After a rough game against Slovakia, Toronto Maple Leafs’ prospect, Joseph Woll looks like he has lost favor with Bob Motzko, the United States national team’s head coach.
On Thursday night, the Americans fell to Slovakia 3-2. Unfortunately for the United States, Woll was terrible and couldn’t keep the Americans in the game.
Rough Night Against Slovakia
At the 15 minute mark in the second period, Filip Krivosik, Slovakian forward had a wrist shot that went right between Woll’s pads. Later on in the period, Brady Tkachuk gave the Americans some life and scored on Slovak goaltender, Roman Durny.
In the third period with four minutes left, Krivosik had a backhand shot that went past Woll to give the Slovaks the lead. A minute later, Casey Mittelstadt, Buffalo Sabres prospect, was able to tie the game for the Americans as he drew Durny out of position. Even though Mittelstadt gave the Americans some hope, Woll’s nightmare wasn’t over. Sixty seconds after Mittelstadt’s goal, Samuel Bucek, Slovakian left-winger, goes around Woll’s net and scores. Bucek’s goal sealed the deal and Slovakia defeated the Americans.
Woll Moves To Backup Role
As a result of Woll’s poor play, Motzko decided to sit Woll against Canada in yesterday’s outdoor game. Instead, Motzko decided to start Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars prospect and Boston University net-minder.
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While Oettinger gave up two early goals in the matchup against Canada, he was able to shut down the Canadians’ offense in the third period. Oettinger’s play paved the way for the Americans to tie the game.
Based on Oettinger’s great performance against Canada, I believe that Motzko will choose to roll with him on Sunday against Finland.
Toronto Maple Leafs fans might be concerned, but there is no need for concern. Woll still played extremely well against Denmark and has an outstanding GAA of 1.51 and .929 Save Percentage in two World Junior games.
Liljegren’s Neutral-Zone Check
Aside from Woll, let’s talk about another Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, Timothy Liljegren. Liljegren is having a solid rookie season with the Toronto Marlies but has yet to find his groove in the World Juniors.
After an abysmal game against Belarus, Liljegren attempted to step up against the Czech Republic on Thursday. In the video footage below, you can see Liljegren laying down a solid neutral-zone check on Czech forward and Carolina Hurricanes’ prospect, Martin Necas. Necas was at center ice and waiting to collect the puck from a pass from teammate, Albert Michnac when he met the brick wall, Liljegren.
Later on in the second period at the 3:28 mark, Liljegren got speared by Czech centre, Kristian Reichel. The Swedish national team’s staff decided to be safe with Liljegren. They kept him off the ice for the rest of the second period. But, he seemed to be healthy and the coaching staff allowed him to come back in the third period.
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Liljegren should be in the lineup for the game against Switzerland later on today. Hopefully, Liljegren will have a chance to grab his first point in the World Junior Championship. You can catch the game on TSN5 at 2 pm EST.