And then there was one . . .

After a loss for the Czech Republic on Saturday, one Blackhawks prospect remains in the hunt for the 2021 World Junior Championship Gold Medal.  

Landon Slaggert and team USA advanced to the semifinals with a Saturday night 5-2 win over Slovakia. Now, they are set to take on Finland tonight (1/4) at 8:30 pm (CST).

During Saturday’s game, Slaggert put up zeros on the scoresheet but did manage to pick up 12 PIMS for an illegal check to the head. That wasn’t great to see, but that one play doesn’t define his tournament. He’s been working hard on that 4th line with Brendan Brisson (VGK) and Sam Colangelo (ANA), the points just haven’t come.

Tonight’s game is a big one for this USA squad. Finland ended the team’s chance for a medal last year by handing them a 1-0 loss. You can bet that will be on their minds. They key is to brush it aside when it matters and get out there to play their game.

Here’s to hoping they come out firing. And, I will be on “First Point Watch” for Landon Slaggert tonight!

You can follow my commentary over at twitter: www.twitter.com/vfcentericepod