Connolly, Brett

Canada 7 @ Czech Republic 2
Carter Ashton, Canada, 0-1-1, +1, 0 PIM, 1 SOG
Tournament totals: 2 GP, 0-1-1, +1, 0 PIM

Brett Connolly, Canada, 0-0-0, +1, 0 PIM, 0 SOG
Tournament totals: 2 GP, 0-0-0, +1, 0 PIM

Brayden Schenn had 1 goal and 5 points in Canada's 7-2 spanking of the Czech Republic. Lightning prospect Carter Ashton remained on Canada's second line and recorded his first point of the tournament assisting on a Ryan Ellis goal. Brett Connolly was again one of Canada's extra forwards.

USA 6 @ Slovakia 1
Richard Panik, Slovakia, 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM, 2 SOG
Tournament totals: 2 GP, 1-1-2, +1, 0 PIM

Adam Janosik, Slovakia, 0-0-0, +1, 2 PIM, 2 SOG
Tournament totals: 2 GP, 0-2-2, +2, 2 PIM

Kyle Palmieri had a pair of goals as Team USA smoked Slovakia 6-1, outshooting the Slovaks a dumbfounding 57-18 in the process. To his credit, Lightning prospect Richard Panik was not on the ice for any of the US's goals as his top line stayed clean. Going one better, top pair defenseman Adam Janosik was one of just four Slovakian players to be in the plus side in the match, although he was on the ice for a power play goal by Palmieri. Still, when you don't finish a minus in a game where your team gets spanked 6-1, you managed to do something right. Janosik also took a minor for holding in the match.

Canada draws Norway tomorrow night in their third game of the tournament. If the over-under was 9 goals for the Canadians, I'd be taking the over.

Russia 3 @ Canada 6
Carter Ashton, Canada, 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM, 0 SOG
Tournament totals: 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM

Brett Connolly, Canada, 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM, 0 SOG
Tournament totals: 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM

Canada scored three unanswered goals in the final period to pull away from Russia 6-3. Lightning prospects Carter Ashton and Brett Connolly did not find the scoresheet for the Canadians. Ashton skated on Canada's second line with Casey Cizikas and Cody Eakin, while Connolly, who was questionable after a pre-tournament concussion, was an extra forward in the match. Canada outshot Russia 42-27 in the victory.

Team Slovakia, featuring Lightning prospects Richard Panik and Adam Janosik, face Germany in their tournament opener tomorrow. The Germans fell 4-3 to the Swiss today.

Canada 5 vs. Finland 2 (Pre-competition)

RW Carter Ashton, CAN: 0-0-0, 0 PIM
RW Brett Connolly, CAN: Did not play.

Canada was down 1-0 after one period and tied 2-2 after two before exploding for three goals in the third to defeat Finland in their final pre-competition match. Ashton didn't hit the scoresheet and Connolly apparently missed the game with an injury. His status for Canada's official roster named December 25 is up in the air. Canada will open tournament play December 26.

Canada 4 vs. Sweden 1 (Pre-competition)

RW Carter Ashton, CAN: 0-0-0, 2 PIM (slashing)
RW Brett Connolly, CAN: 0-0-0, 2 PIM (tripping)

Canada had a 2-0 lead before Sweden scored, then completed the win with two third period goals Tuesday to move to 2-0 in pre-competition play. Neither Lightning prospect earned a point. Canada plays Thursday night vs. Finland before they open tournament play December 26.

Canada 8 vs. Switzerland 0 (Pre-competition)

RW Carter Ashton, CAN: 1-1-2, 0 PIM
RW Brett Connolly, CAN: 0-1-1, 0 PIM

Canada came out firing with three first period goals and then scored four in the second period on their way to putting up a snowman in a pre-competition match against Nino Niedereiter and Switzerland. Ashton scored Canada’s final goal in the game. Connolly assisted on a Louis Leblanc goal in the second period. Canada will play Sweden on Tuesday and Finland on Thursday before opening tournament play the day after Christmas. (Pictured: No.28 Brett Connolly celebrates with his teammates after a Canada goal. [HockeyCanada photo])