In Lou We Trust

• In Group A, the big story is Canada's 3-4 loss to Sweden. It was a thrilling game from all accounts, with the game winning goal coming from Tobias Forsberg with 7 seconds left to play. The Swedes went on to win Group A with 4 wins in 4 games, earning a bye into the medal semifinals along with their 4-2 win over the Czech Republic. Canada, due to the loss, finishes second in the group thanks to today's 4-1 win over Denmark. Fortunately, the host country, the Czech Republic, finished 3rd in Group A with 2 wins and 2 losses to move on in the tourney.
  
• In Group B, the top squad were the Americans. Led by current tournament scoring leader James van Riemsdyk (4 goals, 6 assists) and goal scoring leader Colin Wilson (6 goals, 1 assist), the Americans handled all of their opponents. Though one may be concerned with their effort throughout the game. They were leading Finland 5-0 at one point, but they conceded 3 in the third period to Finland. Yes, USA won, but giving up 3 goals in the final period isn't exactly encouraging. Nevertheless, they handled Russia (who finished second) and they beat Finland (who finished third). They have earned their bye to the semifinals.
• In the realm of relegation, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Denmark, and Switzerland are all competing for the right to remain in the top tournament for next year.
• Matt Halischuk has been doing rather well in the tournament. He's got a goal with 2 assists, he's a +3, and he's committed only one minor infraction so far. Halischuk has seen plenty of ice time, particularly on the penalty kill. If Canada is to succeed further in the tournament, players like Halischuk will need to go from strength to strength.
• Quarterfinals will begin on January 2. Canada will play Finland, Russia will play the Czech Republic, and Sweden and United States will do nothing as they have byes.
  

Labels: Devils Prospects, Hockey - General

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