Sweden’s defense shuts down Canada in the quarterfinals
A settlement was made between Canada and Sweden in the quarterfinals. The most recent meeting was at the Olympics in Sochi in 2014, when Canada defeated Sweden 3-0.
The defense was on full display during the first two periods, as the match remained scoreless. Once the third period began, it was clear that the result would be determined by a mistake or an opportunity for one of the teams. That was exactly what happened, that Lucas Wallmark took advantage of poor sales to give Sweden a 1-0 lead. Sweden would beat an empty net player and shut out Canada for the 2-0 win to advance to the semifinal match against ROC.
It was clear from the start that it would be a fast-paced and hard-hitting game. Canada Jack McBain struck a big blow Jonathan Pudas. Sweden went to the power game, but Canada killed it successfully.
About halfway through the goalless period, Sweden’s Joakim Nordström was called for involvement and gave Canada’s second-ranked powerplay a chance to go to work. Sweden’s penalty kill was ranked the worst in the tournament with 60%. Lars Johansson was peppered in nets, but stood tall and saved everything that came his way.
The story of the first period was elite level end-to-end action, which Matt Tomkins had 10 saves while Johansson had eight.
Anton Lander had the two best chances for Sweden in the second period, but Tomkins did not give an inch. The shots again were about the same on the way into the break. Sweden had a small advantage of 18 and Canada finished with 17.
The first two periods were even, but Sweden dominated the first half of the third period. Canada took its first shot at 9:25 during the period.
Immediately after Canada’s first shot, Sweden took advantage of a mistake. Canada turned over the puck just inside the blue line with a back pass. McBains drop pass to Eric O’Dell instead found Wallmark as the stick handled the puck nicely before digging it past Thomas. Sweden took the lead with 1-0.
It was a long 10 minutes for Sweden to protect the lead. Sweden’s defense dominated the whole match and the final minutes were no different. Canada made a strong attack around the three-minute mark, but it was too little too late. Sweden’s defense cleared the puck to Lander behind the game, who buried the empty shooter with 1:50 left, which secured the 2-0 victory and Sweden’s ticket to the semifinals.