It Only Gets Harder From Here
Team USA got one of the tougher draws out of all the quality teams in the quarterfinal. Their win against Russia was a close one — a game in which USA seemed they would take a hold of very early on. The game slowly leveled out and the Russians easily could've stolen the game. There are some aspects of USA's game that will need to be improved if they are to defeat a much better Swedish team in the semifinal today.
I think we can say that the best four countries made it to this round of the tournament. If Team USA is to make it to the final stage though, there's at least one major issue that concerns me. As the game against Russia began, it was surprising to see Woll back in net despite him starting most of the round robin matchups.
What's interesting is, if you're going to start a goalie in most games, but not against Canada, then why would you start him in the knockout round? Oettinger played in that outdoor Canada game and played quite well. It's wasn't a shock to see Woll back in net for Finland, but the form of Oettinger is better, I think. He looks like a more confident goalie in contrast to Woll, who seems to make big saves here and there, then turn around and give up one or two squeakers.
Woll may not be the best but it seems like he is our man in net moving forward. There's no changing that now at this late time in the competition.
Another area of improvement is on defense. We saw it against Slovakia and later on against Russia. The Americans need to make sure they are marking guys and winning battles. Sweden will be tough, both on attack and defending, so it is imperative that USA solidifies it's movement and play of the puck overall.
The powerplay has room for improvement as well; and while we're on the topic of penalties, USA can afford to stop taking them, especially nonsensical ones, such as "too many men." They've certainly missed key opportunities on the powerplay though, including failing to score on a five-minute major against the Russians. The man-advantage has been too inconsistent lately and if they don't take those chances and the opposition does, then that's just one weakness that can't be afforded in a short tournament like this.
Team USA plays Sweden in what may be the toughest test so far in these World Juniors. They come in with a player in Rasmus Dahlin, a defenseman who's expected to be picked number one overall in this year's NHL draft. Team USA will need another gear if they are to go for another gold, because how they played in their last game, even if their form wasn't that bad, they'll definitely have to step it up another notch or two.
Source photo credit: Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News | buffalonews.com
