By admin and Russ Cohen
The USA vs. Canada New Year’s Eve game is back on. I love it. I’ve covered it in person, and I’ve waited to party until after the game. I’ve watched it on bad hotel internet. It’s must-see television.
On the USA side, they need to play Teddy Stiga. He gives them that all-around energy on any given shift. He has two points in two games.
Ryan Leonard has been off his game. He has a few points, but he hasn’t been a problem in the crease, and he’s not playing his game. I expect more points and more greasy play out of him.
Team USA shouldn’t touch the top line with James Hagens and Gabe Perreault. They’ve been mostly great. As I said, Leonard can do better. Danny Nelson has more goals then Cole Eiserman. There’s no way I thought that would happen and I bet Islanders fans didn’t expect that. Eiserman needs to connect. His four points in three games is good. But they will need more goals or more shots to beat Carter George and Canada.
I would play EJ Emery over Adam Kleber. He has more tools. Let’s see what happens.
Canada Made Some Key Changes
It was terrible what happened to Matthew Schaefer. But the change of getting all the London Knights power play guys together worked like a charm. Having Oliver Bonk on the bumper paid dividends and now their power play is a weapon.
Dave Cameron doesn’t utilize Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko properly. Based on the minutes, shifts and other usage, he doesn’t fully trust him. He had a great short-handed goal and one bad turnover that didn’t turn into anything. If they’re smart, they give him more minutes. He’s probably itching to get more playing time.
Caden Price has been a big surprise. He’s had some great shifts and Seattle Kraken fans have to be thrilled.
Berkly Catton and Gavin McKenna have played well but not rewarded enough on the scoresheet. That could be worrisome for Team USA.
Trey Augustine hasn’t played his best. George has. That could be the difference in the game.
I can see this game going into overtime and then who knows after that.
