The second game at Herb Brooks Arena was a wild one. Finland rallied from a goal back defeating USA Blue 6-5 in overtime. With the goalie pulled, Artturi Lehkonen tied it up with 10 seconds left in regulation. It was part of a big day for the Canadiens’ 2013 second round pick who recorded a hat trick and assist for a point effort. Lehkonen combined with Teuvo Teravainen (Hawks ’12 1st Rd) for eight points. Teravainen terrorized USA with a goal and three assists. He was a standout due to superb skating and playmaking. On the American side, Greenwich, Connecticut native John Hayden wasn’t too shabby either. Chicago must be thrilled.
Similar to Sweden cashing in on the power play in their 4-2 win over USA White, Finland was only too happy to oblige. They converted three of four including Isles’ defense prospect Ville Pokka, who got the OT winner with a rocket past 2014 Draft Eligible goalie Thatcher Demko. It was an inauspicious start for the hyped American prospect attending Boston College. He allowed five goals on 19 shots in relief of Edison, Jersey native Anthony Stolarz (15 saves). The Flyer 2012 second rounder held the forte with the Finns controlling play in the second. In fairness to Demko, the first shot he saw was off a breakaway with Ville Leskinen (’14 Eligible) beating him with a backhand short side. He made a couple of strong stops including a spectacular split to deny an opportunity.
Islander fans should be encouraged by Pokka. The 19-year old blueliner tallied a goal and two helpers. In the 2012 Draft, the Isles took him in Round Two 34th overall. He’s spent the last three seasons with Karpat of SM-liiga in Finland. He posted six goals and six assists in 47 contests in ’12-13. A nice improvement from last year when he totaled three assists in 35 games. Given their surplus of depth on the back end, the Isles can wait for him to develop. A luxury for the club with a bright future off a playoff year.
The Pens remain the favorite in the Metro. Unfortunately for the rest of the division, they boast a solid D prospect in ’12 number one pick Olli Maatta. He helped set up four of Finland’s six tallies. Already signed following two years with the London Knights (OHL), he’ll likely spend time with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
For Blue, Connor Carrick stood out from the rest. It appears the Caps have another good defenseman in their system. Carrick was selected last year in the fifth round (137th overall). He spent two years with the U.S. National Development team (USHL) and posted 44 points (12-32-44) in his first season with the Plymouth Whalers (OHL). The 19-year old is a smooth skating D with above average offensive skills which were on display at Lake Placid. With the Americans pressing the action early, he jumped up in the rush and finished off a nice passing play from Will Butcher (Avs ’13 Rd 5) and another Caps’ prospect Riley Barber, who led USA with three assists. Carrick had a goal and helper and was easily their most dependable blueliner.
The Rangers’ Brady Skjei looked good in spurts. He didn’t see much ice in the third but was on for Finland’s tying marker. Outside of that, the 2012 first round pick showed decent skating ability. Early on, he nearly scored on a wrap around. Defensively, he was okay making a couple of nice recoveries to help 17-year old phenom Anthony DeAngelo out. DeAngelo is a high risk, reward player who takes chances. You can see what the hype is about The Sewell, Jersey native who’s available next draft had a nice goal that put Team USA ahead 5-4 with under 10 minutes remaining. On the play, he snuck in from the left point and deposited a sweet Nic Kerdiles (Ducks ’12 Rd 2) cross-ice feed. At times, DeAngelo was adventurous in his end. About what you’d expect. Anaheim 2013 third rounder Keaton Thompson struggled mightily the first two periods but showed improvement late.
Another player who had a strong game was Sharks’ 2012 fifth rounder Dan O’Regan. He scored twice and was a constant force. His second straight goals came just 19 seconds into the third on a brilliant rush from Carrick. That knotted the contest 3-3. After Lehkonen put Suomi back ahead, Team USA scored 30 seconds apart to storm in front. On an innocent looking play, Hudson Fasching (Kings ’13 Rd 4) got rewarded for hustle around the Finn net when a loose puck snuck past Juuse Saros (Preds ’13 Rd 4). Montreal prospect Brady Vail (’12 Rd 4) also competed well.
Other Battle prospects who represented USA Blue were Devils’ 2012 first round pick Stefan Matteau and Buffalo 2013 second rounder Justin Bailey. Of the two, Bailey stood out more. The 6-3, 186 pound forward from Williamsville, New York combines solid skating with strength. He pulled off a couple of nice power moves to the net that almost resulted in goals. His effort paid off on Fasching’s marker. Bailey can be followed on Twitter. As for Matteau, he showed glimpses of strong skating. Like Dad Stephane, the 19-year old is a good forechecker who uses the boards effectively. He had one quality chance coming in the third and wasn’t overly physical. There’s still some growing for the second-year pro.
Finland 6 USA Blue 5 (OT) Scoring Summary
Monday Schedule:
Sweden vs USA Blue 1 EST/10 PST
Finland vs USA White 4 EST/10 PST
Note: Canada begins play Tuesday

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