Two Blue Jackets prospects, Gabriel Carlsson of Sweden and Pierre-Luc Dubois of Canada, got their World Junior tournaments underway yesterday. Sweden defeated Denmark 6-1, while Canada got by Russia 5-3.
Carlsson played alongside Oliver Kylington on what was Sweden’s top pair. This was the classic idea of pairing a strong offensive defencemen with a defensive one. Carlsson was steady on the back-end allowing Kylington to take chances and jump into the rush. Carlsson was very effective in this role. He made the simple play and avoided mistakes.
Gabriel Carlsson had a strong game. 63% Corsi (+17/-10), 5 successful exits vs just 1 failed. Was targeted 6 times and stopped 3 of them.
— Paul Berthelot (@PaulBerthelot) December 26, 2016
I was impressed with how Carlsson exited the zone. He didn’t do anything flashy, just quietly went about his business and did his job. He looked more comfortable with the puck than he did last season, which really helped him in this regard. Carlsson also picked up an assist in this game, the primary assist on Rasmus Dahlin’s goal.
Dubois played on Canada’s top line. He played left wing with Dylan Strome down the middle and Mitchell Stephens on the other wing. Dubois was a staple on the top power play unit and thus didn’t play a ton at 5 on 5. He did well though when he was out there.
Solid start from Dubois. 65% Corsi (+13/-7). 3 controlled entries, and 1 dump in leading to five shot attempts. Picked up a PP assist. #CBJ
— Paul Berthelot (@PaulBerthelot) December 27, 2016
Dubois didn’t stand out in the game the way a Matt Barzal or a Tyson Jost did, but that’s just not Dubois game. He’s not the best player with the puck, he excels in the dirty area’s down low and in front of the net. He did well in both regards on the power play. He was receiving praise for his play off the puck as well.
Dubois working hard away from the puck so far...like the effort he's put in. He competes like that he will produce and contribute..
— Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) December 27, 2016
His improved speed was evident too.
Dubois-CBJ is faster than I remember him last year. His closing speed and subsequent hit helps force the turnover leading to 3rd goal.
— (((Corey Pronman))) (@coreypronman) December 27, 2016
Dubois picked up an assist on the power play and in typical Blue Jacket fashion set the play up from behind the net.
Barzal makes it 4-1 pic.twitter.com/MUYQiBUQmy
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) December 27, 2016
Dubois makes a really great play here to swat the puck into the perfect position for Barzal.
The Jackets still have one more prospect to debut in Calvin Thurkauf. He and Team Switzerland get underway today, when they take on the Czech Republic this afternoon. Dubois and Canada play tonight against Slovakia. Sweden is off today, they take on Switzerland tomorrow.
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