We are set to have a dramatic weekend of action at the IIHF World Championship in Slovakia. This year’s world champion will be decided over the next couple days, and Russia and Canada are both looking to erase recent droughts after back-to-back champion Sweden was defeated by Finland in the quarterfinals. That’s the top story, but there’s also a lot going on in the coming free agency market as teams try to set themselves up for next year.
Highlights: Sakari Manninen had the OT goal to go with three assists in a 5-4 comeback win for @leijonat over @Trekronorse in their QF at #IIHFWorlds
More game highlights >https://t.co/LZ0SQWyVuE pic.twitter.com/9OTQMzrbCa
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 23, 2019
Defending champions Sweden are out of the IIHF World Championships, and that means hockey fans will at least have one more chance to see Kaapo Kakko in action. Kappo was surprisingly left out of the scoring in a thrilling 5-4 overtime win for Team Finland over Team Sweden yesterday, but all eyes will be on him when Finland takes on Russia for a spot in the final tomorrow.
Canada will try to take the next step in its quest for a 27th title at the 2019 IIHF World Championship when it plays Czech Republic in the second semifinal on Saturday (1 p.m. ET; NHLN). Our @NHLAdamK has the preview: https://t.co/HwqsempXEk
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) May 24, 2019
In the other semifinal, Canada will take on the Czech Republic. Canada is still buzzing after a stunning comeback win over Switzerland in the quarterfinals, and the country that loves hockey like no other is looking to win its 27th gold medal this year.
Thank you to the entire @SanJoseSharks organization, fans, and especially teammates. It was a great run that ended too early. But lots of great memories where created. The entire Bay Area has been nothing but classy and respectful to me and my family. Thank you.
— Erik Karlsson (@ErikKarlsson65) May 24, 2019
Erik Karlsson looks set to sign with another team in free agency over the summer. Karlsson posted a warm goodbye to the Bay Area on Twitter earlier today. The Sharks acquired him in September of last year, and he tallied 42 assists in 53 games this campaign. He is rated as the second-best free agent on the market.
Two of the top three scorers in the #StanleyCup Playoffs will face off in the Final!
Who will end up with more points: @Bmarch63 or Jaden Schwartz? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ea9pPg9vcb
— NHL (@NHL) May 24, 2019
Brad Marchand is the leading scorer for Boston this postseason, and that is sure to rankle fans of the other 30 teams in the league. Marchand is arguably the most reviled player in the league for his antics, and he has a long history of getting under opposing players’ skin.
Top Stories
- Kaapo Kakko has made his case to be top pick at 2019 NHL Draft | NBC Sports
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Karlsson thanks Sharks on Twitter | TSN
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