Five Things To Watch: Canada vs

It was a busy day at the 2016 World Junior Championship today with four games being played. Despite a strong showing against Denmark, Canada has failed to dominate games the way many have come to expect and has been caught underestimating opponents.

Sweden ensured they completed the Group A at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship with a 100 per cent record after they overcame defending champions Canada in Helsinki.

It makes sense with Sweden atop Group A, that they would play it safe if he’s well.

Anton Karlsson added to the Swedish lead in the third on a backhander while Maple Leafs prospect Mitch Marner scored late in the third – on a rare Canadian power play – but Sweden clinched the win with an empty-net goal by Rasmus Asplund. “They’re always favourites. I think it’s the same situation now”.

“I think I can play a lot better”, said Marner. “But you just got to keep trying and eventually it will start going in”. Sweden had clinched first overall and Canada knew it was stuck in third before the puck was dropped Thursday. This year’s team has struggled in the preliminary round of the tournament and on Saturday will face the heavily favoured host Finland in the quarter-finals.

“It can’t not be exciting”, said Virtanen, when asked why he thought the daunting task was exciting.

Hope everyone has a Happy and Safe New Year!!! He’s been instrumental in helping the Swedes go 4-0 in group play for the ninth consecutive tournament.

The US finished second in their group and will face the loser of the Finland-Czech Republic game in the quarterfinals. He left the penalty box after being picked to serve a bench minor on the USA, got to the net and knocked in the rebound of a shot by defenseman Louis Belpedio (Minnesota Wild).

The remainder of Saturday’s quarterfinal schedule has Sweden facing Slovakia, Russia meeting Denmark and the United States against the Czech Republic. The second period saw Canada level the game, but despite multiple chances in the third, Canada was unable to secure a victory. Felix Sandstrom (Philadelphia Flyers) stopped the only shot he faced.

“It’s a quick recovery here”, said Travis Konecny, who threw several big hits to energize Canada in the second period.

After a rocky start to begin the tournament, in which they lost to the Americans and got a scare against the Swiss, the Canadians needed to find their game. We really focused on trying to get bodies in front of the goalies. Here are five things to watch for in Canada-Finland. TH2N discusses Canada’s mindset heading into the elimination round.

Thursday’s game was the worst defeat of the tournament for Canada, who were outscored by a three-goal margin and outshot for the first time all tournament. “I think we are underdogs and they are world champions the last season”.

The Finns boast three of the tournament’s top four scorers in Jesse Puljujarvi (5G, 7A), Sebastian Aho (3G, 6A) and Patrik Laine (4G, 4A). “The lesson tonight is to make sure we have more discipline going forward”.

Sweden and Canada will both advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament on January 2. It’s nice to get the confidence back in the room. “It feels like I’m not preparing myself right for the games and I’ve just got to get used to it”.

NYLANDER 2.0 – William Nylander’s younger brother Alex, however, will definitely be on the ice.

Egli was suspended three games for the hit.