World junior men's hockey championship semifinal primer
Canadian Press
Jan 2, 2007, 6:34 PM EST
LEKSAND, Sweden (CP) - A quick look at the semifinal of the 2007 world junior men's hockey championship between Canada and the United States on Wednesday:
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Canada
Marc Staal/Ryan Parent - Canada's top defensive pairing will see a lot of ice time against the Americans' best forward lines.
Carey Price - It's likely the Canadians will end up in the penalty box a few times and their goaltender will have to hold off the charge.
Steve Downie - Can suck the Americans into taking penalties and earn some ice time on the power play, where he's had success.
United States
Pat Kane - London Knights forward has been one of the best players for the U.S. even though he just turned 18 in November. Particularly good on the power-play when he has extra room.
Jack Johnson - Burly defencemen has a booming shot from the point. Will be heckled relentlessly by the 300-odd Canadian fans who are here, as Johnson was enemy No. 1 last year in Vancouver.
Erik Johnson - No. 1 pick in this year's NHL entry draft by St. Louis. His stick-throwing gaff in a round-robin game gave Canada a penalty shot and a key goal. That would be forgotten with a strong performance in the semifinal.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Canada: Take the middle of the ice away from the Americans and keep them away from goaltender Carey Price. Kill all penalties and get a couple of power-play goals.
U.S.: Use speed to draw penalties and score with a man advantage and don't let Canada get traffic in front of their goalie.
FULL STORY
Canadian Press
Jan 2, 2007, 6:34 PM EST
LEKSAND, Sweden (CP) - A quick look at the semifinal of the 2007 world junior men's hockey championship between Canada and the United States on Wednesday:
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Canada
Marc Staal/Ryan Parent - Canada's top defensive pairing will see a lot of ice time against the Americans' best forward lines.
Carey Price - It's likely the Canadians will end up in the penalty box a few times and their goaltender will have to hold off the charge.
Steve Downie - Can suck the Americans into taking penalties and earn some ice time on the power play, where he's had success.
United States
Pat Kane - London Knights forward has been one of the best players for the U.S. even though he just turned 18 in November. Particularly good on the power-play when he has extra room.
Jack Johnson - Burly defencemen has a booming shot from the point. Will be heckled relentlessly by the 300-odd Canadian fans who are here, as Johnson was enemy No. 1 last year in Vancouver.
Erik Johnson - No. 1 pick in this year's NHL entry draft by St. Louis. His stick-throwing gaff in a round-robin game gave Canada a penalty shot and a key goal. That would be forgotten with a strong performance in the semifinal.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Canada: Take the middle of the ice away from the Americans and keep them away from goaltender Carey Price. Kill all penalties and get a couple of power-play goals.
U.S.: Use speed to draw penalties and score with a man advantage and don't let Canada get traffic in front of their goalie.
FULL STORY
