Team Germany was defeated by Team Sweden by a score of 1-0 Tuesday at the WJC. The Germans easily could have won the game if not for some spectacular netminding from Swedish goalie Carl Lindbom.
On Wednesday Garmany plays the 0-1 Canadian. Here’s some insight into what Canada can expect from Germany when they square off tonight…
GOALTENDING
Nikita Quapp
Quapp is coming off an excellent game against Sweden, allowing only one goal on 44 shots. The Carolina Hurricanes draft pick (187th overall in 2021) will be called upon to be Germany’s best player tonight if they hope to give Team Canada a scare.
The first thing that stands out about Quapp is his size. He’s listed at 6-foot-3, but looks much bigger than that in the net (I personally had him at 6-foot-5 in my scouting manual, so let’s settle on 6-foot-4).
The butterfly goalie sits tall when down on his knees. When pucks are sitting around his crease it’s difficult for shooters to find any space over his glove or shoulders. He moves relatively well from side to side, but can be exposed when he gets too active and loses his posts. He never quits on a play and will do whatever it takes to make a desperation save when required.
Rebound control is imperative for Quapp. If Canada can get pucks to the net and drive the paint looking for rebounds, they could end up with some Grade A second chances.
One thing to note is he doesn’t play the puck exceptionally well. If Canada runs out of options on their zone entries, chipping pucks deep could result in winnable pucks and a chance to work down low off the cycle.
Canada is unlikely to beat Quapp from long range. They will need to get to the middle of the ice, create traffic, and make him work to find pucks. He was dialed in versus Sweden. The only goal he allowed was tipped twice before beating him over his left pad.
Here’s a look at what Quapp faced, and stopped, in the game against Sweden:
(Note: Quapp stopped Sweden forward Fabian Lysell on a penalty shot in the second period.)
When examining a shot grid like this it’s important to notice the saves the goaltender made and the number of shots that were blocked in front of him. Team Germany does a nice job of closing on opponents and getting in the shooting lanes to block shots. Here’s what the grid looks like only from a blocked shots perspective:
Why is this grid important to note?
If Canada wants to have success versus Germany they need to get pucks deep (hash marks down) in the offensive zone and use their size and skill to wear down the Germans. Team Germany gaps-up and blocks shots from high in the zone.
GERMAN POWER PLAY
The German power play was very dangerous in the game against Sweden. The quarterback is No. 13 Nikolaus Heigl and the bumper position is played by Arizona Coyotes draft pick Julian Lutz (43rd overall in 2022).
Heigl is a very good distributor and makes plays through the middle seem very quick.
At one point, halfway through the second period, I had Germany with only five even strength shots on goal compared to 10 shots on the power play. They ended the game with 28 total shots on goal, with 13 coming on the power play.
Canada will need to be disciplined. Germany could have easily scored on their power play opportunities if not for Lindbom coming up big in the Swedish net.
CONCLUSION
What Germany lacks in talent, compared to Canada, they make up for with pure will and relentless compete. This team will not back down — they empty the tank as a group. Their power play gives them a chance to win games along with their goaltending.
SCOUTING REPORTS
Carl Lindbom, G, Sweden
Mentioned the great game Lindbom had against Germany, and wanted to elaborate on my viewings on him a bit more. Lindbom is off to an incredible start through two games at the WJC. Game one was a bit of a walk versus Austria, but the game against the Germans was a massive test and he came out of it as the MVP for the Swedes.
The Las Vegas seventh round selection from 2021 (222nd overall) stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 190 pounds. He’s a butterfly goalie who is very athletic and his low net coverage has been spot on. He tracks side to side very well and positions himself square. He’s been tasked with making big glove stops as well.
Lindbom has not allowed a goal so far in the tournament (41 saves on 41 shots), but with games versus Czechia and Canada on the horizon he will be tested even more in his final two group stage games.
Leo Carlsson, F, Sweden
Carlsson had two assists against Austria, but was held off the score sheet versus Germany.
The 2023 draft eligible forward (No. 2 on SN’s list) is a big body with skill who moves very well and gives opponents all they can handle off the rush. Despite his long reach, he is sneaky in tight quarters and has the ability to drag pucks close to his body before beating opponents 1-on-1.
Along the wall he extends plays. He doesn’t cheat. He plays a full 200-foot game. He’s being deployed at even strength and the power play for Sweden. So far, he is averaging just over 17 minutes per game and has directed six shots on goal.
NHL teams value power forwards who take pucks to the middle of the ice and drive to the net. Carlsson’s shot map, over his past 25 games further confirms how he contributes in the offensive zone. There is nothing perimeter about his approach. He plays, and scores, between the dots in the offensive zone.
