by Brandt Corbin
France and Norway continue to be the biggest surprises at this year’s World Championship of Hockey. Both teams were destined for relegation but instead are moving onto the Qualification Round.
Norway stronger than ever
Norwegian goaltender Lars Haugen continues to be the tournaments biggest surprise, so much so, NHL scouts are taking notice in his play. Main reason being he’s 2-1 with a 2.59 gaa, and a 93.3 SP%. After today’s must win game versus Austria (5-0 win) Norway has 2 of the leading scorers in the tournament, Mathias Olimb & Andres Bastiansen (7 points each) have combined for 4 goals and 10 assists in the teams’ 3 games. There is no doubt about it, Norway is taking the next step and the fairy tale will only continue into the qualification round. “We played really well defensively,” said Bastiansen after their 5-0. “I don’t think people were expecting much from us this year.”
Who is Haugen, Olimb and Bastiansen?
Haugen is a 24-year-old, who is making his first appearance with Norway and by the looks of it, they’ve got their starting goalie for the next 10 years. He played 31 games in the Norwegian hockey league this year with a goals against of 2.95. But what a week, he made 42 saves in the win earlier this week against Sweden, 42 saves against the American this week, then a 26 save shutout against the Austrians. Are we likely see him in the NHL next year, but if continues his dominance he could get a contract offer or two.
Olimb is a Chicago Blackhawk prospect, who played this year in the American Hockey League. In his rookie season he accumulated 32 points in just over 60 games, but at the championships one has to remember he’s back onto the large ice surface he’s grown accustom to. With his play he has earned himself a longer look next year with the rebuilding Hawks.
On the other hand Bastiansen has been the most pleasant surprise for Norway. The 30 year old, 6’3 200 pound centerman has played the last six seasons in the Swedish Elite League, but has struggled in his last two years. The increased ice time, being a go-to guy has given him extra motivation and its paid off this far.
France went 1-1-1 in opening round
For France they pulled off a 1-0 overtime loss to Switzerland, but yesterday advanced the next round after a 2-1 win over Belarus. This is time first time since 1997 that France is moving onto the second round at the IIHF. Their success is mainly on the shoulders of former NHLer Christobal Huet, and forward Sacha Treille (1 goal 2 assists). If this Cinderella fairy-tale is not to end they need more scoring from other sources for any success or even to compete. But the team has to be shocked and very pleased with the progress they’ve had thus far.
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