World's

In the midst of the playoffs the World Championships have kicked off today.  It's not nearly as big for some countries as it is for others.  Nonetheless it is still a highly respected tournaments overseas.  That being said it is something that should be followed especially if you have an unhealthy appreciation for hockey.

How can we not start with Canada losing on opening day to France.  France?  Really?  I looked at their line-up.  They have one guy who plays regularly in the NHL.  That is Antoine Roussel the ultimate pest for Dallas.  Outside of that most of these guys play in Europe.  The entire Canadian roster plays in the NHL.  That's a stunner of a loss.  Stephane da Costa (Binghamton - AHL) put home two goals and former Montreal goalie Cristobal Huet stopped 34 shots as France took it 3-2 in a shootout.  Brayden Schenn and Erik Gudbranson scored for Canada.

FRANCE 3
CANADA 2
Shootout


Russia had no issue with Switzerland.  Helps to have Alexander Ovechkin who scored a goal and assisted on another with Sergei Bobrovsky in net stopping all 27 shots he faced.

RUSSIA 5
SWITZERLAND 0


Czech Republic against Slovakia is always a good rivalry since the two countries split.  The Czechs edged this one out on an overtime goal by Jakub Klepis a former Hershey Bear.

CZECH REPUBLIC 3
SLOVAKIA 2
OT 


The host nation Belarus had a difficult time with the U.S. which is to be expected.  Johnny Gaudreau had a goal and two assists to lead the U.S. team.  Maybe there is more to this guy than I thought.  I've seen past Hobey Baker winners of smaller stature find less success at higher levels.  This kid scored in his only NHL game and now has the chance to do some damage on the big stage.  Jacob Trouba, who I am quickly going to start crushing on and had a very underrated rookie season, scored two goals from defense.

UNITED STATES 6
BELARUS 1



Lots of games tomorrow.  Lots of recaps to come plus whatever else I throw into here concerning juniors, minors or the NHL. 

And to think I have this tournament for another two and a half weeks, followed by what should be the final rounds of the AHL and NHL playoffs or finals.  Then I have to deal with the World Cup for a month.  By the time I get myself organized free agency will have started, lots of players will move to Europe and once I am ready for a break the junior league season (which starts a month before pros) will be up and running.  It's easy to see why the other sports have faded from my radar overtime when the two I enjoy have an international appeal.