In Lou We Trust

Well, the Devils are currently leading 1-0 and the group stage of the 2007 World Junior Championships is coming to a close. Here are the current standings from TSN.ca. The United States must win their last game to move on the playoff and have a shot at that gold medal. Unfortunately, they have to beat Sweden to do so and the tournament is taking place in Sweden, making it a home game for - guess who - Sweden. If Sweden wins or ties, they move on; if the United States wins, they move on. It's that simple. Canada and Russia are through to the playoffs, but it's a tighter race for that second spot with Finland currently in second place in Group B.

Anyway, how are the Devils' prospects doing so far?

1. Jeff Frazee, G, USA - Finally got a start, backstopping the US to beat Slovakia 6-1. He made 28 saves on 29 shots and I fully expect him to backstop the Americans against Sweden tomorrow. Frazee played big in big games with the U-18 team, I think he can do it again.
   
2. Sean Zimmerman, D, USA - Has seen playing time in all three games, currently with 2 PIM and a +2. So the stats indicate he's been doing OK.
   
3. Nicklas Bergfors, F, SWE - Bergfors got an assist in Sweden's 3-1 win over Germany. He's been shooting, he leads Sweden with 10 shots (tied with Linus Omark).
   
4. Alexander Sundstrom, F, SWE - Sundstrom gets a goal, the third of the game for Sweden in their win over Germany.
   
5. Alexander Vasyunov, RUS - Vasuynov got a goal in Russia's 6-1 rout of Belarus yesterday night.
   

The Devils' prospects have been a bit more productive, which is nice. I'm a bit disheartened at Bergfors' lack of production considering how well he has done in Lowell of the AHL this season. On the other hand, I have not been able to view any of these games; so for all I know, Bergfors has been dominant in everything except putting points up. I'll have more as more takes place.