WJC Update: Countdown to the Big Game

When I last left off I had taken in the first two US games and the second Canadian game for an update on four of the Blues prospects participating in the IIHF World Junior Championships.

I am now caught up on both teams through three games. Here is an update on all four players.

Team USA vs. Latvia

Team USA had a better first period than they had in the previous two.  Overall eam USA was good, but not completely lights out like Canada has been.

Warsofsky has had a solid tourney, but has suffered from a few mistakes. He made more in the Latvia game than I think he has made in the previous two. In the third he allowed a player to get behind him for wide open chances on net. Grant it, they were up by about 8 goals at that point. However, you need to see players hold mental focus in those games. Warsofsky did lose a little in this game.

Where I was impressed with David was the same spots as before. He has good patience under pressure and seems to see the play forming in front of him. He likes to join the play and create weak side pressure. He has shown deft hands moving the puck off the offensive blueline to a player down in the slot. He seems to be able to find the open player from the point. Mainly because his hockey IQ is very high and he understands the play unfolding in front of him. He has shown a quick shot through on the point.

He made up for his mental lapse in the third by later taking a Latvian attacker one on one. He saw no one else but him and the forward. He cut off the forward and gave him no angle but to the wall. He was down low and prevented a pass to poen space and ended the scoring chance. The frame work is there for a mentally capable NHL player. I just worry about his size.

Phil McRae had his best game of the tourney. He was working hard again and seemed to find the holes and get pucks through the open lanes. Pass or shoot, he made the quick, smart play. I thought he worked well with Kristo who was on a new line after the “Original 6″ trio was split up. McRae also made a skilful move oan  2 on 1 break to create a chance that was rather impressive.

I continue to be impressed with the offensive “giddy-up” shown by Matt Donovan. He may not be the greatest defenseman out there, but he shows iniative with the puck. He wants it and he wants to take chances. The Islanders 4th Rd pick in 2008 is having a solid tournament.

US forward Jason Zucker

I really hope the Blues take a long look at Jason Zucker in the draft this summer. The kid has a knack for being in the right place. He plays hard and has a good shot. His style reminds me of Geoff Courtnall mixed with some David Booth. If he is available, I want this kid in our organization. John Ramage is doing well and he was not drafted in 2009. I would love to see the Blues add him as well. Think of Mike Weaver meeting Roman Polak. He can use his stick and body positiong very well to take players off the puck or protect it. I am really interested to see how Ramage and the other US defenders do against Canada.

Canada vs Slovakia

Jake Allen did not get the start in net. I am assuming to get time off before the big game tonight.

Alex Pietrangelo was what he has been, impressive. He shows what being with the Blues for extended periods the last two years has meant to him. When playing with skilled players, he can match their level and bring more. He stepped up for a big hit and was moving the puck well. Really just more of the same in regards to Canadian dominance. Pietrangelo now has 2 Goals and 6 Assist to go with his Plus-6 rating.

Team USA takes on Canada tonight for a New Year’s Eve rumble. This will be the best game of the WJC so far. Tune in on NHL Network at 7pm Central. Will it be more exciting than the Blues game? There is a strong possibility. At the very least, make sure this game is set to record on the DVR.