There were four games played yesterday at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship. Two teams without losses faced each other while Finland attempted to get its first win of the tournament against Canada.
Czech Republic 4, Denmark 3
It seems to be so close and yet so far for Denmark. Despite leading, again, and looking strong for large periods of the game Denmark would end up losing in overtime.
Leading 3-2 with 14 minutes left in the game the Danes had their hearts broken by an equalising goal with three minutes left in regulation. Less than a minute into overtime David Pastrnak buried the overtime winner to prevent Denmark from getting their first World Juniors win.
Mads Eller, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Mathias Asperup would get goals for the Danes. The Czech’s win makes it likely that they will avoid the possibility of the regulation contest part of the tournament.
United States 3, Slovakia 0
The United States extended their unbeaten record, having won two of their games in regulation and the third in overtime. For nearly two periods Slovakia was able to keep the United States from scoring, despite piling on the pressure. In the first two periods their were 30 shots. Only one went in.
Sonny Milano would break the deadlock with just over two minutes remaining in the second period to put the United States in front. Dylan Larkin would add an unassisted second goal within three minutes into the third period. John Hayden would add the third and final goal with less than a minute left in the game.
The USA will face the hosts Canada in the last game of the tournament, one that will likely be a dramatic affair. Slovakia faces Germany today.
Sweden 3, Russia 2
Both Sweden and Russia entered this game without a single defeat. Russia had been pushed to overtime in their first game against Denmark but had prevailed. Sweden would be the team that came away with its winning record unbroken.
It was a back and forth game with both sides swapping the lead. Gustav Forsling would open the scoring in the first period but Russia would equalise in the second and took a lead early in the third period.
Ivan Barbashyov’s apparent goal seven minutes into the third was waived off after video review showed the Linus Soderstrom had just managed to keep the puck from fully crossing the line. The scene was set for Sweden’s game winner.
William Nylander, in front of a Toronto crowd, would get the puck to Alex Holmstrom. It wasn’t a pretty goal but it got the job done.
Canada 4, Finland 1
Finland came into this tournament hoping that they could repeat the success of last year. Now they are in danger of being the team that has to battle against relegation.
Canada would grab the lead early on the powerplay with Buffalo Sabres draft pick Sam Reinhart would scoring less than six minutes into the first period. Reinhart would add a second goal a few minutes into the second period. Arrturi Lehkonen would get his first goal of the tournament but it wasn’t enough to push the Finns into a higher gear.
Anthony Duclair and Curtis Lazar would get the last two goals for Canada to set the scene for a clash against the USA on New Year’s Eve. Due to the nature of the WJC schedule Finland would only need to beat Germany to make sure that it reached the knockout stages.
Today’s Games:
Switerland – Denmark 4PM Central
Slovakia – Germany 7PM Central