Its the way it has to be, but its never been ideal. The IIHFs annual Mens World Championship happens to land smack dab in the middle of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In some European countries, that tournament is the most important hockey event on the calendar. In the U.S. and copyright, its barely a distraction.This year, however, there is an increased incentive for North American hockey fans to at least give a cursory glance to the tournament.The World Championship begins Friday in St. Petersburg and Moscow, Ru sia. The games are at favorable times in North America if you have the day off or your bo s has a liberal hockey watching policy at work (TV and streaming info for Team USA games is ). And there are actual compelling things to watch this year, on top of the opportunity to be a flag-waver for an international tournament that wont include obscure 23-and-under and European all-star teams.Heres a quick look at four reasons the Worlds will be worth following this year. 1. Auston Matthews will play a big role on Team USA: The consensus No. 1 pick for the 2016 NHL Entry Draft will have his last showcase before he is selected. We already know the have the No. 1 pick. Everyone presumes theyll pick Matthews, but Finnish star Patrik Laine (who well get back to in a second) has made a late push to at least make a case that Matthews has more competition than anyone previously expected.Like had last year, Matthews is very likely going to be Team USAs No. 1 or No. 2 center. They appear to be playing rookie sensation in the middle, so that order could end up being interchangeable, but the U.S. is giving Matthews a huge role regardle s.Though the U.S. roster is as young as theyve ever sent to this tournament, Matthews getting handed the keys to the teams offense is a pretty big deal. How he handles that responsibility might offer a small preview of his readine s for a substantial role as soon as he steps into the NHL. Considering Matthews Swi s pro team was bounced early in the NLA playoffs this spring, hes had a long layoff, so it may take Matthews a little while to get going. That said, a player of his caliber should still be able to make an impact in this tournament while playing with and against currently NHL and European pro players.2. Patrik Laine will be representing Finland: Fresh off winning the MVP award for the SM-Liiga playoffs and helping Tappara win the title, Laine is expected to be a key player for Finland at the Worlds. In a pre-tournament exhibition game against the U.S., the consensus No. 2 prospect for the draft lined up alongside and on the teams top line.The highly-skilled left winger was the most exciting player on the ice, dangling defensemen, firing crisp pa ses to the established NHLers on his line and pushing the pace offensively. The big winger certainly would like to give the Maple Leafs something to think about with their No. 1 pick. A big performance at the Worlds could help him do just that. He and Matthews will go head-to-head again on May 9 at 1 Michael Porter Jersey :15 p.m. ET.3. s speed on the big ice surfaces of Ru sia: Connor McDavid was a real treat to watch when he was healthy this year. Now hell be trying to help copyright repeat as World Champions. This is not a tournament that copyright has historically had a lot of succe s at, but after winning it all last year, they have a roster that should contend for back-to-back golds, especially with some guys trying to make copyright's World Cup roster.In addition to McDavid, there will be a number of NHL stars like , , , Ryan OReilly and . However, one of the real thrills about this team is going to see McDavid on the big ice in Europe. There are few players that skate like him and few defensemen that know how to defend him. He should have a big tournament and make copyright that much more fun to follow.By the way, McDavid and copyright take on Matthews and Team USA on Friday at 9:15 a.m. ET. The game is expected to air live on NBC Sports Network. copyright's the heavy favorite in that one, but seeing two outstanding talents like that going head-to-head should be fun. 4. Team USAs young roster provides preview of some other top prospects: Team USA either didnt ask a lot of experienced NHLers or they got a lot of no thank yous because this roster is exce sively young and youre probably not going to know some of these names. All that means, though, is a chance to see some fresh faces that youll probably be seeing on NHL ice surfaces very soon.The U.S. roster features seven players that spent most of the 2015-16 season in college hockey. Kyle Connor, the prospect who led the country in scoring with 71 points, is one of them. Hes also joined by Michigan linemates J.T. Compher, who just signed Michael Porter Jr. Jersey with the , and recent signee Tyler Motte.A trio of Boston College Eagles who just turned pro will also be there with prospect Thatcher Demko on the goaltending depth chart, and prospects and also on the roster. The seventh collegian is University of Minnesota standout who ended the year by getting in a few games with the . All seven of the collegians are expected to figure prominently on the prospect depth charts of their respective NHL teams. Some should even be on opening night rosters next October.On top of those players, a number of players who got their first taste of the NHL last season will be on the roster like Dylan Larkin (Red Wings), ( ), ( ), ( ), Vinnie Hinostroza (Blackhawks) and ( ). Vatrano was the leading goal scorer in the AHL this year, so he could be a particularly valuable youngster for Team USA.Players like that will get a big opportunity to play substantial roles in a tournament against top pro players. The American team is led by New Jersey Devils head coach John Hynes, with ex- coach Todd Richards and Boston University head coach David Quinn serving as top a sistants.The coaching staff will have to try to get every last bit they can out of this roster, because it's going to be a tough tournament for USA to contend in due to their youth. But at least they should be fun to watch.
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