It was a Tre Kronor with a completely different focus against Switzerland in Tampere. At least in the beginning.
Carl Lindbom, Färjestad’s 20-year-old successful goalkeeper, got the chance for revenge after being replaced after a quarter and conceding four goals against the Czech Republic in the 2-5 loss on Thursday.
This time he had a team in front of him.
A team that didn’t spread wrong passes in their own zone and that didn’t stand and watch – but that played for real.
Double up
The dividend was doubled at the end of the first period.
First, Luleå’s reborn veteran Mario Kempe sent in 1-0 in numerical superiority after a magical play from Marcus Sylvegård.
Then Frölunda’s Max Friberg scored 2–0 when Swiss goalkeeper Sandro Aeschlimann fumbled with the puck and was disarmed by SHL’s goal king Oscar Eklind.
Jesper Frödén made it 3-0 on a direct shot at the beginning of the second period, but then the Swedish offensive slowed down.
Rescue on the finish line
Lindbom had to line up saves and was helped by Max Friberg who saved a rebound on the goal line.
Before the second period was over, Calvin Thurkauf was able to outwit the Färjestad goalkeeper. Switzerland won the shots 14–4 in the middle period.
Switzerland reduced further in the third period and tied the game. Sweden suffered two expulsions in close succession and in a game five against three, Sven Andrighetto was able to score behind a chanceless Lindbom.
However, the Swedes quickly fought back. Oscar Lindberg made it 4–2 after a pattern attack just over two minutes later.
But Tre Kronor continued to incur expulsions and Tanner Richard reduced the power play with just over five minutes remaining.
Sam Hallam’s team improved compared to the Czech match, Carl Lindbom got to show his class and forward Mario Kempe was noted for a goal and an assist and Marcus Sylvegård for two assists.
Sweden ends the Karjala tournament against Finland on Sunday.