While the Stanley Cup Finals overshadow the excitement of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships tournament every spring, it hardly deters fans from tuning in and watching their country fight for the title.

The World Championships haven’t been short of storylines this year and FloHockey has compiled the top five for you following round robin play.

The Battle for No. 1

In the battle for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Finn Kaapo Kakko is making his case against American Jack Hughes. Kakko has posted seven points (s6 G, 1 A) through seven games as the 18-year-old led Team Finland to a second-place finish in Group A.

He did so without the numerous Finnish superstars in the NHL, including Aleksander Barkov, Mikko Rantanen, and Sebastian Aho. His near-solo performance as the team’s leading scorer has made headlines as the potential No. 1 pick in June.

Meanwhile Hughes has been overshadowed by the proven NHL talent on Team USA and has just one assist in six games and a healthy scratch against Team Canada. With the first overall pick belonging to the New Jersey Devils, the choice isn’t as cut and dry as it was a month ago as Kakko eyes becoming the first Finn to be selected No. 1 overall in the NHL. 

Anthony Mantha’s Rise

After closing out the NHL season with 15 points (8 G, 7 A) in his final eight games with the Detroit Red Wings, Mantha posted a career-high 0.72 points per game on the heels of a career-high 25 goals. The big-bodied winger will turn 25 heading into the 2019-20 NHL season, where a breakout appears imminent.

Mantha has dominated the World Championships for Team Canada, with a tournament-leading seven goals, while his five assists give him 12 points through round robin play. A larger ice surface, different linemates, and weaker competition could play a role in his strong showing, but he’s building confidence regardless.

Anthony Mantha scores ridiculous goal from between his legs for Canada. ??

(?: @HC_Men)pic.twitter.com/MYkfDQnzib

— theScore (@theScore) May 18, 2019

A strong finish to the tournament, a big summer, and another year of experience could be the recipe for the big winger taking the next step for the exciting future in Detroit.

Leading Scorer William Nylander

After a contract dispute between Nylander and the Toronto Maple Leafs held the now-23-year-old out of the lineup until December, his lack of training camp and regular competition was evident. Following a pair of 61-point seasons, the eighth-overall pick from 2014 posted just 27 points (7 G, 20 A) in 54 games as Nylander struggled for consistent offense.

Nylander joined Team Sweden at the World Championships after another first-round playoff exit in Toronto. He’s shed his 2018-19 campaign and heading into the quarterfinals, Nylander leads the tournament with 12 assists, 17 points, and a plus-15 rating.

Nylander’s name will swirl in trade rumors this summer as the Leafs work out some salary cap woes. He could either be cementing his future with the Leafs or raising his trade value as the NHL offseason nears.

Great Britain’s Grit

Yes, British hockey. Great Britain pulled of a comeback over Hungary to earn its first World Championship bid in 25 years, and after going winless through six games, despite an inspiring effort, the squad claimed an overtime win over France to stave of the relegation round and earn a spot in the quarterfinals.

Led by Ben Davies’ two goals, Britain has held firm to its systems and garnered some much-deserved media coverage as the underdog and feel-good team of the tournament. They Brits are enjoying the ride against some of the world’s best talent and making memories.

The best team in the world. Self-deprecating legends.

"We're shit and we know we are!" ?? #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/xssCFTepSJ

— caitlin berry (@caitlinsports) May 20, 2019

Regardless of its tournament outcome, Britain has earned an automatic bid to the 2020 World Championships, where a bit of experience could go a long way in future matchups with national powerhouses.

The Czech Offense

The Czech Republic finished second in Group B as a seemingly unstoppable offense has a tournament leading 39 goals through seven games, an average of 5.57 goals per game. Jakub Voracek, Dominik Simon, Michael Frolik, Filip Hronek, and Dominik Kubalik have each recorded double-digit points as the team leaders, making waves ahead of the elimination round.

The always-competitive Czechs remain an afterthought to Sweden, Russia, Canada, and the USA, but for a team seemingly scoring at will, the powerhouses will need to bring their defensive A game come quarterfinals.

As the dark horse squad, the Czech’s could make for some exciting upsets in the closing games of the tournament and won’t be an easy out until their offense can be topped.

The tournament’s quarterfinal round will be held Thursday, followed the semifinals Saturday, and gold-medal and bronze-medal games on Sunday.

Have a question or a comment for Jacob Messing? You can find him on Twitter @Jacob_Messing.