GDT: 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship/Buffalo, NY/Gold-Canada/Silver-Sweden/Bronze-United States
- Thread starter LaxSabre
- Start date
What a great week! I made it out every day.
See a couple of hot takes on Ukko-Pekka. I was actually able to chat briefly with a Sabres scout after the game and he wasn't worried. If you watched the hockey or looked at the scores this wasn't a tournament for any goalie to look good. We still have a great prospect - HF "experts" be darned.
This was the best crowd I've ever seen at USA Hockey Arena and I've been to a few. Hopefully more people come back. The rink is literally across from my girlfriend's work so we go to a bunch when I'm in Michigan.
Back to the Sabres scout - he of course loved Middlestadt, but he also said Davidson had a very strong tournament, and I agree. He didn't mention anything about Pu. I also told him I hoped the Sabres were picking in the 20s next season and had no chance at Dahlin and he laughed and said yeah no chance for him.
They had a USA autograph signing session after the game. Such great kids. I told Hughes he should go top 5 and his buddies were laughing and saying first overall ha ha. I did tell him he outplayed Dahlin and from what I saw he did.
Then I told Casey when we got to him "Hey, one year and done at Minnesota, huh?" and he laughed. I had on a Sabres pullover so he got it. Then I told him no chance for number #16 in Buffalo and he said he was lucky to get it here.
Anyway, it was one of the best weeks of hockey in my life. Cannot wait until next year.
See a couple of hot takes on Ukko-Pekka. I was actually able to chat briefly with a Sabres scout after the game and he wasn't worried. If you watched the hockey or looked at the scores this wasn't a tournament for any goalie to look good. We still have a great prospect - HF "experts" be darned.
This was the best crowd I've ever seen at USA Hockey Arena and I've been to a few. Hopefully more people come back. The rink is literally across from my girlfriend's work so we go to a bunch when I'm in Michigan.
Back to the Sabres scout - he of course loved Middlestadt, but he also said Davidson had a very strong tournament, and I agree. He didn't mention anything about Pu. I also told him I hoped the Sabres were picking in the 20s next season and had no chance at Dahlin and he laughed and said yeah no chance for him.
They had a USA autograph signing session after the game. Such great kids. I told Hughes he should go top 5 and his buddies were laughing and saying first overall ha ha. I did tell him he outplayed Dahlin and from what I saw he did.
Then I told Casey when we got to him "Hey, one year and done at Minnesota, huh?" and he laughed. I had on a Sabres pullover so he got it. Then I told him no chance for number #16 in Buffalo and he said he was lucky to get it here.
Anyway, it was one of the best weeks of hockey in my life. Cannot wait until next year.
cybresabre
prōject positivity
Rasmus CacOlainen
The end of the Tank
Some of them put up quite a good showing... of course these are goalies in their teens so it doesnt mean too much, but that doesnt mask the fact that Ukko has many things to work on compared even to some of his peers at this tournament.
Our scout said he likes them all...of course he will. Is he supposed to say Ukko was crap? Or that Davidsson was invincible and he would never smell the top 6 of NHL teams. Of course he wouldnt... Anyway, good tourney and hope the kids go back with good memories and takes on what they have to work on. And really hope Mittelstadt is one and done
I can easily see him becoming my second favorite sabre after Risto.
AustonsNostrils
Registered User
- Apr 5, 2016
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I don't get it. We don't have anybody wearing #16 so if he wants it next year it's his.
AustonsNostrils
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- Apr 5, 2016
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I thought the Laaksonen pick in the 3rd round was ridiculous and watching Farrance, who I wanted, play well reaffirmed my opinion. I saw what they liked in him at development camp but he could have waited another round or two, Farrance couldn't.
AustonsNostrils
Registered User
- Apr 5, 2016
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Rasmus CacOlainen
The end of the Tank
I'm bummed too about this right now, but who knows in 5 years time it may turn out we've made the right choice or that it didn't matter...
Some of them put up quite a good showing... of course these are goalies in their teens so it doesnt mean too much, but that doesnt mask the fact that Ukko has many things to work on compared even to some of his peers at this tournament.
Our scout said he likes them all...of course he will. Is he supposed to say Ukko was crap? Or that Davidsson was invincible and he would never smell the top 6 of NHL teams. Of course he wouldnt... Anyway, good tourney and hope the kids go back with good memories and takes on what they have to work on. And really hope Mittelstadt is one and done
Dude - I was at every game. I saw the goalies. The games were all like 7 - 5 or 5 - 4 or 8 - 3. And why would a scout lie to me? I'm not a reporter on the record and all the NHL people I talked to were pretty honest. But you I guess still know than them. Got it.
Rasmus CacOlainen
The end of the Tank
I saw the majority of games too...Regarding the scout...whether our players play well or not he will not say "you know this kid we just drafted, he's abysmal". Whether you are a fan or reporter they would not do that regardless of what they think.
I heard some negative stuff about guys too but I won't share that because it's hearsay. That's all I'm saying. Believe it or not.
But either way - to already judge an 18 year old goalie from a goalie-unfriendly summer tournament is a little premature.
Der Jaeger
Generational EBUG
Rasmus CacOlainen
The end of the Tank
It's all good. He knows best.
I like how it's totally appropriate when Casey does something good to salivate and pencil him as 1LW in 2 years time, but when someone arguably underperforms, we gotta just ignore it cause it's too early. I am not saying I know best, I am not blaming anyone for drafting him, I am not saying he will be a bust, I am not saying he won't make it to the NHL. All I'm saying is right now he has more holes in his games than I thought he would have as a 2nd ranked goalie in the draft. This probably has no effect on how he will be as a goalie in 4-5 years time, but right now he has plenty of holes. Whether you wanna laugh it off or not is your choice.
Yes, there were many other goalies that got totally lit up, but also there were some that stood their ground well and of course it is a summer juniors tourney with emphasis on attacking play and not on tight defense so it's normal for the numbers to be rather low... but he did post under 0.80 SV% and I think every other semi-decent high glove side shot went in. I am not pretending to be a specialist or know it all (I don't), just stating obvious observations most that watched should have based on what was on display.
Of course he may come back next year at the real tourney and perform great - I will be ecstatic if it happens!
Kris Baker @SabresProspects -
Mittelstadt playing with Brown and Yamamoto as USA takes on CAN at 7. Pu in for Canada playing wing with Howden and Kaspick.
You can watch USA (Mittelstadt) vs CAN (Pu) at 7:00 on NHL Network. Replay at 1:00AM for those of you in the Beer Barn at the Eden Corn Fest.
Great period as USA and CAN are tied 2-2 End 1st. Mittelstadt assists on Adam Fox goal for his ninth point of the week (3+6). Pu minus-1.
Joey Anderson gets his second of the game on the PP. USA takes a 3-2 lead on Canada at 1:23 of the 2nd.
Yamamoto gets behind the D after taking a Fox feed and finishes it with a backhand. USA leads Canada 4-2 mid 2nd.
Dubois uses his big body in front and taps a backhand in for the PPG. USA lead cut to 4-3.
Mittelstadt dances in beautifully through Canada's defense and just misses on the backhand as Wells squeezes the legs together. Nice work.
Moments after Pu gets to the crease for an excellent CAN chance, Patrick Harper scores a nice one on the PP to make it 5-3 USA.
Joey Anderson gains the zone and makes a nice move past Logan Stanley before hitting Ryan Poehling for the goal. 6-3 USA.
Sam Steel one-times a Cale Makar pass for a CAN goal. USA lead now 6-4.
CAN gets another one back as Gadjovich backs in and swats his rebound out of mid-air. USA lead cut to 6-5.
Mittelstadt gets a helper as USA defeats Canada 7-5. Pu one shot on goal for Canada. They won't see each other again until New Era Field.
Mittelstadt played five games at the World Jr. Summer Showcase, netting three goals and nine points with 30% shooting and a plus-9 rating.
Cliff Pu (CAN): 3GP 2-0-2, 4 SOG. Marcus Davidsson (SWE): 4 GP 0-1-1 3 SOG. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (FIN): 0-3, 5.28 GAA, .792 sv%
Right now I'd guess that Pu showed favorably to Canada decision makers. Another great start with London should solidify his standing.
Good snapshot of Luukkonen this week. Tends to drop early, slides out of position at times. Things to work on. Good foundation in place though.
Davidsson was a depth player this week, will likely be in that role for WJC. PK. Finish checks. Move around the lineup. Needs good SHL start
Mittelstadt playing with Brown and Yamamoto as USA takes on CAN at 7. Pu in for Canada playing wing with Howden and Kaspick.
You can watch USA (Mittelstadt) vs CAN (Pu) at 7:00 on NHL Network. Replay at 1:00AM for those of you in the Beer Barn at the Eden Corn Fest.
Great period as USA and CAN are tied 2-2 End 1st. Mittelstadt assists on Adam Fox goal for his ninth point of the week (3+6). Pu minus-1.
Joey Anderson gets his second of the game on the PP. USA takes a 3-2 lead on Canada at 1:23 of the 2nd.
Yamamoto gets behind the D after taking a Fox feed and finishes it with a backhand. USA leads Canada 4-2 mid 2nd.
Dubois uses his big body in front and taps a backhand in for the PPG. USA lead cut to 4-3.
Mittelstadt dances in beautifully through Canada's defense and just misses on the backhand as Wells squeezes the legs together. Nice work.
Moments after Pu gets to the crease for an excellent CAN chance, Patrick Harper scores a nice one on the PP to make it 5-3 USA.
Joey Anderson gains the zone and makes a nice move past Logan Stanley before hitting Ryan Poehling for the goal. 6-3 USA.
Sam Steel one-times a Cale Makar pass for a CAN goal. USA lead now 6-4.
CAN gets another one back as Gadjovich backs in and swats his rebound out of mid-air. USA lead cut to 6-5.
Mittelstadt gets a helper as USA defeats Canada 7-5. Pu one shot on goal for Canada. They won't see each other again until New Era Field.
Mittelstadt played five games at the World Jr. Summer Showcase, netting three goals and nine points with 30% shooting and a plus-9 rating.
Cliff Pu (CAN): 3GP 2-0-2, 4 SOG. Marcus Davidsson (SWE): 4 GP 0-1-1 3 SOG. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (FIN): 0-3, 5.28 GAA, .792 sv%
Right now I'd guess that Pu showed favorably to Canada decision makers. Another great start with London should solidify his standing.
Good snapshot of Luukkonen this week. Tends to drop early, slides out of position at times. Things to work on. Good foundation in place though.
Davidsson was a depth player this week, will likely be in that role for WJC. PK. Finish checks. Move around the lineup. Needs good SHL start
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Casey Mittelstadt (2017, first round) added an assist and a shot on goal in Saturday's victory for Team USA.
He's committed to the University of Minnesota in the fall.
"This was a big way to end the tournament," Mittelstadt said.
"Anytime we can beat Canada, it will always be a big win - no matter if it's the middle of summer or if a gold medal is on the line.
We respect Canada, but it was a good win tonight to cap off an outstanding week for us as a team moving forward."
Cliff Pu (2016, third round) recorded a shot on goal for Canada. He finished the week with two goals and five shots in three games.
"It was a fast-paced game," Pu said. "It had the feel of what a potential game in December or January could feel like.
It was a hard-fought game with two really good hockey teams, despite it only being August."
He'll be at Sabres training camp in September, but will likely be headed back to the London Knights, his OHL club, this season.
To play a key role on that team and continue his development.
Sabres goaltending prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2017, second round), made 26 saves in the losing effort.
It marked his third start of the showcase. "We never felt we were out of the game despite trailing in it," Luukkonen said.
"Anytime you play a game especially in a rivalry game, it is not over until the final second is off the clock and that was true today."
Luukkonen is expected to play for Liiga in Finland this upcoming season.
Marcus Davidsson (2017, second round) did not register a point on Saturday.
Concluded the summer showcase with one assist and three shots in four games for Sweden.
"The week was great," Davidsson said. "It was a lot of fun, but at the same time, it was a big learning experience too.
The first game, I did not play my best, but as the week went on, I began to feel really comfortable."
Davidsson will again be with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League next season. He recorded nine points (5+4) in 45 games for them last year.
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Rasmus CacOlainen
The end of the Tank
Guess when Baker says it it's fine, so I'll just repost what he just posted:
"Kris Baker @SabresProspects 4m4 minutes ago
Good snapshot of Luukkonen this week. Tends to drop early, slides out of position at times. Things to work on. Good foundation in place tho"
Since it's not my opinion maybe I won't see 4 laughs emojis for no reason.
"Kris Baker @SabresProspects 4m4 minutes ago
Good snapshot of Luukkonen this week. Tends to drop early, slides out of position at times. Things to work on. Good foundation in place tho"
Since it's not my opinion maybe I won't see 4 laughs emojis for no reason.
I agree. My point was not to point a finger at UPL for the very reasons everyone mentions. The number of shots from 15 feet or so from slot area by guys with lots of time and space inevitably led to goals and to blame the goalies including UPL seemed unfair.
ZZamboni
Puttin' on the Foil
That's what you consider "plenty of holes"?
I guess every player whoever played a sport has "plenty of holes" then.
I think 99% of people who watched this tournament came away with this thought ... "looked good, has things to work on"
Not .... Plenty.
oh, and yea .... he JUST got drafted and has developing to do, just like 100% of his peers.
haseoke39
Registered User
- Mar 29, 2011
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That's what you consider "plenty of holes"?
I guess every player whoever played a sport has "plenty of holes" then.
I think 99% of people who watched this tournament came away with this thought ... "looked good, has things to work on"
Not .... Plenty.
oh, and yea .... he JUST got drafted and has developing to do, just like 100% of his peers.
Please continue to argue the difference between "things to work on" and "plenty of holes." This is so illuminating.
Rasmus CacOlainen
The end of the Tank
Baker is too polite to say it in a bad way... When he's often out of position, goes down on his pads way too early and instinctively, is weak with the glove, likes to flop on his belly too often and needs a lot of work on the side to side movement .... that's plenty of holes to fix. If he fixes 1 per year, I'm fine.
I'm not ******** on Ukko, just pointing out the things I want to see improved next year.
