Sweden halts U.S. junior hockey defense
Sweden reminded the United States how difficult it is to earn a medal at the world junior hockey championships.
Filip Gustavsson made 29 saves and Sweden had a three-goal third period to beat the defending champion Americans, 4-2, last night during the semifinals in Buffalo, N.Y.
Tonight, Sweden will face Canada in the title game. Drake Batherson scored three times to lead the Canadians past the Czech Republic, 7-2
Elias Pettersson, Lias Andersson, Oskar Steen and Axel Jonsson Fjallby scored for Sweden, which has not trailed in any game during the tournament. Linus Lindstrom had two assists.
With the expected No. 1 pick in this year’s NHL draft, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, and several other top prospects on the roster, the Swedes believe they have the talent to claim their first gold medal since 2012. Sweden finished fourth each of the last three years after finishing second in 2013 and 2014.
The U.S. was trying to become the first country to win back-to-back gold medals since Canada claimed five straight from 2005-09. The Americans have never won a gold medal on home ice.
Kieffer Bellows and Brady Tkachuk scored late goals for the U.S. after Sweden built a 4-0 lead in the third period . . . .
International Ice Hockey Federation president Rene’ Fasel says he believes the best way to get the NHL involved once again in the 2022 Beijing Olympics is for the players’ union to apply pressure on the league in the next contract negotiations.