World Juniors Wrap-Up: Day 5

Three Maple Leafs prospects were back in action at the World Juniors Tuesday night, helping lead Russia to a 7-1 victory over Austria.

It was the first game of the tournament where all three Leafs prospects on the Russian team were in the lineup, and each contributed to the successful bounce-back win.

Rodion Amirov (2020, 15th overall) opened the scoring on a penalty shot, showing off his silky mitts and quick release. The goal was his first of the tournament, and he quickly added an assist 10 minutes later, giving him three points (1G, 2A) in as many games.

Mikhail Abramov (2019, 115th overall) made his debut for the Russian team at the tournament, and he made it onto the score sheet. Abramov unleashed a wicked shot that rang off the post and onto the stick of teammate Yegor Afanasiev who put it into the open cage. In addition to the assist, Abramov was ferocious on the forecheck and continued to create chances, firing four shots on net in over 13 minutes of ice time.

Between the pipes, Artur Akhtyamov (2020, 106th overall) earned the win in his first start of the tournament. He made 17 saves in the victory, including a few massive stops to stifle Austria’s momentum in the second.

Russia will be back in action tonight, facing Sweden for the chance to take top spot in Group B.

On the other side of the tournament, three more Leafs prospects – Mikko Kokkonen, Roni Hirovnen and Topi Niemela – will suit up this afternoon, when Finland face Slovakia.