It was an exciting day at the Semi-Finals of the IIHF World Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic. Russia beat USA 4-0, sending the defending champs to the gold medal round. And Canada beat the host team, Czech Republic, 2-0 in a surprisingly close game – Canada was averaging over 7 goals per game up until today. The Czech Republic had a goal questionably waived-off by the refs in the Third that could have swung the momentum, but that’s neither here nor there. How did the Jackets do?
Sergei Bobrovsky (Russia)
Bob was on the case today for Russia, stopping all 35 shots he faced for a huge shutout win over Team USA.
Russian Teammate Alex Ovechkin said:
"“It’s clear that [Bobrovsky] is one of the best goalies at the moment. It’s almost impossible to score on him and today he showed his mastery and his class. He’s one of the best goalies in the world.”"
He made so many incredible saves throughout the game, but THE highlight save came in the Second Period when he stopped three shots in a row, including an incredible flailing skate save on a shot by Anders Lee (New York Islanders):
Love that commentary.
Bobrovsky will play for the Championship on Sunday against Canada’s hot offense.
Todd Richards and Staff (USA)
It was a tough loss for Head Coach Todd Richards, as the game was 0-0 until the Third Period when Russia exploded for four goals. But USA is a very young team, and the fact that they’ve made it this far is impressive.
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USA will play for the Bronze against Czech Republic on Sunday for what would be just its fourth World medal since 1962.
Artem Anisimov (Russia)
Anisimov had a quiet game with no points, no shots, and logging less ice time with Ovechkin’s arrival to the lineup. But Anisimov will get to play for the Championship on Sunday against Canada.
David Savard (Canada)
Savard also had a quiet game for Canada in their 2-0 win over Czech Republic, with no points or shots, and a 0 plus-minus rating. He will face off against Bobrovsky and Anisimov on Sunday for the World Championship.
Mike Reilly (USA)
Blue Jackets Prospect Mike Reilly – who just announced that he will test free agency – saw limited action against Russia recording one shot on goal and 10:44 of ice time.
Jeremy Morin (USA)
Jeremy Morin did not play in USA’s 0-4 loss to Russia, after getting just one shift in during USA’s win over Switzerland.
Too soon?