World juniors notebook: Sweden’s costly victory, Finland routs Belarus
The Hockey News
A look at the opening day of the 2016 World Junior Championship.
Russia 2, Czech Republic 1 (SO)
Russia needed a shootout to get past the Czech Republic in the opening game of the tournament. The only Czech goal of the game came on a penalty shot by Michael Spacek in the first period, but they were completely turned away in the shootout.
Sweden 8, Switzerland 3
Sweden earned an impressive victory over Switzerland but lost their best player in the process. William Nylander scored the first goal of the game, but then was knocked out of the game by a blindside hit from Chris Egli. There’s no word yet on if Nylander will return for Monday’s game against the U.S.
Finland 6, Belarus 0
Projected top-five pick Jesse Puljujarvi had three points and Finland scored five times in the third period to rout Belarus. Veini Vehvilainen needed to make only 10 saves to earn the shutout for hosts.
Saturday’s Three Stars
1. Dmytro Timashov, Sweden
The Maple Leafs prospect had two power-play goals and an assist in Sweden’s win.
2. Jesse Puljujarvi, Finland
The 2016 draft-eligible forward continues to see his stock rise as he potted two goals and an assists in an easy win over Belarus.
3. Alex Nedeljkovic, United States
The American goalie made 25 saves to help the U.S. beat Canada.
On tap:
Sunday, December 27
Slovakia (0-0) vs. Belarus (0-0), 9 a.m. ET
Switzerland (0-0) vs. Denmark (0-0), 1 p.m. ET
