Robert Mayer – USA TODAY Sports
Although Florida Panthers forward Nick Bjugstad did not tally any points after eight minutes and 27 seconds of ice time today during the IIHF World Champsionship, the US team (along with the Russian team) are on top of the standings after Day 3 of the tournament comes to a close. Both the United States and Russia have six points after playing two games so far. And most all of the usual suspects are at the top of their game at this tournament (Canada losing being the big surprise).
Russia beat Panther Marcel Goc and Germany today by a score of 4-1. Goc played a total of 19 minutes and 46 seconds for Germany without tallying any points having two shots and a plus/minus of -3. Bjugstad and US beat Latvia also by a score of 4-1.
Switzerland beat Panthers defenseman Brian Campbell and Canada in a shootout by a score of 3-2. He faired better than the rest of his teammates as he finished with a shot, plus/minus of +1 and 22 minutes and 25 seconds of ice time. The Canadians have Monday off before they play Norway on Tuesday.
Goc and Germany will play Tomas Kopecky and Slovakia tomorrow while Russia and Bjugstad and US will have tomorrow off as well then compete for the sole posession of the top spot on Tuesday. The tournament runs through Thursday, May 9 in Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.
Stephanie Lewark is an NHL and Pittsburgh Penguins Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter (@steelcitysports), check out her Facebook page, or add her to your Google+ circle.
