<p>Day three of the World Juniors brought several not-so-great performances from our two active Leafs prospects in Buffalo.</p>
<p>Though Timothy Liljegren is not outwardly struggling, he does not necessarily seem to be settling into the Swedish blueline.  Joseph Woll allowed three soft goals against the Slovaks in the USA&#8217;s first loss of the tournament.  Oh, and Eemeli Räsänen went ghost.</p>
<p>In general, this year&#8217;s tournament does not appear to be as successful as likely anticipated by USA Hockey.  Attendance at every preliminary-round game has been subpar, and the WJC hype just isn&#8217;t as prevalent as I&#8217;ve seen it in the past.</p>
<p>Changing to a more positive perspective, the tournament only began three days ago.  There is plenty of time for Liljegren and Woll to improve and for the city of Buffalo to rally around the World Juniors.  Also, it&#8217;s almost a given that the attendance and the atmosphere at tomorrow&#8217;s outdoor game will be something to get excited about.</p>
<p>With that, let&#8217;s get to it.<br />
</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Timothy Liljegren (<em>Sweden</em> vs. Czech Republic)</h2>
<p>Here are the highlights from Sweden&#8217;s victory against the Czechs:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HIGHLIGHTS: Sweden&#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/Trekronorse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Trekronorse</a> stays perfect at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldJuniors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldJuniors</a> thanks to a 3-1 win against the Czech <a href="https://twitter.com/narodnitym?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narodnitym</a>. Watch the highlights from the game! Recap, quotes and photos: <a href="https://t.co/xxr1uF1Gky">https://t.co/xxr1uF1Gky</a> <a href="https://t.co/paJirese2F">pic.twitter.com/paJirese2F</a></p>
<p>&mdash; IIHF (@IIHFHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/IIHFHockey/status/946538956405071872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Liljegren&#8217;s ice time saw a two-minute drop from last game (16:25 TOI to 13:59 TOI), and this was somewhat expected given his average performance over the course of two games.  He has been good, but I have a hard time saying he has been <em>impressive. </em>Another reason for this change is Sweden&#8217;s increasing but validated reliance on Rasmus Dhalin, the 17-year old superstar defenceman.  Dahlin played 24 minutes today for the Swedes, taking on a much bigger role within the team than earlier anticipated.</p>
<p>Liljegren has taken two penalties in two games at the tournament which definitely is not helping his case.  H<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif">e also got </span>hooked<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif"> in the groin today: </span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Liljegren gets helped off the ice after taking a stick to the balls. Ouch. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMLtalk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TMLtalk</a> <a href="https://t.co/56rjtZgP8s">pic.twitter.com/56rjtZgP8s</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Janik Beichler (@JanikBeichler) <a href="https://twitter.com/JanikBeichler/status/946507960980779010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2017</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Liljegren still has an ample opportunity to prove himself at the tournament.  He has yet to create much offense, something that he is definitely capable of doing.  He is still seeing some powerplay time as well, and it is about time he starts making a more positive contribution to the scoresheet.</p>
<h2>Joseph Woll (<em>USA</em> vs. Slovakia)</h2>
<p>Here are the highlights from Slovakia&#8217;s notable victory over the USA:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WATCH the phenomenal game-winner of Samuel Bucek and the other goals in Slovakia&#39;s 3-2 upset over defending <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldJuniors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldJuniors</a> champion USA. More from the game: <a href="https://t.co/iw9HJnuXTy">https://t.co/iw9HJnuXTy</a> <a href="https://t.co/USFimMMn7l">pic.twitter.com/USFimMMn7l</a></p>
<p>&mdash; IIHF (@IIHFHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/IIHFHockey/status/946602803111350272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Joseph Woll definitely did not have a good game tonight.</p>
<p>Three bad goals, terrible defensive coverage and a heroic performance from Slovakia&#8217;s backup goaltender cost the Americans this game. Here&#8217;s a closer look at the Slovak&#8217;s second goal:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Slovakia takes a late 2-1 lead over USA <a href="https://t.co/yLG9xkrHZG">pic.twitter.com/yLG9xkrHZG</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteBlackburn/status/946583378169606144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Woll was not in the best positioning for this shot and quickly realizes his mistake after as he turns around to check the net.  Here&#8217;s a look at Slovakia&#8217;s third goal, this time scored on a wrap-around attempt:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is&#8230;not ideal defense. Slovakia reclaims late lead 3-2 <a href="https://t.co/gk4mGcRgUA">pic.twitter.com/gk4mGcRgUA</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteBlackburn/status/946585122312196096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">3-2 SVK. Woll was flailing all over the  place and I&#39;m not feeling great about him right now.</p>
<p>&mdash; Hannah Stuart (@HockeywthHannah) <a href="https://twitter.com/HockeywthHannah/status/946584337302130689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Woll didn&#8217;t look settled in the American goal crease tonight.  He was out of position, misplaying the puck and essentially flopping around everywhere.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif">Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see who takes to the net for the Americans tomorrow.  I would have to assume Oettinger will get the start tomorrow after Woll&#8217;s performance tonight, and tomorrow&#8217;s game may distinguish who earns the starting job for the team moving forward in the tournament.  </span></p>
<p>Woll&#8217;s hot and cold streaks are not ideal in a tournament of this nature and after his performance tonight, it&#8217;s clear that there is certainly more room for him to improve in his development.</p>
<h2>Eemeli Räsänen (<em>Finland</em> vs. Denmark)</h2>
<p>Here are the highlights from a Räsänen-less Finland victory:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HIGHLIGHTS: Last year <a href="https://twitter.com/DKIshockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DKIshockey</a> for the first time beat Finland at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldJuniors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldJuniors</a>. This time the Finns took revenge in a 4-1 win for <a href="https://twitter.com/leijonat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@leijonat</a>. Watch the goals and more in this video. Game story: <a href="https://t.co/0hLgoegqbU">https://t.co/0hLgoegqbU</a> <a href="https://t.co/4R2Zp53fUT">pic.twitter.com/4R2Zp53fUT</a></p>
<p>&mdash; IIHF (@IIHFHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/IIHFHockey/status/946478750060904448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2017</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>There is still no word on Räsänen&#8217;s status at the tournament.  He is not on the official <a href="http://2018.worldjunior.hockey/en/teams/#FIN">IIHF Finnish </a>roster, so I think it is safe to assume that we will not be seeing him this year (barring an injury, of course).</p>
<h2>Day 4 Preview</h2>
<p>Negativity aside, tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities to impress.  Joseph Woll and the Americans will be back in action tomorrow in the first-ever WJC outdoor game.  I doubt that Woll will actually get the start, but nevertheless, the game will certainly be fun to watch.  The USA will be looking to bounce back after a crushing loss to Slovakia tonight, and Canada will be aiming to maintain their streak of dominance in the prelims.  The game will take place at New Era Field at 3 pm tomorrow.</p>

Day three of the World Juniors brought several not-so-great performances from our two active Leafs prospects in Buffalo.

Though Timothy Liljegren is not outwardly struggling, he does not necessarily seem to be settling into the Swedish blueline.  Joseph Woll allowed three soft goals against the Slovaks in the USA's first loss of the tournament.  Oh, and Eemeli Räsänen went ghost.

In general, this year's tournament does not appear to be as successful as likely anticipated by USA Hockey.  Attendance at every preliminary-round game has been subpar, and the WJC hype just isn't as prevalent as I've seen it in the past.

Changing to a more positive perspective, the tournament only began three days ago.  There is plenty of time for Liljegren and Woll to improve and for the city of Buffalo to rally around the World Juniors.  Also, it's almost a given that the attendance and the atmosphere at tomorrow's outdoor game will be something to get excited about.

With that, let's get to it.


&nbsp;
<h2>Timothy Liljegren (<em>Sweden</em> vs. Czech Republic)</h2>
Here are the highlights from Sweden's victory against the Czechs:

https://twitter.com/IIHFHockey/status/946538956405071872

Liljegren's ice time saw a two-minute drop from last game (16:25 TOI to 13:59 TOI), and this was somewhat expected given his average performance over the course of two games.  He has been good, but I have a hard time saying he has been <em>impressive. </em>Another reason for this change is Sweden's increasing but validated reliance on Rasmus Dhalin, the 17-year old superstar defenceman.  Dahlin played 24 minutes today for the Swedes, taking on a much bigger role within the team than earlier anticipated.

Liljegren has taken two penalties in two games at the tournament which definitely is not helping his case.  H<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif">e also got </span>hooked<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif"> in the groin today: </span>

https://twitter.com/JanikBeichler/status/946507960980779010

Liljegren still has an ample opportunity to prove himself at the tournament.  He has yet to create much offense, something that he is definitely capable of doing.  He is still seeing some powerplay time as well, and it is about time he starts making a more positive contribution to the scoresheet.
<h2>Joseph Woll (<em>USA</em> vs. Slovakia)</h2>
Here are the highlights from Slovakia's notable victory over the USA:

https://twitter.com/IIHFHockey/status/946602803111350272

Joseph Woll definitely did not have a good game tonight.

Three bad goals, terrible defensive coverage and a heroic performance from Slovakia's backup goaltender cost the Americans this game. Here's a closer look at the Slovak's second goal:

https://twitter.com/PeteBlackburn/status/946583378169606144

Woll was not in the best positioning for this shot and quickly realizes his mistake after as he turns around to check the net.  Here's a look at Slovakia's third goal, this time scored on a wrap-around attempt:

https://twitter.com/PeteBlackburn/status/946585122312196096

https://twitter.com/HockeywthHannah/status/946584337302130689

Woll didn't look settled in the American goal crease tonight.  He was out of position, misplaying the puck and essentially flopping around everywhere.

<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif">Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see who takes to the net for the Americans tomorrow.  I would have to assume Oettinger will get the start tomorrow after Woll's performance tonight, and tomorrow's game may distinguish who earns the starting job for the team moving forward in the tournament.  </span>

Woll's hot and cold streaks are not ideal in a tournament of this nature and after his performance tonight, it's clear that there is certainly more room for him to improve in his development.
<h2>Eemeli Räsänen (<em>Finland</em> vs. Denmark)</h2>
Here are the highlights from a Räsänen-less Finland victory:

https://twitter.com/IIHFHockey/status/946478750060904448

There is still no word on Räsänen's status at the tournament.  He is not on the official <a href="http://2018.worldjunior.hockey/en/teams/#FIN">IIHF Finnish </a>roster, so I think it is safe to assume that we will not be seeing him this year (barring an injury, of course).
<h2>Day 4 Preview</h2>
Negativity aside, tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities to impress.  Joseph Woll and the Americans will be back in action tomorrow in the first-ever WJC outdoor game.  I doubt that Woll will actually get the start, but nevertheless, the game will certainly be fun to watch.  The USA will be looking to bounce back after a crushing loss to Slovakia tonight, and Canada will be aiming to maintain their streak of dominance in the prelims.  The game will take place at New Era Field at 3 pm tomorrow.

WJC Prospect Report Day 3: Räsänen M.I.A, Woll struggles against Slovakia

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