Flames players in good spots midway through World Championship

The 2019 World Hockey Championship is about midway through the round robin stage. The five representatives of the Calgary Flames in the tournament all find themselves on teams that are in pretty good shape in regards to the medal round.

The Czechs got into a 2-0 hole against Latvia on Thursday, but then turned things around to pull off an impressive 6-3 victory. Michael Frolik had two third period assists to help the Czechs cement their win.

The Czechs (3-1-0) are back in action on Friday when they face Italy (0-4-0). They’re currently fourth in Group B behind Russia, Switzerland and Sweden.

The Swedes came off an off-day on Wednesday with a big 9-1 win over Austria on Thursday. Elias Lindholm had a goal, two assists, one shot and a plus-three rating. Granted, they beat up on a winless team with a woeful goal differential, but Sweden thoroughly beat a team they should thoroughly beat.

Sweden (3-1-0) plays again on Saturday when they face Switzerland (4-0-0). They’re currently third in Group B behind Russia and the Swiss.

The United States had a surprisingly competitive 6-3 victory over Great Britain on Wednesday. Flames star Johnny Gaudreau remained quiet with zero shots (and a plus-one rating) and didn’t play at all during the third period, but his teammates were pretty solid. Derek Ryan had a goal, an assist, a shot and a plus-two rating while Noah Hanifin had two assists, five shots and was also plus-two.

Team USA (3-1-0) is off until Saturday, when they play Denmark (2-1-0). They’re currently third place in Group A, behind Germany and Canada.