WJC S70 Final Review

[Mr_Hatter 1,608]

 

And just like that, this season’s WJC has come to an end. Congratulations to all our medal and award winners, and to those who missed out: good luck next time! Read up on how the final matches went down here, on this season’s final WJC review!
 

 

Bronze Medal Game
Team World vs Team Europe

First things first, let's take a look at the bronze medal match between Team World and Team Europe. Dagmar Havlova kicked off the scoring halfway through the first period, but Team World quickly answered, going up 2-1 by the end of the first off goals from Joe Proto and Gavin Harris. Unfortunately for Team World, those would be the last goals scored for the nWo this tournament, as Team Europe goaltender Joakim Bruden shut them out for the final two periods, ending the game with 28 saves on 30 shots, good for a .933 SV%. Team Europe, on the other hand, came out swinging. 

 

The turning point in this game came during the 2nd period. While on the penalty kill, Roque Davis found winger Shush Nyko on the break for a short-handed goal that crushed the spirits of Team World. Davis ended the game with an assist in every goal that Europe scored, including the primary assist on three of those goals, netting him the first star of the game in well-deserved fashion. Despite being outshot 30 to 23, Team Europe was just more clinical and was able to see out the game from there, with Havlova netting the game-winner for his second of the game halfway through the third period, earning him the second star of the night. Jared Spaz added on with three minutes left in the 3rd period to seal the bronze medal for the Europeans. The third star of the game went to Shush Nyko for his game-tying shorthanded goal, along with an assist on the game-winner. Congratulations to Team Europe for earning the bronze medal, and well played to Team World for some very strong showings, despite failing to medal. 

 

Gold Medal Game
Team United States vs Team Canada

Now onto the main course: the gold medal match between favourites Team Canada and the ever-plucky underdogs of Team USA. The Americans were looking for revenge, as they fell in their final two games of the round-robin to the Canadians, by scores of 4-3 and 4-1. Despite the history, be assured this was an even match, which became apparent as the match progressed. Canada took the lead in the first period off a power-play goal from Erik Killinger, off an assist from linemate Daldo. As it turns out, this combination would strike again, later in the second. First, the United States equalized, with Jaxon Walker finding the back of the net to tie up the game. Then another power play, and another goal from Killinger off a Daldo pass, as previously mentioned, to go ahead with a minute left in the second period. Speaking of that second period, the two teams racked up seven penalties, speaking to the intensity of the game that both teams played. 

 

The third period was a tough battle between the two teams, but the Americans eventually made it happen, tying up the game at two goals apiece with Bud Knight scoring twelve minutes into the period. The game was heading into overtime. The first overtime stayed scoreless, as both goaltenders stood firm. Speaking of, both goaltenders played fantastically in this final match. Team USA’s Samuel Ross ended with 34 saves on 36 shots, for a .944 SV%, while Jacques Lafontaine faced an overwhelming 51 shots, saving 48 for a .941 SV% for the Canadians. Unfortunately for Team Canada, it wasn’t enough, and as the save differential suggests in the second overtime period the Americans scored. After enduring a nervy 3v4 penalty kill, Jaxon Walker found the back of the net once again, ending the game and earning the Americans the gold medal! Walker was awarded the first star for his stellar performance. 

 

Earning the second and third stars for we have Gert B. Frobe and Thomas Landry II, each assisting one goal, racking up eight and ten hits respectively, and both going +2 on the night. Team USA’s hitting was both a double-edged sword, however. Despite being strong on the penalty kill, it almost was their undoing. They went down a man on eight separate occasions, allowing Team Canada both their goals. Regardless, they were able to weather the storm and emerge victorious. Congratulations Team USA on your gold medal win, and to Team Canada, for their fantastic performance over the tournament, earning them the silver medal. 

 

To our winners this tournament, and all our awards winners (found here, Official Awards Ceremony), well played. Thank you for making this season’s World Junior’s Championship the most memorable yet! Special thanks to our WJC commissioners @Acydburn and @rjfryman, our simmer @Josh, and all our WJC GM’s.  Your dedication has made the event a wonderful experience for all involved. Finally, a special thanks to all our readers! We at VSN are proud to be able to present the news of the day to our community at large. ‘Til next time!

 

Players Mentioned: @diamond_ace, @Proto, Gavin Harris, Joakim Bruden, @Josh, Shush Nyko, Jared Spaz, @Peace, Daldo, Jaxon Walker, Bud Knight, @Brrbisbrr, @SlapshotDragon, Gert B Frobe, @Doomsday

Apologies to those not tagged, player search is currently broken and I don't have a perfect memory of whose player is whose  

 

 

VSN Writer Mr_Hatter
 

[Brrbisbrr 207]

     WTF is this gif?   USA is number 1 anyway.

[diamond_ace 3,112]

@NumberJ5 is Frobe, he's one of my Prague guys.

Pretty sure some of the others are @hewasajazzman @Dilly Dilly @PadStack @Harpskii @Spaz

[NumberJ5 45]