3 players who impressed on Day 1 of the world juniors

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Even if that's not entirely true, these three players definitely don't need one after a solid showing during the first day of action at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Rasmus Dahlin - Sweden

Sweden entered the tournament as a certain gold-medal candidate, and their chances can be boosted even higher if 16-year-old defenseman Rasmus Dahlin keeps making plays like this:

Dahlin added an assist in the tournament-opening win over Denmark, demonstrating why scouts are already drooling over his NHL potential.

Not eligible to be drafted until 2018, Dahlin is already developing his game in the highest division of Swedish hockey, and is one to watch as the world juniors progress.

Mathew Barzal - Canada

Infamously passed over on NHL draft day no fewer than three times by the Boston Bruins, Mathew Barzal - selected 16th overall in 2015 by the New York Islanders - was arguably Canada's best forward in a win over Russia.

The 19-year-old led all Canadian forwards with 18:30 of ice time in which he recorded one goal, two assists, and five shots.

The only player to register three points on opening day, Barzal is well on his way to proving the Bruins weren't the only team that erred in not calling his name.

Jakub Skarek - Czech Republic

Tasked with backstopping the Czech Republic in the opening game against the defending champions from Finland, 17-year-old Jakub Skarek stopped 22-of-23 shots in a 2-1 win.

The .957 save percentage was the highest recorded by a goalie on the first day of play.

The Czechs needed a full team effort to stifle a Finnish attack that, despite being devoid of star power, was dangerous, but Skarek's effort in net was a major boost, and only improved his already high draft stock.