Swedes edge Canada in thriller

Canada had more of the puck, but Sweden scored the timely goals, and that was the difference in a wonderful, fast-paced 2-0 win for the hosts. Sverige now remains in first place in Group A with three wins and no losses while Canada drops to 2-1.

The game was played to a raucous, sold-out crowd that was dominated by yellow, but there were several thousand red-clad fans who made the trip from Canada. They were witness to a thrilling game of high-octane junior hockey.

Although Canada had the better of play by a significant margin in the first period, both teams had one glorious chance each to score. For Canada, it was a breakaway by Carson Rehkopf, started by a nice touch pass from Macklin Celebrini in his end. But Rehkopf tried to slide the puck between Havelid’s pads, and the goalie closed the hole quickly to make the save.

For Sweden, they had the only power play of the period, four minutes thanks to an errant high stick by Fraser Minten. Canada’s penalty killers did a sensational job, but it was goalie Mathis Rousseau who stole the show, doing the splits to make a right-pad save off a pass to Liam Ohgren to the back side. It was a sensational save that had the crowd in awe when they saw the replay on the scoreboard.

Sweden opened the scoring early in the second off a superb pass by Theo Lindstein along the boards. He found Tom Willander alone in front, and the Vancouver Canucks draft choice beat Rousseau under the blocker at 1:53.

Teams exchanged chances, flying up and down the ice, making and taking big hits and getting back into play. Sweden doubled their lead midway through the period when Noah Ostlund knocked in a rebound. The play looked offside, but the linesman was right there to rule the puck never left the zone, and Canada had plenty of time after the goal to challenge, and they didn’t. Good hockey goal. Sweden 2-0.

Canada could have gotten right back into it off a great steal by Matthew Savoie at his blue line. He raced the length of the ice and tried to deke Havelid, but the goalie stood tall once again.

In the third, Canada had its first two power plays, but neither helped Canada get on the board. Havelid was letter perfect, and his teammates in front of him blocked shots and lanes efficiently.