WJC - Round Robin Analysis [1/2]

[Banackock 8,146]

When we got this thing back off the shelf and tried to get it running, I was expecting it to be a coo idea that had potential but would likely flop. Despite a strong showing this year, I still have my doubts in years where the recruitment isn't as strong or the amount of members just aren't there - though, I'm sure we can deal with that when the time comes. This is the first year we've had the World Juniors back and it was extremely important that it came back strong. From adding new key components and such like the World Nations Rankings system, the HoF and some updated rules, we're back - it's back and currently rolling out. Fortunately for myself, I'm a very busy guy, I had the extreme pleasure and luck of working with @BarzalGoat and @McWolf who have done an exceptional job running the show. Without them, I'm sure it would have still gotten done, but nowhere near as quick and they truly brought a whole lot of fun and activity to the table as well. A single shoutout to @Beketov for coming in and kicking ass simulating games. A special thanks to the GM's:

 

Team Canada: @Jubo07

Team USA: @ShawnGlade

Team Asia: @Dtayl

Team World: @TheLastOlympian07

Team Europe: @Enorama

 

The speed you all had your rosters on, the enthusiasm you showed throughout the whole process leading up to currently (medal rounds) and the patience you also showed throughout the entire duration is greatly appreciated. A strong batch of GM's were hired for the most part this season and we're grateful for your presence in the resurrection season of the World Junior Championships. Now we look ahead as the round robin is coming to a close. For those who care - for those who are in love with the VHLM, the WJC, the VHL, the idea of this site.. or I mean, maybe me... I shall do an analysis for you. Without further delay, your S62 Round Robin WJC Analysis. 

 

THE TEAMS

Canada

7-1-0 (34 GF/22 GA)

 

Is anyone shocked to see Team Canada at the top of the list? I sure wasn't and even when we opened up the ability to have players move from nation to nation, Canada still looked like one of the teams to beat. Despite having some of their better defenders leave the team and this being a concern for Canada, those on the team, fans and management, they turned the peg, came out strong and have showed it was never an issue. The team was largely led by Jake Davis who managed 7 goals, 9 assists and 16 points through 8 games to hit that beautiful 2 PPG plateau, as well as Twinger with 15 points right behind him. The team also managed to receive some nice depth scoring from guys like Mackinnon, Willinsky, Toast, Borwinn and company and an exceptional, MVP worthy season from goalie Kevin Weekes.

 

Canada is a strong team heading into the medal rounds - it going to be a lot of fun to see how this one plays out. Round Robin is done and it's all determined. Time to find out if they can push forward and move this skill into the medal rounds. They're the #1 team to beat based off the round robin play.

 

Asia

5-3-0 (37 GF/27 GA)

 

In my eyes, Asia was one of the favourites running into this tournament, but it hadn't always been that way. Prior to opening the floodgates and allowing players to swap nations, it wasn't looking to good for the team. With pick ups like Sonnet, Nyugen and a few others, it really boosted the team and while they may not have the depth that Canada has, they have slightly better depth and their higher guns may be a little bit better. The team is currently led by Kovalev, who also leads the league in points with 20 through 8. He's closely followed behind by Smirnov, Kovalchuk and Nyugen and the team has also received great depth scoring from Flipachyev, Tzuyu, Crimson.

 

Our thoughts are that Asia and Canada are the teams to beat, but Canada has stolen the gold from Asia this season unless Pepper can change his game, step up and be the goalie the team needs. Silver won't be as welcomed as gold, so they need to come together defensively if they wish to truly seek a gold medal.

 

USA

3-5-0 (24 GF/20 GA)

 

This one is a little surprising for me to see. Asia and Canada are very good teams, but the record of USA is a little baffling and mind blowing as I expected much better. Their goaltending is easily the best in the WJC - so lets get that out of the way right now. Harding, Montgomery and company are having a great tournament despite and negative record, but the team is easily led by Kingfisher who has torn down the league, done everything in his power to help the team win - but he said it best in an interview, he can save goals... but your'e asking to much when the team isn't scoring any and he surely can't do that for them. 

 

Anything can happen and It wouldn't shock me to see Kingfisher stealing the medal rounds and helping USA push their way through teams. Should it happen? No. Asia and Canada should have them beat based off performances in the round robin.. but... stranger shit has happened and if anyone in this tournament right now has that ability, Kingfisher is pretty damn close to the top. Honestly, I'd be interested to see if maybe a losing goalie takes home the Round Robin MVP crown.

 

EUROPE

3-5-0 (22 GF/30 GA)

 

Honestly, I'm not too sure what to say here. They have one of the better rated goalies, better rated defensive cores and if we're going to scan their forwards, they're pretty fucking good too. So what the fuck is going on? They have 2 players over a PPG, but barely. The rest have chipped in but clearly not enough to make up for superstar WJC players who are underachieving. Another big piece to the pie, and it may be the biggest, is that management elected to play an active goalie who is 6 less OV than the top starter Arvid Aamo. In fact, now that reading that, that's why they're possibly not in as good of shape. THOUGH, at the end of the day, they're still better off in net rating wise than most. 

 

For Europe, I expect them to bring it, but they really need to figure some things out. Who is playing goal? How are their lines going to work? Strategies? There's obviously some changes that need to be done to bring this team up. In my eyes, they should be doing better in the tournament, they have the potential to bring it and surprise - the question is - will they? 

 

WORLD

2-6-0 (16 GF/ 34 GA)

 

Unfortunately, there has to be teams like this and unfortunately, it's sometimes and usually Team World. Though, not always - so let's not make that assumption known to those who know little. They have two decent goalies who just weren't able to get the job done. If things go well, maybe next season they have some great goalies - or one for sure, on their hands for the S63's tournament. Their forwards aren't near what the other teams were but they do have good defence. At the end of the day, I think it comes down to the fact that the team couldn't score, got overwhelmed and consistently got worse. It's hard to win when you're missing pieces to the puzzle, especially when that piece if goal scoring and productivity on the other end of the ice rink.

 

For me - World had a good showing and it's always great to keep training because next season they could be a good team and bring about better results. A 5th place finish isn't the end of the World if so. 

BANA'S PICKS

 

Only a few select players get the honours of taking home some pretty prestigious hardware. This season, it's going to be tough to narrow it down, but thankfully for you, I'm going to try my best in doing so. The tournament has been a strong success and while we haven't spoken at all about trophies, awards or anything like that - you can bet your fucking ass there's going to be some. Give us time, be patient and they will roll out. We've sort of stopped with the commissioner side of things and have simply been enjoying the tournament as FANS! Now, let's see what Banana boy thinks.

 

Round Robin MVP:

Kovalev or Kingfisher - It's a tough vote for sure. Kovalev likely helped out a little more with the winning, but it's easier to say that.. when.. the team is.. winning. Kingfisher, without him in the tournament, their team would have been fucked. If anything, both take hoe the trophy this season. VERY tough vote.

 

GOLD: Right now, I got Canada. Truthfully, it could be Asia's or Europe's too but I got Canada here based off their play. If they continue this way, night night to the other teams.

 

SILVER: Europe - they have a strong team and I think STHS is gonna be a little bit of a bitch and play some games with us. We expect Asia/Canada, but that's not what we're going to get this season when Europe finally plays as though they should.

 

BRONZE: Asia - Disappointing. The team that could have won gold, could have won silver and settled from Bronze. They have more potential than this, it will be shocking and a hard pill to swallow for the team and their fans. Shit.

 

 

 

1,624 wordds

KOVALCHUK

Sept 10 to 16 * last doubles from donations

Sept 17 to 23

Sept 24 to 30

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 9, 2018 by Banackock

[ColeMrtz 574]

@Banackock why am I not elite dad

[McWolf 3,116]

It's been a pleasure to help you set it up, @Banackock. Hopefully, this is the first of many!

[Banackock 8,146]

3 hours ago, ColeMrtz21 said:

@Banackock why am I not elite dad

You will be, always, in my heart. 

2 hours ago, McWolf said:

It's been a pleasure to help you set it up, @Banackock. Hopefully, this is the first of many!

Hip hip hooray! I’m sure this could be managed. Beats finding new people!  

[BarzalGoat 728]

US needs to do bettr

[Banackock 8,146]

On 9/9/2018 at 10:25 AM, Banackock said:

 

 

 

1,624 wordds

KOVALCHUK

Sept 10 to 16 * last doubles from donations

Sept 17 to 23

Sept 24 to 30

Dates changed to:

 

September 10-16 claimed

September 24-30

October 1st to 7th

 

(skipping a week due to special PT)

 

[DollarAndADream 3,357]

Review:

That was a very fun WJC. Love that it was brought back.

Great read. Twinger did well there too so I was not disappointed!