The IIHF World Championships are underway in Slovakia and there are a number of reasons a New York Rangers fan should be interested. There are six current Ranger players on the roster of four national teams and at least one future Ranger is playing as well. There are also some international rules that are worth considering.
If a Stanley Cup playoffs without the New York Rangers doesn’t float your boat, you may want to consider watching the World Championships that are being played in Slovakia. While some of the best players in the world are missing, there are enough superstars participating to make this a true test of hockey superiority.
Right off the bat, there are a few things worth following and the first happened in the first period of the first game. Presumptive first round draft pick Kaapo Kakko scored the first goal of the tournament on a breakway and ended up with two goals as he added an empty netter.
Takeaway #1: Kaapo Kakko
In the first game of the tournament, Finland defeated Canada 3-1. What a game from the future Ranger, though it may be premature to call him that, especially if he keeps up this level of play. He is definitely making the Hughes/Kakko choice more difficult for the Devils.
On the breakaway goal, Kakko took a pass from winger Toni Rajala who at 28 is fully ten years older than Kakko.
What a goal from Kaapo Kakko, and set up from Rajala and Ilomaki #FINCAN #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/S9q83qlHY7
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 10, 2019
The 18-year old Kakko is playing regularly with much older players and is holding his own. Notice on the goal that he drew a penalty, but scored anyway. He might have been awarded a penalty shot on the diving foul by Brandon Montour.
Kakko also scored an empty net goal with just under a minute left in the game.
Just after Anthony Mantha nearly found the equalizer for 🇨🇦, 18-year-old Kaapo Kakko scores an empty netter for his 2nd goal of the game to make it 3-1 Finland.#IIHFWorlds 🇫🇮 pic.twitter.com/ci2iPZeKBK
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 10, 2019
Consider this, the 18-year old kid was on the ice as Finland was defending a 2-1 lead with the Canadian goalie pulled. He was named player of the game for Finland.
In the third period Darnell Nurse had to trip Kakko who could have had a breakaway. He found ice time on the ensuing power play. Kakko finished the game with two goals and a team leading six shots. He played 15:13 and played 21 shifts. As you watch these games, keep your eyes on #24. He’s fun to watch and his skill is obvious.
The match between Finland and the United States on Monday, May 13 promises to be a doozy as Kakko will get his chance to face off against Jack Hughes.