What a finish to the World Junior Championship in Buffalo, NY. If you do not have NHL Network, did not know it was on, or turned the TV off after the second period with the Canadians up 3-0, you missed out on a thrilling finish. Russia stormed back from a deep hole and stunned the Canadians 5-3 in what is being called one of the worst collapses in the history of the WJC.
The Championship game featured two of the Capitals top prospects and they did not disappoint. Evgeni Kuznetsov, or All Day Kuznetsov (ADK) as my roommate and I named him (2010 1st Round) looks like the real deal. He played big minutes in crunch time for Russia and was all over the ice. He has superb stick handling skills and seems to have eyes in the back of his head sometimes, a la Nick Backstrom. One hockey talking head even compared him to a young Pavel Datsuyk, which is mighty high praise. He also showed his ability to preform in the clutch as we scored two goals and assisted on another in the 3rd period of the quarterfinals, including the game winner, and set up the tying goal in the finals with an insane spin o rama pass. On the Canadian side, Cody Eakin (2009 3rd Round) was the energizer bunny. He played on the top trio for Canada and seemed to be the guy who did all the little things. Think Matt Bradley meets Eric Fehr meets Matt Perreault. He grinds, has a decent shot, and has great speed. He also was incredibly versatile played both wings and the middle.
Other noteable Capital prospects in the Tourney:
- Dimiri Orlov (D- Russia): Bomb from the point and solid defensively. He is also huge.
- Patrick Wey (W- US): Was somewhat buried on the US roster but showed a good shot when given the chance.
After watching Russia play twice, I think I understand why the Capitals have not gone after a center, even though everyone thinks they should. There is a good chance next year that the top three centers are Backstrom- Kuznetsov-Johansson. Many people are not going to like this comparison, but that is the Penguins model to a T and it has worked out pretty well for them. Two top flight centers (hopefully for Kuznetsov) and a responsible defensive center who can score (a la Staal in Pittsburgh). Johansson might never put up 30 goals or 50 assist, but he has all the makings of a perfect 3rd line pivot who can shut down the other teams top line. And even if Semin and Knuble leave (which I think they will) the Capitals are way deeper on the wing that Pittsburgh.
Just goes to show that the Capitals are not in a must win this year mode. Although it sure would be nice......
When are we going to get another post?
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