Sports

"(Yakupov's) speed and his technical skills are of such an elite nature. His one-timer? No matter where, no matter how, he can also hit his target," said Krueger. "But today, there was a situation where he dropped back for a defenseman and had to cover for him. As a coach, I have to be honest, I know everybody wants the show, but we do have to spoil it sometimes with good defense and ... it looked like he had some good instincts away from the puck." The first overall pick in last month's draft will head back to Russia now to prepare for the Canada-Russia Challenge that will start in Yaroslavl on Aug. 9.