With the win today, the Americans beat the Canadians in the World Junior Championship for just the second time in 11 tries (2/11 .188%). It was sweet watching the Canadians stand in shock at their red line – watching the American flag being raised – while the Star Spangled Banner was being played.
With the win, the USA will play the Swedes for the IIHF U20 WJC gold on Saturday morning at 7:00 C.T. am.
Leading the way for the Americans was Wisconsin Badgers defenseman Jake McCabe (2g-1a—3pts) and Boston College forward Johnny Gaudreau (2g-1a—3pts). Johnny Hockey now leads the WJC with seven goals. Make that seven goals in three games. Gaudreau is also leading team USA in scoring with (7g-2a—9tps).
I just finished watching the game for a second time, I just think that the Americans out played the Canadians badly. Canada was very sloppy in the defensive zone and the USA got better goaltending.
USA goalie John Gibson has been downright amazing during the WJC; his numbers are eye popping, .954 save percentage and an impressive 1.43 goals against average. Apparently, Canadian defense man Griffin Reinhardt has a hearing with the IIHF disciplinary committee scheduled for his high sticking penalty on USA’s Vincent Trocheck. Reinhardt hit Trocheck in the helmet with his stick. Trocheck was given a two-minute minor penalty for the high stick.
Being a Boston Bruins fan, I am concerned about the play the Canadian goalie Malcom Subban, I think that he has been Canada’s weak link in this tourney. I also have not been impressed with Canadian defenseman and Boston Bruins draftee Dougie Hamilton.
