Same thing here
. So here's a few comments on the Canadian players. I paid a special attention on Darren Helm and here's what I posted on the Red Wings board:
Helm played mostly on an energy line with Sam Gagner (-07 eligible) and Marc-Andre Cliché (NYR). In the first period Helm didn't see much ice time, as he was a couple of times substituted on his line by Kenndal McArdle (FLA). Soon it became obvious, though, who deserved more ice time. McArdle looked clumsy and even fell over on his own in some situations.
Everytime Helm was on the ice, he seemed to be aware of what he should do next. He skated really well and caused some havoc on the forecheck. When he handled the puck, he showed very nifty stickwork, with which he was able to pass the puck along. He survived from many difficult situations with his stickhandling. I don't think he turned the puck over all night.
Starting from the second period he was played also on the penalty kill. His speed and ability to disrupt really caused trouble for the Finnish defensemen. He drew one penalty and twice stole the puck behind Finland's net as the lone Canadian guy up front. He seems to be adept at battling for the puck along the boards. Overall it could be said that he was one of Canada's best players defensively.
Sam Gagner was very shifty with moves when he launched for an attack. Nice to see that he got some responsibility, as he was running the Canadian power play a few times. He played with confidence and nowhere else was it more evident than in a situation where both teams were changing on the fly, thus leaving more open ice. Gagner jumped on the opportunity and shuttled towards a lone Finnish defenseman. At full speed he pulled a fancy puck-between-his-own-legs deke and blew past the defender. But Rask came out so well that he couldn't get a proper shot released.
The best player on ice for either team was Jonathan Toews. He was focused and always seemed to initiate pressure in Finland's end of the rink.
Luc Bourdon joined the rush via swift skating everytime he could. I was surprised though for him making a few dangerous turnovers. Granted, he played the most of the Canadian defensemen.
Karl Alzner got the most results in the offensive end, but the honour of the best defensive defenseman would go to Ryan Parent. He was rock-solid all night, sometimes the Finnish forwards were hesitant to even try to challenge him.
The most important save Carey Price made, came at the final seconds of the first period. Finland had a glorious chance to get on the board, but Price precluded the attempt with a terrific save.
