Chicago Blackhawks forward Marcus Kruger missed Sweden’s second tune-up game for the World Cup Hockey, and the team’s coach Rikard Gronborg told Dan Rosen of NHL.com that Kruger is making progress on his return to the lineup.
Artem Anisimov and Artemi Panarin were held scoreless in Russia’s 2-1 loss to the Czech Republic and Michal Kempny. Patrick Kane recorded an assist in Team USA’s 5-2 loss to Canada (Jonathan Toews and Corey Crawford). Crawford shined in the game with a pair of highlight reel worthy saves.
HAWKS
**WATCH: Crawford makes ridiculous save for Canada (EOTP)
**WATCH: Hjalmarsson breaks Karlsson’s ankles with nifty moves (SCH)
**Kruger to miss 2nd WC pre-tournament game (SCH)
**SCH GIF Tournament (SCH)
CENTRAL DIVISION
**Preds Top 25 Under 25: No. 2 Ryan Johansen (OTF)
**Wild Top 25 Under 25: No. 22 Louis Belpedio (HW)
NHL
**Gap between Flames, Gaudreau as high as $1.5M (Calgary Sun)
**Report: Islanders considering PTO for Gionta (PHT)
HOCKEY WORLD
**Sweden defeats Finland in rematch (WCH)
**Canada responds against Team USA (WCH)