WJC Studs/Disappointments

Use this thread to discuss which players are pleasant surprises or big disappointments at the WJC. This will help fans such as myself to track the progress of the players, even though we can't watch the games.

The players can be from any country, drafted, or undrafted.

So, who's made some strides after day 1? :dunno:

I was impressed with Schutz,Omark and Stefanovich.

The German goalie looked very impressive...... not sure how to spell his name, Steffan Eesteen..... thats a guess. Anyone know how to spell it?

The German goalie looked very impressive...... not sure how to spell his name, Steffan Eesteen..... thats a guess. Anyone know how to spell it?


Sebastien Stefaniszin

I don't think Downie played all that great. In the offensive zone, he made some poor choices.

I'd also have to say Tukka Rask. Pegged as one of the best goaltenders going into the tournament, and letting in 4 goals on 11 shots (I believe) is no good. And against Belarus to boot.

I'm sure both players will snap out of their funk, but that's just how I saw it after the first day.

I don't think Downie played all that great. In the offensive zone, he made some poor choices.

I'd also have to say Tukka Rask. Pegged as one of the best goaltenders going into the tournament, and letting in 4 goals on 11 shots (I believe) is no good. And against Belarus to boot.

I'm sure both players will snap out of their funk, but that's just how I saw it after the first day.

if downie would shut his mouth for 5 seconds he may realize he's got more time to play hockey

Sebastien Stefaniszin

Thanks, this should be a great thread.

I haven't seen any other game than the Canada-Sweden one so far, but obviously you have to be curious about the performances from the german goaltender Stefaniszin and 17-years-old Stefanovich from Belarus. Cherepanov is another guy who intrigues me; could he be a top 5 draft pick?

Otherwise, O'Mark was pretty impressive in the Canada-Sweden game as he was one of the only swedes who created anything offensively. I had a hard time following who was who though as I didn't have the rosters, didn't know the jersey numbers and could barely see them and the commentator was pretty bad so it was a huge effort just to see who was making the plays. Others who were impressive during the game are Price, Franson, Marchand, Staal, Zackrisson and Bäckström. I'd like to see Toews and Gagner give more though.

I've only seen Canada-Sweden, and its only one game so its a bit early.

But Marc Staal really stood out late in that game, and made 4-5 great defensive plays earlier in the game.

For me its impress as hell to see someone dominate like that against Bäckström.

Staal will be a man among boys in this tournament. There are many good D's out there, but wouldn't at all be suprised if Parant-Staal weren't on for a goal against the entire tournament.

Bourdon and Carey Price impressed me tons in the first game. They were rock solid. Toews was already creating scoring chances.

Sam Gagner impressed me zero in the first game. Even without that much ice time(or so it seemed)he still manages to take 3 penalties, he looked like a kid struggling with nerves and the competition level. I was high on seeing what he could do when he beat the older Esposito and Tavares as well for a spot on the team but he showed nothing IMO.

I'd also have to say Tukka Rask. Pegged as one of the best goaltenders going into the tournament, and letting in 4 goals on 11 shots (I believe) is no good. And against Belarus to boot.



He made 13 saves in that game.

It may have to do with draft rank and expectations, but I'm totally not impressed by Toews as of yet, including pre-tournament games.

I still can't believe they didn't think a guy like Giroux would not have helped them offensively.

Surprises for me, are the German opposition (ie the goalie) (though it could change really quickly see Belarus....), Cogliano (just a fan of his game), Price (cause he still has to battle some inconsistency problems, usually giving a softie a game which he didn't.)

But offensively we're definately not that great, defense is the key for us, hoping Price could a great consistent tournament.

TSN said 7 of 11.

Stephanovitch and Steffanisin for the surprises

Rask for disappointment (so far, only one game...).

Haven't been very impressed by Backstrom, too.

The Canadians that impressed me were Price, Bourdon, Staal, and Cliche. I really like the penalty killing unit of Cliche and Helm. A lot of speed.

patrick kane has some sick skills. taylor chorney and jeff zatkoff really impressed me, as well.


Jack Johnson and Peter Mueller need to use their teammates more. Liked what I saw from Gerbe and Van Riemsdyk, seriously underwhelmed by Abdelkader and Carman.

Also...really flew under the radar...Sean Zimmerman. A lot of people questioned his inclusion on the team, and he looked like a rock on the back end.

Linus Omark. Though I've seen him in the SEL numerous times this season along with Martin Chabada and Fredrik Hynning, he kept impress me. He's so slick, and even though he's rather smallish he doesn't shy away from physical play at all.

TSN said 7 of 11.Then TSN was wrong. Rask 13/17 saves. If its so hard to believe, you can check it from the official IIHF website.

Does it make a difference? Still a bad % :dunno:

Franson looks great on the PP for the Canadians today.

Juraj Simek

Sebastien Stefaniszin

I wonder where the last name originates. Russia?
It's kinda hard to pronounce, at least I have problems saying it fast 5 times. ;)

Does it make a difference? Still a bad % :dunno:

SV% does not tell everything, because Finland was mainly controlling the game and Belarussia focused on disciplined defense and counterattacks. No softies, but not impossible ones either: http://www.yle.fi/urheilu/mediasali/video/id61141.html

I wonder where the last name originates. Russia?
It's kinda hard to pronounce, at least I have problems saying it fast 5 times. ;)

Same here. He had another good game against Slovakia though. 29 saves on 31 shots, I think.

I don't know where his last name originates, but he was born in Berlin.

Jack Johnson has really disappointed me so far, I expected him to be the best defenceman in the tournament but he's shown some very questionable hockey sense so far (that pinch in the first period against Canada was pretty terrible). Granted some of the penalties he's taken wouldn't be called in the NHL but he needs to show some better judgement.

Billy Sweatt from the Americans is a guy who has really surprised me, he's always moving his legs out on the ice and making things happen. I'm not sure if he has much in the way of scoring potential but he looks like a very solid player overall.

To say who has been a stud/dissapointment this early in the tournament is premature imho.

But anyway the positive performers so far:

-Germany's goalie Stefanision.
-Stefanovich of Belarus.
-Berglund from Sweden.
-Joel Gistedt. This guy is my darkhorse candidate for goalie of the tournament. He's been mighty impressive in the Swedish Elitserien and he supplanted former nhl veteran Tommy Salo as the number one for Frölunda.

Disappointments:

-Niklas Backstorm was supposed to be a dominant force, but he's still pointless in three games including the exhibition ones. He's made some nice plays but not as much as I expected.

Jack Johnson has really disappointed me so far, I expected him to be the best defenceman in the tournament but he's shown some very questionable hockey sense so far (that pinch in the first period against Canada was pretty terrible). Granted some of the penalties he's taken wouldn't be called in the NHL but he needs to show some better judgement.

Billy Sweatt from the Americans is a guy who has really surprised me, he's always moving his legs out on the ice and making things happen. I'm not sure if he has much in the way of scoring potential but he looks like a very solid player overall.


Maybe Carolina´s scouts saw the same thing and decided to deal him while his value was still high.

Cody Franson is my special hero.

Maybe Carolina´s scouts saw the same thing and decided to deal him while his value was still high.
I'm pretty sure Johnson will be fine, his game is perfectly suited for the NHL where those hard hits likely won't be called penalties. I think he's just trying to do too much right now, he needs to use his teammates more and let the game come to him.

SV% does not tell everything, because Finland was mainly controlling the game and Belarussia focused on disciplined defense and counterattacks. No softies, but not impossible ones either: http://www.yle.fi/urheilu/mediasali/video/id61141.html

The first goal was a softie IMO.

It may have to do with draft rank and expectations, but I'm totally not impressed by Toews as of yet, including pre-tournament games.

I still can't believe they didn't think a guy like Giroux would not have helped them offensively.

Surprises for me, are the German opposition (ie the goalie) (though it could change really quickly see Belarus....), Cogliano (just a fan of his game), Price (cause he still has to battle some inconsistency problems, usually giving a softie a game which he didn't.)

But offensively we're definately not that great, defense is the key for us, hoping Price could a great consistent tournament.

So......like I was saying....we suck offensively and Toews is disappointing....:sarcasm:

Maybe we should wait a bit next time....

At this point, the dispointing players are the 2 johnsons, its still early though.

At this point, the dispointing players are the 2 johnsons, its still early though.

Very disappointing game for the both of them, especially in the hockey sense department. Throwing the stick? What is this, amateur hour? Well I guess, in a way it was.

I'm sure for Erik it's a one off, for Jack I'm not so sure. Sure he can throw the body, but even the best of them have to pick their spots and show some semblance of sense out there.

For the U.S.--I was impressed with Sweatt. Also, you can see the potential in Okposo.

The Johnson's had an off game....specifically Jack with his high number of turnovers. They seemed a bit frustrated out there.

Finally, the goalie Zatkoff was very unimpressive imo. Plays too far back in the net and gives out a large number of rebounds.


For Canada--the big 4 defenders continue to play great. Franson really had a good game. Also, guys like Helm and Cliche are really starting to stand out for their defense, forechecking, penalty killing etc.

Can't say enough about how for Carey Price seems to have come since last year. Very impressive.

Same here. He had another good game against Slovakia though. 29 saves on 31 shots, I think.

I don't know where his last name originates, but he was born in Berlin.

Pretty sure it's a Polish name.

I'm pretty sure Johnson will be fine, his game is perfectly suited for the NHL where those hard hits likely won't be called penalties. I think he's just trying to do too much right now, he needs to use his teammates more and let the game come to him.

He may end up being fine but right now there should be a red flag painted over his head. As I said in another thread, he has regressed rather than progressed. His hockey sense is atrocious and if he coughs up the puck as many times as he did today in a NHL training camp, he'll start the season in the ECHL.

Pretty sure it's a Polish name.

Could be, I kinda have the feeling, half Germany has polish surnames nowadays.
Me as well btw. :)

I won't post the Canadian kids already mentioned... most of us have seen both games. I did however like Omark (?) for team Sweden and Okposo for team USA. Omark had a good game and some nice moves, but I see Okposo doing more at a higher level.

I haven't seen any other games really. How's Bumagin for team Russia? I saw he had a 2 point game the first night vs. the Czech's. Anyone know?

Darren Helm.

I have been very impressed with Helm, Staal and Toews for Canada. A bit disappointed by Cogliano.

Helm is incredibly tenacious and does not relent. I was glad he got those goals at the end as he was strong all game.

Staal is just a stud. Defensive D-man at his finest. He controls that entire side of the ice with his reach and just shuts down everyone. Love his game.

Toews seems to be more confident this time, as to be expected. Today he played like he believed he was the best player on the ice. He has terrific smarts out there and once he gets stronger will be an absolute force.

I am expecting more from Cogliano. I really have not noticed him at times and was expecting him to be a dynamo. He needs to shoot the puck more and challenge the D-men. A few of the US D were having trouble with speed in this game and against Germany. I thought he would have tried to expose them.

The first goal was a softie IMO.

Disagreed. It was a one-timer in 5-3 PP and Rask was forced to lateral movement to the other post. Stefanovitch's shot was a good one.

Through one game and in order:

Studs:
1. Churilov
2. Makarov
3. Anisimov
4. Loginov
5. Zubov

Disappointments:
1. Vasyunov
2. Ryasensky
3. Alexandrov
4. Vojnov
5. Krysanov

I'm surprised that Jack Johnson hasn't been benched for his poor play. He was responsible for Downies goal today (well his defensive partner helped by absolutely giving Downie all the room in the world to make that play) and made numerous turnovers and boneheaded plays. And since he doesn't get benched for being stupid, expect the same type of game from JJ for the rest of the tournament.

The other Johnson, Eric, played a strong game with the exception of throwing his stick. That was a dumb play, but an isolated mistake from EJ. Put him on the first power play on the point. His wrist shot from the point is nasty good.

The other Johnson, Eric, played a strong game with the exception of throwing his stick. That was a dumb play, but an isolated mistake from EJ. Put him on the first power play on the point. His wrist shot from the point is nasty good.
Eric J was together with Toews the best player on the ice last night. I was impressed.

Through one game and in order:

Studs:
1. Churilov
2. Makarov
3. Anisimov
4. Loginov
5. Zubov

Disappointments:
1. Vasyunov
2. Ryasensky
3. Alexandrov
4. Vojnov
5. Krysanov
Lots of OV's there.

Through one game and in order:

Studs:
1. Churilov
2. Makarov
3. Anisimov
4. Loginov
5. Zubov

Disappointments:
1. Vasyunov
2. Ryasensky
3. Alexandrov
4. Vojnov
5. Krysanov

Why are you so harsh on Voinov, he is only 16 years old. I think it's great for him to be there so underager

Why are you so harsh on Voinov, he is only 16 years old. I think it's great for him to be there so underager

He is taking a roster spot that could have gone to Vishnevsky, Lange, Shvalev, Osipov, etc... he may as well perform. Age is no excuse: he made the team because he is supposedly a better addition to the team than the availble 18 and 19 year olds. For a defenseman (even of the 4th pairing variety) who made Russia's WJC squad, I think his play against the Czechs was disappointing regardless of player identity.

I'm pretty sure Johnson will be fine, his game is perfectly suited for the NHL where those hard hits likely won't be called penalties. I think he's just trying to do too much right now, he needs to use his teammates more and let the game come to him.
I'm a JJ fan but the #1 question mark for me, even at the NCAA level, is how his offensive game will translate to the NHL. He really does rome all over the ice and when he has to cut that out for NHL hockey will his numbers still be that great???

Marc Staal to me has easily been the best player I have seen.

Disappointing to me are the forwards in general. Goals seem to be coming from mistakes and tips and very few nice offensive plays.

I'm surprised that Jack Johnson hasn't been benched for his poor play. He was responsible for Downies goal today (well his defensive partner helped by absolutely giving Downie all the room in the world to make that play) and made numerous turnovers and boneheaded plays. And since he doesn't get benched for being stupid, expect the same type of game from JJ for the rest of the tournament.

The other Johnson, Eric, played a strong game with the exception of throwing his stick. That was a dumb play, but an isolated mistake from EJ. Put him on the first power play on the point. His wrist shot from the point is nasty good.

Wasn't Eric Johnson the player that Darren Helm blew by for his first goal?

Be a Blackhawk this days are sweet:we can make the playoffs and our top prospects(like Toews and Skille)are playing great.Anyone can help with Makarov...i really dont see a lot of times this guy,how about his performance in the World Junior Championship?

Wasn't Eric Johnson the player that Darren Helm blew by for his first goal?
Correct.

Three days into the tournament - might it be a bit early perhaps?

I'm going to echo the love that Omark is getting here, he's definitely the biggest surprise for me this tournament. I didn't know who he was when the game started, but I think he out-permormed the 'Killer B's' (Backstrom, Berglund, Bergfors) in the Sweden-Canada game and was creating lots of offense.

Jonathan Toews is another guy who's really impressed me, I didn't really like him last year and was curious why he got such a big role this time around but he's shut me up. Really, really smart player who never seems to make the wrong play and can be very crafty on both sides of the puck. He see's the play developing quicker then most people on the ice, and reacts in advance.

Most the people on Canada have been playing as I expected - Staal is an other-worldy force in his own end, Cogliano is a smart and crafty player who has Hemskyitis (needs to shoot the frekin' puck), Downie is an amazing talent with zero discipline (but I like him), and I didn't quite know what was coming from Price but he's shown that he's the great goalie everyone was saying he was.

On the other end - Jack Johnson has actually been terrible, and I'm rather upset because he looked great last year and I was looking forward to seeing him dominate this tournament. Just making stupid, stupid plays. Erik Johnson got burned on the Toews penalty shot goal and the Helm goal, but has actually played really well. I was hoping for Chorney and Lee to stand out a bit more too, they haven't done much to sway my opinion on them one way or the other.

Fransson has actually disappointed me too, he's made enough good plays to mask it but he F's up alot by not flubbing the simple plays as well as a top D-man should. He's picking up momentum like a steam engine though, and seems to be getting better each period. Marchand has left me unimpressed too, he shouldn't be on our top line next game.

Three days into the tournament - might it be a bit early perhaps?

Never to early to rag on 17, 18 and 19 year old kids.

Marc Staal to me has easily been the best player I have seen.

Disappointing to me are the forwards in general. Goals seem to be coming from mistakes and tips and very few nice offensive plays.

agreed on the first part

Wasn't Eric Johnson the player that Darren Helm blew by for his first goal?

Nope that was Erik Johnson.

Nope that was Erik Johnson.


Details details.

That was the other mistake EriK Johnson made.

I mean sure, Helm is FAST, but he only weighs about a buck 70. Johnson should have been able to muscle him off the puck. But, that being said, I give all the kudos to Helm for wanting that goal more than Johnson wanted to stop it.

Wasn't Eric Johnson the player that Darren Helm blew by for his first goal?

That was an unusual play in that Mueller passed to EJ across the ice and the puck bounced over EJ's stick and bounced off the boards to the nuetral zone. EJ had to go from flat footed, turn and get to full speed quick and Helm had a jump on him. Only Scott Niedemeyer could have stoped Helm on that play. EJ "rarely" ever gets beat in a foot race. He is unreal.

Helm did not want the puck more than EJ. It was a bad bounce for EJ, just like Carmans goal off Sweatts shot that bounced off the wall and right on Carmans stick. These things happen in a game and sometimes it goes against you and sometimes for you. EJ's effort is top notch.

I expected much more from Trevor Lewis on Team USA, as well as JMFJ. But, I thought Pat Kane and Okposo looked great.

I'm also impressed with the entire Belarussian team. How many of these guys were on Team Belarus when they beat the US 5-3 in 2005? Does anyone know?

Three days into the tournament - might it be a bit early perhaps?

When I originally started the thread I was using it as kind of a running commentary kind of thing, to make it easier to follow the players for those who can't watch, and don't have the time to sift through every GDT. Is there a big problem? :dunno:

I like Okposo's game. He's got the type of game that will make him a fan favourite on the Island.....

Valentenko, Mikus, Kostitsyn and Price are the best players in the tournament because they are Montreal picks. ;)

When I originally started the thread I was using it as kind of a running commentary kind of thing, to make it easier to follow the players for those who can't watch, and don't have the time to sift through every GDT. Is there a big problem? :dunno:

I like Okposo's game. He's got the type of game that will make him a fan favourite on the Island.....

Yeah - there is a problem, since you asked. To start a "boom or bust" topic two days into the tournament is silly whether it's running commentary or not. Wait until the bloody thing is over before making such judgements. Actually; since it's only a few games and mostly irrelevant, I wouldn't make such a thread at all.

All it's doing is making people look silly making rash comments on the Johnsons and such after a couple of mistakes in one solitary, pitiful little regulation round tournament game on an ice surface most of them haven't played on all season.

But this is the home of the ovehype and underhype...so I suppose someone would have done it sooner or later...always fun to take a look back in a couple of years at all the rash statements following a couple of televised WJC games.

Three days into the tournament - might it be a bit early perhaps?

this is HF baby

we were talking studs and duds 3 weeks before the tourney

Yeah - there is a problem, since you asked. To start a "boom or bust" topic two days into the tournament is silly whether it's running commentary or not. Wait until the bloody thing is over before making such judgements. Actually; since it's only a few games and mostly irrelevant, I wouldn't make such a thread at all.

Then call it something else. Either way, I don't see a problem with a thread to share thoughts on players. Not all of us get to watch the games, and it's interesting to get different takes on how our prospects are doing. All it's doing is making people look silly making rash comments on the Johnsons and such after a couple of mistakes in one solitary, pitiful little regulation round tournament game on an ice surface most of them haven't played on all season.
So say something to that effect, rather than getting on your little wooden horse and trying to tell everyone why they can't have these discussions

But this is the home of the ovehype and underhype...so I suppose someone would have done it sooner or later...always fun to take a look back in a couple of years at all the rash statements following a couple of televised WJC games.
If people exaggerate, you have two options the way I see it. You can either explain to them why they are exaggerating and defend the player, or just stay away from the thread entirely, since you seem to have such a big issue with overhype and underhype.

Wasn't Eric Johnson the player that Darren Helm blew by for his first goal?
I'm not sure how much you can blame EJ, Mueller made a terrible pass, and EJ's partner may have pinched. stick throwing aside I don't think EJ played bad at all.

Yeah - there is a problem, since you asked. To start a "boom or bust" topic two days into the tournament is silly whether it's running commentary or not. Wait until the bloody thing is over before making such judgements. Actually; since it's only a few games and mostly irrelevant, I wouldn't make such a thread at all.

All it's doing is making people look silly making rash comments on the Johnsons and such after a couple of mistakes in one solitary, pitiful little regulation round tournament game on an ice surface most of them haven't played on all season.

But this is the home of the ovehype and underhype...so I suppose someone would have done it sooner or later...always fun to take a look back in a couple of years at all the rash statements following a couple of televised WJC games.
All people are doing are commenting on how they've played to date, that doesn't necessarily mean people are calling them busts.

After Sweden's two first games, Omark has certainly made an impression. He was the best player on the ice today. The guy isn't even drafted yet, probably because of his size.

From Team Finland

Studs: Osala, Lindgren, Lehtonen, Laakso, Komarov, Sandell

Disappointments: Joensuu - a big time

In general, I compare the players to their draft position (or where they are porjected to go). In the two games I saw, I see top 5 skills in Kyle Okposo, Marc Staal, Ryan Parent and Pat Kane as a potential top 5 pick if that's not where he's pegged to go. Toews and Price have played to their top 5 potential as has Eric and Jack Johnson...mistakes but clearly on a different skill level plane.

On the other side of the coin, I don't see the top 10 value in Luc Bourdon, Jack Skille and Sam Gagner (07).

Dark horses; Billy Sweatt looked like a top 15 pick, Franzen as late as Nashville got him is a steal.

at the games in sweden...

surprises-

Simek- best swiss by a mile

lehtonen- best finn on onfense by a little smaller margin

laasko- hits surprisingly hard...very good

voracek- its always a surprise to witness this level of talent...

varlamov- could be a great...

Impressed by
Okposo (dominant vs. Germany)
Kane (showed much more than Gagner)
Erik Johnson (just very solid)
Darren Helm (fast!)
Carey Price

Dissapointed by
Sam Gagner (can't adjust to the higher level of play)
Brian Lee (as a Sens fan want to see more)
Jack Johnson (tried to do too much vs. Canada, obviously he's a great prospect though)

at the games in sweden...

surprises-

Simek- best swiss by a mile

lehtonen- best finn on onfense by a little smaller margin

laasko- hits surprisingly hard...very good

voracek- its always a surprise to witness this level of talent...

varlamov- could be a great...

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Haven't been very impressed by Backstrom, too.
whaaaaaat... kid tore up Canadian defence like there was no tomorrow. :shakehead

whaaaaaat... kid tore up Canadian defence like there was no tomorrow. :shakehead

Was that sarcasm? Did you notice the "0" after "Sweden" in the line score?

What about Bumagin? He has 2g2a in two games and has played well on Russia's first line.

What about Bumagin? He has 2g2a in two games and has played well on Russia's first line.
I agree.

Exactly the same can be said about 17-year old Cherepanov:teach:

Canada's experienced d-men have been impressive. They keep the play to the outside on the big ice very well. EJ was awesome minus the stick throw. Toews has been impressive. I liked what I saw from Okposo, Kane, Sweatt, and Skille's speed, but JJ and Brian Lee have been horrendous. Lee hasn't played alot in his defense, but he's got 2 years of WJC experience and he still looks like he's scared. All Downie needs is the Indian headdress and he could be that guy in the movie Slap Shot with his head high stick rake across Chorney. That isn't going to last very long in the NHL providing he doesn't blow up first.

Studs
Igor Makarov
Teemu Laakso
Jonathan Towes
Marc Staal
Reto Berra (he was outstanding in both games regardless of the 6 goals in game 2)
Oskar Osala

Duds
JJ
Joenssu
Cogliano

this is only after 2 games thou. Could easily change

Sweatt and Omark have looked pretty good.

Like someone else said, the forwards in general havn't been very impressive compared to the defensemen.

I didn't pay any attention to him until he layed out O'Marra, but Hjalmarssen impressed me after I started focusing on him.

Studs:
Fredrik Pettersen, I'm not sure if he's put up points, but in the game and a half I've seen of him he has been one of Sweden's most electric players, causing scoring chances and using his speed very well.

Duds:
Sam Gagner, I know the kid is only 17 years old but come on, 3 lazy penalties in the first game and then showed nothing to take note of in the second besides one nice dangle on a US defenceman. The kid should not be sent out on the first pp unit anymore, and I think Mcardel should be given a shot instead of him at ES.

*Andrew Cogliano, I think the kid was one of Canada's top players in the first game, had one shift where he was all over, intercepted 2 passes, set up 2 scoring opportunities for his linemates and picked up a loose puck in the high slot of our own end. That said, his second game did not look so good. He had a few decent shifts but I think he just couldn't really get his feet moving to be effective.

at the games in sweden...

surprises-

Simek- best swiss by a mile

lehtonen- best finn on onfense by a little smaller margin

laasko- hits surprisingly hard...very good

voracek- its always a surprise to witness this level of talent...

varlamov- could be a great...


I'm curious to find out what people think his potential is, and how far away to the nhl is he?.

Frolik with zero points is disappointed I think but the whole Czech team hasnt been great, he still shoudl be responsable for that though.

laakso- hits surprisingly hard...very good



Not that surprising to me, even though for some reason he doesn't hit like that in the SM-liiga, but I've seen him do it plenty in juniors.

Laakso has been really good, though, even with the SH goal (that wasn't totally his fault, as it seemed to me that Seppänen had a chance to take the puck but was too slow after Laakso's shot hit a Belarussian).

Laakso's weakness seems to be the penalties, but the 2+10 penalty was the weakest penalty given in this tournament so far (well, I've only seen the Finnish games, can-usa, cze-rus and swe-svk) and the tripping penalty he got yesterday was pretty weak as well...

He's definitely been a stud, and much more impressive than many of these highly hyped d-men (Johnsons and Kindl for example)

whaaaaaat... kid tore up Canadian defence like there was no tomorrow. :shakehead

What game did you watch? Canada shut the guy totally down that game.

He got next to nothing done that particular game.

What game did you watch? Canada shut the guy totally down that game.

He got next to nothing done that particular game.

Right. He had one coast-to-coast raid, and ended it with a weak shot, exept that, nothing.

Kid will hopefully get going, we will need it. The point he got in yesterdays game will hopefully help him get going.

Studs:
Fredrik Pettersen, I'm not sure if he's put up points, but in the game and a half I've seen of him he has been one of Sweden's most electric players, causing scoring chances and using his speed very well.

We have definitely not seen the same games. Pettersson has been very mediocre. In fact, his play was so poor in the last game that he was benched.

Pettersson needs to step it up together with Bergfors (and Bäckström as well, I guess).

Right. He had one coast-to-coast raid, and ended it with a weak shot, exept that, nothing.

Kid will hopefully get going, we will need it. The point he got in yesterdays game will hopefully help him get going.

he's got the talent to do it,i don't question that at all.If Sweden wants to win it all he has to be the difference maker that he can be.

stay tuned.

So......like I was saying....we suck offensively and Toews is disappointing....:sarcasm:

Maybe we should wait a bit next time....

I'm not sure who Giroux is! Fill me in, Thanks..

What about Bumagin? He has 2g2a in two games and has played well on Russia's first line.

He has been okay in terms of actual play, not enough to warrant stud status though.

Russia through three game and in order:
(see game threads for my reasoning)

Studs:
1. Makarov
2. Varlamov
3. Buravchikov
4. Cherepanov
5. Zubarev

Disappointments:
1. Vasyunov
2. Alexandrov
3. Kiryukhin
4. Ryasensky
5. Bumagin

Studs:
Finland's first line Osala - Lindgren - Lehtonen

Disappointments Joensuu (split him and Komarov and you might see him scoring more)

When all is said and done, I think Hjalmarsson and Pettersson are two Swedes who are going to be steals at their respective draft choices.
Hjalmarsson looks like a Nik Kronwall clone.
Pettersson looks like a small speedy dymnamo with all kinds of speed, skill and heart.

And I can't believe Nyholm isn't on Team Finland.
Are they punishing kids who've jumped to the CHL?

Perttu has been pure money.

Other than Okposo being one of Pierre's "special boys" in the first game, he has been absolutely invisible. Today vs Slovakia, with lots of open ice, he did nothing. And I was lead to believe he was the second coming of Christ by some US posters here. What gives?

Kane has been the stud of the tournament.

No question.

Kane has been the stud of the tournament.

No question.

Yeh, he lit it up against Slovakia on the pp. Stud!

Kane has been the stud of the tournament.

No question.

I actually didn't care for his game all that much. Granted I am only commenting on what I've seen (some of US germany,most of US-Canada,none of US-Slovakia) but he looks to be all skill and flash. Couldn't count how many times they were stretch passing to him on the far blue line. Gotta question his game.

Team USA has been a disappointment (shocking:sarcasm:) , and to be honest that's really all I was paying attention to.
For US-
Skille looked really good out there. Stud.
I also liked the play of Carman + the 4th line. Stud.⅔

Team canada looks real good again this year. Stud.

Hjalmarsson looks like a Nik Kronwall clone.


2006 seems to have been a good draft year for Chicago looking at the play of their picks in the WJC. I am still suprised that Juutilainen got cut because as i understand he was the captain of the finnish U-18 team. Can anybody fill me as to why he was cut?

EDIT : D'oh Hjalmarsson was a 2005 selection. Oh well Toews and Makarov are doing well.

I am still suprised that Juutilainen got cut because as i understand he was the captain of the finnish U-18 team. Can anybody fill me as to why he was cut?


Poor season, playing in NA, he's an 88, Tolvanen is an idiot. Those are the reasons

Jack Johnson played like Jack Mutha F%&$'n today. Nice PP goal and some punishing hits!

Other than Okposo being one of Pierre's "special boys" in the first game, he has been absolutely invisible. Today vs Slovakia, with lots of open ice, he did nothing. And I was lead to believe he was the second coming of Christ by some US posters here. What gives?

I sort of agree about Okposo.i can see his positives and what people are excited about but Aside from the German game i don't think he's done much with what he does have.His play has'nt been as good as people are making it out to be IMO.

kane is a skillful guy who has done a great job on the PP against Germany and against a team that gave him all the time in the world to make plays(Slovakia),he was taken completely out by Canada but they had to work hard at it .He sure is skilled and is easily their most dangerous forward when given a little lee-way from the opposition.

I wonder where he'll be picked.it'll be high but how high?

Poor season, playing in NA, he's an 88, Tolvanen is an idiot. Those are the reasons

Tolvanen is a tolvana. And he makes players who are playing in NA send some DVD's of their games to him, kinda odd way to scout players.

When all is said and done, I think Hjalmarsson and Pettersson are two Swedes who are going to be steals at their respective draft choices.
Hjalmarsson looks like a Nik Kronwall clone.
Pettersson looks like a small speedy dymnamo with all kinds of speed, skill and heart.

And I can't believe Nyholm isn't on Team Finland.
Are they punishing kids who've jumped to the CHL?

Neither can I.

To tell you the truth I believe team Finland management just simply forgot about him. They probably thought he was a Swede.

It wouldn't surprise me at all seeing as how they found out Kai Kantola wasn't able to represent Finland moments before the first game!

His parents made the trip all the way from the states only to learn their son won't play a single game and that he has already gone back home.

And don't get me started on all the other players that should have made the team.

Team Finland management makes baby Jesus cry.

Other than Okposo being one of Pierre's "special boys" in the first game, he has been absolutely invisible. Today vs Slovakia, with lots of open ice, he did nothing. And I was lead to believe he was the second coming of Christ by some US posters here. What gives?

Beats me. A lot of speed and skating around the perimeter but not much passing sense or finishing ability.

Jack Johnson played like Jack Mutha F%&$'n today. Nice PP goal and some punishing hits!
And three or four absolutely horrible decisions out on the ice. He's definitely a flashy player but he makes far too many mistakes for me. It will be interesting to see if he makes progress with this part of his game when he hits the NHL. He'll be riding the bench if he keeps making those terrible pinches.

When all is said and done, I think Hjalmarsson and Pettersson are two Swedes who are going to be steals at their respective draft choices.
Hjalmarsson looks like a Nik Kronwall clone.
Pettersson looks like a small speedy dymnamo with all kinds of speed, skill and heart.

And I can't believe Nyholm isn't on Team Finland.
Are they punishing kids who've jumped to the CHL?

I saw the same. He skates and passes exactly the same and had the huge hit on O'Marra. Looks like another nice pick by the Hawks.

Jack Johnson played like Jack Mutha F%&$'n today. Nice PP goal and some punishing hits!

Goal: Lucky. If not lucky, still far from nice.
2 out of three hits: Illegal
Game: definitely not the game of a first-rounder

Jack Johnson is overrated as hell. I said this last year and I'm saying it again now after seeing even more of him. That said, he will probably still make an excellent NHL'er, unless they start calling penalties for checking to the head over there as well...

I said Laakso would have a great tournament.

I'm honestly quite disapointed with Gagner. I know he's younger, but he was awesome in the camp games I saw, and now he's just invisible/making lots of stupid mistakes. Hopefully he's better next year.

Dissapointed with Cogliano. Is kind of like Brandon Reid IMO, lots of flash and dash, but doesn't really get anything accomplished offensively.

I saw the same. He skates and passes exactly the same and had the huge hit on O'Marra. Looks like another nice pick by the Hawks.

Another hit from Hjalmarsson:
http://svt.se/svt/play/video.jsp?a=730675
Fastforward to around 1:46:50
replay is at 1:48:30

Hjalmarsson has been a frigging freight train this tournament. Who would have thought Sweden of all teams would deliver so many hard hits? It's not just Hjalmarsson, alot of players have been dishing it out on a frequent basis.

As for the stud part, I still have to repeat Omark after the quarter final against Czech Republic. He has been absolutely amazing all games he has played and leads the team with 5 points. And the guy isn't even drafted.

good to see Erik Johnson stepping up his game :yo:

Leo Komarov has been a stud and rock for the Finnish team.

Dissapointed with Cogliano. Is kind of like Brandon Reid IMO, lots of flash and dash, but doesn't really get anything accomplished offensively.

I don't know if I am disappointed with him but I keep waiting for him to go around the D and make that cut to the net that usually comes with players of his speed. Thus far it has not happened.

Also expected Little to create more scoring chances. I know he is playing a more of a role on this team but still expected something from him even if only against the weaker teams.

I don't know if I am disappointed with him but I keep waiting for him to go around the D and make that cut to the net that usually comes with players of his speed. Thus far it has not happened.

I think the NCAA allows players to flash a little more then junior. More room on the ice -- less frontier justice. Players that come out of that stream need to adjust to the tighter checking of higher levels. Many have done so, but look at how Kessel has had to change his game: he's using his quick release and hard shot more than his "hop" move around the defence.

Having watched the highlights of the Finland/USA game, I can't help but call Tukka Rask a disappointment. I wasn't that impressed with him last year. He seemed to give up a bunch of juicy rebounds in the action I saw. Yes, he stopped about 9000 shots in the QF game against the Swedes, but a lot of those were a result of poor rebound control.

Russia through four games and in order:
(see game threads for my reasoning)

Studs:
1. Makarov
2. Cherepanov
3. Varlamov


Disappointments:
1. Vasyunov
2. Alexandrov
3. Kiryukhin

Actually I´m pretty disappointed with Martin Hanzal. The guy is leading the WHL in scoring and so far hasn´t showed that potential (only 1 goal in 5 games).

Hjalmarsson has been a frigging freight train this tournament. Who would have thought Sweden of all teams would deliver so many hard hits? It's not just Hjalmarsson, alot of players have been dishing it out on a frequent basis.

As for the stud part, I still have to repeat Omark after the quarter final against Czech Republic. He has been absolutely amazing all games he has played and leads the team with 5 points. And the guy isn't even drafted.

I truly agree with Omark. I really like his intensity and heart, a clutch player.

Cherepanov
Omark
Lindgren

Cherepanov
Omark
Lindgren


Well, Omark has definitely been a big surprise for me, but Lindgren has really only been good in 2 out of 5 games. He was pretty phenomenal against the Swiss, though...

Cherepanov has been a bit lucky, but he's also looking like one of the smarter Russian prospects out there. Definitely a stud especially considering his age.

Well, Omark has definitely been a big surprise for me, but Lindgren has really only been good in 2 out of 5 games.

Interesting opinion when talking about Team Finland´s superiorly best center forward (only one who was able to create opportunities against every opponent). Other centers were actually more or less below mediocre in the offensive zone. He was forced to contribute heavily on penalty killing as well and did well.

Price is a gem. Best goalie in a junior tourney I've seen since I can remember. His technique is practically flawless, and he's got ice in his veins.

Kris Russell anyone?

Erik Johnson

8 pts in 6 games from a defender including some clutch goals and assists. His tournament started a bit shaky and he got some criticisms both deserved and undeserved, but I think it's safe to say that he showed that he is a stud on the blueline.

Studs:

Linus Omark (SWE)

Martin Johansson (SWE)

Semen Varlamov (RUS)

Alexei Cherepanov (RUS)

Gerbe (USA)

Carey Price (CAN)

Niklas Hjalmarsson (SWE)


Disappointments:

Niklas Bäckström (SWE)

Niklas Bergfors (SWE)

___

Use this thread to discuss which players are pleasant surprises or big disappointments at the WJC. This will help fans such as myself to track the progress of the players, even though we can't watch the games.

The players can be from any country, drafted, or undrafted.

So, who's made some strides after day 1? :dunno:

i am a bruins fan and i was really excited when marchand made team canada but i dont think hes done anything this tournament. i expected him to tear it up especially with cogs and downie but he hasnt really done anything

Other than Okposo being one of Pierre's "special boys" in the first game, he has been absolutely invisible. Today vs Slovakia, with lots of open ice, he did nothing. And I was lead to believe he was the second coming of Christ by some US posters here. What gives?

He's spends nearly as much time on the ice as a Zamboni. Gets knocked down way too much for me. Reminds me of the second coming of Robbie Earl who knew how to dive with the best of them. This skill won't be appreciated in the NHL.

For Canada upfront I've been impressed with Toews, Helm, and Downie. Toews just oozes hockey sense and is a monster down low. Helm really has some wheels and a nose for the net. I have been unimpressed with Cogs and Marchand. Cogs atleast looks dangerous out there sometimes, Marchand though just seems to do nothing with the puck but turn it over. I really want to see Little get a chance on the top line with Downie and Cogs.

On defence Parent and Stall are really impressive with their poise. Letang and Russel look really dangerous out there. Would like to see more of Franson and Alzner, they have looked good in their limited icetime.

The absolute dud of the tournament has been Okposo. One assist in six games with the ice time he's getting is a joke. The Gopher fans that have been on these boards saying how much better Okposo is than Kessel have got to be kidding.

For Canada upfront I've been impressed with Toews, Helm, and Downie. Toews just oozes hockey sense and is a monster down low. Helm really has some wheels and a nose for the net. I have been unimpressed with Cogs and Marchand. Cogs atleast looks dangerous out there sometimes, Marchand though just seems to do nothing with the puck but turn it over. I really want to see Little get a chance on the top line with Downie and Cogs.

On defence Parent and Stall are really impressive with their poise. Letang and Russel look really dangerous out there. Would like to see more of Franson and Alzner, they have looked good in their limited icetime.

Pierre wants his clichés back! ;) I do agree though, Toews has been very impressive, and Chicago better get excited about him.

The killer B's for Sweden were a bit of disappointement, but I don't think it means much in the long run, they still showed some top end skill it just didn't translate onto the scoreboard. It's nothing to get worried about imo, but it is a bit disappointing that they didn't domiate.

What's interesting about this tournament is no one really stepped up and delivered a monster performance. There were some players who did very well and others who didn't live up to expectation, but overall there weren't any huge studs and duds. Although I do think Toews really stepped up as a leader for Team Canada and played really well, but being drafted no.3 overall and a returning player, I think most people expected him to play very well.

To me the more suprising stuff came from a team perspective. The US struggling early on, Germany doing well, that kind of stuff.

In terms of draft eligible prospects I think Kane was pretty impressive for the US and on the other hand Gagner wasen't that impressive for Canada, but it's not as though he was a complete bust. And while I think Kane looked really good, I don't think he blew anyone away. He's still an impressive player though.

Finally, as a Hab fan I've been pleased with Price's play. There were some questions at the beginning of the tournament about him, but he's arguably been the best goalie of the tournament and showed why he's a special player. (To steal from Pierre again. ;) )

As a Yotes fan starved for good news I was very happy with Mueller's 3 goals and 3 assists and overall involvement in the play.

But then going only 2/3 in the shootout and "THE WINK" changed all of that. Definite disappointment.

Studs

Makarov
Bugamin
Price
Kane
Osala
Toews

Disappointments

bergfors
cogliano

Imo Backstrom was unlucky, didnt catch any breaks :teach:

Pierre wants his clichés back! ;) I do agree though, Toews has been very impressive, and Chicago better get excited about him.

The killer B's for Sweden were a bit of disappointement, but I don't think it means much in the long run, they still showed some top end skill it just didn't translate onto the scoreboard. It's nothing to get worried about imo, but it is a bit disappointing that they didn't domiate.

What's interesting about this tournament is no one really stepped up and delivered a monster performance. There were some players who did very well and others who didn't live up to expectation, but overall there weren't any huge studs and duds. Although I do think Toews really stepped up as a leader for Team Canada and played really well, but being drafted no.3 overall and a returning player, I think most people expected him to play very well.

To me the more suprising stuff came from a team perspective. The US struggling early on, Germany doing well, that kind of stuff.

In terms of draft eligible prospects I think Kane was pretty impressive for the US and on the other hand Gagner wasen't that impressive for Canada, but it's not as though he was a complete bust. And while I think Kane looked really good, I don't think he blew anyone away. He's still an impressive player though.

Finally, as a Hab fan I've been pleased with Price's play. There were some questions at the beginning of the tournament about him, but he's arguably been the best goalie of the tournament and showed why he's a special player. (To steal from Pierre again. ;) )

Agree with all.

studs:
Popihin

Makarov

Disappointments:

Niklas Bäckström (SWE)

Niklas Bergfors (SWE)

___

It's not their fault their coach plays them 15 minutes a night and would rather put his 3rd line on to start a 5-on-3 then these guys...

Disappointment

tukka rask

was close to if not the worst goalie in the tournament

He's spends nearly as much time on the ice as a Zamboni. Gets knocked down way too much for me. Reminds me of the second coming of Robbie Earl who knew how to dive with the best of them. This skill won't be appreciated in the NHL.

I have to believe that Okposo is playing with some kind of injury. Because his style of play with the Gophers previous to this tournament was the complete opposite of "Robbie Earl." The single most noticeable attribute that he has displayed in the NCAA this year is how strong he is on his skates and how hard he is to knock down and knock off the puck. In fact he looked like probably the strongest player on the entire Gopher team, which is saying something considering the number of draft picks on the team (14). So if you're implying that Okposo is just another Robbie Earl, you're quite mistaken and I'm sure that will be proven in the NHL.

Disappointment

tukka rask

was close to if not the worst goalie in the tournament

...and of course you saw many games from Team Finland to be able to state this? There must have been softies that I have missed although seeing almost every game from them.

Rask was good enough to give Finland a chance to win the games, if only there would have at least a little more discipline among the players to avoid stupid penalties. No goalie would have done any better against that much of opponents 5-3 PP in almost every game.

Disappointment

tukka rask

was close to if not the worst goalie in the tournament

No wonder you can't spell his name since you haven't obviously even seeing any of his games.

Ignore the disgruntled Leafs fans. They´ve had 30 years of bad management and if you gave any of them the option they would reverse the Rask-Rayzor trade in an instant.

I don't think Downie played all that great. In the offensive zone, he made some poor choices.

Downie looks to me like one of those guys who very quickly turns into a journeyman/pest/checker. His future is Matt Cooke, Sean Avery, maybe a Mike Ricci. The only question is when his first 5+ game suspension comes. :)

Actually I´m pretty disappointed with Martin Hanzal. The guy is leading the WHL in scoring and so far hasn´t showed that potential (only 1 goal in 5 games).

Big ice hurts north americans. ;)

A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT: The overall level of referees

That Canadian teenager in Finland-USA game was one of the worst referees I've seen in WJCs.

A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT: The overall level of referees

That Canadian teenager in Finland-USA game was one of the worst referees I've seen in WJCs.

The overall level of the referees was bad but not nearly as bad as last year.

I will never forget the officiating of Marcus Vinnerborg in the FIN-USA game. :madfire:

The highlight of that game was when Jari Sailio had a short-handed breakaway and was blatantly hooked and falls down. Vinnerborg then decides to give Sailio a 2-minute minor for holding the stick! :madfire:

Last year was overall by far the worst officiating I have ever witnessed.

I will never forget the officiating of Marcus Vinnerborg in the FIN-USA game. :madfire:

A definition for a truly bad referee is "Marcus Vinnerborg".

However, I can't understand where they always find referees that are so far away from the level of the game for the WJC. It is frustrating that every year many good games are spoiled by low-quality referees from junior or beer leagues.

Disappointment: Berglund, Bergfors

Stud: Omark

the biggest disappointment is that 95% of these WJC tikes will never play pro.

the biggest disappointment is that 95% of these WJC tikes from countries like Belarus and Germany will never play pro.

fixed it for you.

the biggest disappointment is that 95% of these WJC tikes will never play pro.

Errr what?

this is just a list of guys that i didn't expect much out of or in some cases had never even heard of, and REALLY impressed me:

Linus Omark
Patric Hornqvist
Darren Helm
Bill Sweatt

Kris Russell anyone?

Definitely. Quiet, collected, and defensively responsible, with a hell of an offensive flair. I think he did great, considering he's always knocked on for his size.

That, and he beat the all-time defenceman scoring record!

I don't know if 'disappointment' is the right word because my expectations going in weren't that high, but Brian Lee confirmed for me that he is not the player the Sens thought he was when they took him #9 overall. Nothing he does impresses me. He isn't particularly skilled offensively and he takes too many penalties for a guy that really isn't all that physical. More than anything, he just strikes me as a slightly awkward player. I don't know how to explain it better than that, but his game doesn't seem very instinctive to me. Compare him to the other 1st round pick defensemen in the WJC like Johnson, Johnson, Staal, Parent and Bourdon, and it's night and day.

I saw Canada the most, so I'll do them first:

Studs:

Staal, Toews and Downie were by far the best players on the team

Price played well, though he looked shaky in this game, he still made two HUGE saves (though I felt the 2nd goal was weak)

Letang

Parent

Russell (I can't believe how good this D corps was)

Helm - doesn't lose a single footrace, and makes good strong plays, very very impressed by him

Pyatt was real good as well

Duds:

Cogliano looks dangerous, but didn't supply as much offense as i expected

Marchand - liability on the first line IMO, I was surprised they never took him off it (though he did score a good goal today)

Gagner - I understand that he's 17 and will be better next year, but he just didn't show much at all.


Other teams that I saw:

Studs:

Omark

Backstrom - people say they were disappointed, but he was good when he was on the ice, just wasn't on the ice enough

the Johnsons, both were great in the semi-final after a poor showing against Canada in the round-robin

Kane

Hjalmarsson

Chorney - this guy, IMO, will have the best career among the American defencemen after the Johnsons. A really good choice for captain if you go by his on-ice play

Surprisingly (to me), the Russian D corps, with Buravchikov, Zubarev, Anikeenko and Valentenko, those guys were real good.


Duds:

Bergfors - this guy's in the AHL?

was disappointed in Cherepanov in the final, since so much was said about him

Okposo - everyone said how good he had been, I didn't see any of it, wasn't very good for a guy who is supposed to put the puck in the net

Brian Lee - so far, not justifying being picked 9th overall


that is all so far

How did people rate Jakub Kindl's tournament?

For the Finns (only saw team Finland games):

studs:

Mikko Lehtonen: I predict he will be the best skater from this team in 5 years. Great size, reach, stick-handling ability and wheels. Future with the Bruins

Perttu Lindgren: Great hockey-sense and playmaking ability. Not sure sure he has the size and grit to play in the NHL though..

Oskar Osala: Great shot, good wheels, grit and overall game. Scored some sweet goals.

duds:

Tuukka Rask: Played well but didn't stand on his head like last year. Probably suffered from unrealistic expectations.

Jesse Joensuu: Didn't produce. Needs a center with playmaking ability, and Komarov wasn't it. Development painfully slow.

Leo Komarov: Tried hard, but doesn't have the skill level or hockey sense needed at the international level. IMO the biggest reason the second line wasn't able to produce.

I'm honestly quite disapointed with Gagner. I know he's younger, but he was awesome in the camp games I saw, and now he's just invisible/making lots of stupid mistakes. Hopefully he's better next year.

He comes from good stock...he'll make the adjustment for next year and will produce.

Will he produce and bounce back to the level of Johnathan Toews though?

I'm not certain he can do it to that extent.

Marchand stepped it up for the gold medal game big time

was cogliano actually that bad? :confused:

was cogliano actually that bad? :confused:

I don't think anyone would say he was "bad", but I think some people had high hopes that he would have the sort of tournament Toews had, and be a breakout star for Team Canada. While he was solid, he was not outstanding. And for some, that was disappointing, which is why he has been mentioned a few times.