The quarterfinal round of the 2019 World Junior Championships in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, is underway today and the first two results have both been stunning surprises. Sweden, the Group B winner, fell to Switzerland 2-0 earlier, while Canada, the host team and tournament favorite, lost to Finland 2-1 in overtime after giving up the lead in the final minute of regulation. The United States and Russia remain alive for now, ahead of their semifinal match-up on Friday, but two of the top teams and many of the best NHL prospects are now out far earlier than expected.
For Canada, the defending WJC champs, this loss is historic. It marks the first time that Canada has failed to medal in a World Junior on home soil. The Canadians, the leading team in goal differential following a definitive 14-0 win over Denmark to open the tournament, were heralded for their depth and talent this year. Anaheim Ducks prospect Max Comtois, who played in ten games with the team to begin the season, led a skilled group that also counted first-rounders Morgan Frost (PHI), Cody Glass (VGK), and Owen Tippett (FLA) among its top scorers. However, the group recorded only 25 shots against Finland’s Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF) in the loss and will depart the tournament with little to show for their efforts.
Meanwhile, Sweden continues to have terrible luck in the elimination stages of the World Juniors. The Swedes have not lost in group stage at the WJC since 2008, a whopping 48 wins in a row, but have just one gold medal and an overall losing record in the subsequent rounds in that time. This year, behind an incredible early effort from Emil Bemstrom (CLB) and Erik Brannstrom (VGK), the team finally looked primed for a deep run. Instead, undrafted Luca Hollenstein got the shutout for the Swiss as Sweden failed to produce many high danger chances.
With either Finland or Switzerland, whoever wins their resulting match-up, now guaranteed a spot in the gold medal game, this World Junior has already been turned on its head. Can the U.S., who won’t have to face Canada at all in the WJC for the first time since 2005, and Russia, the points leader through group play, avoid similar surprising fates? Or will one of those teams capitalize on the early upsets to seize the World Junior title this year?
If they had let Bouchard take the shot team Canada we would still moving on to the next round. Cement hands Comtois messed it up and Dipietro faltered in front of his future Canuck fans! Don Cherry was right we ran up the score on Denmark and this is what the hockey gods had in store for us. Running up the score and the celebrations at times were too much!
Comtois suddenly got “cement hands” after leaving the Ducks? This is what a hot goalie, a strong defense, and an over-confident opposing team look like when they meet. Obviously I never dreamed the Finns, who are good but always seem to fall short, would pull it off, but face it, Canada puts too much pressure on their young hockey players. And yes, Grapes was right—he always is, it seems.
“Don Cherry was right” said no one ever.
“Hockey gods”
Don’t use that as an excuse.
His jr numbers are nothing special . At least Bouchard woulda made a move on the penalty shot that has to go down as one of the lamest penalty shots in Canadian hockey history… what do you chalk it up to either cement hands or jitters! Both goalies played well Fins goalie was just better last night. Likely due in part to having moved to Canada and playing in the OHL for the Sudbury Wolves / learning our style of hockey. Canada expects to win a gold medal ever year. Most teams in major sports that are the top teams feel the same thing. Yes those players are paid professionals but nothing less then winning the whole thing should be acceptable. But then again your likely one of those people that like 2nd place.
DC has proven over and over he’s right on points like this . Educate yourself and you might improve your knowledge on the sport. It wasn’t an excuse it just a proven fact.
Wait it’s a proven fact that “hockey gods” are real? Ok
Anyone who knows how to use the internet should know better than to listen to Don Cherry.
Racist. Bigoted. Loud. Slow. Dumb.
Sad that so much pressure is put on teenagers… great performance by Finland and Switzerland. It’s nice to see other countries do well against the “powerhouse” teams.
If they can’t stand the pressure the don’t play the sport it is what it is Tim! Finally some parity in the game.
Clearly at times he does say some offside studs. He supports our troops and he was related to one. So you can’t knock him for that you cornholer!
Stop making yourself look incredibly ridiculous.
jminn who are you talking about?