Canucks: Costmar, Sweden take Group B lead at the WJC

Canucks prospect Arvid Costmar has enjoyed a tremendous start to the 2021 World Junior Championships.

Through two tournament games, Vancouver Canucks prospect Arvid Costmar and the Swedish national team sit atop the Group B standings.

After a resounding 7-1 victory over the Czech Republic, the Swedes handily defeated Austria 4-0, recording a whopping 65 shots in the process.

Costmar had a solid game, logging three shots on goal and finishing as a +1 in 10:06 of ice time, which included some powerplay minutes in the third period.

Despite not seeing much action, Costmar’s play was steady throughout, with his most dangerous offensive sequence coming in the third period. Costmar wheeled into the high slot and wired a shot high that led to a near goal.

On the defensive end, Costmar provided stability for Sweden. Most notably, he made a great effort to disrupt a quality opportunity for Austria’s Tim Harnisch.

As Harnisch drew in close, Costmar quickly stepped into his path, forcing him to make a quick move and lose control of the puck, which allowed Swedish reinforcements to come in and make a clearance.

Through two games, the overarching theme for Costmar has been consistent defensive plays with a sprinkle of high-danger chances.

Furthermore, while Costmar hasn’t seen much special teams action, he has been utilized on both the penalty kill and the powerplay in some capacity. Against the Czech Republic, Costmar even spent time killing a five-on-three penalty for Sweden.

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So, the good news for Canucks fans is that while Costmar hasn’t played a lot, he has been effective when he’s been on the ice, and head coach Joel Ronnmark sees value in Costmar’s responsible two-way game.

Looking ahead, Sweden’s mettle will be tested over the coming days, as their most difficult games lie ahead. So, expect to see the young Canuck prospect deployed in a similar fashion.

Costmar will face off against Vasili Podkolzin and the struggling Russians tomorrow night, then the Swedes will conclude their round-robin stage against the United States on New Year’s Eve.

These two games will make all the difference for the Tre Kronor, as a win against the Russians will put Sweden in the driver’s seat to top the group while setting up a decisive matchup against the Americans.

So, what do you think of Costmar’s game thus far? Can he and Sweden come out of Group B on top? Let us know what you think in the comments!