Sweden is one of the gold favorites in this hockey World Cup where, above all, the back side stands out and is really strong with names like Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman and Rasmus Dahlin.
Another favorite is the USA and already in the first group match these great nations met. A match that immediately becomes very important in the fight for first place in the group – and going forward a lower-placed opposition in a quarter-final.
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Goals and assists
Much would turn out to be about Joel Eriksson Ek offensively for the Swedish part. It was the Minnesota center who first scored 1-0 after barely four minutes of play.
In the middle period, he then won back the puck, which via Victor Hedman found its way to Lucas Raymond, who was able to extend the lead to 2-0.
An American reduction fell, before Eriksson Ek’s Minnesota friend, Marcus Johansson, extended to 3-1 which was the result after 40 minutes.
Sweaty finish
The USA reduced early in the third period when Brock Nelson was forgotten in front of the blue and yellow box.
However, Sweden defended itself well and the Americans found it difficult to create any major dangers. But when Eriksson Ek went out two minutes for a boarding barely three minutes from the end, it was still exciting.
However, Filip Gustavsson was stable in the Swedish goal and Victor Hedman was instead able to close the match to 4-2 in an open box in a numerical disadvantage.
Eriksson Ek then made the final score 5-2, also that goal scored with the American goalkeeper selected.