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IIHF Worlds Update: Avalanche and Semifinals

By Nadia Archuleta

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The quarter finals of IIHF Worlds have ended with not too many surprises. Eight teams are moving forth, and eight teams are done with international play for the year.

Meanwhile, Colorado Avalanche players participating in IIHF Worlds continue to dominate.

Avalanche Players at IIHF Worlds

Avalanche backup goalie Reto Berra was “sensational” in net for Team Switzerland. You read that right, Big Berra did well — he always shines in international competitions. Swiss coach Glen Hanlon said of Berra’s play on the IIHF Website, “Reto Berra, our goalie, was sensational.” Switzerland is moving forward to the semifinals.

While defenseman Zach Redmond, playing for Team USA, may not have made such a spectacular contribution in his efforts, he did score his first point in international competition. He earned an assist on the game-tying goal that came late in the second period against Slovakia. (We’re not going to focus on the fact that it was an assist for Minnesota Wild forward Charlie Coyle.) Team USA is moving forward to the semifinals.

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Defenseman Jan Hejda is still providing his solid abilities for the Czechs. He has two assists in seven games and is serving as alternate captain for the host country. The Czechs are moving forward to the semifinals.

The Avalanche players on Team Canada have been ridiculous in how much they’re contributing to a dominant team. All four players earned points in a blowout game against the Austrians.

Center Ryan O’Reilly is an ice time leader. He also earned an assist on Tyson Barrie‘s first IIHF Worlds goal. O’Reilly now has seven assists through the tournament.

Speaking of Barrie’s first IIHF Worlds goal, here it is:

"Tyson Barrie goalNice tic-tac-toe as Tyson Barrie scores the first of 10 goals for Canada. Celebrate their 7-0-0-0 group stage effort by sharing with a fan of Hockey CanadaPosted by International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on Tuesday, May 12, 2015"

Nice tic-tac-toe as Tyson Barrie scores the first of 10 goals for Canada. Celebrate their 7-0-0-0 group stage effort by sharing with a fan of Hockey Canada

Posted by International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on Tuesday, May 12, 2015

What a beauty of a tic-tac-toe score. Barrie now has a goal and four assists.

Then there’s Nathan MacKinnon scoring another goal and earning an assist on one of Matt Duchene‘s goals. Scrumsy was able to stay out of the penalty box, though. He now has three goals and five assists (and those six penalty minutes for roughing.)

Matt Duchene — what a star. He had an impressive four-point game against Austria, scoring two goals and earning two assists. He is now one of the IIHF Worlds leaders in scoring with four goals and seven assists. (As one MHS reader pointed out, according to his IIHF card, he also appeared to have grown two inches.)

Scary scoring on Team Canada — Avalanche players have combined for 31 points in seven games.

IIHF Worlds Semifinals

All the IIHF Worlds Semifinals games get played on Thursday, May 14. Here are the match ups (from the IIHF website):

Bracket for IIHF Worlds playoffs.

The US team is likely to prevail over the Swiss, though I doubt the score will be a blowout. Team USA earned the second-most points in the tourney, 17, and seven ahead of the Swiss.

The Sweden-Russia game is certain to be an exciting match. Both teams are gifted and offense-minded. Their international games are always hard-fought.

Finland-Czech Republic can go either way, though I give a slight edge to the Czechs. They’re playing in front of the home crowd, and that should give them enough extra motivation to get to the Finals.

Canada-Belarus… Blowout for Canada. They lead at IIHF Worlds with an impressive 21 points. They are marching to the Gold Medal Game — which I fully expect them to take.

The game times (MDT):

  • USA vs Switzerland — 7:15 AM
  • Canada vs Belarus — 8:15 AM
  • Sweden vs Russia — 11:15 AM
  • Finland vs Czech Republic — 12:15 PM

After Thursday’s games, the Finals are on Saturday, May 16.

Next: Avs Roster Watch - Right Wings

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