Switzerland vs. Russia
Just three days in, this tournament is already full of surprises. After almost falling to Denmark in their opening game, the Russians righted the ship in a big way, booting the boots to the Swiss 7-0. Rangers draft pick Pavel Buchnevich, who is playing in the KHL this season, led the way with three points. Also scoring for Russia was Sergei Tolchinsky, who after putting up a terrific season two years ago for the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL was somehow passed over by all 30 teams in the draft. The Carolina Hurricanes snatched the sniper up as a free agent. The Swiss were down three goals after the first period, a hole that was too deep to climb out of. Group B remains wide open thanks to the interesting results we’ve been seeing thus far.
USA vs. Germany
You have to feel for the Germans, having to face first the Canadians, then the US in their opening two games of the tournament. The Germans scratched and clawed their way through this game, but still gave up six goals in what could have been a far more lopsided affair. Columbus prospect Sonny Milano scored his first goal of the tournament, while Dylan Larkin (2), Auston Matthews, Hudson Fasching and Jack Eichel also scored for the Americans. Matthews is a player you’ll hear a lot about over the next 18 months, as he’s already projected to be the top pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. Eichel’s goal was a beauty wraparound, a total skill play where he used his edges a la Sidney Crosby to work himself around the back of the net.