WJC: Avs prospects held without points
Both Avalanche prospects failed to register a point in their final games of the preliminary round.The last games of the 2016 World Juniors preliminary round were played today. Forward Mikko Rantanen and defenseman Sergei Boikov both saw game action, Boikov being the first to play, as Russia clinched first place in Group B with a victory against Slovakia. Boikov was once again paired up with Philadelphia prospect Ivan Provorov and filled the role of the pairing’s defensive blueliner. The young Russian had a solid outing, but once again failed to record a point and thus hasn’t recorded any points during the preliminary round.
The Russians went undefeated in the preliminary round
Rantanen remained on Finland’s third line, although he was moved from center to wing. However, the move didn’t impact his production. Rantanen’s linemates Roope Hintz and Antti Kalapudas both scored a goal in a close 5-4 victory against the Czech Republic. With the win, Finland clinched Group B’s second place. Rantanen only recorded one shot on goal in his team’s victory and the Finnish captain has a goal and an assist through four games.
Rantanen was moved from center to wing, but failed to record a point
The teams will have tomorrow off and will return to action on Saturday. Boikov and the Russians will face Denmark in the quarterfinals, while Rantanen and the Finns, who finished the preliminary round with three wins and one loss, will square off against Canada.
Michal Hezely, Slovakia, hezely@eurolanche.com
31/12/2015 - 20:00
