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Calgary Flames at the World Championship: First Day Recap

By Ramina Shlah

Apr 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) during the warmup period against the Anaheim Ducks in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) during the warmup period against the Anaheim Ducks in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Calgary Flames have two players at the World Championship that just started yesterday. Let’s see how those games turned out.

There are two members of the Calgary Flames currently in Europe in the hopes of obtaining a gold medal at the World Championship. Johnny Gaudreau and Chad Johnson. Unfortunately, these two are competing against each other in one of the biggest rivalries in international hockey. Canada vs. the USA.

Johnny Gaudreau is (unfortunately for all us Canadians) on Team USA. However, Chad Johnson is between the pipes for Team Canada! Yesterday was the first game of the preliminary round for both of these teams. Team Canada won 4-1 against Team Czech Republic and Team USA had an unfortunate 2-1 loss to Team Germany.

Alright, this isn’t me being rude, but who even is on Team Germany!? I can name MAYBE three players. And that’s including Leon Draisaitl who isn’t even playing right now since the Edmonton Oilers are still in the playoffs (boo).

Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames /

Calgary Flames

Unfortunately, Chad Johnson wasn’t in net yesterday since Canada decided to go with Colorado Avalanche G Calvin Pickard in the crease. However, he stopped 28 of 29 shots for an impressive first win for Canada.

But moving on to Calgary Flames own Johnny Gaudreau, he was on fire. Must have something to do with playing for the FLAMES, hey? Sorry, bad joke.

Via Calgaryflames.com:

"Gaudreau and the USA were edged by Germany in their opening game at the tournament. While Gaudreau was held pointless in the setback, he was second among all skaters with seven shots on net in his 22:35 of ice time."

Gaudreau is currently on USA’s top line alongside Jack Eichel of the Buffalo Sabres and Anders Lee of the New York Islanders. It may have not shown up on the score sheet, but Gaudreau was easily one of the top three players on the ice between both teams. He was all over the net, made many plays, and in seven of his shots, I’d say six of them were legitimate scoring opportunities, but unfortunately, he couldn’t even buy a goal.

USA had 43 shots on goal. Thomas Greiss was definitely on his a-game and only let in one goal. It was an unfortunate loss for USA since they were scoreless all game even though they were easily the better of the two teams. And then finally with nine minutes left of the game, they tied it up at one a piece.

But about three minutes later, Germany made it 2-1 and USA couldn’t seem to get that equalizer back.

Something that left me confused is that Johnny wasn’t put out on the ice when USA pulled out their goaltender. Like I mentioned, he was easily one of the best players on the ice. And he made many plays and had many chances. But for some reason, we didn’t see him out on the ice too long in the last few minutes.

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Oh well. As a Canadian, I’m not super bummed that they didn’t win, obviously. But I was of course rooting for Johnny. Team USA also has a lot of good, young talent, so it’s nice to see them do well.

Until next time, maybe Johnny can show up on the scoresheet and maybe Johnson will appear between the pipes in the next game.

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