All the smoke and snow has cleared from the preliminary round of the 2016 IIHF tournament in St. Petersburg, Russia. As the eight remaining teams go into the medal round, all three members of the Boston Bruins who are participating at the tournament are still in a hunt for a medal.
Bruins forwards Brad Marchand (Canada), Frank Vatrano (United States), and David Pastrnak (Czech Republic) have put up a total of fifteen points (four goals) so far, and they look to add more points to their international totals before the tournament is over.
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David Pastrnak is currently leading all Boston Bruins players with seven points (one goal). With their 5-4 over Switzerland, the Czech Republic team ended up with 18 points and a 6-1 record. That places them in the top spot for Group A, where they will be taking on Team USA tomorrow.
Brad Marchand’s four points (two goals) and solid overall play helped Canada to match the Czech’s 18 point, 6-1 record. Team Canada finished second overall (behind Team Finland) in Group B with 18 points. Team Canada will take on Team Sweden later tomorrow.
Team USA has been playing some seriously rough Jekyll and Hyde hockey this tournament. They would play strong one game and they play well below their potential the next. Thankfully, Team USA was able to make it into the medal round even after dropping the game to Slovakia in overtime on Tuesday. Team USA finished with 10 points and a 3-3-1 record. That puts them in the final spot for Group B.
Frank Vatrano earned an assist during that game, bringing his total up to five points (one goal) for the tournament.
“We were trying to take the game to them,” said Vatrano after Team USA’s loss. “ needed that regulation win to get in. We came in and tried to play good defense and get some goals when we needed them. We are looking forward to heading into the next round.”
Team USA will have their hands full with the Czechs, and Team Canada won’t have a cakewalk against the Swedes. At least one (likely two) Boston Bruins players will make it on to the semifinal round.