WJC Update: USA Loss and Prospects Move On To Medal Round

Sadly, all did not go as planned for Team USA Monday night. A 4-1 Semi-Final loss to Canada puts them in to the Bronze Medal match against Blues prospect Sebastian Wannstrom and Sweden on Thursday.

Wannstrom has 4 points (2G, 2A), Plus-2 rating and 10 shots on goal in 5 games. Both his scores are game winners.

Now fans of American hockey must now cheer on Russia if they want to see the northern rivals fall.

A Russian/Canadian final means a chance at redemption at the right time for the squad captained by top forward prospect Vladimir Tarasenko. Losing 6-3 after going in to the third tied 3-3 in the tourney opener obviously left a bitter taste. Facing Canada for the Gold Medal is wonderful story telling material just like last year’s set up.

Tarasenko has been strong with 9 points (3G, 6A) in 6 games. He won’t be facing fellow 2010 draft pick Jaden Schwartz in this rematch. The Canadian forward is out at least six weeks with a fractured ankle. Instead he and Yevgeni Kuznetstov must out produce tourney scoring leader Brayden Schenn and key performer Ryan Johansen.

Both medal games are Wednesday. USA/Sweden is at 3:30pm EST and Russia/Canada at 7:30 pm EST. Catch the games on NHL Network.