Canucks prospects tracker, WJC edition: Podkolzin pots two in 7-1 rout of Austria
It’s the latest edition of the World Junior Championships tracker, where we tally up the efforts of the Vancouver Canucks’ highest-profile prospects:
Vasili Podkolzin
You asked. He answered.
Goalless in two games, the Canucks’ top prospect responded, scoring twice and assisting another in Russia’s 7-1 win over Austria on Tuesday night.
It was evident from puck drop that Podkolzin was on his game. Around six minutes in, the 2019 first-rounder took a pass near the blue-line, stick-handled to the face-off circle and ripped a wrist shot past goaltender Jakob Brandner.
Another view 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/CgIKv3KWa4
— 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀 Faber 🤙🔥🎙 (@ChrisFaber39) December 30, 2020
The goal appeared to free Podkolzin from the mental chains brought on by two scoreless games and the subsequent wrath of Canucks Twitter. On his next shift, he linked up with Toronto Maple Leafs 2020 first-rounder Rodion Amirov on a pretty four-pass sequence Podkolzin started — and nearly finished.
Rodion Amirov and Vasily Podkolzin linking up 👀 pic.twitter.com/vCmAzN65Gq
— Dylan Griffing (@Dylan_Griffing) December 30, 2020
The sequence was one of seven zone entries for Podkolzin on the night.
Podkolzin would score his second minutes later, with the 6-foot-1, 192-pounder making a strong play behind the net to keep the puck alive, before going hard to the net and depositing a rebound in.
Podkolzin (VAN) scores his second of the period.
— Kevin Papetti (@KPapetti) December 30, 2020
Amirov (TOR) picks up a secondary assist for stealing the puck. pic.twitter.com/Nz7ug64Y9g
A first period hat-trick wasn’t in the cards, as a Podkolzin shot squeezed through Brandner and trickled toward the goal-line, only to be poked into the net by line-mate Marat Khusnutdinov. Podkolzin, 19, was awarded a primary assist on the play.
Podkolzin just inches away from a first period hat trick! pic.twitter.com/mvBZ1FVAvB
— 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀 Faber 🤙🔥🎙 (@ChrisFaber39) December 30, 2020
Against an obviously inferior opponent, Podkolzin seized on the opportunity to work on his multi-faceted game, at times opting out of his customary bull-rushes to the net to make a smart pass.
I don't think Vasily Podkolzin vs. USA or Vasily Podkolzin vs. CZE would make a play like this. Rather than dropping the shoulder and crashing the net, he holds up the play, opens up the ice, and makes a simple pass. Character progression. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/fO9v4ZKAvR
— Dylan Griffing (@Dylan_Griffing) December 30, 2020
We saw Podkolzin’s defensive ability, Now let’s take a look at his passing ability. This happens on just one shift.#podkolzin #canucks pic.twitter.com/q348HfYaHl
— Yondy LB (@CanucksLottery) December 30, 2020
The second period was relatively quiet for Podkolzin and the Russians, with Austria scoring their first goal of the tournament to make the score 4-1.
Podkolzin was on the ice for the goal against, but showed his defensive prowess on his next shift, back-checking hard, blocking a shot and stripping the Austrians of the puck.
This is what makes Podkolzin so special, His two-way ability already. #canucks #podkolzin @Hockey_Robinson @JDylanBurke @scottcwheeler @frank_seravalli @reporterchris pic.twitter.com/ha6HzoTvNA
— Yondy LB (@CanucksLottery) December 30, 2020
During the second intermission, TSN’s Bob McKenzie said that while he doesn’t see Podkolzin as a top-line goal-scorer in the NHL, he still really likes his game.
“He’s a very hard worker,’ McKenzie said. “He grinds, he hits, he scores.”
Podkolzin nearly had another assist in the third period, but an Amirov shot was plucked out of the air by an alert Brandner.
Podkolzin, who was named Russia’s player of the game, finished with two goals, an assist, five shots on net and a plus-2 rating in 14:11 of ice time.
Arvid Costmar
It was back to basics for Costmar, who brought his strong, two-way game to Sweden’s 4-0 win over Austria on Monday.
The 2019 seventh-round pick — who scored in Sweden’s tournament opener — had three shots on net and a plus-1 rating in 15:03 of ice time.
2nd: Costmar was efficient in the faceoff circle — winning draws that translated into immediate point-shots. He had a high-danger chance with five minutes remaining; drifted into dotted-lines above the hash marks (open space) and Wraneschitz made a great blocker save. #Canucks
— Daniel Gee (@DanielGScouting) December 29, 2020
Continued: the left circle, but the pass was deflected away. A strong effort in totality for Costmar, who played well within his role. The support he provided to his teammates created turnovers— impactful on the defensive end of the ice. (2/2) #Canucks
— Daniel Gee (@DanielGScouting) December 29, 2020
Costmar, a 5-foot-11, 187-pound right-shot centre, started the tournament centring Sweden’s second line. He’s not a flashy player but does play with an edge.
He’s also one of several prospects the Canucks have on their list who could prove to be a useful fourth-line centre.
Costmar’s skating was a concern in his 2018-19 draft year and will still need work to get to the NHL.
Sweden next faces the Russians as both Canucks prospects playing in the tournament will face off against one another.
— with a file from Patrick Johnston