Frederik Dichow, Kristianstad IK, HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden
The Gnome only played one game last week, but he was outstanding as he held the opponents to one goal over 33 shots. Many of these shots came from quite good locations too, as Kristianstad pushed for more goals in the 7-1 win. Dichow made some strong saves and showcased his newfound composure.
It was Dichow’s best performance of the short season, essentially saving two more goals than the model expected with that number of dangerous shots.
Kvällens samtliga målvaktsinsatser #Hockeyallsvenskan #twittpuck pic.twitter.com/IEGVrKPTrO
— Better than a Monkey (@betterthanamnky) October 30, 2021
The more interesting news is that Dichow isn’t in the Danish lineup for the pre-Olympic friendlies played in mid-November, but it probably has to do with the fact that HockeyAllsvenskan will continue to play during the international week.
Dmitri Kostenko, Khimik, VHL, Russia
For the first time this season, Kostenko was on the ice for a goal against. It didn’t matter for the Russian U20 selectors though, as they chose him for the 4 Nations tournament in Ängelholm, Sweden to be played in a couple of weeks. There will be cuts made after the first few of days training camp, but if Kostenko makes the team it is an indication that he has a good chance to make the WJC squad, too.
#Habs prospect Dmitry Kostenko has been selected to the camp before the Four Nations tournament in Ängelholm in three weeks.
The big defenceman has 6 (3+3) points in 19 games so far with Khimik in the VHL.— Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) October 27, 2021
Alexander Gordin, SKA-1946, MHL, Russia
The Russian winger scored three goals, each showcasing his great shot. The third was an opportunistic piece where he saw that the defender wasn’t handling the puck well, and he stole it to get a breakaway, scoring with ease.
The third goal came of a steal, when the defender lost the puck close to the net, and gave Gordin a breakaway. pic.twitter.com/v2KQJ8Xryy
— Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) November 1, 2021
Gordin had been out with an injury for about four weeks before returning to play last week. He would no doubt have better numbers if he had played the whole season, however I am kind of perplexed as to why he isn’t playing in the VHL as Kostenko does, even if it makes sense to keep him with the other Juniors to create chemistry before moving on to bigger games and better teams in the SKA system.
Oliver Kapanen, KalPa, Liiga, Finland
While Kapanen’s week was quiet, he was selected for the 4 Nations tournament. There will be no cuts from the Finnish team, so Kapanen is included for sure. It also points to an interesting roll in regards to the WJC.
#Habs prospect Oliver Kapanen in the Finnish squad for the 4Nations in Ängelholm, Sweden.
Should be a good indication on the WJC squad come December.
(Kostenko is in the Russian squad for now, cuts are expected before the 4Nations tournament). pic.twitter.com/xLBhfyvDge— Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) November 1, 2021
Jacob Olofsson, Timrå IK, SHL, Sweden
Everyone knows I was tough on Olofsson before the season, even going as far as saying he might not even play in this Timrå team for long. That point has been reached over the last two weeks; Olofsson was not in the lineup for Thursday’s game, and only played five minutes on Saturday. Time will tell, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on loan soon to a team in HockeyAllsvenskan.
Mattias Norlinder, Frölunda HC, SHL, Sweden / Montreal Canadiens
Practiced with Montreal on Monday; will he get a game or two in NHL, or be sent back to Sweden directly?
