U18: WJC U18 - Grand Forks, North Dakota (14th - 24rd April)

[leaflover]

Inability to clear the zone results in a goal against. Credit to the Swedes for hustling but there was an easy out available that just didn't happen.

 

[Breakers]

Quenville is an absolute dumpster fire in his own zone

 

[snipes]

How the **** wasn't that a hooking penalty?

 

[snipes]

Another post. Man we are just not getting any breaks.

 

[jj cale]

If the defense doesn't smarten up we are gonna get scored on quick again.

 

[snipes]

PP here. We need something big to happen.

 

[jj cale]

O.K........lets get one here.

 

[jj cale]

One period to go.

This is a good, fast Swedish team, we have our work cut out for us.

They strike very fast.

 

[snipes]

Need to get it together here in the 3rd. Come out hard and fast, we're creating lots of chances out there. Need to bury some of these.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

I'm surprised the US lost after such a dominating performance up to todays game.
Major props to Finland, they played with a lot of heart and desire.

Obviously I want Canada to beat Sweden and then Finland but if we lose to Sweden have to cheer for Finland.

USA had their chances but Finnish goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was really good.
He made a lot great saves and in my views there was couple game savers too.

I can imagine how massive disappointment this loss was for USA.
But they can't win every year. Good luck for bronze game Team USA.

 

[Predatore]

Sweden's Axel Jonsson Fjällby has to be right up there with the best skaters and most hardworking players of the tournament. Excellent on the forecheck and on the penalty kill as well. Creates quite a bit of chances with his play infront of the net as well.

Timothy Liljegren continues to impress on the D, while some other Swedish defensemen have struggled a bit, Tilander being the most obvious one. Gustavsson looks solid in net. Really entertaining game IMO and should be a great third period.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

Having not watched the game, i am a little stunned at the result. Did the US just not bring it today, or did the Finnish goalie stand on his head throughout the game? Was Finland the better team all three periods?

Finnish goalie Ukko- Pekka Luukkonen was really good against USA.
There was a lot great saves and couple game savers too.

He's 192cm ( 6'3) tall goalie and he's eligible 2017 NHL draft.
I don't say he's new Pekka Rinne but i see a lot similar with him and Rinne.

 

[VictorLustig]

Sweden's Axel Jonsson Fjällby has to be right up there with the best skaters and most hardworking players of the tournament. Excellent on the forecheck and on the penalty kill as well. Creates quite a bit of chances with his play infront of the net as well.

Timothy Liljegren continues to impress on the D, while some other Swedish defensemen have struggled a bit, Tilander being the most obvious one. Gustavsson looks solid in net. Really entertaining game IMO and should be a great third period.

Agree on Fjällby. He's come out of nowhere for me and been so impressive every game. He's a grinder with a brain that creates offense by pure hard work and skating, skills that should not be underestimated in todays game. I would be very surprised if no team picks him up after his performance in this tournament.

 

[JimboA]

delete

 

[jj cale]

Canada needs the next goal.

 

[leaflover]

C'mon Owen, gotta bury that.

 

[jj cale]

Gustavson staying strong.

But if we can just keep at him here.

 

[jj cale]

I'm nervous anytime that Nylander is within 5 feet from the puck.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

I was just joking around, you knew that right?

I hope Pulju is ok, get some ice on it and some anti-inflammatories. Pulju is a tough kid, he's going to play. I agree with the poster in the prospects thread, he'll be an 82 game/season player year in and year out.

If / when Team Finland doctor decides Pulju shouldn't play in final then he wont play.
He has already some minor injuries so there's no reason to take any risks for his wrist.

NHL draft combine is coming next month so there's no sense to play if there's some risk his injuries gets worse.
Yes Pulju is tough kid and he lives and breaths hockey.
But he's not fool who takes unnecessary risks.

 

[leaflover]

Brutal turnover by Mcleod.

 

[snipes]

We need a score here.

 

[jj cale]

I think it's about time for Jost to re-establish himself.

Has been rather contained for awhile now.

 

[VictorLustig]

Swedish team looking so nervous in this period

 

[TheLeastOfTheBunch]

Holy **** what a shot

 

[snipes]

**** sakes. Canada has been dominating but just cannot finish.

4-2 Sweden.