Chicago Blackhawks Prospects at World Juniors, Jan. 5: Updates on Korchinski, del Mastro, Stjernborg and more
After Sweden’s loss, the only Blackhawks prospect who can wear gold are the Canadians.
Canada 6, USA 2
After falling behind 2-0, the Canadians rallied in the second period by scoring four goals en route to the win. It was a very competitive game – as most US/Canada games are – and there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. A key point of contention was how the referees overturned two American goals after review for goalie interference (see here and here), which the TSN commentators described as “horrible, horrible, horrible calls.” Very little of the game was played in the neutral zone, as both teams were able to trade rushes and keep the puck in their respective offensive zones. At the end of the second period, Canada led 4-2 before adding two more in the third — including an empty netter — to close out the game at 6-2, but the Americans really dominated most of the game in the final 20 minutes.
Check out how the Blackhawks prospects played below:
D Ethan del Mastro, Canada
Stats: 0 G, 1 A, 0 SOG in team-high 27:45 ice time
Del Mastro really stepped up this game and immediately started off strong – after the USA took an early lead in the first period, del Mastro skated the puck down the left wall in the offensive zone, drawing the USA’s attention, before feeding it over the slot to Connor Bedard who (of course) buried it in the back of the net. I could get used to seeing that couple. He had a physical game and got into a couple of scraps, but it’s a refreshing alternative to his typical “well-behaved assistant captain” vibe, even if he did pick up two penalties. Overall, it felt like he was on the ice for every goal (Canada and USA), and his confidence and consistency seem to be improving throughout the tournament.
D Kevin Korchinski, Canada
Stats: 0 G, 0 A, 0 SOG in 4:28 of ice time
Korchinski had a quiet first two periods. He’s usually a more offensively focused blue-liner, but he saw very little playing time in the first two periods, and he didn’t have a point or a shot to his name, appearing to lack his usual luster. Entering the third period with a two-goal advantage, Canada felt it was important to maintain a strong backline and Korchinski was noticeably absent from the ice.
D Nolan Allan, Canada
Stats: 0 G, 0 A, 0 SOG in 14:26 of ice time
Allan got a little more ice time this game, which he used to send some clean cross-ice passes. Overall, the second defensive pairing was strong with Allan and Brandt Clarke. Allan didn’t put up any points, but he was able to stop some of Team USA’s relentless rushes. He received a penalty in the third period for roughing, after the USA attacked a loose puck in the net and it was a throw-in.
Czech Republic 2, Sweden 1 (OT)
Despite having a strong defensive first period and an early goal in the second period, Sweden fell to the Czech Republic in overtime. The Czechs tied the game with 39 seconds left in the third, forcing overtime, then scored the game-winning goal with 50 seconds left in OT. Interestingly, the only team the Czechs lost to in the group stage was Sweden, so this triumph takes on a special meaning. And despite the “We love IKEA” sign in the crowd, Sweden must end their tournament in the bronze medal game.
F Victor Stjernborg, Sweden
Stats: 0 G, 0 A, 2 SOG in 17:25 ice time
Goodbye, captain Stjernborg, who ultimately couldn’t recreate his game-winning goal heroics from the last match against Finland. He had a couple of strong rushes in the first period and during OT, but failed to get Sweden a point in the competitive semifinals.
Just
Sweden plays the USA for the bronze medal on Thursday at 1:30, and Canada plays the Czechs for the gold medal game on Thursday at 5:30.