WJC Day 4 Recap: Kaliyev’s pair lead U.S. past Russia
USA 3, RUSSIA 1
A two-goal performance from L.A. Kings prospect Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs) helped the United States defeat Russia 3-1 and improve to 2-1 on Day 4 of the 2020 World Juniors. The opening 20 minutes saw a scoreless frame, before Kaliyev’s first put USA on the board at the 6:41 marker of the second period. Toronto Maple Leafs pick Nick Robertson (Peterborough Petes) followed suit just six seconds later to widen his team’s lead to 2-0. Kaliyev’s second goal came within the first two minutes of the final period, before Russian defender and Montreal Canadiens prospect Alexander Romanov ended the U.S. shutout bid with his team’s only goal of the game.
Florida Panthers pick Spencer Knight finished the game with a 25-save tally in net for the United States, while top 2020 NHL Draft prospect Yaroslav Askarov totaled 21 saves for Russia.
The U.S. takes the lead in Group B with six points and a 2-1 record while Russia has three points and a 1-2 record.
FINLAND 7, KAZAHKSTAN 1
Patrik Puistola scored a pair of goals as Finland earned their second win of the World Junior Championship tournament, trampling over Kazakhstan in a 7-1 decision. Puistola, a Carolina Hurricanes pick, scored six minutes into the first period for Finland, and Andrei Buyalski evened out the score with Kazahkstan’s lone goal midway through. Kristian Tanus found the back of the net toward the end of the first frame to put Finland back in the lead. The Finns saw five straight goals in the remaining forty minutes of play off the sticks of Arizona Coyotes prospect Matias Maccelli, Aatu Raty, Puistola, Toronto Maple Leafs pick Mikko Kokkonen, and Kim Nousiainen, an L.A. Kings prospect.
The final shots were 34-22 in Finland’s favour, with Roman Kalmykov stopping 27 between the pipes. Finland’s Kari Piiroinen (Windsor Spitfires) put up 21 saves in net.
Finland climbs into first place in Group A with seven points and a 2-0-1 record. Kazakhstan falls to 0-3.
Loading ...