Thursday LNN: World Juniors Update, Winter Classic Fun and More
Thursday's Edition of the Links, News and Notes
- Team Canada is having a rocky time at the 2025 World Juniors tournament. After being upset by Team Latvia, they managed to beat Germany. However, in theit big matchup against the USA, they let their lack of discipline dictate the game which cost them a 4-1 loss. They will face Czechia in the quarterfinals tonight.
- The Winter Classic took place on New Year's Eve between the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues, with over 40,000 eager fans in attendance. While Blackhawks superstar Connor Bedard feels he disappointed the fans with the 6-2 loss, Cam Fowler had the time of his life, scoring two goals to celebrate his 1,000th game.
- Auston Matthews continues to have injury problems, after missing 10 games earlier in the season he was placed back on IR on December 20th and hasn't played since. The Leafs have not been very open about the nature of his injury which could indicate that they're slightly worried about its impact.
- The 2025 NHL draft will be held in Los Angeles in the new decentralized format. Teams will be making their picks from their own facilities instead of the infamous floor desk setup we've been used to.
- The Winnipeg Jets and Las Vegas Golden Knights continue to dominate the NHL power rankings, but the Ottawa Senators are making strides as well moving from 16th to 15th spot after an impressive December stretch.
- Nathan MacKinnon, Leon Draisaitl and Jacob Markstrom were named the NHL Three Stars for the month of December.
