Jan 04 2021 58 mins
On this episode of The Puck Authority Podcast, Justin and David welcome on Steven Ellis, host of The Hockey News Now, KHL Report and the Prospect Podcast. Throughout the duration of this podcast, they discuss their expectations and surprises with a couple of changes to the tournament's format. They also discuss the ongoing challenges many teams had to deal with due to COVID-19 outbreaks and how that affected the start of the tournament, with teams such as Germany and Sweden confronted early on that front. Following a discussion on Team Sweden's performance, they discuss the many online critics that shared opinions and doubts about Quinton Byfield, all before getting into Canada's captaincy, which includes the leadership of Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram. Keeping the focus dialled on Team Canada, the trio chat about Devon Levi's performance and the volumes that speaks for Junior A, where he played in 2019-20. Before putting a wrap on the Pool A leaders, they weigh in on forward Philip Tomasino, who has played very well despite various line changes. Onwards, they debate the struggling teams, Russia and Austria included, and their placement in this tournament. With Canada and Russia set to square off on Monday, they also discuss the ups and downs of Yaroslav Askarov and Cole Perfetti's presence with the Canadian National Team. While on this subject, they look back at Selection Camp, touching briefly on NHL Draft picks Cole Schwindt and Ridly Greig. Closing in on the end, they preview game No. 2, which will see Team Finland go head-to-head with the United States. In doing so, they look at each team's strengths before laying their predictions for the contest on the line. Steven is then put to the test with his best three players of the tournament thus far. Following an exchange on Trevor Zegras, they conclude talking jerseys with a rapid fire on medalling predictions.