Shipachyov Stays Hot With Filthy Assist At World Championships

It looked simple, although it was nearly impossible.
About 16 minutes into the second period of Tuesday's World Championships tilt between Russia and the United States, recent Golden Knights signee Vadim Shipachyov went dashing down the left wing boards.
With U.S. defenseman Noah Hanifin blocking his passing lane to teammate Nikita Gusev, it appeared as if Shipachyov, who's more of a passer than a shooter, had his go-to move cut off.
It appeared that way, at least.
Until Shipachyov did what he does best - find a hole where there seemed to be none.

As Gusev finished off the play, it rang Shipachyov's totals to 12 points (2g, 10a) in seven games at the World Championships.
Or in other words, tied for second among all tournament scorers in points and tied for the lead in assists.
Player/World Championships Points
Artemi Panarin/13
Vadim Shipachyov/12
Nate MacKinnon/12
Johnny Gaudreau/11
Nikita Kucherov/11
In case you didn't notice, every player whose production was comparable to Shipachyov's is already established as a cornerstone player for his NHL franchise.
Which although the Golden Knight will be making his North American debut this fall at the advanced age of 30, is a testament to the potential that this player has.
Despite his assist Tuesday coming in a 5-3 loss to the U.S., Shipachyov and his Russian teammates are still having a strong tournament as a team, too.

With a 5-1-0-1 record, Shipachyov's squad finished second in Group A during the preliminary round and earned a berth in the tournament playoffs. They will next face the Czech Republic on Thursday, with a win putting them in the semifinals, and a loss ending their tournament.
Eight teams remain in the World Championships, with the single elimination playoffs beginning on Thursday.
Russia will take on the Czech Republic, with the winner facing the winner of the Canada vs. Germany matchup.
The United States will play Finland, with the winner of that game moving on to play the winner of Switzerland vs. Sweden.
The final game would be played this Sunday.