MeffyuhTJRest said:
I live in NY, so all I've been able to get as far as WJC coverage has been box scores and recaps. From what I've seen it looks like Backstrom's stock is rising, and Frolik's is plummeting. Frolik has been pretty much in absentia. How does he look aside from his noticeable absense on the scorecard?
Is Backstrom playing extremely well or is he profiting from playing with Bergfors?
(Lil Devils homer in me coming out)
Frolik has really been fighting the puck during the tournament. Too bad, because this is really a neat showcase opportunity for him with Toews (CDA) and Kessel (USA) also here. Frolik, playing in Kladno back home, remains a bit of a mystery...
I spoke with him after the exhibition game against Canada, where he seemed more comfortable on the ice. He does not speak much English, but he was very insistant, very positive in his assessment of how he enjoys the smaller ice surfaces over here. He indicated the speed of th egmae does not pose any major concerns for him, rather, he likes it faster.
While he hasn't scored yet, it is evident he's a terrific skater...seems to play with good anticpiation. He hasn't seen much time on the power play, though. (A couple times last night against Slovakia, where he did seem to be able to slow the play down a bit for his team mates.)
For Sweden, Backstrom is benefitting from Bergfors, because the opposition is paying more attention to Bergfors...more open ice for Backstrom. Salmonsson, who plays in the WHL, has arguably been Sweden's best forward. Much more physical than the typical Swedish player, and he's got tremendous reach...great size.
G. Erickson
HF Staff
@ WJC in Kelowna