Bluenotes: Tarasenko Wins WJC Gold, Oshie Recovery ETA & More

WJC Medal Round Update

How bad do fans want Vladimir Tarasenko on their side of the Atlantic? Pretty bad. The desire may reach new heights following Russia’s 5-3 victory over Canada in the Gold Medal game of the 2011 World Junior Championships. The squad he captained mounted a third period rally to win the tourney. Tarasenko was second in scoring ( 4 goals, 11 points) following his goal and assist Wednesday night.

From The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell:

It was a team whose captain, Vladimir Tarasenko suffered certain broken ribs when he was inadvertently kicked by Marcus Foligno near the end of the second period. Russian coach Valeri Bragin tried to tell Tarasenko to shut it down for the night, but he would have none of it, then went out and tied the score early in the third period.

“He’s the best captain in my life,” said Russian goalie Igor Bobkov from the London Knights, who came into the game with his team down 3-0 in the second period.

So much for “euro stereotypes” regarding this particular forward. Is it safe to thank Jarmo yet?

Check out the Blues official website for a link to game highlights.

Jaden Schwartz did not play in the contest but did come out on the ice, boot and all, to accept his Silver medal.

Sebastian Wannstrom‘s Sweden side fell to Team USA 4-2 in the Bronze medal match Wednesday afternoon. He finished with 2 goals and 5 points in 7 games.

- Speculation that Tarasenko may come over after his KHL season concludes continues. Whether he will or not is yet to be determined. The likely answer is “no”, however.

- Word has it Omsk, Russia native Nikita Nikitin was a very happy soul in the Peoria locker room after hearing Russia came back to win.

- Don’t make too much out of the rowdy Russians being kicked off their flight home.

Oshie Injury Update

Reports from Wednesday’s practice indicate TJ Oshie may be very close to his return. FSMW reporter BJ Rains tweeted that TJ was praticing as if the injury wasn’t affecting him and returned seemed to be around the corner. He later clarified that Oshie is looking at a 1-2 week timeframe to return. Which could be as early as next weeks California road trip or the home stand the following week. He did travel with the team to Toronto.

Not back yet, but all signs are very positive. Keep up the sacrifices to the hockey gods folks.

Read more from BJ in his blog on FSMW’s site.

Links

- Check out what BJ Crombeen had to say when FSMW mic’d him up for a recent game.

- Some history and discussion on the infamous Power Play Dance. [St. Louis Gametime]

- The Peoria Rivermen keep rolling as Derek Nesbitt‘s 4 goals lead them past San Antonio. [Rivermen.net]

- Please, do not link Marek Schwarz to Tarasenko after reading this blog. [The Hockey News]

Around the NHL

- Alex Goligoski to Columbus? I really like you GoGo, but I’d love to see the Blues abuse your defensive deficiencies six times a season. [Hockeybuzz.com]

- I have much manlove for pretty boy Kris Letang. Been on his bandwagon for two years. Glad to see he is making me look good. [Yahoo! Sports]

- 24/7 is over and it was totally awesome. [NHL.com]

- Which is worse? Kovalchuk’s blunder or Stamkos’? Love me some #91, but it’s egg on his face. [Puck Daddy]