Finland Beats The USA 4-1

NHL.com

It wasn't a pretty sight Wed. afternoon when the USA played against Finland in the 2nd game of the WJC. For most of the game the USA I think pretty much dominated, even when Finland went up by a 1-0 score in the 2nd period. It was almost like playing EA Sports NHL 12, where you can dominate the play, out shoot the other team by a 2-1 margin, but just can't stick it in the net. A ton of credit could go to Finland Goalie Sami Aittokallio as he stopped 38 of 39 shots in the game, with 16 coming in the 2nd period alone. I'm sure the Colorado Avalanche were happy to see that performance from their prospect. In the opening minute of the 3rd period though, Team USA was able to score their first goal of the game thanks to a redirection from Brandon Saad. Momentum was on the USA side, both goalies were playing strong and half way through the 3rd period the USA was given a Power Play opportunity. However, just a few seconds into the power play USA goalie John Gibson took a interference penalty, tripping up a player skating by the crease to set the play to 4 on 4. Really if you want to point out the key moment, that was it. In my opinion the USA lost all momentum and focus from this point on. In the ending moments of the 4 on 4, Markus Granlund scored on a breakaway to give Finland a 2-1 lead. A few seconds later Mikael Granlund scored to make it a 3-1 Finland lead. What all was said and done Finland took down the USA by a score of 4-1.

I hate to point the finger at the guy but Gibson really killed the USA in this game. Not from goals scored on but on that interference penalty. I'm not the only one who was baffled by it and it was easily the turning point. That said Team USA didn't capitalize on the rebounds Sami Aittokallio was leaving and the USA was passing a bit too much, trying to make things pretty. Either way, I don't like the fact NHL.com labeled this a upset. Before this game I wrote that Finland was a lot better then what they showed against Canada. They just got the unlucky draw of having to play them first without being battle tested. What more Finland has always given the USA some problems. Not like they have our number but the games tend to be close and very hard fought. Whether it be in the WJC or the Olympics. Either way things have gotten much more difficult for the USA, and if they want to get into the elimination round they HAVE to win against the Czech Republic on Friday.

USA Beats Denmark 11-3

Denver Post
NHL.com

After a tight 1st period against Denmark Monday night, Team USA came back and demolished Denmark 11-3 to capture their first win of the World Juniors. The first line consisting of Coyle, Zucker and Saad combined for 5 goals in the game. Kyle Rau also had two and 14 players at least got a point. Goalie Jack Campbell also had 20 saves for team USA.

My thoughts... It was a quick start for team USA scoring around the 40 second mark of the opening period. However, Denmark did try their best to make it a game. They capitalized on every single one of their Power Plays and it wasn't till the 2nd period when the dam broke and Denmark collapsed. They say that the early period goals set the tone... well it did and the USA never looked back. Though it was the first game some faults showed and I don't really worry about most of them. However the pack of aggressive play on the Penalty Kill put up a ton of red flags for me. Players stood around, no one cleared goalie's sights and Denmark for a team with not much offensive talent played simple hockey and made it look easy. There better be some major improvements there.

Team USA will face Finland next who got beat 8-1 to Canada. I'm expecting a much stronger effort on Finland's part this Wed. and they have given the US problems in the past.

USA has Jason Zucker / Canada has Jaden Schwartz

Just as I posted about Jason Zucker being named captain of Team USA, I come to find out Jaden Schwartz from Colorado College is named captain for Team Canada!

Two of the star collegiate hockey players from Colorado... representing the two rivals from the University of Denver and Colorado College, will represent at captains for the USA and Canada on the international stage.

I've said this before about Jaden... even as a Colorado College Tiger, I give him huge reps and respect. To play for Canada as a NCAA player is amazing because they don't bring in many. However, to be named captain for Canada is another. Huge reps to you.


http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=5000

Team USA Names DU Pioneer Jason Zucker Captain

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=607929

Today is a proud day if you are from the University of Denver. Team USA has just named Jason Zucker captain of Team USA. Congrats to you, all of us DU Alumni and Students are proud of you and go out and represent this great country.


"Jason Zucker just accepted his role in Saskatoon [in 2010]," Blais said. "He did whatever we asked him to do and that'll be a big deal for us this year as well."

Zucker, who stars at the University of Denver, has dutifully exemplified that quality the past two seasons for the U.S. National Junior Team. Despite the fact Zucker was tied for first in scoring at the University of Denver as a freshman last season with 45 points, including 23 goals, he reveled in his role as a ferocious checker and versatile role player for the bronze medal-winning Americans in Buffalo. Zucker played a similar role under Blais during the team's gold medal-winning run at the 2010 WJC."

More on NHL.com...

Team USA Has Their Final Roster

Well team USA has made their final cuts and have already played their first exhibition game at the World Juniors. According to Jason Zucker on twitter, USA fell to Russia last night with a game against Switzerland up next. Team USA is made of 14 players from the NCAA, 6 from the WCHA, 4 from Hockey East and 4 from the CCHA. 8 of the players are from the Canadian Juniors with all three goalies coming from there. This is a bit of a different Team USA we've seen from the past couple years. In the past they have been pretty balanced, but it looks like team USA is relying heavily on their collegiate boys this year.

Camp Roster - Player, School / Team. League (NHL Team Draft)
FORWARDS
Josh Archibald, Nebraska-Omaha, WCHA (Pittsburgh)
Bill Arnold, Boston College, HE (Calgary)
Nick Bjugstad, Minnesota, WCHA (Florida)
Connor Brickley, Vermont, HE (Florida)
Austin Czarnik, Miami, CCHA (2012 draft eligible)
Charlie Coyle, Boston University, HE (Minnesota)
Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat, WHL (Anaheim)
J.T. Miller, Plymouth, OHL (N.Y. Rangers)
Kyle Rau, Minnesota, WCHA (Florida)
Brandon Saad, Saginaw, OHL (Chicago)
T.J. Tynan, Notre Dame, CCHA (Columbus)
Austin Watson, Peterborough, OHL (Nashville)

Jason Zucker, Denver, WCHA (Minnesota)

DEFENSEMEN
Adam Clendening, Boston University, HE (Chicago)
Derek Forbort, North Dakota, WCHA (Los Angeles)
Kevin Gravel, St. Cloud State, WCHA (Los Angeles)
Stephen Johns, Notre Dame, CCHA (Chicago)
Jonathon Merrill, Michigan, CCHA (New Jersey)
Jarred Tinordi, London, OHL (Montreal)
Jacob Trouba, USNTDP U-18, USHL (2012 draft eligible)

GOALIES
Jack Campbell, Sault Ste. Marie, OHL (Dallas)
John Gibson, Kitchener, OHL (Anaheim)
Andy Iles, Cornell University, ECAC (2012 draft eligible) *Emergency Backup


The Schedule
Dec. 26 - U.S. vs. Denmark
Dec. 28 - U.S. vs. Finland
Dec. 30 - U.S. vs. Czech Republic
Dec. 31 - U.S. vs. Canada
Jan. 2 - Quarterfinals
Jan. 3 - Semifinals
Jan. 5 - Gold medal/bronze medal games

Team Canada Has Their World Junior Team

 http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=606419

Forwards --
Michael Bournival, Shawinigan, QMJHL (Montreal)
Brendan Gallagher, Vancouver, WHL (Montreal)
Freddie Hamilton, Niagara, OHL (San Jose)
Quinton Howden, Moose Jaw, WHL (Florida)
Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John, QMJHL (Florida)
Boone Jenner, Oshawa, OHL (Columbus)
Tanner Pearson, Barrie, OHL (2012 draft eligible)
Mark Scheifele, Barrie, OHL (Winnipeg)

Jaden Schwartz, Colorado College, WCHA (St. Louis)

Mark Stone, Brandon, WHL (Ottawa)
Devante Smith-Pelly, Anaheim, NHL
Ryan Strome, Niagara, OHL (New York Islanders)
Brett Connolly, Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL.

Defense --
Nathan Beaulieu, Saint John, QMJHL (Montreal)
Brandon Gormley, Moncton, QMJHL (Phoenix)
Dougie Hamilton, Niagara, OHL (Boston)
Scott Harrington, London, OHL (Pittsburgh)
Ryan Murray, Everett, WHL (2012 draft eligible)
Jamie Oleksiak, Saginaw, OHL (Dallas)
Mark Pysyk, Edmonton, WHL (Buffalo)

Goalies --
Mark Visentin, Niagara, OHL (Phoenix)
Scott Wedgewood, Plymouth, OHL (New Jersey)

Canada Schedule

What's interesting is that this year the U.S.A and Canada will be in the same group this year.

Dec. 26 - Canada vs. Finland
Dec. 28 - Canada vs. Czech Republic
Dec. 29 - Canada vs. Denmark
Dec. 31 - Canada vs. U.S.
Jan. 2 - Quarterfinals
Jan. 3 - Semifinals
Jan. 5 - Bronze/Gold Medal game

What's interesting is that there was a article in the Denver Post suggesting that Jaden Schwartz could be captain of Team Canada and Jason Zucker could be captain of Team USA. We'll see if that happens but considering both players play for rivaled teams... it could give DU vs. CC a huge spotlight for exposure.

Team USA World Junior Camp

One other things I wanted to touch up on is Team USA's World Juniors Potential Roster.

You know, this time of year there is a lot to be thankful and joyous about. The Holiday season is very fun and magical with something to always do... however, one of the best kept secrets in the sports world comes the day after Christmas. Every year hockey future stars are involved in the IIHF World Junior Championship. My favorite thing about this tournament is being able to see certain players represent their background, league, schools and country. You always have certain players you cheer for and you watch closely to see how they will position themselves in the NHL Draft the following year. This year is no exception to, plus I know Team USA will want to redeem themselves after that lack luster performance against Canada in the semi-finals last year.

The Schedule
Dec. 26 - U.S. vs. Denmark
Dec. 28 - U.S. vs. Finland
Dec. 30 - U.S. vs. Czech Republic
Dec. 31 - U.S. vs. Canada
Jan. 2 - Quarterfinals
Jan. 3 - Semifinals
Jan. 5 - Gold medal/bronze medal games

Last year team USA had a very easy schedule, which hurt them when Team Canada came around. Canada was playing against Russia, Sweden, very tough nations with strong programs. When it was Team USA chance to play Canada... we weren't tested and battle ready and Canada wiped the floor with us. It's good to see we have Finland and Czech Republic this time around and Canada at the end always happens. We'll see how we play.

Camp Roster - Player, School / Team. League (NHL Team Draft)
FORWARDS
Kenny Agostino, Yale, ECAC (Pittsburgh)
Josh Archibald, Nebraska-Omaha, WCHA (Pittsburgh)
Bill Arnold, Boston College, HE (Calgary)
Nick Bjugstad, Minnesota, WCHA (Florida)
Connor Brickley, Vermont, HE (Florida)
Austin Czarnik, Miami, CCHA (2012 draft eligible)
Charlie Coyle, Boston University, HE (Minnesota)
Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat, WHL (Anaheim)
Brian Ferlin, Cornell, ECAC (Boston)
John Gaudreau, Boston College, HE (Calgary)
J.T. Miller, Plymouth, OHL (N.Y. Rangers)
Shane Prince, Ottawa, OHL (Ottawa)
Kyle Rau, Minnesota, WCHA (Florida)
Brandon Saad, Saginaw, OHL (Chicago)
T.J. Tynan, Notre Dame, CCHA (Columbus)
Austin Watson, Peterborough, OHL (Nashville)

Jason Zucker, Denver, WCHA (Minnesota)

DEFENSEMEN
Adam Clendening, Boston University, HE (Chicago)
Justin Faulk, Carolina, NHL
Derek Forbort, North Dakota, WCHA (Los Angeles)
Kevin Gravel, St. Cloud State, WCHA (Los Angeles)
Stephen Johns, Notre Dame, CCHA (Chicago)
Seth Jones, USNTDP U-18, USHL (2013 draft eligible)
Austin Levi, Plymouth, OHL (Carolina)
Jonathon Merrill, Michigan, CCHA (New Jersey)
Jarred Tinordi, London, OHL (Montreal)
Jacob Trouba, USNTDP U-18, USHL (2012 draft eligible)

GOALIES
Jack Campbell, Sault Ste. Marie, OHL (Dallas)
John Gibson, Kitchener, OHL (Anaheim), *Andy Iles, Cornell University, ECAC (2012 draft eligible)

*This isn't the final line up*

As you can tell my focus player will be on University of Denver player Jason Zucker. It's good to see 15 players representing the NCAA Division 1 and what more it's great to see 7 of them coming from the WCHA. Team USA has always done a great job evenly matching College players with Canadian Junior League players. Any players who could come in due to injury isn't on this line up, however there is talk that University of Denver's Scott Mayfield and Nick Shore could be replacements.

NHL Realignment

So a huge and major announcement was made yesterday, confirming that the NHL will realign itself, with a new playoff system and everything.

FIRST LOOK: NEW CONFERENCES

CONFERENCE A	CONFERENCE B
CONFERENCE C	CONFERENCE D

According to the NHL "In the seven-team Conferences, teams would play six times -- three home, three away -- for a total of 36 inter-division games. In the eight-team Conferences, teams would play either five or six times in a season on a rotating basis -- for a total of 38 inter-division games.

The teams in the seven-team Conferences will have 46 out-of-conference games, including 23 at home and 23 on the road. The teams in the eight-team Conferences will have 44 out-of-conference games evenly split between home and away."

In short this is a great idea for the regular season, because it allows everyone to play each other twice. However, this is clearly a excuse to make sure certain NHL teams stay in the same division or conference as their rivals. There was a ton of talk the Red Wings for example was going to try and move to the Eastern Conference, which would of really hurt the Western. How so? Because if you are a Eastern team you easily get more exposure on TV and if you take a team as polarizing as the Red Wings out of the West, the West would lose a ton of luster. I think it got to a point where certain teams like Detroit, Minnesota, Columbus, just started complaining that they had to play a 9pm game on the West Coast too often and it could also mess them up during the playoffs. Also if you look at the teams in the West, you can tell they were separated geographically. However when you look at the east... it was all about rivalries. Some I question, like Washington not being in there with Tampa and Florida, but of course it's just to have more Crosby v. Ovechkin.

My biggest problem comes in the playoffs and it's format. One of the things I like the most at the end of the season is to watch those 2-4 teams fight it out for that last playoff spot. You always know the teams that are in the top 8 deserve it. Problem is you get the top 4 from each conference, but you could have a stronger conference team in 5th place with 95 points and lost out to a team in another conference with 90. In other worlds you'll start having teams with no business being there. Truthfully, I think that would be a little bit of a turn off come playoff time. Also I think the NHL is trying to "force rivalries" again. In my experience growing up rivalries aren't about teams playing each other over and over again... rivalries are built from two teams evenly matched, bad blood, and from intense playoff match ups. Look at all the non-divisional rivalries that have occurred over the years...

Colorado - Detroit
Chicago - Vancouver
Detroit - Vancouver
Dallas - Colorado
Dallas - Minnesota
Carolina - New Jersey
Anaheim - Nashville

It just feels like the NHL wants certain teams to have certain rivals... and it's just not something you can make happen, they just happen. They grow over time but you don't force them. Otherwise it would be like when the NHL got out of lockout and we played our division 8 times. That wasn't fun hockey... it was boring. Also there is a concern about the Stanley Cup Finals to. The worst case that could happen is that you end up with two teams from the East or the West playing for the cup. I think in terms of viewership that would really hurt the game. Will the west care at all if the Sabers played the Pens for the Cup? I don't think so... diehards might watch but the casual sports fan could be turned off.

I think you should at least separate the conferences by East and West... have conference A play B then C play D for a chance for the cup. This way you don't alienate one side of the country from the Finals.

I'll defiantly have more to say on the matter later on. Also I know it's been a long time since I updated, but with the Realignment, the World Juniors coming up and more time on my hands... expect more updates from me. In fact I think I'll even start my own, "You know what grinds my gears" articles.