IIHF WJC Team Canada vs. Team Denmark: McDonald Saves All But One

Game Summary

Canada gave false hope to Team Denmark today in a 6-1 win for the Flames prospects and Team Canada. With Mason McDonald in net again, Canada may have started out slow, but they made a stellar comeback after the first 20 minutes.

Team Canada prematurely celebrated as the puck bobbled along the goal line for a few seconds before being swiped out of the net by Denmark's defense. Denmark notched the first goal of the game not long after, but it would be their only one. The highlight of the first period was Denmark's shining defense as their goalie stopped all but one shot on net. The score was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes. In spite of the score, Canada owned the opening period.

Brandon Hickey made himself known in the beginning of the second period with a couple of shots on net, but he couldn’t bury it. Hickey hasn’t been able to earn any points yet with Team Canada, but there is still a lot of hockey left to play. With help from his teammates, Canada was up 2-1. The Denmark goalie was the player of the period again as he faced a flurry of shots, but kept his team alive as long as possible. When the puck went the other way, McDonald looked a little sluggish in net for Team Canada, but he managed to stop everything that was thrown at him. The score was 5-1 after 40 minutes.

Team Canada physically out-worked Team Denmark throughout the final period of play. Denmark's frustration was obvious as they took a few penalties. With one last goal, Team Canada went on to win 6-1.

I have to give Denmark's goalie, Mathias Seldrup, massive stick taps for stopping 52 shots on net. He was amazing to watch and made key saves in spite of a 5 goal deficit. He also earned the player of the game for Denmark.

Mason McDonald stood solid after the first goal allowed in the first period. Throughout 2 games, his save percentage is now at .861 and he has a 2.52 GAA. Not bad for a 19 year old who was drafted in 2014. But his biggest test is yet to come.

Up Next

Team Canada takes on Switzerland on Tuesday, December 29th and then Team Sweden to finish off the year on Thursday, December 31st. Whether or not McDonald will remain in net for both of those games is unofficial, but we'll keep you updated on any roster changes as they happen.

by Traci Kay