Quick Strikes: Erik Cernak and Jan Rutta both get on the scoresheet at the World Championships

The Bolts

The World Championship continued with games on Saturday. After beating team USA, Slovakia took an early lead against Finland but eventually lost 2-4. Eric Cernak scored his second goal in two games in the tournament so far.

The Czechs destroyed team Norway 7-2. Jan Rutta assisted on a Filip Chytil’s goal.

In the latest edition of Player Grades, Alan explains why Anton Stralman isn’t what he used to be for the Lightning anymore. [Raw Charge]

In his prime, Stralman was one of the best blue liners in the league. His defensive impacts were outstanding and he had enough vision and skill with the puck to get the breakout started. He was a prototypical defensive player for this era. But I think the time has come to officially put an end to that era of his career. Nothing he’s done over the last couple seasons suggests that a return to that peak form is possible.

Have you ever wondered about the story behind the Louis Domingue’s mask? In episode 5 of the The Score’s Art of the Mask, Domingue talks about his mask art.

While some Lightning players are playing for their countries at the Worlds, some are already on vacation.

The Hockey News ranked every NHL franchise by many factors, including how successful their prospects and affiliated teams are. [The Hockey News]

8. Tampa Bay Lightning: Coming off a dominating regular season, the Lightning may be disappointed now, but they still have a loaded roster and the chance to add to it in the future with Duluth’s Cole Koepke and a 2019 first-round selection.

IIHF.com punlished a short interview with Eric Cernak before the World Championships. [IIHF.com]

You are still a rookie in the national team, but you have made the NHL team of the Tampa Bay Lightning, which won the regular season. How do you see your position in the team?

I wouldn’t evaluate myself. But yes, I’ve had a season in NHL, where I gained some experience. So I will try to use this on the national team and play the best hockey just as I did throughout the whole season in Tampa.

The Game

The San Jose Sharks have taken a lead in the Western Conference Finals after defeating the St. Louis Blues in the first game. Timo Meier and Logan Couture both scored two goals.

Joe Thornton has tied for the 16th place for most points in the NHL history including the playoffs.

Former the Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Rick Bowness will become the sixth candidate to be interviewed by the Ottawa Senators as potential head coaches according to Bob Mckenzie.

The Worlds

Kaapo Kakko continues to shine at the World Championship. He scored three goals against the hosting team Slovakia and helped to earn the second victory for Finland at the tournament.

Team Great Britain played their first game at the elite division of the World Championship in 25 years. Unfortunately they lost to Germany, but they did score a goal and only lost 3-1.

Team Italy was smashed by Switzerland.