1. Levi's dominance
Devon Levi (Florida Panthers) has taken advantage of a golden opportunity as the starting goalie for Canada.
Levi, who is making his first appearance in the tournament, leads all goalies in wins (five), goals-against average (0.64) and save percentage (.967), and is tied with Spencer Knight (Panthers) of the United States with two shutouts.
"I'm just super grateful to be here, to be honest," Levi said. "I'm just taking every moment, savoring it, because I know that this is my last World Juniors. I'm going to be able to look back on this for the rest of my life, so I'm just trying to enjoy it the best I can. I think that really takes the pressure off."
Levi, selected in the seventh round (No. 212) of the 2020 NHL Draft, is a freshman at Northeastern University this season. He and Knight, who has a 1.70 GAA and .924 save percentage, rank first and second, respectively, in GAA and save percentage.
"Levi's come up big in key moments when we've needed," Canada coach Andre Tourigny said. "We're happy about his performance, his consistency, his preparation, his assertiveness. Are we surprised by anything? Not really ... we're just happy about it."
2. Farinacci in familiar role for United States
John Farinacci (Arizona Coyotes) continues to be a force at center for one of the more productive lines in the tournament with left wing Brett Berard (New York Rangers) and Bobby Brink (Philadelphia Flyers).
"I think I'm here to win face-offs, be hard on the forecheck and play a heavier game, and I definitely enjoy doing that," Farinacci said. "I don't think it's too much different in how I try to play with Muskegon (of the United States Hockey League). I try and stay consistent with the way I want to play."
Farinacci has scored six points (four goals, two assists) while averaging 13:55 of ice time in five games and is ninth among all skaters in face-off winning percentage (65 percent, 41 of 63). He scored two goals, took seven shots on goal, was 10-for-14 on face-offs and named U.S. player of the game in a 5-2 win against Slovakia in the quarterfinal round on Saturday.
"He hasn't had to adjust his game ... this is his game and we're fortunate to have his game," U.S. coach Nate Leaman said. "[Farinacci] is a guy who gets to the net, wins face-offs, and plays smart. He's got a good IQ offensively and defensively, and I think people are just seeing that a bit now."