We’re only two days into the 2022 World Junior Championships and Samuel Helenius is already looking like a potential breakout star for Finland. Last June, the Kings moved up in the NHL Draft to select him 59th overall and then they quickly signed him to an Entry Level Contract a few months ago.
Kings Sign 2021 Second Round Pick Samuel Helenius – Why Now and What’s Next?
In Game 1 of the WJC on Sunday, Helenius had two goals — and equally impressive, he was a force at both ends of the rink. How did he do on Monday?
FINLAND vs. AUSTRIA
featuring Helenius and Kasper Simontaival
https://twitter.com/mayorNHL/status/1475546001209380864
Ferraro knows a thing or two about what it takes for smaller players to make it in the NHL… https://t.co/gD4ag6ggaz
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2021
https://twitter.com/mayorNHL/status/1475551798337310721
Watching Helenius through 4 periods of the WJC has been a real treat. His offense will grab the headlines, but wow — the defensive plays are equally impressive. Looking forward to watching that line as the tournament progresses, especially in their BIG showdown vs Canada on NYE. https://t.co/tvYs0tN9Me
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2021
https://twitter.com/mayorNHL/status/1475559661600337920
The Helenius goal today… https://t.co/dlVDkbyKi8
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2021
The Simontaival goal…
(note: It's currently 4-1 Finland with 3 minutes remaining in the second period) https://t.co/HrAqr8z4er
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2021
Simontaival took a stick in front of the net at the end of the game. Slow to the bench. Assuming he'll be fine. Will try to gather more info.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2021
Asked Finnish coach about Simontaival and he said there's nothing to worry about — "He'll be just fine."#WorldJuniors
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2021
FINAL STATS CHECK#WorldJuniors
Finland 7
Austria 1#GOKINGSGO Prospects:@HeleniusSamuel
11:21 TOI
2 Points (1G, 1A)
4 SOG
+4
6-for-8 FO (75%)@KSimontaival
15:08 TOI
1 Goal
3 SOG
+2
3-for-3 FO (100%) ** Was also 2-for-2 in GM1 pic.twitter.com/XM2MVwzLgx
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2021
RUSSIA vs. SWITZERLAND
featuring Kirill Kirsanov
ICYMI https://t.co/d6xxJbu2tv
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2021
FINAL STATS CHECK#WorldJuniors
Russia 4
Swiss 2#GOKINGSGO Prospect:Kirill Kirsanov
20:23 TOI (2nd most on team)*
0 points
1 SOG
Even +/-* Russia's TOI leader played 20:39, so KK was right there with him.
Next up for Russia is a game vs Slovakia on Wed.#UpsetPotential pic.twitter.com/4GjFS7TZi5
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 28, 2021
SWEDEN vs. SLOVAKIA
featuring Helge Grans and Martin Chromiak
FWIW – the Chromiak line remains intact; same three forwards. The "top line" listed for Slovakia tonight is 2/3 of the second line from last night. That duo is getting a new winger in Jakub Demek (VGK prospect). He was one of the most used bottom-6 guys last nt. Getting bumped.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 28, 2021
Sweden are wearing their blue jerseys.
Expect the unexpected in 2021. #WorldJuniors
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 28, 2021
https://twitter.com/mayorNHL/status/1475660228108578821
If this was a fight, the round would be scored 10-9 for Slovakia.
Instead, Sweden holds the scoreboard lead at 1-0, despite being outshot 13-4.#WorldJuniors
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 28, 2021
A 6-on-3 power play?
Well, of course, it's 2021.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 28, 2021
FINAL STATS CHECK#WorldJuniors
Sweden 3
Slovakia 0#GOKINGSGO Prospects:Helge Grans
16:20 TOI
1 Assist
0 SOG
+1@MatoChromiak8
18:33 TOI
0 Points
4 SOG
-2Both teams have tomorrow off, then HUGE games on Wednesday- – SWE v USA and SVK v RUS. pic.twitter.com/b0Bcb8Fdnu
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) December 28, 2021
#WJC standings after two days:
Group A
1. Finland 2-0-0
2. Canada 1-0-0
3. Germany 1-1-0 (OTW)
4. Czech Rep. 0-1-1
5. Austria 0-1-0Group B
1. Sweden 2-0-0
2. U.S. 1-0-0
3. Russia 1-1-0
4. Switzerland 0-1-0
5. Slovakia 0-2-0— Steve Kournianos (@TheDraftAnalyst) December 28, 2021
RELATED CONTENT:
Kings Of The Podcast: Ep. 117 – WJC Preview with Stephen Nelson, Plus Notes on LA Roster Plans
LA Kings Select Martin Chromiak No. 128 – What You Need to Know
Lead photo of Kirsanov by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images
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