Nikita Quapp makes 45 saves in the first game of the rescheduled World Juniors

If I had told you before the tournament, Nikita Quapp would have stopped 45 of 50 in a 5-1 defeat, that would be hard enough to believe. What if I told you that the German netminder is already a point-per-game at the tournament because of an assist on Germany’s lone goal in the game? Quapp had a 45-save performance capped off late with a helper against the United States and really put himself in the spotlight.

This isn’t to say Quapp had a perfect night. He definitely allowed some goals he shouldn’t have. However, he also made some ridiculous saves during this game so I’d like to think it all evens out in the end. With Quapp absolutely snatching the headlines for this German team, what does this mean for the Canes prospect moving forward and can he continue to step up to the occasion in this tournament?

Well, Germany’s next game is today against Austria. In a game that is entirely winnable for the Germans, Quapp will likely not be playing given the fact he kind of had a little more work to do last night than he otherwise should have done. Quapp stood on his head against the USA and will likely be rested for this one after his heroics and strong display against the Americans last night.

By the time Quapp does return to the crease for the Germany team in this World Juniors, it will likely be when his nation takes on the Swiss outfit in a few days’ time. Quapp’s strong performance for the Germans in goal will have sparked a lot of hope for his development throughout the German hockey fans as well as the Canes fanbase. I’m not certain Quapp can be an NHL netminder, but goalies are weird and stranger things have happened in this sport.

Question for Cardiac Cane readers: What did you think of Nikita Quapp’s performance last night?