Bronze Medal Game:

Sweden-USA:

Final Score: 4-2 USA                                                        Shot Totals: 44-36 USA

NY Rangers Chris Kreider: 2G

Ducks Kyle Palmieri: 2A

Gold Medal Game:

Canada-Russia:

Final Score: 5-3 Russia                                                     Shot Totals: 38-27 Canada

Capitals Evgeny Kuznetsov: 3A

Kings Brayden Schenn: 1G and 2 Pts

Blues Vladimir Tarasenko: 1G and 2 Pts

Notes and thoughts from the day:

In an attempt to not repeat anything said previously, such as Chris Kreider is a very talented scorer with poor hockey sense, this list will be short.

• One pro scout I talked to before the tournament raved about Tyson Barrie’s hockey sense and how well he can control a game from the backend. At the start of the tournament I didn’t see that out of him, but as the games went on and especially in the game versus Russia he showed that. Barrie was calm with the puck, had a couple of good rushes but also made the smart play if nothing opened up.  It was a good performance by the Avalanche prospect.
• Ottawa’s Jared Cowen has been solid throughout the tournament, but definitely would like a re-do on this game. He was missing assignments, getting turned around by attackers and really didn’t look like the rock that he was in previous contests.
• During his last game I was critical of Stars’ prospect John Klingberg’s defensive play and decision-making, but he showed subtle improvements in the game versus the US. He was in the right spots defensively and was even making solid 1 on 1 stops. He would try to do too much offensively on occasion, but I wasn’t expecting a complete revamp overnight, it’s just nice to know that he has the ability to play intelligent hockey.
• If Hurricanes’ prospect Justin Faulk plays defensive hockey like he did today for the duration of his career, he could be a definite NHL player. That has been an area of concern for Justin coming into this season and his skating doesn’t help either, but if he keeps on making strides in that area of his game, he has the offensive potential to carry him into the pro ranks.

I’ll have a column wrapping up the tournament done soon.