In case you missed it, in a class move, Detroit fired their coach over Christmas and hired Todd McLellan.

McLellan was with the Red Wings from 2005 to 2008 as an assistant. He became the head coach in San Jose, then Edmonton for a few years, and the Los Angeles Kings through their decline. He was the head coach of Team North America at the last World Cup as well.

Steve Yzerman has put him in the unenviable position of walking into his first game ice cold. Players travel the day of the return from the Christmas break, so today, and he will have time for an afternoon skate before the game and not a lot else.

The Sceptres are back at it this evening as well, they face Boston at home.

Meanwhile the WJC has begun.

Watch for the irritant, #27, in the crease.

Earlier in the game, Cowan was on some poor guy like a mosquito who's found you in the backyard. He came to play this tournament.

This entire play is the sort of dogged on the puck style Cowan always has in junior. I don't know who that guy was in this year's training camp, but it wasn't this guy.

Finland got their 10th SOG just before the second period ended, Canada just spun them in circles.

Finland came back in the third period, doubled up the SOG, and Cowan did not cover himself in glory trying a cute stretch pass instead of a safe chip in when the team was hemmed in hard. Stupid junior tricks are part of the deal at the WJC.

Finland never looked dangerous, however, and Canada did get slightly goalied as well.

A great pass from Caden Price to Luca Pinelli made it 3-0 and this game was over but for running down the clock.

More stupid junior tricks as Porter Martone took a penalty late and Finland finally started to click on the power play. Carter George was outstanding in net. Everyone blocked a shot in a painful location. Standing ovation for the PK.

Final score was 4-0 Canada, after the ENG.

And the Marlies shutout the B-Sens yesterday in the Boxing Day game:

That's all for now, the preview will be out sometime today.

From The Branches