Canadiens To Be Well-Represented In Medal Round At Worlds

The final game of the IIHF World Championships is set to have a very Montreal Canadiens flavour to it this year.

For the first time in since the inception of the goal-medal game in 1992, Canada and the Germany are set to face off in the finals of the IIHF World Championships.

Team Canada, backstopped by the impressive play of Samuel Montembeault, are looking to get back to their gold-medal-winning ways after losing in the finals last year.

Montembault has been a key figure in their push for gold, posting an impressive .943 save percentage and a sparkling 1.32 goals-against average.

The Montreal Canadiens goaltender has used this tournament to prove to the world that his heroic efforts with the Habs this season were far from a simple fluke.

Justin Barron, who is also partaking in the tournament for Canada, is getting some crucial experience as a third-pair defenceman for this incredibly young roster.

He had some difficulty early on in the tournament, but seems to have found his footing in the final few games and has been playing with more consistency.

Canada has had great success at this tournament in the past, but they’ll have to be ready, as Germany looks ready to cause yet another surprise in the finals.

Consolation Time

The United States hasn’t made it to the gold-medal game of the IIHF World Championships in decades, and they just narrowly missed out on doing so in a devastating 3-2 OT loss to Germany.

Despite the loss in the semi-finals, Team USA will still have the opportunity at a bronze medal against Latvia, with some Canadiens also set to participate.

Three young Montreal Canadiens prospects were selected to represent their country in Lane Hutson, Sean Farrell and Luke Tuch; but one has stood out more than the others.

Hutson, the youngest player on the team, has turned some heads with his exceptional play and highlight-reel performances in a limited role as a 7th defenceman for Team USA.

Starting off with meagre usage to start the tournament, the 19-year-old has earned the praise of head coach David Quinn for his ability to adapt quickly and make the most with what he’s given.

The exciting offensive defenceman has put up two goals and four assists for six points in eight games.

Sean Farrell has been used in more of a two-way role, which differs from the usual offensive, high-tempo game he’s been used to playing in the NCAA.

He’s played intelligently away from the puck and showing he can impact a game in many different ways.