deHaan will be an integral part of Team Canada. He'll be counted on to produce offensively and lead the break-out. Canada's defence haven't been overly puck smart in the pre-tournament games and as a unit they've struggled with turnovers and poor decision making - deHaan hasn't been as erratic as Gudbrandson or Dupres but he's going to need to get better as the tournament goes on, which he probably will.
Cizikas will be a role player for Canada but appropriately enough, his role will be exactly what it will be in the NHL. He's a lower line energy player and leader so we'll see how he does. If he can be effective in that role during the tournament it bodes well for his future as a pro.
Nino is undoubtedly the heart and sould of the Swiss and as they did last year, they will sink or swim with him. He wasn't a factor in the pre-tournament game against Canada but the Swiss had very little puck possession all game.
Nelson will be the most interesting player for me. He stepped up and earned a spot in camp on a strong and deep team. I'm very hopeful for Nelson. He's going to be exposed to a level of hockey that is lightyears away from the high school hockey he was playing eight months ago but Team USA staff think he's ready and I can't wait to see what he shows us. His second goal in the last pre-tournament game was a thing of beauty - hopefully a sign of what's to come.
deHaan will be an integral part of Team Canada. He'll be counted on to produce offensively and lead the break-out. Canada's defence haven't been overly puck smart in the pre-tournament games and as a unit they've struggled with turnovers and poor decision making - deHaan hasn't been as erratic as Gudbrandson or Dupres but he's going to need to get better as the tournament goes on, which he probably will.
Cizikas will be a role player for Canada but appropriately enough, his role will be exactly what it will be in the NHL. He's a lower line energy player and leader so we'll see how he does. If he can be effective in that role during the tournament it bodes well for his future as a pro.
Nino is undoubtedly the heart and sould of the Swiss and as they did last year, they will sink or swim with him. He wasn't a factor in the pre-tournament game against Canada but the Swiss had very little puck possession all game.
Nelson will be the most interesting player for me. He stepped up and earned a spot in camp on a strong and deep team. I'm very hopeful for Nelson. He's going to be exposed to a level of hockey that is lightyears away from the high school hockey he was playing eight months ago but Team USA staff think he's ready and I can't wait to see what he shows us. His second goal in the last pre-tournament game was a thing of beauty - hopefully a sign of what's to come.
In the exhibition game I saw, Nelson was centering the 2nd line the the US and he was getting PK and PP time. He looked pretty good in the game actually, had a couple of scoring chances and set up a couple if I remember correctly. He looked just fine out there.
if Nelson and Dehaan can make sizable and meaningfull contrbutions to their repective teams then that would bode well for the Isles going forward. We already know that Nino has and probably will again this year. Thats all we can ask for at this point,Cizikas is a role player ..not to trivalize his play but it will be nice to see what he can do on this big stage..who knows he might do better than expected
The side story will be of course Larrson and Curturrier....and for others Landeskog (sp)..disappointed that RNH didn't make the Can team.
Nino Niederreiter scored once and set-up another during a four-goal, first-period blitz that carried Switzerland past Germany 4-3 Sunday in the opening game at the world junior hockey championship.
Brock Nelson looked overmatched for a lot of that game last night. It's to be expected of a guy that has played mostly HS hockey up to this point. He did make a really nice defensive play late in the third though, going down to deflect a shot with his stick.
He's going to be a big piece for this US squad in the next couple years IMO.
Brock Nelson looked overmatched for a lot of that game last night. It's to be expected of a guy that has played mostly HS hockey up to this point. He did make a really nice defensive play late in the third though, going down to deflect a shot with his stick.
He's going to be a big piece for this US squad in the next couple years IMO.
he's currently 19 so this will be his only world juniors.
Mckenzie or Maguire? I was watching the TSN feed on NHL Network and PM between his butt kissing's of Ryan Ellis made mention of that being the turning point of the game.
Cizikas with a sick shift early where he dominated puck possession for a good 20-25 seconds with no help.
Extremely impressed with his effort this game. He'll get plenty of ice time as Cameron trusts him and will use him in all situations if needed. I look forward to watching him during the tourny. He's a no doubter for Bridgeport next year.
de Haan's game is sound. His composure with the puck is outstanding and his outlet passes are excellent. Reading other comments (esp. in the locked thread), it appears some are disappointed with his game and skill set. Not me.
De Haan - I think some people expect a Brian bleech type player and now that most Isles fans are seeing him in action for basically the first time they're, i think a little disappointed...but hey its 1 game in and he has an asst
was he on the 1st pp unit? i don't think he was..but i could be wrong.
de Haan's game is sound. His composure with the puck is outstanding and his outlet passes are excellent. Reading other comments (esp. in the locked thread), it appears some are disappointed with his game and skill set. Not me.
I thought he played a good, sound game but he didn't dominate nor makes himself widely noticed...i know he hit the score sheet but it was a quiet +2 & asst
