Youngsters make noise with speed, skill
McLellan’s team forming its identity around ability to outskate the opposition
So much for being a gimmicky team that will only embarrass itself. The World Cup of Hockey has yet to officially begin, but based on two exhibition games, it’s fair to say that Team North America is more than holding its own. In fact, the under-24 collection of young stars could be the biggest threat to Canada winning this tournament. At the very least, these kids are making noise.
Whether they can advance past Finland, Russia and Sweden in what is being called the Group of Death is still going to be the question. But from their impressive speed and the ease in which they are scoring goals to the star power of Connor McDavid and Johnny Gaudreau, here is what has stood out so far.
Speed kills
Young legs were always going to be an advantage for Team North America. With a lineup that includes McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and two players (Dylan Larkin and Jonathan Drouin) who won the fastest skater event at past all-star game skills competitions, the team has formed an identity around trying to outskate the opposition. So far, it’s worked. Europe couldn’t keep up with or even contain North America in back-to-back losses. When asked if playing a speed game could work against a more physical team like Canada or the United States, Gaudreau confidently replied: “You can’t hit what you can’t catch.”
Best defence ... a good offence
North America scored 11 goals over two games. The goals have come easy and often. When you blow out your opponent in backto-back games, you start searching for things to pick apart. Sunday’s 7-4 win against Europe included a minor scare when North America allowed a 5-1 first-period lead to become a 5-4 lead in the third. It was the kind of game the 1980s Oilers used to play, which head coach Todd McLellan said is a recipe for disaster. “We have to understand that we have to have the ability to win 2-1 or 3-2,” he said.
Johnny knows hockey
There are several players on Team North America who could be playing for either Canada or the United States had the World Cup not gone with an under-24 team. But Gaudreau’s absence is probably the most significant. Only Patrick Kane had more points last season among American-born players. And with three goals in two games, he is showing what the U.S. is missing. “Johnny is a great player,” said forward Jack Eichel. “I think he had 80 points (78, actually) last year in the NHL — that’s pretty impressive. I don’t think anybody is surprised he has three goals through two.”
Matthews looks like right pick
It’s rare that an 18-year-old who has yet to make his NHL debut would be participating in the World Cup. But Auston Matthews is not just on the team, he’s making an impact. Through two games, the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft has one assist, is playing on the third line, and is already earning rave reviews from coaches and teammates for his poise with the puck. “He’s so extremely skilled,” said defenceman Aaron Ekblad. “You see the play he made between his legs coming into the zone ... he’s special.”
McDavid is still pointless
They put him on a line with Mark Scheifele and Drouin, then gave him Eichel and Gaudreau as linemates. But while McDavid has looked dangerous and created a ton of scoring chances, the Team North America captain is still searching for his first point. Is that a problem?
Well, not really. The team won both its exhibition games and it’s not like North America is hurting for offence. But don’t be surprised if McDavid gains new linemates for the final exhibition game. After all, North America is likely going to go as far as McDavid takes them. And finding the back of the net is a big part of that equation.