Tarasenko & Schwartz Have A Strong 2011 WJC Debut

Jdaen Schwartz (L) & Vladimir Tarasenko (R) - Image Via Blues.NHL.com

Canada may have defeated Russia 6-3 thanks to two third period power play goals touched by Jaden Schwartz, but Russian prospect Vladimir Tarasenko won the battle of Blues draft picks.

Tarasenko

Vlad was all over the offensive zone displaying a confidence and poise with the puck. Willing to challenge defenders one on one to attack the net. Drawing attention to himself and creating space move the puck off to an open team mate. I’ve heard that the “euro stigma” of being a soft player doesn’t apply to Tarasenko. Sunday’s game proved it. He happily took a huge hit to set up Russia’s first goal. Taking the puck on the half boards he was hit straight on as he drew pressure from a Canadian defnder. The puck rotated around the dial to the other face-off circle for a one timer that was deflected in. While the score sheet doesn’t show an assist on that goal, everyone watching knew the key role he played.

My only concern was his repeated inability (or cognizant restraint) to pick up a loose puck in his own zone and clear his defensive zone. It happened on at least three occasions where the puck when right by him or laid at his feet till someone else picked it up.

He showed adequate acceleration to beat his checker, but his speed wasn’t much beyond that of Brad Boyes. While he may be willing and able to take a hit and lower his shoulder in to an opponent, he isn’t big enough to go around the average NHL defenseman. He also isn’t quick enough to pull off slick Perron-esk stickhandling wizardry that he attempted against teenagers against grown men. At least not yet.

As the captain of the Russia squad he needed to be their best skater and he was.

He did make it to the score sheet by assisting on the third Russian goal.

Jaden Schwartz

Jaden’s impact was less overt. Where some said he shyd away from contact, I disagree. He went in to the corners and below the red line. He went to the slot, diving in one occasion, to get the puck on net. Such play in important areas lead to the key power play goals in the third period by Ryan Johansen and Brayden Schenn that gave Canada the win. As Schwartz assisted on both PPGs.

Worth noting that his best play came while roaming on the power play, not stuck at the point with Ryan Ellis. Not sure why Canada is using Jaden opposite Ellis. The whole power play flows through the Predators draft pick. Schwartz ends up a by stander on the point. Movement around the offensive zone maximizes his quick decision making. If there was one area of concern for Jaden, it was his rather bland play when he had time and space with the puck on his stick. When he was reacting he was a difference maker. When he was holding on to the puck he was over thinking.

Igor Bobkov did make a few good saves on Jaden just out side the crease as well. Quick hands Jaden has.

Schwart’s tally on the scoresheet was 2 assists in the game.

Tuesday Schedule

Canada takes on the Czechs Tuesday at 3:00 pm Central. This game will be shown on NHL Network in the US and Canada.
Russia takes on Sweden at 6:00pm Central. This game is not televised in the US. The USA vs. Slovakia game is on at 7:00 pm central on NHL Network.
Jani Hakanpaa of Finland takes on Switzerland at 11:30am Central as well. This game is not televised in the US.

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