Each Blue Jacket prospect has now played two games at the World Juniors. Pierre-Luc Dubois and Team Canada and Gabriel Carlsson of Team Sweden have each gone 2-0. Calvin Thurkauf of Team Switzerland have gone 1-1.
Dubois’ second game came against Slovakia. Canada dominated the game, allowing just six shots against, giving Dubois some inflated 5 on 5 numbers.
Dubois finishes with 1 assist and an ok 100% Corsi (+15/-0). He had 3 controlled entries vs just 1 dump-in and 1 failed.
— Paul Berthelot (@PaulBerthelot) December 28, 2016
Dubois wasn’t on the ice for a shot attempt against but he still had his struggles at 5 on 5. He did all of his damage on the power play where he picked up another assist. Dubois collects a rebound in the corner and takes the puck behind the net, he then makes a great pass to Taylor Raddysh who buried.
2-0 Canada pic.twitter.com/wEyJ0v8g2B
— Stephanie (@myregularface) December 28, 2016
Dubois is great in that role on the power play. He has the size and strength to collet rebounds in the corners. He’s a great passer and once he gets rid of the puck he goes right to the front of the net where again his size and strength is an asset.
Carlsson’s second game came against Thurkauf and Switzerland. Sweden dominated the game, and Carlsson was a big part of that with his great play off the puck.
Carlsson had a strong 83.3% Corsi (+20/-4). Was great defensively with four controlled exits. Prevented shots on 4 of his 6 targets.
— Paul Berthelot (@PaulBerthelot) December 29, 2016
I was impressed with how well he defended his blue line. He broke up four of his six targets right at the line and the two he didn’t break up he only allowed low danger shot attempts. He used his large frame to keep players to the outside and protect the puck when he had it. He made a good first pass leading to the majority of his zone exits.
Thurkauf and Switzerland struggled against Sweden. Thurkauf is one of the Swiss’ best players and the most reliable defensive forward. Due to Sweden’s dominance Thurkauf spent a lot of his 5 on 5 time in his own zone.
Thurkauf had a 21% Corsi (+7/-27), but played some tough defensive minutes. Had a goal and had two successful entries.
— Paul Berthelot (@PaulBerthelot) December 29, 2016
He was a little better in his first game against the Czechs.
Thurkauf had those 2 PP points, but struggled at 5 on 5. Had a 43% Corsi (+12/-16), with 2 controlled entries, 1 dump-in & 3 failed.
— Paul Berthelot (@PaulBerthelot) December 27, 2016
In both games Thurkauf was great on the power play. He plays a similar role to that of Dubois. He uses his size to collect rebounds and to create havoc in front of the net. He’s scored both his goals on the power play. His first came off a big rebound which he was able to blast home.
Thurkauf had those 2 PP points, but struggled at 5 on 5. Had a 43% Corsi (+12/-16), with 2 controlled entries, 1 dump-in & 3 failed.
— Paul Berthelot (@PaulBerthelot) December 27, 2016
The second one he gets the puck at the side of the net and quickly just takes it right to the front and scores. Very similar play to what Nick Foligno does on the power play.
Calvin Thurkauf has looked really good today. Ties the game with Switzerland's second PPG of the game. #WJC2017 pic.twitter.com/bSfE2EPHow
— megan (@meggo1532) December 28, 2016
Dubois and Carlsson are in action today, with Canada taking on Latvia and Sweden taking on Finland. Switzerland has an off-day today. They will back at it tomorrow when they take on Denmark.
You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot