What to watch for in the World Junior quarter finals

It may not be a conventional answer, but January 2nd is probably my favourite hockey day of the year. To me, it’s better than any event the NHL puts on and is by far the best day of the World Juniors. There’s something about four elimination games, ranging from showdowns between top contenders to probable blowouts, back-to-back-to-back-to-back that is just so fun to watch.

If you don’t enjoy 12 straight hours of watching hockey, getting up only to get more snacks or use the bathroom, I understand. That doesn’t mean there’s no reason to check out some of the quarter-final action though, especially if you’re a Sens fan.

Four Sens prospects are at this year’s World Junior’s, all of whom were taken in the 2020 draft. All four are also on teams that have made it to the playoff round. Sens prospects will be playing in three of the four quarterfinal games, each with something to prove.

While it’s silly to judge teenagers based solely on one tournament, especially during a pandemic, it’s even sillier to do so based on one game in that tournament. So let’s lean into the silliness and see what there is for Sens fans to look for as the quest for World Junior glory rolls on.

Tim Stützle, Germany

The tournament so far: 4 games, 5 goals, 5 assists, 8 PIM, -3

Quarter Final Game: vs. Russia, 12 pm EST

What to watch for: How good can he be?

Germany has overcome a COVID-depleted roster and a blowout loss to Canada. While Stützle’s linemates John-Jason Peterka and Florian Elias have impressed, Germany’s games have been the Tim Stützle show from day one. Now, after finishing third in Group A, they face the Russians, who ended Sweden’s historically long preliminary round finish en route to a second-place finish in Group B.

With Stützle scheduled to join the Sens after his tournament is over, seeing him fill up the highlight reel on a regular basis is a much-needed source of optimism ahead of the 2021 season. There’s probably only so much Stützle can do for Germany though, as an upset seems highly unlikely. But if the preliminary round was any indication, it should be fun to watch him try.

Jake Sanderson, United States

Tournament so far: 4 games, 0 goals, 1 assist, 0 PIM, +4

Quarter Final Game: vs. Slovakia, 10:30 pm EST

What to watch for: Can he shine?

The fifth overall pick from 2020 may also be the most divisive. Some see Sanderson as a potential dominant two-way force on the blueline, capable of playing a shut-down role while also being an offensive zone threat who can score and set up plays at will. Others see him as a solid if unremarkable defender being overrated for a mini break-out in his draft year. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, his World Juniors up to this point have been fairly unremarkable. He’s played solid minutes for the Group B winners but only tallied one assist and has been fairly quiet.

Other than their 11-0 win over Austria, however, the United States had to beat three good to very good teams, all with medal hopes this year. While Slovakia is better than Austria, the matchup shouldn’t be too hard for the United States, giving Sanderson a potential chance to show the offensive upside that saw him rocket up draft boards last season.

Tyler Kleven, United States

Tournament so far: 2 games, 0 goals, 1 assist, 0 PIM, +3

Quarter Final Game: vs. Slovakia, 10:30 pm EST

What to watch for: Will he get mean?

A second-round pick in 2020, Kleven looks like the type of player Sanderson projected as before his offensive break-out: a solid defender who will provide little help in the offensive zone. Kleven, though, has a mean-streak that his teammate with the national team, North Dakota, and hopefully Ottawa, don’t. Kleven put up 152 PIM in 72 games with the United States Development Program over two seasons, and projects as a top-end bruiser in the NHL if his other skills allow him to get there.

There’s a debate to be had over how valuable that skill would be, but it’s clear that Ottawa sees value in it as they traded up to pick him 44th overall. Kleven has only gotten into 2 games with at the World Juniors so far, so there’s no guarantee he’ll even see the ice against the Slovaks, but if he does, it should be an opportunity to get an idea just how punishing he can be.

In a normal year, the World Juniors are an opportunity to cheer on your country and see your team’s top prospects in action. This year, with many players barely playing for their club teams, if at all, due to COVID-19, the tournament feels like an even bigger showcase than usual.

While all of the Sens prospects at the tournament are in the quarters, there’s no guarantee any will advance, although Sanderson and Kleven should be safe, so now’s the time to get ready for the upcoming season and beyond.