The 2015 IIHF World Championships continue over in the Czech Republic, with the preliminary round now in full swing.
At the time of this writing the United States and Canada are the only teams that still remain undefeated, with Russia, Sweden and Switzerland close behind in the standings.
For information regarding results, stats, and videos, visit the official IIHF website.
Here’s a breakdown of how each Stars player is doing so far, separated by the countries that they are representing:
Finland
Esa Lindell might not be a name that’s familiar to anyone that’s not a Dallas Stars fan, but that could easily change very soon. The big 20 year-old defender has been playing excellent hockey for Finland, with four points already (1G, 3A) in just three games thus far, thanks in large part to plenty of powerplay time. He’s also leading his team in shots with 13, and led all defensemen on his squad in ice time in their 5-0 win over Norway on Monday. That such a young player is being trusted with so much ice time in such a prestigious international tournament, and is performing so well, is an incredible sign for his development.
Dallas’ other Finnish blueliner, Jyrki Jokipakka, has also been showing well, with two goals in those same three games.
Here are video highlights of their win over Norway. Note how the PP liked to defer to Lindell for the one-timer. Spiffy.
Sweden
Not to be outdone as the best young Stars prospect in the tournament, John Klingberg is enjoying a healthy amount of success as well. He’s been playing around 20 minutes per night for the Swedes, and is now up to three points in the four games that he’s played.
Canada
Tyler Seguin is picking up the pace for Canada, with goals in his last two games. He had a powerplay tally in a 6-3 win over the host Czechs on Monday, and then iced a 6-4 win for his team over Sweden on Wednesday with an empty-net goal.
Jason Spezza got on the scoresheet in a big way in the same game, generating the secondary assist on Tyler Ennis’ game-winning powerplay goal late in the third period. Spezza now has four points in four games.
Cody Eakin has been held off the board since he scored twice in a win over Germany, plugging away on the fourth line of a very deep Canadian roster.
United States
What a pleasant surprise. Not only did young goaltender Jack Campbell get a win in his tournament debut, but he also did it against a Russian team that is sporting all sorts of NHL firepower. He stopped 15 of 17 shots. Playing in this tournament is already an excellent experience for the 23 year-old, but getting a win over such a strong opponent must feel especially good.
France
Left winger Antoine Roussel has been playing a ton of minutes for a very badly outgunned France team, but has been kept off the scoresheet throughout all three of his games so far.