Winnipeg Jets Prospects Play for Medals at World Juniors Today
On the final day of the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, all three Winnipeg Jets prospects will be in action competing for medals today.
We are finally at the final day at the World Junior Championship and that means it is medal day. Before the tournament, the Winnipeg Jets had three prospects named to their countries’ roster for this prestigious tournament.
Those players are Henri Nikkanen and Ville Heinola of Finland, and Cole Perfetti of Canada. The interesting thing to note is that all three of these players could end today with a medal.
There are two games on the schedule today, first Finland and Russia will compete for the bronze medal in the afternoon. Then, Canada will take on, their rivals, the United States for Gold.
Bronze Medal Game
Finland v Russia 4:30 p.m. Central Time
Last night was heartbreaking for Nikkanen, Heinola, and Finland. In the second semifinal game, Finland was trailing 3-1 entering the third period and they still were down by two goals with less than ten minutes remaining in the game, but then they started a comeback.
Finland scored twice to even the score and had all of the momentum in the final minutes of play. Unfortunately for them, the United States scored the game winning goal with one minute and 16 seconds left in the contest.
Heinola, Nikkanen, and Finland Fall to the U.S. in Semis. light. Related Story
Finland looked devastated after their 4-3 loss. They had a great comeback to tie the game and even carried the play for long spells during the game but ultimately came up short.
Fortunately for Finland, they have little time to concentrate on last night’s loss and can come home with a great consolation prize of a Bronze medal with a win this afternoon against Russia.
Russia is coming into today’s game after getting blown out by Canada in their semifinal matchup. Expect a much better effort from Russia when they faceoff with Finland. This has all the makings of a great game to watch.
Gold Medal Game
U.S.A. vs Canada 8:30 p.m. CST
There is a great argument to make that there is no better international hockey rivalry than the United States and Canada. No matter what level of hockey or what international competition these teams are competing in; when the U.S. and Canada face off it is always a must-see event.
The last time these two border nations faced off for the gold medal was in the 2017 edition of this tournament. The United States won 5-4 in a thrilling shootout.
Since 1996, Canada has only won one of four games for gold against the U.S. Two of the American wins, including 2017, were decided after 60 minutes in overtime or a shootout.
Cole Perfetti and Canada are looking to win back-to-back golds in what should be their toughest game of the tournament.
Canada made their semifinal game against Russia look easy. Canada outshot the Russians 35-28 and won in convincing 5-0 fashion. Perfetti played well and scored a powerplay goal on a terrific shot.
light. Related Story. Perfetti Scores in Canada’s Semifinal Rout against Russia
Expect this game to be fast, physical, and fun to watch. It will be interesting to watch how, Winnipeg Jets’ 2020 first round pick, Cole Perfetti performs on the big stage in what is probably the biggest game of his hockey career.
Where to Catch the Games
Canadian viewers can watch the games on TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, and TSN5. In the United States, both games will be shown on the NHL Network.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What are your score predictions for both medal games? Leave your comments below!
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