Top Prospect Games Hurt by Absences?

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The CHL Top Prospect game will be played on Wednesday but the shadow of injuries to the Class of 2012 hangs over this year's showcase. Certainly the game will still be worth attending or watching from home but it's impossible to ignore the fact that the absence of several key players is a blow to this year's event.

When you consider the same was the case with last week's inaugural USHL Top Prospects game (and the US-NTDP tied up with exams), it really is an unfortunate year for the class of eligible players. Of the top 30 players ranked by ISS in January, only 11 will have taken part in either the CHL or USHL Top Prospects Game. 6 of those 30 are European based so ineligible anyway but still, less than half of the ISS first round?

Maybe the Central Scouting list will be more applicable because it separates the North Americans from Europeans. Don't get your hopes up.

McKee Finds Fit in USHL

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The USHL Top Prospects Game featured a number of the top draft eligible players in the league with the exception of those from the US-NTDP and a couple key players unfortunately sidelined by injury. The vast majority of the skaters who were on hand in Muskegon, Michigan this past Tuesday were of the smallish, skilled variety with a couple of exceptions.

One was an 18-year-old behemoth patrolling the blueline for Team West named Mike McKee. The nearly 6'5, 232 lb rearguard definitely stuck out from the group because of his size but also because of his passport; McKee is Canadian.

90 Shots, 9 Goals, Almost 65 mins

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A week ago it was the top two teams in the WHL and the #1 ranked team in Canada vs. the #9 team. Wednesday night at Rexall revealed how great an Edmonton/Tri City playoff series would be. Playoff starved hockey fans in Edmonton will eat it up.

The 2 clubs combined for 90 shots, 9 goals and almost 65 minters of excellent hockey. According to Corey Graham who calls the games on the TEAM 1260, there was talk it was the best game at Rexall Place since the Stanley Cup run of 2006. I'm not sure about that, but it was the best game I've seen this year at Rexall Place and a lot of the scouts I spoke with agreed.

Comrie/Rimmer Homecomeing

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Some are calling it the 'game of the year' at Rexall Place. Tonight the Edmonton Oil Kings play host to the Tri City Americans. Edmonton leads the Eastern Conference while The Americans are 2 points back of top running Kamloops in the Western Conference.

When you look into the match up statistically it's even more intriguing. Edmonton is the highest scoring team in the league with 208 goals through 48 games while Tri City is #1 defensively with just 112 goals against this season.

On The Road: TPS Hits the USHL

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The Pipeline Show is hitting the road once again. We've made the effort over the years to try an attend as many of the major events as possible that we feature on our show. Whether it was at the World Junior Championship in Saskatoon, the Memorial Cup in Brandon the RBC Cup in Prince George, the NHL Draft in Minnesota or various Hockey Canada camps, Deano has done his fair share.

Now that my kids are a bit older, it's a bit easier for me to get away. I've covered some Hockey Canada stuff, the World Junior A Challenge, the CHL Top Prospects Game and obviously the recent WJC tournament, conveniently located in our back yard, but I want to travel a bit further than I have been able to.

Last April I was able to check out the Frozen Four in Minnesota and that was an awesome experience. It was my first taste of college hockey but it will definitely not be my last.

This week, it's another first for me and for TPS; The USHL.

Lazar V Forsberg: Round 1

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Edmonton vs Prince George was really no contest Wednesday night at Rexall Place. The Cougars came out hard and doubled the Oil Kings in shots during the opening frame. All in all a good road start, but found themselves down 2-0. From then on it was a bit of a rout. The home side outshot their guests 24-2 in the middle frame and led 4-0 before adding a goal and 23 more shots in the 3rd. Drew Owsley could sue for non support making 50 saves. He was good, but the Oil Kings were to fast for the young Cougar team with a plethora of 16 year olds.

PG has a bright future if they can add a few pieces, the Oil Kings are right in the middle of what could be some very successful seasons. On this night they were led by Michael St. Croix's natural hat trick who said post game his last one might have come in midget back in Winnipeg. It was also a night to compare the first 2 picks from the 2010 WHL bantam draft.

First to 40

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Ty Rattie's late third period goal against Tri-City on Monday gave him an even 40 on the season making him the first player in the Canadian Hockey League to reach that plateau this season. The St. Louis Blues second round pick has accomplished the feat in 43 games. The Portland Winterhawks have 27 games remaining in the regular season schedule so some quick math has Rattie on pace for an impressive 65 goals.

How's that compare to the other top junior leagues on the continent?

Who's The Best Young Back Up Goalie in the NHL?

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Not many teams in recent memory have had the type of goalie platoon that the Edmonton Oilers had during their hay day. Grant Fuhr and Andy Moog were #1 goaltenders on all the teams they played on other then Edmonton and they shared the distinction in Edmonton. Fuhr did get most of the playoffs starts, but it was even if not slanted slightly towards Moog during the regular season.

That doesn't happen anymore. Teams use journey men or youngsters to caddy for the starter. Some get in more action then others depending on who that starter is. Tuesday night on TPS we discussed who the top young back ups are in the NHL. It was the topic of our poll question on the main site, and we welcomed Justin Goldman from The Goalie Guild to chat about it.

Captain Latvia Looking to Build on WJC

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The big stage of the World Junior Championship meant different things for different players. For some, like Canada's Quinton Howden, it meant a chance at golden redemption. American netminder Jack Campbell was trying to finish his WJC eligibility the same way it began - with a gold medal. Yevgeni Kuznetsov and the Russians were trying to make it two in a row while Oscar Klefbom and Sweden were hoping to finally live up to expectations.

Then there was Denmark and Latvia, the two nations who played their way up to the big pool who were hoping to avoid relegation and embarrassment along the way. Leading the way for Latvia was an Edmonton Oil King who has come away from the experience with a new found attitude and level of confidence.

ISS January Rankings

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The January 2012 NHL Draft rankings from ISS have been released. Some of the notable topics this month include a new defenceman leading the pack of blueliners in the #4 spot, the London Knights with a pair of players inside the top 15, a Russian playing in the KHL cracks the top 30 and there may be a friendly wager in June between a pair from Dubuque.

Matheson Addresses CHL Rumors

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First it was Boston University's Charlie Coyle leaving for Saint John. Then it was Cam Reid leaving St. Cloud for Portland. Recent collegiate defections to the CHL have some people on edge and ready to believe any small suggestion that might point to another seemingly NCAA-bound player choosing his other option and heading to major junior.

The Moncton Wildcats traded impact defenceman Brandon Gormley to the Memorial Cup host Shawinigan Cataractes last week, before the QMJHL deadline, and got a pretty good return. 6 draft picks, including a 1st in the 2013 CHL Import draft, and the rights to defenceman Michael Matheson.

Yes, the same Michael Matheson who is eligible for the 2012 NHL draft this June and has been one of the players blogging for The Pipeline Show this year from his current home with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL.

So will the defenceman leave the Fighting Saints and report to Moncton? More after the jump...

Musil "Lucky" With Wrist Injury

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The Vancouver Giants may be without defenceman David Musil for a handful of games but it could have been much worse. TPS has learned that the wrist injury suffered by the Czech defenceman a week ago was first believed to have been broken. Not only will the Oilers prospect avoid a lengthy recovery time but also possible surgery.

Spencer's Future Unwritten With Seawolves

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It was reported Thursday that Alaska-Anchorage junior Mickey Spencer had left school without giving any explanation for his decision. TPS has learned that the initial report is only half accurate. While the Seawolves leading scorer has indeed removed himself from the team, the student has not in fact left school and that a return to the team is possible.

More on the situation after the jump.

Flames/Habs deal from a prospect point of view

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Montreal and Calgary made quite a stir Thursday night. I'm not sure why they couldn't have done the deal before or after the game instead of yanking Mike Cammalleri out of the game after the 2nd period. But it was a big deal for January. Cammalleri, who spent 3 years with the Michigan Wolverines, goes back to Calgary where he nearly potted 40 and Rene Bourque, a one time St. Albert Saint and 4-year forward with the Wisconsin Badgers, is much needed size for the Habs with a potential for goal scoring.

NHL Central Scouting 2012 Mid-Term Rankings

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It's one of those banner days during the NHL draft season for players, scouts, media and fans alike; the NHL Central Scouting mid-term rankings have been released. As always, the list will get picked apart by folks who have differing opinions but as the late great E.J. McGuire said at least once during every appearance he made on The Pipeline Show - "We're a recommending body to the NHL, our list is meant as a recommending list to the NHL team scouts".

That said, the Central Scouting list is a good barometer for many. The links and some thoughts follow...

WHL Deadline Day Done

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Who improved the most? You tell us by voting on our poll questions here. A handful of teams made big time upgrades but most teams decided that what they had was good enough. Or at least good enough for them not to pay reported extremely high prices.

Who is the dominant country at the WJHC?

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For those who complain about Canada winning all the time at the World Junior Hockey Championship, you must think this is the greatest tournament in the world. The last 4 years has produced 4 different winners and this year's event had some real 'holy #$##$$" moments to it. From big hits, slick moves and outstanding goaltending it was worth all the hype.

The crowds were great in both cities, but it sure seemed like Edmonton was a bit louder when it counted. I like the fact that in both Calgary and Edmonton it wasn't only the Canadian games that attracted big crowds. Both cities proved they can host international events very well.

As for the title question...

WHL Deadline nears

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The annual 'get traded while you're at the World Junior Hockey Championship' shuffle doesn't happen any more.

Gone are the days of Steve Mason going from London to Kitchener on the same day he was beating the U.S.A in the semi-final or Brad Marchand the same year who knew before Canada's training camp that he was going to be dealt to Halifax at some point. Some in the hockey world have told TPS there is an unofficial trade freeze for players taking part in the World Junior Championship and Under-17 events.

But that doesn't mean you can't talk trade, kick tires or make an offer and it sounds like several teams are doing that while others seem to be standing pat.

Is There a Canadian Crisis In The Crease?

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"I've said it before but why is it Canada never has a goalie that steals the show? We are horrible at picking goalies for this team."

That's a quote from a friend of mine in a recent email. He is amazingly patriotic and passionate, but obviously making a blanket statement like that shows he's more tin man then scarecrow after meeting with the Wizard.

His memory is shorter then it would take anyone riding the stick Tiger Williams style to get planted in the WHL.

That Canada hasn't had a goaltender steal the show in recent years is true, but never is bit much.

Henrik Samuelsson to Join Oil Kings

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The Eastern Conference leading Edmonton Oil Kings just got better without really doing a thing. 2012 NHL draft eligible Henrik Sameulsson has decided to leave Modo in Sweden and will reportedly join the Oil Kings prior to the January 10th deadline.

The news was broken on Twitter by Uffe Bodin, the Editor in Chief for hockeysverige.se who simply tweeted "Draft eligible fw Henrik Samuelsson is heading to the #WHL. He's leaving Modo, where his dad Ulf is coaching, for the Edmonton Oil Kings."

The press release from Modo. (in Swedish)

Blain Traded

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TPS has learned that Edmonton Oilers prospect Jérémie Blain has been traded today in the QMJHL. The Acadie-Bathurst Titans have dealt him to the Tigres of Victoriaville, one of four clubs considered to be true contenders for the QMJHL title this year.

Blain returns to the organization that he first broke into the league with in 2008-09. He has 6 goals and 24 points in 29 games this year. He was suspended last month for uttering racial slurs towards player Jonathan Racine during a game against the Shawinigan Cataractes.

Blain was drafted in the 4th round (91st overall) by the Oilers in 2010.

The deal involves a pair of draft picks and 18-year-old defenceman Francis Godin headed back to Bathurst. The Titan has released the details via Twitter.

Czech Wanted Russia as Opponent

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"It would be really nice to beat the champions."

The Czech Republic will have the opportunity to do just that tonight when they square off against the mighty Russians in WJC action. It's hard to imagine anyone choosing to play Russia but that is what one Czech player told me after his team lost to Finland on Saturday.

Why Coyle Didn't Play

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"I wanted to give all I had... I got a few shifts at the end but it was too late."

That from USA forward Charlie Coyle after his team's 5-2 loss on Friday night which basically eliminated his nation from the 2012 WJC. Unfortunately for the top line player, he was stapled to the bench for most of the game and unable to contribute much to his club's effort.

The reason why follows...

Czech Republic Scores Critical Win Over USA

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Petr Mrazek's amazing 52-save performance helped the Czech Republic deliver a 5-2 punch that has all but eliminated the United States from the 2012 World Junior Championship.

The Americans will need a highly unlikely Denmark upset of Finland this evening just to stay in the tournament beyond tonight and then will need to defeat Canada tomorrow to avoid relegation.

Postgame reaction and comments follow...

Russia wins big and loses all at the same time

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Yevgeni Kuznetsov exploded for 9 points Thursday night as Russia pounded Latvia by a pair of touchdowns. The Capitals prospect scored or set up 6 straight goals in a 13:36 span. The 3 goal, 6 assist outburst vaults Kusnetsov into a tie for the tournament scoring lead with teammate Nikita Gusev. Until Thursday night Kuznetsov had been held pointless in Russia's first two games but had piled up the shots.

The two Russians now sit ahead of a trio of Canadians in Ryan Strome, Jonathan Huberdeau and Mark Stone who all have 7 points. Stone leads the tournament with 6 goals. This one was 1-0 after one with the Russians outshooting Latvia 17-8. In the end the shot totals were 50-30 Russia.

However Russia has to be concerned that star forward Mikhail Grigorenko left the game under duress.

Denmark No Contest for Canada

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From the beginning of the 2012 World Junior Championship, especially the Pool B portion in Edmonton, much of the focus has been looking ahead to New Year's Eve. The much anticipated collision between the United States and Canada is nearly here and Canada is a near flawless 3-0 after turning Denmark into a speed bump on their way to December 31st.

Post game comments follow...

Canada 2-0 After Blanking the Czech Republic

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Mark Stone is still red hot, the secondary scoring has arrived and Scott Wedgewood has staked a pretty good claim to be the go-to goalie in net. All in all, it was a pretty solid night for Canada as they improved to 2-0 thanks to a 5-0 shutout over the Czech Republic.

Finland Upsets USA

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It was an outcome not many would have predicted before the tournament and even fewer after the first games had been played but with a win by Finland over USA, the WJC just became a lot more interesting.

After the Americans pounded Denmark 11-3 and Finland was embarrassed 8-1 by Canada, everyone expected that USA would come out on top of their meeting with the Northern nation on Wednesday. But a strong goaltending performance at one end with strange bounces and odd goals at the other gave Finland the victory.

With both teams now sporting 1-1 records, the importance and unpredictability of the final three days of round robin action is off the charts.

Postgame comments from players and coaches follows...

Czarnik Making Big Impact for USA

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He's not a big guy but Austin Czarnik is playing a big role for USA at the 2012 World Junior Championship. Yesterday in Edmonton the diminutive forward played alongside a pair of high caliber Golden Gophers and didn't look out of place one bit. In fact, one could argue that it was the 5'8 Miami RedHawk that was the catalyst on the line.

I chatted with Czarnik after the game.

USA Thumps Denmark 11-3

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If hockey was a 20 minute game then Denmark would have been please but USA built on a 3-2 1st period lead and trounced the European underdog by an 11-3 final score. The Danes kept it interesting for a period but couldn't keep up with the bigger, faster and more talented Americans who eventually won the game on cruise control.

Game story and post game comments from players and head coach Dean Blais after the jump.

Canada Hammers Finland in Opener

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Most headlines after Canada's 8-1 blowout of Finland on Monday are probably along the lines of "Canada Stones Finland" or "Finland Stoned at WJC". Canadian forward Mark Stone registered a hat trick but Jonathan Huberdeau's 5-point night and Ryan Strome's 4-point effort should not be overlooked after game 1.

Post game comments after the jump.

WJC team by team preview: Canada

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This year's World Junior Championship will mark the 11th time Canada has hosted and the 5th time in the last 10 years. The Maple Leafers will be out for their 5th gold medal on home ice. This marks our final team by team preview, the rest of the countries can be found by scrolling down on our blog.

Pool B - Edmonton
First Game vs. Finland December 26th, 1:30 pm

3 Keys to Success

1 - Ryan Murray - He's the youngest Canadian but he really could have been the team captain. Hockey Canada has a tradition of giving it to a returning player and Jaden Schwartz is a grade A leader, but Murray would have been just fine a selection and he's not even NHL property yet. He's born in 1993 and because of his late birthday he's not eligible until 2012. He'll likely go top 3 because of his ultra smooth play. He never panics and will have the best first pass in the tournament.

2 - Visentin or Wedgewood - Canada's starting goaltender over the past two years hasn't been the guy who's finished the tournament as the number one man. Jake Allen gave way to Martin Jones in 2010 and Olivier Roy watched Mark Visentin take over last year. Visentin is back this year but enters the tournament on the heels of as shaky final game. There are lots who wouldn't be surprised if Wedgewood finishes the tournament as Canada's pipe man.

3 - Brett Connolly - The word potential has been following Brett Connolly around like a shadow for years. Despite injuries he was a top 6 pick and he made the Tampa Bay Lightning this year. Steve Yzerman loaned him to team Canada and Connolly has the potential to dominate the tournament. Often times Connolly will leave you wanting more for 50 minutes then make 2 unbelievable plays that lead to goals and lead his team to victory. He was unfairly criticized by some media members for his hit on Quinton Howden in training camp and had more then a few people talk honestly with him. He can come across as aloof at times and his play can fool people into thinking he's lazy but he really is a good kid with tremendous skill. Both will have to be on display for Canada to be successful. Last year Connolly had just 3 points.

Wild Card

Devante Smith-Pelly might separate someones shoulder in this tournament. If his pre tournament play is any indication the Anaheim Ducks prospect will be a heat seeking missile starting Boxing Day. He skates hard and hurls his 209 pound frame at opponents with all the passion one Canadian kid could have. The only problem that might occur is if Smith-Pelly can't contain his physicality and ends up in the box. Every Canadian team has had a physical dynamo, from Jordan Tootoo to Steve Downie and Smith-Pelly could be the X factor for this year's bunch.

Expectaion: It's gold or bust every year for Canada

Prediction: Canada ends it's 2 year Silver medal run with a return to the top part of the podium. Gold Medal Winners

Merry Christmas From TPS

Just want to send our best wishes to everyone this year, even those who we aren't big fans of. Have a great holiday season everyone and all the best in 2012. We sincerely thank you for stopping by our blog on a regular basis.

Cheers

Dean Millard
Guy Flaming
Taylor Medak
The Pipeline Show

WJC team by team preview: Sweden

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Merry Christmas everyone. We are now just one sleep away from the start of the - in my opinion - the best tournament around. With that in mind we present to you our final two team previews. Later today we'll profile Canada, but right now it's the Swedes we dive into.

Pool A - Calgary
First Game vs. Latvia December 26th, 3:30 pm mst

3 Keys to Success

1- Mika Mania - The Ottawa Senators took Mika Zibanejad 6th overall in June and thought seriously about keeping him in the capital city for the season. Instead after 7 games they sent him back to Sweden to play in the Elite league and to eventually excel at the World Junior Championship. He's big, fast, skilled and scored twice against Canada in pre tournament play. Most of the offence should come through him this year for team Sweden.

2 - Don't mess with the Johan? I'm still not sure who Sweden is taking for goaltenders as they still have 3 listed on their roster, or maybe they bring 3. I'm just guessing but I think they'll go with Johan Matsson and Johan Gustafsson. The latter played very well in defeating Canada in pre tournament play and both the Johan's are bigger. Sweden in the past has had great goaltending and whoever they take will have to live up to the standards left behind by Jacob Markstrom and Robin Lehner.

3- Foppa 2.0 - Anytime you have a Forsberg on your Swedish hockey team ears perk up. There could be two Forsbergs on the team if Anton makes it as a goaltender, but all eyes will be on Filip starting Boxing Day. He's projected to be a top 5 pick come June and as the youngest player on Team Sweden will need to fight for his ice time on a older team. Sweden has shown in the past it will give a young players ample ice time, but whether Forsberg gets the same treatment as Adam Larsson and Victor Hedman did remains to be seen.

Wild Card

In past years Sweden has come in as heavy gold medal contenders and failed to live up to the hype. This year they weren't generating a lot of buzz - until they beat Canada that is - and maybe that's a good thing. Can the Swedes really fly under the radar? I asked Anton Lander the other day who he would rather beat, Canada or Finland? Remember Canada beat the Swedes the last two years they played for gold. Lander, a former captain for team Sweden said in Canada he'd rather beat the hosts, otherwise it would be Sweden all the way. If Canada and Sweden meet let's hope the pace of play is as good as it was Friday night.

Expectations: Sweden might not be the flavour of the tournament going in, but make no mistake they expect to challenge for gold and at the very least win medal.

Prediction: 4th place,losing to their arch rival Finland.

WJC team by team preview: U.S.A

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Earlier today we checked in with the Swiss for our WJC team by team preview. Now it's time to look at the country that has a gold and 2 bronze medals in the last 3 years, team U.S.A.

Pool B - Edmonton
First Game vs. Denmark December 26th, 6:00 PM mst

3 Keys to Success

1- Jack Campbell - The Dallas Stars 2010 first rounder is a gold medal machine for the stars and stripes. He saved the U.S. in 2010 winning gold where he was named top tender. He won back to back U18 golds and also owns a Bronze from last year's WJC. While there are some who aren't sold on Campbell (they are all Canadians by the way) he has to come into the tournament as the top goaltender. He's calm, cool and collected and will be taking part in his 3rd tournament.

2- Emerson Etem - The Medicine Hat Tiger sniper had a very underwhelming tournament last year for the States in Buffalo. He could have been rattled by the negative attention he brought upon himself when he called Buffalo 'the worst city ever' and said it made Medicine Hat look like 'Paradise' before going on to record just a single point. So far the Anaheim draft pick has 3N goals in 34 games with the Tigers and will be the go to guy starting Boxing Day.

3 - Nick Bjugstad - The hulking forward is like the Xmen character Juggernaut when he gets going. But how will an upper body (many believe it to be a shoulder) affect him during the tournament as he didn't suit up in any of the pre tournament games. When he's healthy he can dominate as his 27 points in 20 games with Minnesota would attest to.

Wild Card

Jon Merrill - Before pre tournament action Merrill hadn't played a game since April because he was suspended by Michigan for 11 games of the NCAA season. He's good, but is he good enough to shake off that much rust? Team USA's blue line hopes so because he is a vital part of what should be the best back end in the tournament.

Expectations: I'm not sure if the U.S expects to win gold every tournament yet, but they do expect a medal.

Prediction: Silver

WJC team by team preview: Switzerland

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We're down to our final four when it comes to World Junior Championship team previews. Still to come, the U.S, Canada, Russia and right now the Swiss.

Pool A - Calgary
First Game vs. Russia December 26th, 8:00 pm mst

3 Keys to Success

1 - Can they clone Bartschi? The Flames draft pick and Portland Winterhawk is easily the most talented Swiss player and is likely in the top 5 when it comes to pure skill in the tournament. But he's only one man and unfortunately won't have Nino Niederreiter to take some of the pressure off of him this year. Bartschi will face the toughest defenders each shift. He scored a dandy against the States Wednesday night but was fairly ineffective against Canada and at times looked off his game and Canada seemed to be under his skin.

2 - Wolf in Swiss clothing - Tim Wolf took on the Canadians Thursday and while he wasn't howling with happiness after the game he did say it was a confidence booster as well as a wake up call for what he can expect when the games begin. Wolf faced 51 shots and gave up 7 goals including a few where he had no chance. If Wolf can somehow muster up a performance similar to what Benjamin Conz did 2 years ago for the Swiss then they'll be ripe to upset someone, but I just don't see it happening.

3 - Lightweight Lino Martschini - He's the smallest at 5.8 and lightest at 132 pounds in the entire tournament, but Lino Martschini will use the strategy that if they can't catch you they can't hit you. He plays for Peterborough so the rough stuff he might face won't be a surprise. The 18 year olds numbers aren't bad with 23 points in 33 games. Last year he was just short of being a point per game player for the Petes.

Wild Card

Along with having the smallest and lightest player, the Swiss also have the youngest. Phil Baltisberger just turned 16 last month. He's a 6.0 blue liner who isn't eligible until the 2014 NHL draft, so scouts will have a few years to watch him develop.

Expectations: The Swiss would be thrilled just to play for Bronze like they did in Saskatoon 2 years ago.

Predictions: it's not their year, they will battle it out for 7th-8th.

WJC team by team preview: Russia

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Continuing our look at each team taking part in the World Junior Championship we move from Finland earlier today to the defending champions from Russia.

Pool B - Calgary
first game vs. Switzerland, December 26th, 8:00 pm mst.

3 Keys to Success

1 - Which team will show up? Last year the Russians showed incredible resilience bouncing back from a 3 goal deficit in the 3rd period against Canada to win gold. In fact the team came back several times during the tournament. In 2010 the team imploded and struggled to a 6th place finish. Nikita Filatov was the captain that year, for a while before he was stripped of the C and told TPS that the team basically quit on the coach. This year's club is very skilled up front and is like a shark tasting blood...they want more.

2 - Kuznetsov, Yakupov or Grigorenko? There is so much skill on this team you have to wonder if they will be led by one player in particular. Yevgeny Kuznetsov was the guy who sparked the comebacks last year and will be the captain of this squad. The Capitals first rounder had 11 points in 7 games last year. But Nail Yakupov and Mikael Grigorenko will be vying for some of that top end ice time to, as well as trying to impress scouts in preparation for the 2012 NHL draft. Putting all 3 on the power play could be deadly for the opposition.

3 -Experience - Depending on which goaltender the Russians leave off the roster they could have just one 17 year old on the roster. In fact they could have up to 17 nineteen year olds. They also have back with them head coach Valeri Bragin who worked magic with last year's gold medal winning team.

Wild Card

Who will start in net for the Russians? Andrei Makarov told TPS weeks ago he was already on the team. If that's accurate it leaves youngster Andrei Vasilevski and 19 year old Sergei Kostenko to battle it out for the other job. Vasilevski was brilliant in beating the U.S in pre tournament play.

Expectations: Russia expects to win gold, especially after last year's impressive comeback win.

Predictions: While they are ridiculously skilled, there is just something about this year's Russian team that has me worried. I have them losing to Finland in the Bronze medal game.

Canadian Line Combos

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Team Canada wasn't planning an on ice work out Friday so who knows if the lines will stay the same as they were against Switzerland when they take on Sweden at Rexall Place tonight. There might be some tinkering, especially with Don Hay and company working an extra forward and defenceman through the line up. Who knows maybe they catch lightning in a bottle while cycling through the 13th forward.

So for what it's worth here are last night's line combinations, which were shuffled up as the game went on.

WJC team by team preview: Finland

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We continue our team by team preview series here with 2 more countries today. Already we've explored Latvia, Denmark, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Now it's time to dig into the Fins.

Pool B- Edmonton
First Game vs Canada December 26th, 1:30 pm mst.

3 Keys to Success:

1. He ain't heavy he's my brother - It's amazing to think that had he not been injured last year Mikael Granlund would be suiting up for a 4th time in this tournament. It was obvious they missed him last year losing to Russia in the Quarter finals. But as good as Granlund is, Finland hasn't won a medal with him on the roster. The Minnesota Wild first rounder in 2010 was leading the elite league before joining the national team and looked to have some nice chemistry with his brother Markus, a Flames prospect in their first pre tournament game against Canada. Markus will be making his first WJC appearance but has led Finland in U18's before, as a captain last year and offensive leader with 10 points in 6 games. His older brother is captain for Finland this year and will look to add to the 13 points in 12 WJC career games.

2. Joel Armia - He's the biggest Finnish forward at 6.04 and will have to be a pest in front of the net for Finland to be successful. The Sabres first rounder, 16th overall last year, will also need to pick up his play from last year's tournament where he netted just 1 assist. Armia will rely on his U18 experience where he was exceptional for the Fins.

3. Olli Maatta - He's young (3rd youngest on the team) but might not believe that after watching him play. Maatta is eligible for the 2012 draft but already has a year of the World Junior Championship under his belt. Maatta plays with London of the OHL regularly and plays in all situation with the Knights. It will be no different with Finland as he could be their top rear guard in all situations. He's mobile, big and plays a smart game.

Wild Card

Aleksander Barkov - The second youngest player in the tournament could be a crowd favourite. He will become the youngest Finnish player to ever play in the tournament, adding more milestones to his resume. Earlier this year he became the youngest player to score a point in the Finnish Elite League. Barkov's father is of Russian decent and played many years for Russia, he's also a coach in the KHL right now. Barkov could make an early statement for the 2013 draft with a strong performance and could take some heat off the Granlunds and Joel Armia.

Expectations: Despite their last medal coming in 2006, a bronze, the Fins still expect to medal every year. I'm not sure they're worried about what colour it is.

Predictions: I like the Fins this year. Michael Granlund could lead the team in scoring and their goaltending looks to be very good. Bronze medal.

Canada cruises past Swiss in pre tournament action

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Don Hay is still perfect as a Canadian coach in Red Deer. Hay who guided Canada to it's first perfect tournament in winging gold in the 1995 event watched his troops skate the Swiss into the ice Thursday night at the Enmax Centrium. The final score was 7-1, the final shots were 51-18.