Recap of Day 2 – Canada pushes past Slovakia to remain perfect
Canada 6, Slovakia 0
While it wasn’t set to be a rout from the opening faceoff, there was never much doubt as to who was going to win this game. Canada hopped out to just a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes, but came through with three second period goals to push ahead to a four-goal margin. Five different forwards scored in the victory, which was Canada’s second in under 24 hours. A medal favourite, they were able to outshoot Slovakia 52-20 in what was by all means, a dominant performance. With a day off now before their outdoor matchup against the host Americans, Canada now has time to regroup as they look to claim the top spot in Group A.
Switzerland 3, Belarus 2
In what was probably the lowest-profile game of the tournament, Switzerland pulled out an important one-goal victory over Belarus. After a third period power play goal from Viktor Bovbel put Belarus up 2-1 early in the third period the game appeared to swing in their direction, but subsequent goals from Valentin Nussbaumer and Philipp Kurashev in slightly under three minutes gave the victory to the Swiss. With Belarus having lost twice already and still having to face Czech Republic and Russia, it’ll be an uphill battle to avoid the relegation round from here on out.
Tomorrow….
We’re back ahead to four games, kicking off with Denmark and Finland at noon local time. The marquee matchup of the day appears to be Czech Republic-Sweden at 4 pm, while the Americans take on Slovakia for the last game of the day. Meanwhile, Switzerland and Russia meet up at the HarborCenter as Russia looks to rebound from an opening day defeat against the Czechs.
Three stars
First Star – Colton Point (CAN)
Making his first start of the tournament, Canada’s Point turned away all twenty shots he faced to pick up the shutout. Point was a pick that was never a lock to make the team as he was a relative unknown to most Canadian talent evaluators, but the 2016 Dallas Stars draft pick came through with a statement victory in his first World Junior action.
Second Star – Jonah Gadjovich (CAN)
The Vancouver Canucks 2017 second round pick, Gadjovich tallied a pair of goals for Canada in the victory. Providing a goal in each of the second and third periods, Gadjovich moved into a tie for the tournament scoring lead. An alternate captain for the Owen Sound Attack, Gadjovich has potted 61 goals in 81 games over the past two seasons in the OHL.
Gadjovich gets his second of the night, makes it 6-0 Canada with a perfect tip. #Canucks pic.twitter.com/xyq6RUtn2K
— Janik Beichler (@JanikBeichler) December 28, 2017
Third Star – Philipp Kurashev (SUI)
Scoring the winning goal in the victory over Belarus, Kurashev vastly helped Swtizerland’s chances of avoid relegation. Picking up a pair of overtime wins in last year’s tournament, Switzerland is now looking to play spoiler in their Day 3 matchup against Russia.
Philip Kurashev's goal could be killer. A nice slapper beats Grischenko and Switzerland has their lead back. #WJC2018 pic.twitter.com/YtJm6F8UqH
— Steven Ellis (@StevenEllisNHL) December 27, 2017
2018 Draft Watch
Oddly, there were no big-name 2018 Draft-eligible players in action on Wednesday.