There were some compelling results from Preliminary Round 1, and a few surprises on the ice to think about for the next round.

Here’s a quick list of what we’ve learned so far to get you started:

On Fire

Thomas Greiss had a huge night against the Americans on Day 1, allowing only one goal. His 42-save performance gave him an incredible .977 save percentage for the host nation.

Warming Up

Young forward Sebastian Aho had one goal and one assist against Belarus, and was an acceptable +1. He scored on his only shot of the game, so Fantasy owners didn’t nab extra points for shots on goal.

Ice Cold

Despite seeming to have the puck for most of the game, Johnny Gaudreau and the Americans came up short against Germany. Johnny Hockey was a -1, had no points, but did have seven shots so all was not lost for Fantasy owners.

Tip: Take a look at the match-ups on the list for Preliminary Round 2, and make sure you have players in those games.

The Match-ups

#BELvsCZE
Sturdy forward Jan Kovar (CZE) might be nice choice to break-out here. He had an assist against Canada and lit up the KHL playoffs. He’s also a play-making machine.

#GERvsSWE
Can the Germans surprise another top nation? If you think so, pick a plucky forward like Tobias Rieder who had a goal in the win over the USA. If you think Sweden will prevail, perhaps Victor Hedman can collect you defenceman points.

#ITAvsRUS
The Italians will be challenged defensively, under a barrage of skilled Russian forwards. Artemi Panarin had the SO winner against Sweden. Vadim Shipachyov also created plenty of chances for himself.

#SLOvsCAN
The Canadians are capable of running up the score against certain opponents. If this game goes that way, look for NHL snipers Claude Giroux or Jeff Skinner in this one.

#USAvsDEN
The Americans will be smarting from a loss to Germany in their first game, so expect a resilient group. Big forwards Brock Nelson or Jordan Greenway could overpower the Danes down-low and in front of the net, to find you Fantasy points.

#FINvsFRA
The Finns are the strong favourite over the co-host nation, so look at pro forwards such as Valtteri Filppula or Mikko Rantanen to earn you a good balance of points in Paris.

#LATvsSVK
The Latvians are led by former NHL coach Bob Hartley, and if they are to be an upstart in this tournament, it would help if Buffalo Sabre Zemgus Girgensons becomes a force.

#NORvsSUI
Not unlike #LATvsSVK, both the Norwegian and Swiss rosters have a collection of capable European pros with a sprinkling of elite talent. It’s an opportunity for Andreas Martinsen (NOR) or Denis Malgin (SUI) to lead their respective team.