At the same time as Sweden faced Finland in the World Cup summit, Toronto had one last gathering before the players scattered to the wind after the exit from the Stanley Cup.
According to Canadian media reports, star forward William Nylander expressed an interest in coming to the World Cup.
According to SVT and Expressen, defender Timothy Liljegren should also be positive about the World Cup games.
After Fabian Zetterlund and Linus Johansson were announced in the World Cup squad hours before the Finland match, Sweden has two open outfield places.
“Focused on the match”
Hallam did not want to confirm the information:
— I don’t know, I’ve been fully focused on the match, we’ll see what the general manager (Josef Boumedienne) has planned.
Sam Hallam.
He was pleased with Tre Kronor’s third straight victory in the WC and the win over the home team and reigning world champion Finland.
— It was a match with a lot of fight on our part. Incredibly satisfied with the defensive play in own zone and the play on loose pucks. Above all, Finland’s first chain is very strong on the wings and establishes play behind the goal and I thought we solved it. There was one time when they got open play and then Lasse (Johansson) solved it big, says Hallam.
“Good Sign”
Offensively, there is more to be gained, Hallam thinks, but likes his team’s attitude.
— At times we accelerate like in the second period and that’s what gives us momentum and we score 1-0. Then after Finland draw 1–1, I like the way we act and really play to win, he says and continues:
— A pattern I can discern is that the longer the matches go on, the more we have to give. That’s a pretty good sign.
He also paid tribute to Lucas Raymond who settled the penalty drama. He was sent on only when the penalty shootout went to extra time and decided with his second goal.
— He is cold. He feels comfortable with the first and it is a player who grows from feeling the confidence in offensive situations so we want to show that we stand behind him, says Hallam.