Battle Of Hudson

USA didn’t start too badly, generating a couple of early chances on Malcolm Subban, who was named the Game’s Top Star with 36 saves. He wasn’t challenged a whole lot the first two periods due to his team’s superb D. However, the Boston ’12 first round pick came up with clutch saves when Canada needed it. Especially at the end. Following a full two-man advantage in which they failed to score on John Gibson, Subban was strong in denying a couple of late bids. Nugent-Hopkins took a silly cross checking minor that gave our country one last chance. They nearly tied it. But Subban stood tall and Seth Jones missed the net with the puck caroming out.

Canada held on improving to a perfect 3-0-0-0. It was Team USA’s second straight tough defeat. They also lost to host Russia by an identical 2-1 score the other day. The problem is a lack of finish around the net. They had trouble getting through the Canadians, who forced them to the perimeter allowing Subban to see most of the shots. His counterpart Gibson was outstanding, making several big stops including point blank opportunities off Canadian odd-man breaks. He really impressed and looks to have a bright future in Anaheim.

With the game scoreless, Canada executed a textbook play off a faceoff win. They worked the puck to Nugent-Hopkins in the right slot and the former Oiler No.1 overall selection ripped one top shelf. A major league shot that Gibson had little chance on. It was poor coverage from USA with three players going to one guy, leaving the most dangerous threat isolated. They paid dearly. A few minutes later, Strome made it 2-zip when he snuck around Jones and surprised Gibson with a wrap around. It wasn’t a great goal to give up. He beat the super hyped Jones, who struggled defensively. He does possess a bomb. But couldn’t solve Subban.

The second period was frustrating with Canada controlling the neutral zone by being a step ahead. They are well schooled. They played physical and outhustled USA. Our guys looked smaller which helped explain why no one consistently got to the net. Subban was allowed to make one save at a time without any traffic. Jonathan Drouin impressed with his speed on the forecheck. He was more noticeable than Moosehead teammate Nathan MacKinnon, who still might be playing banged up. Drouin can fly and has some strong moves to get free in the offensive zone.

When they did get a power play, USA couldn’t cash in. J.T. Miller set up one chance but Subban was equal to the task. Miller competed hard as did Rocco Grimaldi, Johnny Gaudreau and Blake Pietila (NJD). Canada contained top scorer Alex Galchenyuk (Mtl ’11 Round 1), who wasn’t much of a factor. A great save by Gibson to deny a Canadian shorthanded bid allowed the Americans to transition with Trouba finishing off a broken play, snapping the shutout.

If not for some undisciplined penalties including a pair of checking to the head minors, USA might’ve forced overtime. They didn’t use any common sense and it cost them.

USA (1-2-0-0) has a must win against Slovakia. If they don’t prevail, they’re done.

In their second Group match, Canada defeated Slovakia 6-3. They overcame a pair of two-goal deficits. Undisciplined penalties put them behind. The Slovaks cashed in on two five-on-three’s. After receiving a check to the head from ejected Canadian forward J.C. Lipon, Tomas Mikus returned on the next shift and finished off a nice pass for a power play goal that put his team ahead 2-0. Earlier, teammate Marko Dano steered home a rebound to open the scoring. Dano had a big day, finishing with two goals and an assist in a losing effort.

Ryan Strome (NYI) got Canada on the board with his first of the tournament in the second. He free wheeled into the slot and beat Adam Nagy with a quick wrister. The Islander prospect added a second marker on a breakaway later. Lipon’s hit wasn’t the only controversial play. Teammate Anthony Camara leveled Patrik Luza with a thunderous check that knocked him out. He was taken out on a stretcher. Camara’s big hit was ruled a charging major, giving him the rest of the day off. Handed another two-man advantage, the Slovaks cashed in when Dano’s one-timer eluded Malcolm Subban (Bos). Ironically, Strome was in the box for a trip that gave Slovakia the opportunity.

Trailing 3-1, Canada rallied. Goals from Morgan Rielly and Ty Rattie tied it up. Slovakia also lost discipline, allowing the Canadians to storm back. Rielly scored on a one-timer and Rattie tipped home Xavier Ouellet’s (Det) pass. Ouellet also set up another when his wrist shot from the left point was neatly deflected in by Mark Schiefele (WPG). A very skilled play that proved to be the winner.

Captain Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Edm) and Strome scored in the third, making it five unanswered for Canada. Nugent-Hopkins took a pass from Jonathan Huberdeau (Fla) in tight and slipped a backhand past Nagy increasing to 5-3. Strome got behind the Slovakian defense for a breakaway, deking and going five-hole for his second of the day.

Canada improved to 2-0 in Group play. Slovakia is 0-1-0-1.

During today’s Canadian 6-3 comeback win over Slovakia, forward J.C. Lipon was ejected for a head shot that made contact with Tomas Mikus. He caught Mikus on the forecheck with a shoulder hit. Ironically, Mikus scored the Slovak’s second goal on the next shift. The IIHF officials determined that it was a five minute major and game misconduct, leaving Canada with only 10 forwards. Lipon will not be further disciplined, which is good.

I don’t think it’s that bad a hit. The only problem was he finished high with the forearms making contact with Mikus’ head. That’s how players have been taught. Now, they must be extra careful. The days of Scott Stevens catching someone with their head down are gone. They have eliminated any responsibility from a prone player who leaves themselves defenseless. It’s understandable why with head shots dangerous. Even if I think not every hit should be under a microscope, they have to protect players.

I’m coming around to Don Cherry. These guys should keep their heads up unless they have no chance. Protect yourselves at all times. Hockey is a vicious sport. Hitting is part of the game. It’s time to wake up.

Canadian coach Steve Spott also got good news with Jonathan Drouin able to play despite a charley horse. The 2013 Draft prospect posted a goal and assist. There were eight different scorers for Canada including defenseman Xavier Ouellet, who tallied a power play goal. Ty Rattie also scored in support of Malcolm Subban, who allowed three goals. Nugent-Hopkins thought his team was sloppy with Germany capitalizing on Canadian mistakes. Leonhard Pfoderl and Nickolas Latta scored two minutes apart. Tobias Rieder notched their first goal on the power play, cutting it to 3-1 before Canada built their lead.

The competition picks up Friday with Canada facing Slovakia, who rallied from a two-goal deficit before falling in overtime to host Russia. Albert Yarulin’s power play goal at 10 seconds of OT made the Russians winners.

Despite a dominant first period, it didn’t come easy. Former Buffalo first round pick Mikhail Grigorenko set up Nikita Kucherov for a tip in that put them ahead. Any chance to increase the margin was snuffed out by Slovak goalie Adam Nagy. Midway through the second, Alexander Khohklachyov made it two-zip. But the Slovaks were undettered with Matus Matis steering home a rebound on a delayed call.

Penalty trouble caused problems for Russia, who handed Slovakia three straight including Richard Mraz’s equalizer coming with 36.4 seconds left in regulation. He beat Russian netminder Andrei Vasilevski forcing OT. Ultimately, Yarulin rescued the host team for their first win.

The World Junior Championship finally gets going tomorrow in Moscow with Canada facing off against Germany at 4 AM on Boxing Day. For Canadians, it’s a holiday celebration following Christmas. You know some of the diehards will set the alarm clocks and wake up at the crack of dawn for TSN’s coverage, which can be seen on NHL Network. They’ll be replaying every Canadian and Team USA game throughout.

As usual, Canada boasts an impressive roster that features captain Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jonathan Huberdeau, Scott Harrington and Dougie Hamilton. Including Huberdeau, Harrington and Hamilton, coach Steve Spott can rely on six members of last year’s fourth place team to provide leadership. Former Islander No.1 pick Ryan Strome is also back along with Mark Scheifele and suspended forward Boone Jenner, who’ll miss their first three games due to his late hit that ended Sweden defenseman Jesper Pettersson’s tournament.

Injuries have already crept in changing Canada’s roster with Mark McNeill replacing injured forward Charles Hudon. At Tuesday’s practice, 2013 Draft Eligible Jonathan Drouin sustained an injury. His status is unknown. He is one of two Canadian top prospects on everyone’s radar along with Halifax (QMJHL) teammate Nathan MacKinnon. Boasting an impressive roster that features other prominent names, we asked Twitter friend SoYourAnExpert’s Jordyn Moussa about Team Canada and what to expect in #WJC2013.

NewYorkPuck: You’re a passionate hockey fan who’s never afraid to speak your mind. How are you holding up during the lockout?

SoYourAnExpert: I thought I would be really bored during the lockout but there are so many opportunities to watch hockey, especially here in Canada, it’s almost impossible to really miss it. Obviously, the caliber of hockey isn’t as good as the NHL but the lockout has given me the opportunity to familiarize myself with the future stars and to see my favorite prospects without having to pay an obscene amount of money. The lockout has also given me the chance to save some money when I otherwise would have spent it all one tickets an merchandise. My grades have also improved significantly with the small amount of hockey being televised on a weekly basis 😛

NYP: You recently started your own blog. How did that come about?

SYAN: I decided to start my blog because I wanted to get my name out there and show people just how much I really know about hockey. I want to be an agent so the more contacts and connections I’m able to make now, the easier it’ll be for me to start my career once I’m finished school. I don’t get to update my blog as often as I would like and I don’t get to talk about absolutely everything that is going on in the hockey world but I think I provide enough knowledge and support my opinion well enough to show people that I truly care about the sport, not only it’s players.

NYP: If I recall correctly, you’ve been to the WJC before when it was in Ottawa. How much did you enjoy the experience?

SYAN: Being in Ottawa during the World Juniors in 2009 was absolutely electrifying. Ottawa’s a fairly large city but everyone seemed to really come together and support our boys. I remember, I had injured my leg in early December of 2008, before the tournament began and I was in a full leg brace and on crutches. Jordan Eberle’s game tying goal in the semifinal versus Russia was the first time I jumped up in excitement without my crutches and I didn’t care about the pain I was experiencing.

The World Junior Hockey Championship has a way of bringing countries, and cities together that is difficult to describe. Everyone becomes even more patriotic than they already were and you find yourself cheering for players you’ve never heard of before; just because they’re “your boys” for the holiday season. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

NYP: Team Canada is loaded up front, on the blueline and in net. In your mind, are they the favorite? Who are the biggest threats?

SYAN: If you had asked me if team Canada was the favorite to win the tournament a week ago, I would have, undoubtedly, said of course. How could they not be with the strength and depth they possess. Now, not so much. If Canada wants to be a serious contender for gold, they need to get the discipline issues under control. they need find their chemistry and they need to give their top guys (Nugent-Hopkins, Huberdeau, Schiefele, etc) the opportunity to play since they aren’t penalty killers.

As of right now, I would say the favorites to win are Russia, or Finland, based off of what I’ve seen in the pre-tournament games. The Czech’s also have a pretty strong team as well as the Swedes, Canadians and Americans. Russia’s always been a powerhouse and having their top guys available has only made them stronger. Although I wasn’t overly impressed with them in the Subway Super Series, they will always be a major threat in international hockey. But who knows what will happen?

Maybe Canada finds their stride. Maybe USA silences all their haters after almost being relegated. Maybe Finland pulls off the upset and finally wins gold. Only time will tell.

NYP: You were vocal about Boone Jenner’s suspension but also accurately predicted it. Do you think last year’s incident was a factor in the IIHF’s decision to suspend him three games?

SYAN: Boone Jenner’s spearing suspension definitely played a minor part in his suspension this year. The IIHF probably just saw that he was a “repeat offender” and gave him an extra game or two. I, personally, thought the 5 minute penalty and a game misconduct was sufficient for a hit that was barely late, and clean, especially when the Swedish player, Jesper Pettersson was looking directly at Jenner. it also didn’t help that Pettersson was injured on the play. Had he not been hit, I doubt Boone would have gotten anything. But this is the IIHF and they suspend anyone for anything that looks remotely against their rules. The Zack Kassian suspension in 2011 is a prime example.

NYP: MacKinnon Drouin went down with an injury in practice. Any guess on if we see him? Who do you prefer? MacKinnon or Drouin?

SYAN: It was actually Jonathan Drouin who left practice on Christmas Day with a mild Charlie horse. I think we’ll see him play in Boxing Day’s opening round game solely because I have yet to hear of him being replaced. Since the rosters were all due the evening of Christmas Day, Canada would have had to name his replacement by then and there have been no reports on whether he will be going back to Halifax.

NYP: McNeill replaces injured forward Hudon. Do you like the move?

SYAN: Initially when it was announced that Hudon wouldn’t be able to go to Ufa with the team, I was heartbroken for him. He’s a guy that no one really knew about until the summer Canada-Russia series but he absolutely shone. I proceeded to watch him throughout the season and I wanted nothing more than to see him finally get recognized on a big stage like the world juniors. Luckily for him, he will be eligible for next years tournament in Sweden.

NYP: Spott has decided to start Malcolm Subban tomorrow against Germany over Jordan Binnington. Are you surprised?

SYAN: I can’t say that I’m necessarily surprised that Steve Spott chose to start Subban over Binnington because of who they’re playing. Spott probably wants to use their game as an opportunity to help Malcolm Subban regain his confidence after a lackluster selection camp and a less than stellar pretournament game. The Germans aren’t considered to be great threats to Canada. So this game could be a good chance for Subban to win over the hearts of Canada and regain his confidence. No one wants another Mark Visentin meltdown in a meaningful game.

NYP: Outside of the headliners, give me a guy who flies under the radar.

SYAN: Naturally, I would have said that the guy who goes unnoticed a lot is Charles Hudon but now, I think that award goes to Anthony Camara. Before the Subway Super Series, I only knew of Camara as Mark Schiefele’s linemate in Barrie with the incredible beard who got a hat trick in his first game of the season, in Ottawa. But after watching him throughout selection camp and the two pre-tournament games, he is a solid fourth liner that generates quality scoring opportunities and is able to make physical plays without taking stupid penalties.

NYP: Obviously, you’re not too fond on Team USA. How do you see them faring?

SYAN: It’s not that I’m not fond of team USA, it’s more or less their fans, kind of like Montreal fans. I hate Canadiens fans more than I dislike the team itself.

A main reason why I don’t like many USA Hockey fans is because I have encountered too many fans who have come off as arrogant and rude. I say this because during the World Juniors in 2011 in Buffalo during the Semifinal game between Canada and USA I saw several tweets from bitter American fans stating that Canada’s goalie, Mark Visentin, looked like a cancer patient. I, personally, was extremely insulted by that comment because I have an aunt who has battled cancer twice in 3 years and has gone through the Chemo and Radiation treatment process and not once did I ever refer to the way she looked as “looking like a cancer patient”. I think anyone who has been affected by cancer would be hurt by a comment like that. What bothered me most about that tweet was that I didn’t see any Americans standing up to that person and explaining to them that it was wrong; I only saw Canadians. I believe that people battling cancer are the strongest and, although it’s a generalization, I have trouble respecting a lot of American hockey fans because of that.

There are actually a few players that I really like playing for team USA. That being said, I don’t see them as being a heavy favorite this year despite what Seth Jones said. I don’t know how they say they’re at their best when they have 3 of their best available players on their roster, not even inviting one. In my opinion, them not even naming Henrik Samuelsson to their preliminary roster because he wanted to play for a Swedish team instead of a USHL team is ridiculous.

NYP: What’s your WJC 2013 prediction?

SYAN: My WJC 2013 prediction. I honestly don’t know. As a Canadian, I want to say that obviously Canada will win but as a hockey connoisseur, I have absolutely no idea.

This concludes our interview. Thank you for doing this. Best of luck in the tournament. Follow Jordyn on Twitter @jordyn_m.

TEAM CANADA

G Jordan Binnington
G Jake Paterson
G Malcolm Subban

D Dougie Hamilton*
D Scott Harrington*
D Ryan Murphy
D Xavier Ouellet
D Griffin Reinhart 
D Morgan Rielly
D Tyler Wotherspoon

F Anthony Camara
F Phillip Danault
F Jonathan Drouin#
F Jonathan Huberdeau*
F Boone Jenner*
F J.P. Lipon&
F Nathan MacKinnon#
F Mark McNeil
F Ryan Nugent-Hopkins+
F Ty Rattie
F Brett Ritchie
F Mark Scheifele*
F Ryan Strome*

+Team captain
*Returning member
#2013 Draft
&Undrafted
NYI Draft Picks

Earlier today, the IIHF ruled on Canadian forward Boone Jenner’s late hit that knocked Sweden’s Jesper Pettersson from the WJC 2013 tournament.

Jenner has been suspended three games for this hit that caused Pettersson to suffer a broken wrist and shoulder dislocation. He was assessed a five-minute charging major and game misconduct. The Swedish defenseman had to be taken out on a stretcher.

“The video material indicated that the hit was late and delivered with no intention to play the puck and with Pettersson being in a vulnerable position,” the IIHF said in a statement Monday. “It was Jenner’s intention to deliver the forceful check in spite of having the opportunity to at least make an attempt to avoid contact on Pettersson.

“The hit was delivered far too late. This resulted in an injury to Sweden’s Pettersson and for this Jenner is to be held accountable.”

This is the first time I’ve looked at it. My initial reaction is that Jenner’s hit came way too late. Pettersson had already released the puck and then Jenner comes in with a clean shoulder check that injured Pettersson. I definitely agree that he deserved a suspension. He’ll miss Canada’s first three preliminary games against Germany tomorrow, Slovakia on Friday and the highly anticipated match-up against the United States on Sunday.

“Our feeling is (the hit) was shoulder-to-shoulder,” Team Canada coach Steve Spott asserted. “If anything, maybe interference or a charge, but definitely not something that’s worth suspending because, although Boone is an aggressive player, he didn’t target anybody’s head and he didn’t leave his feet.”

While the Kitchener Rangers OHL coach is right about Jenner not leaving his feet, it doesn’t change the fact that the hit was late and knocked Pettersson out of the WJC. Clearly, the IIHF isn’t messing around. They don’t want these kind of plays in the premier prospect tournament. So, Jenner sits for three.

In a surprising move, Team USA announced that they’d cut forward Stefan Matteau. The son of Ranger folk hero Stephane Matteau was drafted in the first round by the Devils last June. He was expected to be a lock for this year’s WJC. Instead, perhaps a loss of discipline in a blowout exhibition defeat at Finland impacted USA coach Phil Housley’s decision.

The 18-year old, who was born in Chicago the same year his Dad came over and helped the Rangers win a Cup, plays with the same edge but is expected to have more upside. Listed at 6-1, 207 pounds, Matteau was selected by New Jersey 29th overall, creating an odd photo op with Dad donning a Devils cap with his son. It wouldn’t quite be Anthony Brodeur getting taken by the Rangers but it still takes some getting used to. Imagine if Marty’s son was drafted by us. He’d never touch any of our colors. It’d be pretty ironic if that actually happened assuming there’s a new CBA in this lifetime. Without it, no draft can take place.

After spending the past two years with the U.S. National Development Team (USHL), the versatile forward’s in his first junior season playing for Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Thus far, he’s adjusted well posting 15 goals along with 10 assists for 25 points in 29 games. That’s included 61 penalty minutes and a solid plus-15 rating. Ironically, his teammate Xavier Ouellet is part of a powerful Canadian squad that boasts Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jonathan Huberdeau, Ryan Strome, Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin, Malcolm Subban, Jordan Binnington, Mark Scheifele, Anthony Camara, Griffin Reinhart, Dougie Hamilton, Scott Harrington and Ryan Murphy. Ouellet’s tied with Matteau in points (25). Ninth best on their junior club.

Matteau joins Ranger ’12 first round pick Brady Skjei as the only players cut. Team USA has one more decision to make before finalizing their 23-man roster.

“We are very close to finalizing our group of defensemen, pending the resolution of a medical situation,” USA Hockey GM Jim Johannson said. “We are set with our 13 forwards and three goaltenders. The decisions we made today were very difficult and are a testament to the talent available to us in the United States.”

One of those forwards includes Devil prospect Blake Pietila, who scored the lone goal the other day. Taken by New Jersey in the fifth round of the ’11 Draft, he’s already matched his goal output (10) from last year in Year Two at Michigan Tech of the WCHA. He’ll join Ranger property J.T. Miller, who is one of three returnees seeking redemption following a seventh place finish last year. The team will be captained by Buffalo second round pick Jake McCabe. He’s in his sophomore year at Wisconsin and has posted nine points (2-7-9) in 16 GP. McCabe’s joined by alternates Connor Murphy and Jacob Trouba. Seth Jones is also on the blueline.

Both Jones and Ryan Hartman are draft eligible for 2013 while Cornell’s Cole Bardreau remains on the squad. Will he be the other cut? We should know tomorrow.