The 2015 IIHF World Championship came to a conclusion yesterday in the Czech Republic. Aaron Ekblad capped his fabulous rookie season with a Gold Medal as Canada routed defending champions Russia. Florida teammate Dimitry Kulikov took home a Silver Medal. Kulikov had an excellent tournament patrolling the Russian blue line. Despite a great tournament from an individual standpoint, there would be no medal for Jaromir Jagr. Jagr and the host Czech team were blanked thanks to a determined effort from the Americans, who medaled for the second time in three years.
Gold Medal Game
Canada 6, Russia 1: Canada got goals from six different players to complete its undefeated romp through the tournament with a 6-1 thrashing of Russia. Cats defenseman Aaron Ekblad was part of a swarming defensive effort that limited the Russians to just 11 shots. The 19-year-old finished the game with no points or shots on goal and a +1 rating in 13:43 TOI. Dmitry Kulikov drew the secondary assist on Evgeni Malkin‘s goal with 7:13 remaining that broke Mike Smith‘s bid for a third straight shutout. Kulikov logged 20:51 and finished with one shot on goal and an even rating. For more click here
Bronze Medal Game
USA 3, Czech Republic 0: Winnipeg Jets prospect Connor Hellebuyck turned in a stellar 39-save performance as the U.S.team captured the Bronze Medal with a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic. Nick Bonino and Trevor Lewis scored in the first period to stake the Americans to a two-goal lead. Lewis’ goal was set up by a beautiful pass from youngster Jack Eichel. Minnesota’s Charlie Coyle, a late addition to the squad, scored his third goal in five games late in the second period to put the game away. Jaromir Jagr finished the game with 3 shots on goal and a -2 rating in 18:43 TOI. Jagr and the Czechs were shutout in their last two games. For more click here
Final stat lines for Florida Panthers participants:
Jussi Jokinen: 8 GP 3G – 8A 11 pts +3 0-PIM 15 SOG
Jaromir Jagr: 10 GP 6G – 3A 9 pts even 8-PIM 37 SOG
Aleksander Barkov: 8 GP 4G – 3A 7 pts +3 4-PIM 16 SOG
Aaron Ekblad: 10 GP 4G – 3A 7 pts +10 6-PIM 11 SOG
Tomas Kopecky 6 GP 1G – 1A 2 pts +1 0-PIM 12 SOG
Dmitry Kulikov 10 GP 0G – 2A 2 pts +8 8-PIM 7 SOG