Columbus Blue Jackets Prospects Face Off in WJC Quarterfinal

Two of the Columbus Blue Jackets top prospects faced off in a quarterfinal matchup that saw Team USA beat Russia 4-2 in Buffalo.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have two prospects playing in the IIHF World Junior Championships in Buffalo, NY this year. Last night, they both faced off against each other as Team USA took on Russia in the most anticipated quarterfinal game.

American defenseman Andrew Peeke and Team USA took down the Russians and forward Vitali Abramov 4-2 in the final game of the day. Peeke had another solid game in what has turned out to be a good tournament for the Notre Dame freshman. He had one shot and was +2 for the Yanks as they move on to face Sweden in the semifinals. He has a goal and an assist through five games.

Vitali Abramov was quite again on the scoring sheet as his tournament came to an end. He recorded three shots on goal but no points. Abramov did play fine though in the time he was allotted on the ice. It was clear though that the American’s were a better team and they were able to contain the deadly scorer from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Abramov will end the tournament and head back to the Victoriaville Tigres after only scoring one goal in five games for Russia. His lack of scoring was disappointing for the Russians as they expected some firepower to come from the player who has 45 points in 29 games thus far in the Q.

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Abramov now has a chance to go back and get his game ready to make the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2018-2019 season. Peeke will continue to play for the red, white and blue as Team USA plays Sweden on Thursday at 4pm.