First JVM victory over Canada in eight years – then Sweden secured the group victory.
A brilliant middle period with two goals and a new clean sheet meant a Swedish victory with 2–0.
Fullback Tom Willander and forward Noah Östlund ensured that Sweden went away and goalkeeper Hugo Hävelid, back after being rested against Germany, kept his second clean sheet.
Sweden have still not conceded a single goal in 180 minutes of play in the tournament.
The group victory means that Sweden gets to meet the fourth in the other group in the quarter-finals, probably Switzerland or Norway.
A clearly easier opposition on paper than the USA, Slovakia or the Czech Republic.
Minus in the statistics
Sweden have had a tough time against the best nation in JVM history – Canada has won the last two years and 20 times in total – with just nine wins in 33 attempts.
The last win had come on New Year’s Eve 2015, after which Canada had won three straight – including in the JVM final in Buffalo 2018.
But if the Swedes are going to strike somewhere, it’s on a big rink at home in front of packed stands. And with the group victory looming.
And so it was – the tenth Swedish victory against “Lönnlöven”.
The Swedes came pumped up after two convincing victories with a total of 11–0 against Latvia and Germany.
Sweden took over
It was Canada, also with two straight victories, that started the most energetically and thanks to quick attacks, situations were created where Djurgårds goalkeeper Hävelid had to show himself on the tightrope. Among other things, he saved a free position.
But before the first period was over, it was Sweden who had created the sharpest chances.
During a four-minute long game in numerical superiority, Liam Öhgren got the situation at the far post, but Canada’s goalie Mathis Rousseau reacted lightning fast and managed to cross and was able to save with the extreme tip of the skate.
Sweden got off to a good start in the second period and Scandinavium exploded sonically when Boston University’s Tom Willander scored 1-0 after 1.53. The 18-year-old Swedish back talent is everyday teammates with Canadian prodigy Macklin Celebrini, 17, who led the scoring league before Friday’s games. But he got nowhere against Sweden.
The sound volume would increase further, despite also around 3,000 Canadians in the stands.
Växjö’s Noah Östlund whipped in 2-0 on a rebound after Jonathan Lekkerimäki shot first.
Sweden went on attack after attack and parked in Canada’s zone at times in an impressive second period.
And Hugo Hävelid saved yet another free-kick after Swedish carelessness on the offensive blue line.
In the third period, the Swedes kept a controlled distance.
Sweden has one match left in the group stage, against Finland on New Year’s Eve.
The quarter-finals will be played on January 2.
GÖRAN SUNDBERG/TT
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