Florida Panthers teammates Evgenii Dadonov and Juho Lammikko will face off against each today at the IIHF World Championship in Slovakia when Russia and Finland clash in the first semi-final in Bratislava.
The Russian team is a perfect 8-0 in the tournament and made it to the final four with a 4-3 quarterfinal win over the United States on Thursday.
Dadonov is tenth in the tournament in scoring with seven goals and four assists. His seven goals have him tied for tops in that department with Anthony Mantha, Mark Stone and former Panther Michael Frolik.
Lammikko has yet to register a point, but has done pretty well in a fourth line checking role.
Finland made it to the semis with a with 5-4 overtime win over arch-rival Sweden.
The second of today’s game pits Canada, which barely escaped Switzerland, against the Czech Republic.
On paper, it should be Russia in Canada in the tomorrow’s gold medal game, but wouldn’t be surprised if one or maybe two upsets happen today.
Today’s games
Russia vs. Finland 9:15 a.m. NHL Network, TSN
Canada vs. Czech Republic 1:15 p.m. NHL Network, TSN
Hockey News
The Edmonton Oilers have signed Swedish forward Joakim Nygard (Cooper and Blue)
Islanders prospect Noah Dobson led the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies to the final game of the Memorial Cup. (Sportsnet)
The Montreal Canadiens agree to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with forward Alex Belzile. (Eyes on the Prize)
Chicago Wolves forward Daniel Carr scored in double overtime to even the AHL’s Western Conference Final with the San Diego Gulls at two games apiece. (AHL)
A pair of shorthanded goals powered the Charlotte Checkers to 4-1 win over the Toronto Marlies, giving them a 32 lead in the Eastern Conference Final (AHL)