Dahlin and Tkachuk offered memorable tourney moments
The USA’s presence in the bronze medal game against the Czech Republic today at the world junior hockey championship is a disappointment to American players and coaches.
They failed in their objective to win their first back-to-back WJC gold medals.
But they can claim some success beating the Czechs in Buffalo.
Here is a look at the bigger picture as part of five take-aways from this year’s tournament:
Importance of a bronze: If the USA wins, the Americans will have won six medals over the past nine tournaments. That’s a high level of consistency from a program that had only produced two medals over the previous 12 tournaments.
The Canadians have also won six medals in the past nine years. If they beat the Swedes, it will be their second gold in that span. The Americans have three golds over the past nine years.
Sweet Swede: Rasmus Dahlin’s noteworthy play reinforces the consensus that he is a generational defensive prospect.
The six-foot-two Swedish sensation has six points and 22 shots on goal. He was on the ice for 10 Swedish goals and only one against in his first six games (excluding power play). The winner of the league’s draft lottery will land a player who will alter the course of their future.
The inheritance: Brady Tkachuk’s productive, spirited play (three goals, eight points) may cement his place as the No. 2 prospect in the 2018 draft. When you review his total package, he’s Keith Tkachuk’s son, to be sure.
Memorable tournament: Attendance wasn’t as impressive as it was the last time the WJC was in Buffalo. Canadian fans didn’t buy as many tickets this time. Plus, the tournament was in Toronto and Montreal last year and the World Cup was in Toronto in 2016.
But this WJC will be remembered for the snowy outdoor game between Canada and the USA at New Era Field. It was a magical day with the Americans generating a come-from-behind shootout win.
Looking at the future: As it is supposed to do, the tournament offered a preview of National Hockey League coming attractions.
Local fans had to be excited that Casey Mittelstadt, the Buffalo Sabres’ first-round pick in the last draft, looks like he could play in the NHL today. He is leading the tournament with 10 points in six games.
The New York Rangers have to happy with 2017 first-round pick Lias Andersson’s six goals in six games for Sweden. How about New York Islanders 2016 first-rounder Kieffer Bellows’ seven goals in six games for the USA? St. Louis Blues 2017 first-round pick Klim Kostin also had five goals for the Russians.
Colorado Avalanche scouts have to be pleased with their top two defensive prospects. Cale Makar, picked No. 4 overall last summer, leads all defencemen in scoring with eight points in six games. Conor Timmins, a second-round pick, is a plus-12 in six games.
He has been Canada’s steadiest defenceman.