World Championships update

The two most important Penguins in the World Championships are both playing quite well.

Sidney Crosby has 7 points (4 G, 3 A) in three games, leading Canada to a 3-0 record in their preliminary pool play. Both Canada and the US will get through to the second round. As of this morning, Crosby was leading all players in the tournament in scoring. How do the happy Canadiens feel about leaving him off the Olympic team now?

Evgeni Malkin is also playing quite well - he has 5 points (2 G, 3 A) in three games, helping Russia to a 3-0 record in pool play. He also has what may be the most spectacular goal of the tournament, leaping over the goalie and diving to put the puck in the net (reminding me, personally, of Jagr).

Team USA, featuring Hilbert, Malone and Orpik, has played well, going 2-1. Their only loss was to Canada, in a meaningless game once both teams knew they'd advance to the second round. Hilbert has two assists, and is tied for the tournament lead in taking 5 minor penalties in three games. Malone has an assist, and Orpik hasn't scored (though he has 6 PIM).

Tomas Surovy has a great tournament going, with 3 points in three games (2 G, 1 A). What would a good WHC do for his confidence? He certainly seems to have the talent - just not the consistency.

There's a nice article about Malkin and Surovy at the WHC here. It's discussing the matchup between the two in the game between Russia and Slovakia, a game Russia won today 4-3 (with both Malkin and Surovy scoring).

Overall, I'd say there is some good reason for optimism here, with both Crosby and Malkin playing extremely well.