UFA, Russia - A quick look at Saturday's bronze-medal game between Canada and Russia at the world junior men's hockey championship:
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Canada
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — Held off the scoresheet in semifinal loss, Canada's captain needs to create scoring chances on top forward line.
Jonathan Drouin — A chance for 17-year-old forward to further raise his stock for the NHL draft.
Boone Jenner — A three-game suspension to start the tournament makes him the Canadian with the freshest legs.
Russia
Nikita Kucherov — Forward for the QMJHL's Rouyn-Noranda Huskies leads Russians in scoring.
Nail Yakupov — Has been guilty of trying to do too much on his own. Time to start distributing the puck.
Andrei Makarov — In his second season with Saskatoon Blades, knows North American shooters well.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Russia — Russia has relied too much on individual talent this tournament. Desire to win a medal on their home turf should bring them together.
Canada — Russia may feel emotionally drained after seeing their chance for gold die in a 3-2 shootout loss to Swedes. If so, Canada needs to exploit that and play with a desperation lacking in their semifinal loss to the U.S.
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