FIRST STARC Philipp Kurashev (Switzerland)THE NUMBERS: 5 GP, 5 G, 1 A
There might not be a Blackhawks player who has seen their stock rise higher in Vancouver than Philip Kurashev. Consider the WJC resume of the Blackhawks 2018 fourth-round draft pick: Kurashev scored both Swiss goals in a tight loss to Canada, before erupting for a hat trick in a massive win over Denmark that locked up a quaterfinal spot for his country. While he didn't get on the scoresheet, Kurashev logged almost 20 minutes of ice time in a big Swiss upset over Sweden on Wednesday.
SECOND STARD Adam Boqvist (Sweden)THE NUMBERS: 5 GP, 1 G, 3 A
Boqvist saw his WJC campaign end with a loss to Kurashev and Switzerland in the tournament quarterfinals, but the Blackhawks first-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft made the most of his time in Vancouver. As he's done all season with the London Knights of the OHL, Boqvist was an assist machine for the Swedes, grabbing helpers on both goals in a 2-1 win over Finland. However, Boqvist's game-winner in OT to beat the Americans 5-4 was his most memorable moment of the tournament, as the young defenseman showcased his offensive prowess.
THIRD STAR MacKenzie Entwistle (Canada)THE NUMBERS: 5 GP, 3 G, 0 A
Though Canada's WJC ended with a heartbreaking overtime loss to Finland, MacKenzie Entwistle starred for the host country with three goals. The Hamilton Bulldogs forward was acquired by the Blackhawks in the Marian Hossa trade during the offseason, but is developing an impressive offensive arsenal with Hamilton and the Canadian national team. He scored against Denmark, Switzerland and the Czech Republic in a productive tournament for the 19-year-old.
ROCKFORD REPORT:
The IceHogs will look to reverse course in the new year as they enter 2019 on a five-game winless run. William Pelletier scored the only Rockford goal in a 2-1 loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday. Kevin Lankinen has kept Rockford competitive down the stretch, with a 41-save performance in a 2-1 overtime loss to Chicago on Saturday.
