Montreal Canadiens: Cole Caufield and Team USA face Jan Mysak

Montreal Canadiens’ blue-chip prospect Cole Caufield and Team USA will face the Czech Republic in their third game of the World Junior tournament.

Heading into the 2021 World Junior Championship, Montreal Canadiens‘ prospect Cole Caufield was regarded as one of the top forwards to watch in the tournament. Team USA is loaded with high end talent, highlighted by Caufield, who is one of seven first-round picks on the roster.

The United States had one exhibition game against Finland, which saw them collect a 3-2 victory in a very entertaining game. Caufield’s skill was on full display, as the 19-year-old scored twice in a 35-second span. Caufield’s first tally came off a sweet cross-ice feed from Anaheim Ducks’ first-rounder Trevor Zegras. Caufield found some open space and made no mistake, putting the pass from Zegras high over the shoulder of Finland’s goaltender.

Caufield’s second goal was a tremendous solo effort, in which he collected the puck behind Finland’s goal and cut out in front, roofing a backhand far side.

Team USA opened up their tournament against Team Russia on Christmas day, which saw them fall 5-3 to the Russians. Caufield was once again dynamic but only collected one assist in the loss.

The Americans were also in action on boxing day, against Team Austria. Team USA came out with an 11-0 win, but Caufield was left off the score sheet. An off night for the future Canadien.

Caufield will look to bounce back today at 2 p.m. ET, as Team USA will take on the Czech Republic. The Czechs have played two previous games, losing 7-1 to Sweden and coming out with an upset victory over the Russians, 2-0. The Czech Republic is captained by another Habs prospect in Jan Mysak.

Mysak was selected in the second round of the 2020 draft by the Montreal Canadiens and is known for his offensive output. The centerman collected the lone goal for the Czechs against Sweden and will be looked upon to create scoring chances against the States.

Caufield will be given ample opportunity on the power play as well as plenty of ice time at full strength. Look for the sniper to utilize his lethal shot and his knack for finding open ice.

Team USA should come out on top against the Czechs, and Habs fans are hoping the Caufield can find his way back onto the scoresheet.

Both teams are back in action on New Years night, as the United States will face Sweden, and the Czechs will be faced with Austria.