– We play a great match and have a good feeling. I think we finish the group stage in a good way. There was a little more emotion in this match than before, so it was a good test for us, says Marcus Pettersson to SVT Sport.
Already after 2.20 Tre Kronor took the lead. In the powerplay, Victor Hedman aimed the clubhead at Lucas Raymond, who headed in 1-0 near the post.
Ice Hockey World Cup
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At the beginning of the second period, Slovakia had double post hits within a couple of seconds in the power play.
Instead, a couple of minutes later, Erik Karlsson found the small, small gap at goalkeeper Stanislav Skorvanek’s shoulder for 2-0 and the fifth goal of the tournament.
It was the start of three quick goals in 5.44 and the match was decided. 3-0 André Burakovsky cut in distinctly in the powerplay and Isac Lundeström made it 4-0 when he stayed close to the goal after an opening pass from Victor Olofsson.
“Perfect conditions for the playoffs”
Joel Eriksson Ek scored Sweden’s last two goals and is also on five goals. Tre Kronor’s seven wins in the group stage are the best they have achieved in that format.
Now Finland awaits in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
– It is going to be fun. All credit to Finland for what they have done in recent years. We have had a good rivalry over the years and it will be a fun match and they will come loaded, says Marcus Pettersson.
Sweden has been given a perfect trip to the playoffs.
– Sweden enters the playoffs with perfect conditions: They haven’t wasted more energy than necessary, they have a good basic game, they finally score goals in the power play and have great self-confidence in the group, says SVT Sports expert Jonas Andersson.
The match on Thursday will be played at 20.20.