Big Victories at World Juniors — Showdowns Loom

No nail biters today at the World Junior Championships in Ottawa. The winning sides had big margins of victory to work with. Laughers will be only briefly enjoyed, however, as the last day of 2008 brings two big showdowns to the rink: Russia vs. Sweden @ 2:30 PM Eastern tomorrow, and Candada vs. USA at 7:30 tomorrow night. That will wrap up pool play and send the tournament into the Quarterfinals. Here are the highlights of today’s action:

Russia 8 Slovakia 1 — Nikita Filatov of the CBJ had a hat trick and an assist in just 5 shots on goal as Russia stayed undefeated with a convincing victory over Slovakia.

Czech Republic 6 Germany 0 — The Czechs capitalize on Germany miscues and continue the poor showing by the German team in Ottawa.

Finland 5 Latvia 1– The Finns break through for their first win in a Group B contest with winless Latvia.

USA 12 Khazakstan 0 — 10 different scorers amass a dirty dozen goals over the hapless Khazakstan team.

Tomorrow promises to be a fantastic day of hockey in Ottawa!!! We will keep you posted here!!