for the Czech team. Seconds after that penalty expired, it would be the Russian club getting a chance on the man advantage. Mountfield HK managed to kill off their penalty as the period expired. Both teams headed into the intermission tied 1-1.
Buchtele got the best chance for Yekaterinburg to take the lead early in the second, receiving a pass in the slot. Rybar was once again there to stop him though, preserving the tie. The Russian club would go on the man advantage minutes later, when Michal Dragoun was called for high sticking. Mountfield managed to kill off their penalty though, and went back on the attack. A point shot by Blaz Gregorc would be tipped by Roman Kukumberg and into Yekaterinburg's net, giving Mountfield HK a 2-1 lead. Yekaterinburg pushed back, trying to tie the game. Kivisto had the best opportunity, receiving the puck cross-ice, but his attempt would miss a fairly wide open net. The Russian squad kept up their attack, and while they could not find the back of the net, they did managed to draw a penalty. Yekaterinburg did get a couple shots on net, but could not beat Rybar and the Mountfield penalty kill. Mountfield would get their first crack on the powerplay in the second when Anatoli Golyshev was called for holding. The penalty ended up being a blessing in disguise for Yekaterinburg, as seconds after stepping out of the box, Golyshev scored. The Russian club had one more chance on the powerplay late in the period, when Dragoun was called for holding. The powerplay was what Yekaterinburg needed. Cajkovsky's point shot found it's way past Rybar and into the Mountfield HK net. The period ended with Yekaterinburg up 3-2.
Alexander Torchenyuk had a chance to extend Yekaterinburg's lead a minute into the third, but could not jam the puck past Rybar. Yekaterinburg was awarded a powerplay moments later, but despite moving the puck around well, they could do nothing with it. Mountfield HK had their chance with the man advantage minutes later, when Denis Mingaleyev was called for hooking. It ended up with Yekaterinburg getting the best chance in those two minutes, with Torchenyuk's short side attempt being stopped. Shots would be exchanged, but it wasn't until 12 minutes into the period when a goal was scored. Ales Pavlas blast from the faceoff dot was stopped, but Kukumberg was right there to put home the rebound, tying the game in the process. The momentum kept going Mountfield HK's way, as minutes later Torchenyuk was called for slashing. The Czech club's puck movement on the powerplay paid off, as Jarusek potted home a rebound to put Mountfield in the lead. Yekaterinburg caught a break late, when Dragoun would once again make himself familiar with the penalty box. The Russian squad could not capitalize on the man advantage, and pulling the goalie for an extra attacker afterwards wasn't much help. Mountfield HK held on to win the game 4-3.
Players of the game: Richard Jarusek (MHK), Nikolai Timashov (AVT)
When Mountfield was on the powerplay, Jarusek was gold. He scored twice on the man advantage, one of which was the game winning goal. Timashov was Yekaterinburg's best defenseman this game. He played well at both ends of the ice, finishing with an assist for his efforts.
HC Davos 3 - Team Canada 4
The home team started out strong, as HC Davos got a couple of chances early. Zach Fucale stood strong in the Canadian net though, not letting anything get by him. Team Canada would catch a break about five minutes in, when Tuomo Ruutu got called for slashing. Canada's only chance on the man advantage came off the stick of Jacob Micflikier, whose one-timer was stopped by Gilles Senn. HC Davos went on a powerplay of their own seconds after killing their penalty, as James Sheppard went off for slashing. Canada did well in killing off the penalty though, and did such a good job, that seconds after stepping out of the box Sheppard went right back in for tripping. HC Davos did not squander this powerplay chance. Some great puck movement led to a scramble in front of the net, where Per Ledin buried a rebound to put the home team on the board. Team Canada went on a powerplay a minute later, thanks to Daniel Rahimi getting called for a slash. They got a couple of chances this time, but could not convert on any of them. Team Canada continued to get chances when even strength play returned. They did managed to break though, as Mason Raymond deflected Chay Genoway's slap-pass into the Davos net. Both teams exchanged shots for the remaining minutes of the period, but neither broke the deadlock. The period closed with Team Canada going on a powerplay, as Beat Forster was called for hooking. The first period ended with both teams tied 1-1.
Starting the period on a powerplay, Team Canada managed to get a few shots. They did draw another penalty in the process, as Ledin was called for holding. They had a couple of chances in the short time they has a two man advantage, along with the remaining time on Ledin's penalty, but Team Canada could not convert on any of them. Canada maintained their attack when it went back to even strength, getting a multitude of good chances. Senn did what he could though, stopping shots (and a pass) in order to keep the game tied. HC Davos looked to have caught a break when Gregory Campbell got called for slashing Senn. A bad line change by Davos on the powerplay led to Cory Emmerton getting sprung on a breakaway. Emmerton made good on his chance, snapping it past Senn's glove to put Team Canada in the lead. Gregory Sciaroni would get a breakaway as the powerplay expired, but failed to get a shot on net. Andreas Ambuhl would get a chance off the rush, but rang his shot off the post. HC Davos went back on the powerplay midway through the period, when Blake Parlett took out a streaking Dino Wieser. HC Davos could not convert on the man advantage, and to make it worse, Felicien du Bois would head to the back near the end of the powerplay and not return to the game (there was nothing noticeable on the play that indicated he was hurt). Both teams continued to exchanged shots, but neither goalie was willing to let anything by them. The second period ended with Team Canada up 2-1.
The third period was relatively slow for this game, and didn't really pick up until about five minutes in, when HC Davos had a couple of chances near the crease. The host team's efforts would pay off, as Rahimi snapped a shot from the point past Fucale, tying the game. HC Davos' fortunes took a turn for the worst a minute later, when Forster was called for delay of game after flicking the puck into the crowd. It didn't take long for Team Canada to capitalize on the man advantage. Mcflikier carried the puck to the high slot and snapped a shot that beat a screened Senn. HC Davos put on the pressure after that goal, looking to tie the game again. They would not have any luck, and the increase in intensity would see a couple of post-whistle scrums. Weiser would be penalized in one of them, as he went to the box for slashing. Team Canada got a few shots on the powerplay, but could not convert on the man advantage. Luckily for them, Ambuhl was called for boarding just after Wieser's penalty expired, giving the Canadians another powerplay. Team Canada didn't waste this attempt, as Genoway's point shot was tipped by Andrew Ebbett on it's way to the back of the net. Now down by two, HC Davos took a time out to regroup. It took a couple of minutes, but the Swiss club would respond. Marc Wieser fed a streaking Ledin in the slot, and all Ledin needed to do was redirected it into the Canadian net. The ice opened up for a bit, as Dino Wieser and Shaun Heshka were called on coincidental roughing minors. It opened up a bit more a minute later, when Noah Schneeberger was called for hooking. The powerplay wasn't miuch help for Canada, as they failed to convert on it. HC Davos looked like they were going to finish the game shorthanded, as Simon K was called for holding and tackling Raymond to the ice. Raymond didn't leave unscathed though, as he was also sent to the box (for roughing). HC Davos managed to pull Senn in the last minute, making it a 5-on-4. It was all for naught though, as Team Canada held on to win the game 4-3.
Players of the game: Per Ledin (HCD), Chay Genoway (CAN)
Not often the two players awarded the best players of the game are the same as mine, but they are here. HC Davos' reinforcement's nose for the net helped the Swiss club in this game. Ledin tapped home two goals for the host. Genoway was one of Canada's best defensemen this game. He finished with two assists.
2016 Spengler Cup Recap - Day 1
The opening day saw the KHL go 1-1, the host country get excited, while a nation looks to rebound after a terrible third period. And while the cow jerseys are still no more, a new (potentially) cherished advert had immerged: Airplane Penalty Boxes!
HC Lugano 4 - Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg 2
HC Lugano put on the pressure early, getting a couple of chances in the first minute. Play started to shift in the Russian clubs favour for a bit, as they managed to get a couple shots on goal. Five minutes into the period, Dario Burgler almost had the opening goal. James Wisniewski's point shot managed to bounce off Burgler near the crease, but the puck slid just wide of the post. Yekaterinburg had the first powerplay of the game moments later, but could not get anything going on the man advantage. Lugano found themselves on the powerplay minutes later, and they didn't disappoint. Wisniewski wired one from the point past Ivan Lisutin just seconds into the man advantage, putting the Swiss squad up 1-0. Lugano found themselves back on the powerplay two minutes later, but weren't as successful. Yekaterinburg got their second powerplay chance minutes later, when a two-on-one for Lugano resulted in Sebastien Reuille running into Lisutin. Just as the powerplay expired, Dmitry Monya deked past the HC Lugano defence and beat Elvis Merzlikins with a backhand shot. Patrik Zackrisson had a chance late in the period, fighting off two defenders for a partial breakaway, but could not beat Lisutin. The first period ended with both teams tied 1-1.
HC Lugano once again started the period putting on the pressure, but it was Yekaterinburg with the best chance. Monya received a pass behind the Lugano defence was in alone against Merzlikins. This time Merzlikins won the duel, stopping Monya with his right pad. A Yekaterinburg powerplay didn't result in anything (other than Nikolai Timashov checking Max Lapierre into the boards). HC Lugano went back to controlling most of the play once they were back to even strength. It took a little while for their play to pay off though, as Raffaelle Sannitz would end up tipping Ryan Wilson's blast into the Yekaterinburg net halfway through the period. Ryan Gardner extended HC Lugano's lead a minute later by tucking a loose puck past Lisutin. That was the end of Lisutin's night, as Vladimir Sokhatsky came in to replace him. HC Lugano was awarded a powerplay soon after their goal, but could not capitalize on it. Yekaterinburg failed to score on a powerplay late in the period, as the period ended with HC Lugano up 3-1.
The third period was relatively uneventful to start. HC Lugano had a man advantage about five minutes in, but didn't muster much on it. Yekaterinburg was award a powerplay moments later, as Steve Hirschi was called for slashing Artyom Gareyev (although it was a questionable call, as Gareyev may have embellished). It worked out for Gareyev though, and 21 seconds into the powerplay, one-timed a loose puck past Merzlikins to pull the Russian squad to within one. HC Lugano was called for another penalty minutes later, but managed to kill it. Ryan Vesce had a chance to put Lugano back up by two when Linus Klasen found him alone in the slot, but Vesce shot missed the net. HC Lugano had a goal called back seconds later, when a faceoff was considered unfairly done and the play was whistled dead. Yekaterinburg was put a man down when Yegor Zhuravlyov was called for slashing. The Russian squad managed to kill off the penalty, while getting a chance of their own (Rok Ticar's shot was stopped). Yekaterinburg poured on the pressure as timed ticked away, with few chances to show for their effort. Klasen scored on the empty net near the end, as HC Lugano beat Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg 4-2 to open the tournament.
Players of the game: James Wisniewski (HCL), Dmitry Monya (AVT)
Wisniewski played a great game. He opened the scoring, added an assist, and show that he still has his offensive instincts from years ago. It's weird to say that a guy that played under eleven minutes should get the node, but when Dmitry Monya was on the ice, he was noticeable (in a good way). His only goal was one for the highlight reel.
Dinamo Minsk 7 - Team Canada 4
It was feisty before the puck even dropped, as Dmitry Ambrozhichik and Gregory Campbell hacked at each other on the opening faceoff. The Chris DiDomenico giveth and the Chris Didominic taketh early in the game, first by drawing a slashing call to put Canada on the powerplay, then getting a slashing call of his own to make it four-on-four. Dinamo Minsk would benefit from this, as Kirill Gotovets fed a streaking Alexander Materukhin in the slot, who proceeded to one-time the puck past Drew MacIntyre to open the scoring. Team Canada again looked to have shot themselves in the foot moments later, when on a delay penalty call for Minsk, Canada was caught with too many men on the ice. Team Canada would tie the game, as Andrew Ebbett buried a one-timer from the slot. Canada soon found their legs after the goal, controlling the puck for the most part. It lead to Dinamo Minsk taking a couple of penalties in succession, giving Canada about a 45-second two-man advantage. This was more than enough for the Canadians. Max Noreau blasted a point shot past Ben Scrivens to put Team Canada up a goal. the game. Still on the powerplay, Mason Raymond would buried a loose puck, extending the lead for Canada. Jacob Micflikier had a couple of chances soon after, but it wasn't to be. His first chance was a two-on-one that was stopped by Scrivens, then moments later he tipped a point shot that ended up hitting the post. Minsk responded late in the period. A scramble in front of the Canadian net saw Evgeny Kovyrshin whack home a rebound to pull the Belarusian squad to within a goal. The first period finished with Team Canada up 3-2.
The second period started slowly, with both teams not getting much in the way of shots. It picked up about four minutes in, starting with Cory Emmerton streaking down the wing, but having his shot batted away by the glove of Scrivens. The Minsk goalie stayed sharp moments later, stopping Micflikier's one-timer from the slot. Minsk managed to turn the puck back up ice. Their transition almost lead to a goal, with Matt Ellison's shot skirting wide of an empty net. Team Canada went back on the attack, getting a couple of chances for their effort. Penalty trouble started to dispute Canada's flow, as Colby Genoway and Campbell were called for slashing one after the other. While Minsk could not convert on the first powerplay, they did not squander the second one. Evgeny Lisovets wired a one-timer past MacIntyre, tying the game at 3-3. Both teams would exchange chances, with neither being able to break the deadlock. Canada did catch a break late in the second, as Andrei Stas was called for slashing. Team Canada could not do much with in the remaining time in the period, as both teams headed into the second intermission tied 3-3.
Team Canada's powerplay continued into the third period, and there was just enough time left for them to capitalize on it. Micflikier found a streaking Noreau in the slot, who proceeded to deke out Scrivens and tuck the puck home. DiDomenico had a chance to extend Canada's lead, as he was sprung for a breakaway. Scrivens was up for the challenge though, and stopped DiDomenico's backhand attempt. Canada kept up the pressure for a bit, but failed to add another goal. Dinamo Minsk would find a way to tie the game. A give-and-go resulted in Dmitry Korobov deflecting Nikita Komarov's return pass into Team Canada's net. Minsk was rejuvenated by the goal, as they kept the pressure up on Team Canada. A hook by DiDomenico would give the Belarussian squad a powerplay. Despite playing poorly for most of the man advantage, Dinamo Minsk did manage to capitalize on it. Rob Klinkhammer's centering pass eventually found Kovyrshin for his second goal of the game. Soon after it was Canada's turn on the man advantage, as Materukhin was called for slashing. DiDomenico had a chance early on the powerplay, but Scrivens kept with him and stopped his shot. Team Canada managed to move the puck around, but had little to show for it. Once play was back to even strength, it didn't take long for Minsk to add another one. Roman Graborenko's point shot was stopped, but Sergei Drozd was alone near the net and tucked home the rebound. Minsk kept up the pressure, not allowing Canada to get much in the way of offense. Komarov would seal the game with a long range empty netter. With the game basically done, DiDomenico decide to his penalty total, getting called for roughing in the last minute. Dinamo Minsk played out the rest of the game, winning the high-scoring affair 7-4.
Players of the game: Evgeny Kovyrshin (DIN), Maxime Noreau (CAN)
Both his goals may have been more of being in the right place at the right time, but there is no doubt Kovyrshin's play around the net helped Minsk win the game. Noreau, the Canadian captain, was expected to be the quarterback of the powerplay, and he delivered. Both his goals came on the man advantage.
 |
| 2 Minutes for Mile High Sticking, amirite? |
HC Lugano 4 - Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg 2
HC Lugano put on the pressure early, getting a couple of chances in the first minute. Play started to shift in the Russian clubs favour for a bit, as they managed to get a couple shots on goal. Five minutes into the period, Dario Burgler almost had the opening goal. James Wisniewski's point shot managed to bounce off Burgler near the crease, but the puck slid just wide of the post. Yekaterinburg had the first powerplay of the game moments later, but could not get anything going on the man advantage. Lugano found themselves on the powerplay minutes later, and they didn't disappoint. Wisniewski wired one from the point past Ivan Lisutin just seconds into the man advantage, putting the Swiss squad up 1-0. Lugano found themselves back on the powerplay two minutes later, but weren't as successful. Yekaterinburg got their second powerplay chance minutes later, when a two-on-one for Lugano resulted in Sebastien Reuille running into Lisutin. Just as the powerplay expired, Dmitry Monya deked past the HC Lugano defence and beat Elvis Merzlikins with a backhand shot. Patrik Zackrisson had a chance late in the period, fighting off two defenders for a partial breakaway, but could not beat Lisutin. The first period ended with both teams tied 1-1.
HC Lugano once again started the period putting on the pressure, but it was Yekaterinburg with the best chance. Monya received a pass behind the Lugano defence was in alone against Merzlikins. This time Merzlikins won the duel, stopping Monya with his right pad. A Yekaterinburg powerplay didn't result in anything (other than Nikolai Timashov checking Max Lapierre into the boards). HC Lugano went back to controlling most of the play once they were back to even strength. It took a little while for their play to pay off though, as Raffaelle Sannitz would end up tipping Ryan Wilson's blast into the Yekaterinburg net halfway through the period. Ryan Gardner extended HC Lugano's lead a minute later by tucking a loose puck past Lisutin. That was the end of Lisutin's night, as Vladimir Sokhatsky came in to replace him. HC Lugano was awarded a powerplay soon after their goal, but could not capitalize on it. Yekaterinburg failed to score on a powerplay late in the period, as the period ended with HC Lugano up 3-1.
The third period was relatively uneventful to start. HC Lugano had a man advantage about five minutes in, but didn't muster much on it. Yekaterinburg was award a powerplay moments later, as Steve Hirschi was called for slashing Artyom Gareyev (although it was a questionable call, as Gareyev may have embellished). It worked out for Gareyev though, and 21 seconds into the powerplay, one-timed a loose puck past Merzlikins to pull the Russian squad to within one. HC Lugano was called for another penalty minutes later, but managed to kill it. Ryan Vesce had a chance to put Lugano back up by two when Linus Klasen found him alone in the slot, but Vesce shot missed the net. HC Lugano had a goal called back seconds later, when a faceoff was considered unfairly done and the play was whistled dead. Yekaterinburg was put a man down when Yegor Zhuravlyov was called for slashing. The Russian squad managed to kill off the penalty, while getting a chance of their own (Rok Ticar's shot was stopped). Yekaterinburg poured on the pressure as timed ticked away, with few chances to show for their effort. Klasen scored on the empty net near the end, as HC Lugano beat Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg 4-2 to open the tournament.
Players of the game: James Wisniewski (HCL), Dmitry Monya (AVT)
Wisniewski played a great game. He opened the scoring, added an assist, and show that he still has his offensive instincts from years ago. It's weird to say that a guy that played under eleven minutes should get the node, but when Dmitry Monya was on the ice, he was noticeable (in a good way). His only goal was one for the highlight reel.
Dinamo Minsk 7 - Team Canada 4
It was feisty before the puck even dropped, as Dmitry Ambrozhichik and Gregory Campbell hacked at each other on the opening faceoff. The Chris DiDomenico giveth and the Chris Didominic taketh early in the game, first by drawing a slashing call to put Canada on the powerplay, then getting a slashing call of his own to make it four-on-four. Dinamo Minsk would benefit from this, as Kirill Gotovets fed a streaking Alexander Materukhin in the slot, who proceeded to one-time the puck past Drew MacIntyre to open the scoring. Team Canada again looked to have shot themselves in the foot moments later, when on a delay penalty call for Minsk, Canada was caught with too many men on the ice. Team Canada would tie the game, as Andrew Ebbett buried a one-timer from the slot. Canada soon found their legs after the goal, controlling the puck for the most part. It lead to Dinamo Minsk taking a couple of penalties in succession, giving Canada about a 45-second two-man advantage. This was more than enough for the Canadians. Max Noreau blasted a point shot past Ben Scrivens to put Team Canada up a goal. the game. Still on the powerplay, Mason Raymond would buried a loose puck, extending the lead for Canada. Jacob Micflikier had a couple of chances soon after, but it wasn't to be. His first chance was a two-on-one that was stopped by Scrivens, then moments later he tipped a point shot that ended up hitting the post. Minsk responded late in the period. A scramble in front of the Canadian net saw Evgeny Kovyrshin whack home a rebound to pull the Belarusian squad to within a goal. The first period finished with Team Canada up 3-2.
The second period started slowly, with both teams not getting much in the way of shots. It picked up about four minutes in, starting with Cory Emmerton streaking down the wing, but having his shot batted away by the glove of Scrivens. The Minsk goalie stayed sharp moments later, stopping Micflikier's one-timer from the slot. Minsk managed to turn the puck back up ice. Their transition almost lead to a goal, with Matt Ellison's shot skirting wide of an empty net. Team Canada went back on the attack, getting a couple of chances for their effort. Penalty trouble started to dispute Canada's flow, as Colby Genoway and Campbell were called for slashing one after the other. While Minsk could not convert on the first powerplay, they did not squander the second one. Evgeny Lisovets wired a one-timer past MacIntyre, tying the game at 3-3. Both teams would exchange chances, with neither being able to break the deadlock. Canada did catch a break late in the second, as Andrei Stas was called for slashing. Team Canada could not do much with in the remaining time in the period, as both teams headed into the second intermission tied 3-3.
Team Canada's powerplay continued into the third period, and there was just enough time left for them to capitalize on it. Micflikier found a streaking Noreau in the slot, who proceeded to deke out Scrivens and tuck the puck home. DiDomenico had a chance to extend Canada's lead, as he was sprung for a breakaway. Scrivens was up for the challenge though, and stopped DiDomenico's backhand attempt. Canada kept up the pressure for a bit, but failed to add another goal. Dinamo Minsk would find a way to tie the game. A give-and-go resulted in Dmitry Korobov deflecting Nikita Komarov's return pass into Team Canada's net. Minsk was rejuvenated by the goal, as they kept the pressure up on Team Canada. A hook by DiDomenico would give the Belarussian squad a powerplay. Despite playing poorly for most of the man advantage, Dinamo Minsk did manage to capitalize on it. Rob Klinkhammer's centering pass eventually found Kovyrshin for his second goal of the game. Soon after it was Canada's turn on the man advantage, as Materukhin was called for slashing. DiDomenico had a chance early on the powerplay, but Scrivens kept with him and stopped his shot. Team Canada managed to move the puck around, but had little to show for it. Once play was back to even strength, it didn't take long for Minsk to add another one. Roman Graborenko's point shot was stopped, but Sergei Drozd was alone near the net and tucked home the rebound. Minsk kept up the pressure, not allowing Canada to get much in the way of offense. Komarov would seal the game with a long range empty netter. With the game basically done, DiDomenico decide to his penalty total, getting called for roughing in the last minute. Dinamo Minsk played out the rest of the game, winning the high-scoring affair 7-4.
Players of the game: Evgeny Kovyrshin (DIN), Maxime Noreau (CAN)
Both his goals may have been more of being in the right place at the right time, but there is no doubt Kovyrshin's play around the net helped Minsk win the game. Noreau, the Canadian captain, was expected to be the quarterback of the powerplay, and he delivered. Both his goals came on the man advantage.
Monday, December 26, 2016
2017 World Junior Championship Preview: Group B
Group B of the World Junior Championship main tournament starts later today in Toronto. The host Canadians will be looking to rebound after getting knocked out early last year. Russia comes in having finished with the silver medal two years in a row, and will want to upgrade the medal to gold. The United States looks to upgrade their medal as well, having won bronze last year. Slovakia fell back after their bronze in 2014, but want to prove that the fall was a temporary one. Latvia rounds out the group, and are back in the main event for the first time since 2013.
Note: most information from the fancy IIHF website.
Rosters
Canada
Goalies:
Defensemen:
Forwards:
Latvia
Goalies:
Defensemen:
Forwards:
Russia
Goalies:
Defensemen:
Forwards:
Slovakia
Goalies:
Defensemen:
Forwards:
United States
Goalies:
Defensemen:
Forwards:
Schedule
December 26
United States vs. Latvia
Canada vs. Russia
December 27
Latvia vs. Russia
Canada vs. Slovakia
December 28
Slovakia vs. United States
December 29
Russia vs. United States
Latvia vs. Canada
December 30
Slovakia vs. Latvia
December 31
United States vs. Canada
Russia vs. Slovakia
One Line Previews
Canada: Always more pressure when on home soil, they look to rise up and challenge for a medal.
Latvia: Just trying to do enough to stay alive.
Russia: Still a strong team, will be in medal contention.
Slovakia: Facing an uphill battle, as the top of the group looks to be too strong for them.
United States: Still in the medal hunt despite some deficiencies.
Predictions
Brad
1 - Canada
2 - Russia
3 - United States
4 - Slovakia
5 - Latvia
MDK
1 - Canada
2 - Russia
3 - Latvia
4 - United States
5 - Slovakia
Note: most information from the fancy IIHF website.
Rosters
Canada
Goalies:
Name
|
Team
|
Carter Hart
|
Everett Silvertips
|
Connor Ingram
|
Kamloops Blazers
|
Defensemen:
Name
|
Team
|
Thomas Chabot
|
Saint John Sea Dogs
|
Kale Clague
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
|
Dante Fabbro
|
Boston University
|
Noah Juulsen
|
Everett Silvertips
|
Jeremy Lauzon
|
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
|
Philippe Myers
|
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
|
Forwards:
Name
|
Team
|
Mathew Barzal
|
Seattle Thunderbirds
|
Anthony Cirelli
|
Oshawa Generals
|
Dillion Dube
|
Kelowna Rockets
|
Pierre-Luc Dubois
|
Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
|
Julien Gauthier
|
Val d'Or Foreurs
|
Mathieu Joseph
|
Saint John Sea Dogs
|
Tyson Jost
|
University of North Dakota
|
Michael McLeod
|
Mississauga Steelheads
|
Taylor Raddysh
|
Erie Otters
|
Nicolas Roy
|
Chicoutimi Sagueneens
|
Blake Speers
|
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
|
Mitchell Stephens
|
Saginaw Spirit
|
Dylan Strome
|
Erie Otters
|
Latvia
Goalies:
Name
|
Team
|
Gustavs Davis Grigals
|
HK Riga
|
Mareks Egils Mitens
|
Aston Rebels
|
Denijs Romanovskis
|
HS Riga
|
Defensemen:
Name
|
Team
|
Karlis Cukste
|
Quinnipiac University
|
Eduards Hugo Jansons
|
HK Zemgele
|
Gvido Jansons
|
Aston Rebels
|
Maksims Ponomarenko
|
Lorenskog IK
|
Kristians Rubins
|
Medicine Hat Tigers
|
Tomass Zeile
|
Shreveport Mudbugs
|
Rimants Zelis
|
HK Riga
|
Kristaps Zile
|
HK Riga
|
Forwards:
Name
|
Team
|
Valters Apfelbaums
|
Prizma Riga
|
Rudolfs Balcers
|
Kamloops Blazers
|
Roberts Baranovskis
|
HK Riga
|
Ricards Bernhards
|
Springfield Jr. Blues
|
Roberts Blugers
|
Fairbanks Ice Dogs
|
Filips Buncis
|
Johnstown Tomahawks
|
Martins Dzierkals
|
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
|
Erlends Klavins
|
Omaha Lancers
|
Renars Krastenbergs
|
Oshawa Generals
|
Rihards Puide
|
GCK Lions Zurich
|
Deniss Smirnovs
|
Geneve-Servette HC
|
Eduards Tralmaks
|
Chicago Steel
|
Russia
Goalies:
Name
|
Team
|
Anton Krasotkin
|
Loko Yaroslavl
|
Ilya Samsonov
|
Metallurg Magnitogorsk
|
Vladislav Sukhachyov
|
Chelmet Chelyabinsk
|
Defensemen:
Name
|
Team
|
Grigori Dronov
|
Metallurg Magnitogorsk
|
Vadim Kudako
|
Severstal Cherepovets
|
Yegor Rykov
|
SKA St. Petersburg
|
Mikhail Sergachyov
|
Windsor Spitfires
|
Mikhail Sidorov
|
Ak Bars Kazan
|
Artyom Volkov
|
Dynamo Balashikha
|
Yegor Voronkov
|
Vityaz Podolsk
|
Sergei Zborovski
|
Regina Pats
|
Forwards:
Name
|
Team
|
Denis Alexeyev
|
HK Ryazan
|
Kirill Belyayev
|
Yugra Khanty-Mansisk
|
Denis Guryanov
|
Texas Stars
|
Kirill Kaprizov
|
Salavat Yulayev Ufa
|
Pavel Karnaukhov
|
CSKA Moscow
|
Danila Kvartalnov
|
CSKA Moscow
|
Alexander Polunin
|
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
|
German Rubtsov
|
Vityaz Chekhov
|
Yakov Trenin
|
Gatineau Olympiques
|
Kirill Urakov
|
Torpedo Nizhni Novgorod
|
Mikhail Vorobyov
|
Salavat Yulayev Ufa
|
Danil Yurtaikin
|
HK Ryazan
|
Slovakia
Goalies:
Name
|
Team
|
Roman Durny
|
MHk 32 Liptovsky Mikulas
|
Adam Huska
|
University of Connecticut
|
Matej Tomek
|
University of North Dakota
|
Defensemen:
Name
|
Team
|
Martin Bodak
|
Tappara Tampere
|
Erik Cernak
|
Erie Otters
|
Martin Fehervary
|
Malmo Redhawks
|
Mario Grman
|
HC Topolcany
|
Samuel Hain
|
HC Topolcany
|
Andrej Hatala
|
Dukla Trencin
|
Michal Roman
|
Ocelari Trinec
|
Forwards:
Name
|
Team
|
Martin Andrisik
|
HC '05 Banska Bystrica
|
Radovan Bondra
|
Vancouver Giants
|
Marek Hecl
|
Dukla Trencin
|
Filip Lestan
|
HV71 Jonkoping
|
Patrik Osko
|
MHk 32 Liptovsky Mikulas
|
Oliver Pataky
|
Dukla Trencin
|
Milos Roman
|
Ocelari Trinec
|
Adam Ruzicka
|
Sarnia Sting
|
Boris Sadecky
|
Dukla Trencin
|
Marek Sloboda
|
HK VSR SR 20
|
Miroslav Struska
|
MHk 32 Liptovsky Mikulas
|
Marian Studenic
|
Hamilton Bulldogs
|
United States
Goalies:
Name
|
Team
|
Jake Oettinger
|
Boston University
|
Tyler Parsons
|
London Knights
|
Joseph Woll
|
Boston College
|
Defensemen:
Name
|
Team
|
Jack Ahcan
|
St. Cloud State University
|
Joe Cecconi
|
University of Michigan
|
Casey Fitzgerald
|
Boston College
|
Adam Fox
|
Harvard University
|
Caleb Jones
|
Portland Winterhawks
|
Ryan Lindgren
|
University of Minnesota
|
Charlie McAvoy
|
Boston University
|
Forwards:
Name
|
Team
|
Joey Anderson
|
University of Minnesota Duluth
|
Kieffer Bellows
|
Boston University
|
Jeremy Bracco
|
Kitchener Rangers
|
Erik Foley
|
Providence College
|
Jordan Greenway
|
Boston University
|
Patrick Harper
|
Boston University
|
Clayton Keller
|
Boston University
|
Luke Kunin
|
University of Wisconsin
|
Tanner Laczynski
|
Ohio State University
|
Jack Roslovic
|
Manitoba Moose
|
Troy Terry
|
University of Denver
|
Tage Thompson
|
University of Connecticut
|
Colin White
|
Boston College
|
Schedule
December 26
United States vs. Latvia
Canada vs. Russia
December 27
Latvia vs. Russia
Canada vs. Slovakia
December 28
Slovakia vs. United States
December 29
Russia vs. United States
Latvia vs. Canada
December 30
Slovakia vs. Latvia
December 31
United States vs. Canada
Russia vs. Slovakia
One Line Previews
Canada: Always more pressure when on home soil, they look to rise up and challenge for a medal.
Latvia: Just trying to do enough to stay alive.
Russia: Still a strong team, will be in medal contention.
Slovakia: Facing an uphill battle, as the top of the group looks to be too strong for them.
United States: Still in the medal hunt despite some deficiencies.
Predictions
Brad
1 - Canada
2 - Russia
3 - United States
4 - Slovakia
5 - Latvia
MDK
1 - Canada
2 - Russia
3 - Latvia
4 - United States
5 - Slovakia
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