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New Jersey Devils: On The Worlds, Kinkaid, Larsson & More |
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Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
Some updates on how New Jersey Devils' representatives are performing at the World Hockey Championships:
1) Team USA is off to the semi-final after picking up a 2-1 shootout victory over the No. 1 seeded Czech Republic in the quarters.
Keith Kinkaid was the biggest reason for the upset win as he was fantastic from start to finish. He stopped 31 of 32 in regulation + overtime and didn't allow a goal on any of the three shots he faced in the shootout. The only goal he allowed was on a penalty shot in the 1st period.
Kinkaid's tournament to date had been quite mediocre but credit goes to him for locking it down when the team needed him most.
2) Miles Wood has played fairly well in primarily a 4th line role for USA. He's used his speed effectively to create some good looks and has been physical on the forecheck. He has just one goal in the tournament, and has taken a couple bad penalties, but for the most part he's played adequately. I think he needs some seasoning in Albany, though.
3) Steve Santini is another guy who has done some good things but probably isn't ready for primetime. I think he would benefit from some time in Albany and, barring an excellent preseason, that's where he'll start. If he performs well in the AHL he can join the team mid-season like we saw last season with Joseph Blandisi.
4) Adam Larsson's tournament has reached its end as Sweden was blown out, 6-0, by Canada on Thursday.
Larsson tallied four points in eight games while playing big minutes in all situations and was named one of Sweden's top-3 players during the tournament as a result.
I was happy to see him manning the point on Sweden's power play unit as it was somewhat of a litmus test for PP minutes with New Jersey. I thought he looked quite comfortable - especially as a shooter - and wouldn't mind seeing him get a look next season.
The only issue with that is he is already playing a ton of minutes alongside Andy Greene and I'm not sure it's a good idea to throw any more on his plate. If John Hynes wants to test Larsson out on the PP I think he'll have to trim off some even-strength/penalty killing minutes so he doesn't wear down.
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