Canada Russia Challenge 2012 - QMJHL review

The Canada Russia Challenge, on the 40th anniversary of the 1972 Summit Series, did not disappoint as it went down to the wire, with points where both teams looked like the dominant hockey country. The final result, though somewhat controversial reflected the more consistent team through the series in the Canadians. The QMJHL participants played an important role for both sides, and here is my review of them.

Canadians:
Jonathan Huberdeau wore the 'C' for the last two games of the series, and those happened to be his two strongest games. Huberdeau had his offensive skills on display throughout his 3 games, turning nothing into something in the offensive zone with regularity. Huberdeau showed great puck protection skills and was very nimble on his skates, while looking improved in the defensive zone. He also produced when it mattered for Canada, putting up a goal and two assists in game 4 leading Canada to the series win. This will likely be Huberdeau's last chance to play for Canada until he makes the World Championship squad, as it appears he has nothing more to prove in the CHL and will likely stick with Florida this year.
Series grade: A

Charles Hudon was Team Canadas best surprise at the Challenge this year, constantly creating offence on the rush and in the offensive zone. He improved his skating over last season, and his hockey IQ at times took over and gave Canada momentum. Hudon also showed a physical side, taking runs and delivering hits a 5'9 165lb. player has no business delivering. Hudon was another important producer for Canada, putting up 3 points and assisting Ryan Stromes series winning goal in overtime. In this series, Hudon proved he had more game than his draft slot of 122nd indicated.

Series grade: A-

Xavier Ouellet was a steady defenseman for Canada and was paired with the offensively minded Dougie Hamilton where he played the quiet reliable game that was asked of him by coach Steve Spott, who called him an absolute steal in the 2nd round by the Red Wings.

Series grade: B-

Phillip Danult played a defensive role for Canada, and filled the role very well. He played almost every important penalty kill and matched up on line against Zlobin-Grigorenko-Yakupov regularly. He gave the Russians no space with his lines aggressive backcheck and looked like he could play 3rd line in the NHL right now, though he will likely spend another year in Victoriaville to develop his offensive skills.

Series grade: A-

Maxime Lagacé started only one game for Canada, and it was one to forget for him, where he let in 6 goals on 26 shots. He did not seem composed throughout the game and did himself no favours on the path to earning a spot in the 2013 World Juniors in Russia.

Game grade: D

Russians:

Mikhail Grigorenko was expected to be Russias star alongside #1 overall pick Nail Yakupov and had a very mediocre series. Yakupov and Grigorenko failed to feed off of each other the way many expected them to because both are puck possession playmakers, and it did not help to be matched-up by Canadas checking line and Scott Harrington with his partner. Grigorenko showed improved defensive awareness and positioning in his own zone but struggled in the face-off circle losing key draws throughout the series. Grigorenko showed his elite vision off at different points of the series but also had several teeth-grinding turnovers that easily could have been avoided, while showing little to no compete level on the boards. All in all, with Darcy Regier on hand to watch the last two games, Grigorenko did not show he was NHL ready.

Series grade: C

Anton Zlobin showed a good finishing touch this series, finishing 2 opportunities given to him by his linemates Yakupov and Grigorenko. Zlobin naturally looked very pedestrian alongside his linemates, but competed well on the boards and was not afraid to get his nose dirty in front. Zlobin is a good skater and showed the most willingness the forecheck and charge the net on his line.

Series grade: B+

Artyom Sergeyev was likely Russias most steady and reliable defenseman throughout the series, showing offensive awareness and doing a good job quarterbacking the Russian powerplay while remaining a rock in his own zone. He showed a good compete level in the corners and in general was not easy to play against for the Canadians. Him and Zlobin will make a great Euro combination in Val d'Or this year.

Series grade: B

Game Report - Canada-Russia Challenge Game #1

Game Report
August 9th, 2012
Home Team: Russia
Away Team: Canada

Game breakdown:
An offensively exciting 3-2 win by Canada over the Russians, who looked out of sync and failed to create any quantity of chances against a Canadian team that did a good job backchecking. There were points where the game got really physical and scraps after the whistle were a pleasant surprise so early in the series. Both goalies played well, and there were some excellent chances from both sides where the goalies came up big.

Prospects Breakdown:

Charles Hudon #10, Canada - Hudon did it all in this game, except finish a chance. Put on a line with Philip Danult and Boone Jenner, there was lots of space for Hudon to create offence, and he did just that. He had great scoring chances in each period and even showed a physical side including a huge hit on a Russian defender at middle ice. Hudon even looked like he improved his skating over the summer, showing a better 'next gear' that led to a breakaway.

Nikolai Prokhorkin #7, Russia - Prokhorkin was a standout for Russia because of his ability on the forecheck and his great physical presence, something Russia seemed to lack. He was scrappy in the corners, including creating space for Slepyshev for Russias first goal and looked like he would fit nicely in a Canadian jersey, and skated great for a big man. Looks like the L.A. Kings found themselves a gem.

Mikhail Grigorenko #25, Russia - Grigorenko looked like the enigma that he was cooked up to be at the draft today, making some passes that caught you off guard and showed his elite vision, followed by other passes that led to a turnover and left you shaking your head. His skating did not seem much improved over last season, and he did not look very involved in the corners where he lost a lot of battles. This game gave me the impression that Grigorenko will be back in Quebec this season.

Morgan Reilly #5 D - Canada - In my first viewing of Reilly, his skating caught my eye big time. He can flat out fly around the ice at will and is so poised with the puck on his stick. He gets around the ice like a true professional and even made several strong defensive plays, including an all-heart shot block to stifle a Russian 2 on 1. Reilly looked like Canadas best defender, competing for that title with Dougie Hamilton.

Anton Slepyshev #11 F, Russia - Slepyshev was Russias best player not named Yakupov in this game, scoring Russias first goal with a beautiful finish and engaging himself all game both offensively and defensively. Worked very well with Nikolai Prokhorkin which made their lines dangerous throughout the game. Slepyshev gets around the ice well and seems like an all-around Russian player, something not often seen in U-20 tournaments.

Honorable Mentions -

Vladimir Tkachev filled his energy role very well for Russia, causing trouble on the forecheck for Russia.

Lucas Lessio played an aggressive game driving the net and being physical, an element I didn't really expect from him.

Nail Yakupov played as advertised as a #1 overall pick, showing off his incredible skating and hands and scoring a nice one-timer goal on Russias second goal.