While the Blue Jacket prospects were back in action on Thursday, there was plenty of action to take in before that.
On Wednesday Canada took down Slovakia, 6-0 and Switzerland defeated Belarus 3-2. Then on Thursday, very different circumstances turned the tournament on its head.
In the games not involving Blue Jacket prospects, Finland defeated Denmark 4-1 after Denmark took them down during the 2017 iteration of the tournament. Sweden also defeated the Czech Republic by a score of 3-1. Sweden was a favorite coming into the tournament and have only solidified that stranglehold.
Slovakia: 3 - USA: 2
This is the kind of loss that really stings for the United States. Slovakia has solid players on it but they don't have the same overall talent that the United States team has. This will do wonders for the Slovakian program while the United States will be looking for answers as they go on to face Canada outdoors.
Blue Jacket prospect Andrew Peeke didn't play much as he had the second fewest minutes among defensemen on the team but he wasn't a player that could be pinpointed for his team's loss.
Paul Berthelot (once again, a great resource for Blue Jackets prospects) tracked Peeke's play and it is encouraging given the small amount of ice time given to him.
Peeke didn't play a ton but was good when he was out there. 68.4% (+13/-6) Corsi, had three carry-outs. Was targeted six times and broke up two.
— Paul Berthelot (@PaulBerthelot) December 29, 2017
Russia: 5 - Switzerland:2
After a tough game against the Czech Republic, Russia bounced back in a big way against Switzerland. While Switzerland isn't a powerhouse, for Russia, this was a game that was needed to put their medal chances back on track. They looked tentative at times against a Czech team that really had their way with them offensively. Their offensive rhythm may be back and they'll get another opportunity to prove it against Belarus on Friday.
Vitaly Abramov put up one point during the game against the Czech Republic, scoring one goal. His goal was of the empty net variety. His underlying numbers against a weaker opponent left more to be desired. Abramov will get plenty of opportunities to make a difference with big matchups coming up on the horizon including an all-important game against Sweden that could determine their bracket to the medal round.
Abramov finished with an empty net goal, and an assist. He had a 52.4% (+11/-10) Corsi, three successful entries and two controlled exits
— Paul Berthelot (@PaulBerthelot) December 28, 2017
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