The 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship rolled on today in Helsinki with two games. Let’s take a look at how two Florida Panthers prospects fared competing head-to-head in the Canada – Switzerland match.
Canada 3, Switzerland 2 (SO)
Canada overcame a two-goal first period deficit to edge a desperate Swiss team to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals. Brayden Point and Mathew Barzal scored in the shootout and MacKenzie Blackwood stopped both of the Swiss shooters he faced to give Canada the win.
Panthers’ first-rounder Lawson Crouse picked up the secondary assist on Dylan Strome‘s first period goal and drew the only helper on defenseman Joe Hicketts‘ second period equalizer. Crouse finished the game with one shot on goal and a +2 rating.
2015 Cats’ fourth-rounder Denis Malgin collected the secondary assist on Damien Riat’s game-opening, power-play goal. Malgin registered two shots on goal, went 1-of-7 in the faceoff dot and finished with an even rating.
With Blackwood returning to the Canadian lineup, Florida’s goaltending prospect Samuel Montembeault did not dress for the game.
other action:
Russia 4, Belarus 1
The Russians won their third straight game to remain on top of Group B with 8 points. The loss means 0-3 Belarus will play in the relegation round, even if they win their final opening round game versus the Czechs, against the fifth place team from Group A.