3 star keys to success for the USA against Sweden at the WJC
NHL Network will broadcast every game in the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
That includes extensive coverage of the U.S. Junior National Team (3-0-0-0), which will play the fourth of four preliminary round games in Group B against Sweden (2-0-0-0) on Sunday (10 p.m. ET ). The USA won 5-1 against Germany on Tuesday, 7-1 against Switzerland on Thursday and 7-0 against Austria on Saturday. The playoff round begins on Wednesday.
Longtime NCAA hockey analyst Dave Starman, who will co-host the broadcasts with EJ Hradek and Jon Rosen, will provide his three keys to victory for the USA before each of their games during the 11-day tournament.
“After Saturday’s win against Austria, the USA should be in a pretty good place physically and emotionally to take on the Swedes in a game that could clinch them first place in their pool,” Starman said. “In pool play, Sweden has had the better of the USA, but in a typical WJC, once the calendar turns to the new year, the USA has been the better team in the medal round compared to Sweden.
“Sweden is loaded with advanced talent, may lack some bite, but has perhaps the best NHL goaltender in the tournament in Jesper Wallstedt (Minnesota Wild), so how does the USA go 4-0 against a team of future NHL stars?”
Here are Starman’s 3 keys to victory for the USA against Sweden:
1. Some cool production
“Logan Cooley (Arizona Coyotes) and Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs) have three assists between them in three games. They’ve been playing the right way, haven’t seen it result in big points and, let’s be honest, that line along the with Matt Coronato (Calgary Flames) must score. Coronato, from Long Island (Greenlawn), has two goals and two assists in three games, but the U.S. needs that line to score. Swedes look at Landon Slaggert (Chicago) Blackhawks) , Thomas Bordeleau (San Jose Sharks), Carter Mazur (Detroit Red Wings) line as the big line to match up against giving Cooley’s line a more favorable matchup?Then again, against Sweden’s backend, the other pair is not easy to play against. Extra shot espresso thanks to Cooley’s trio and, hopefully for the U.S., that line is an offensive factor in this game. Hard court play is a must for this group.”
2. Defend critical
“One thing that shows up when you watch games back is how hard the USA tracks back. They’re an excellent backchecking team that clears up quickly, finishes on their checks and defends hard. Sweden has offensive ability and they cycle as well as anyone here. Active defensemen will need to be accounted for on dives and Sweden can get traffic established in front of the net. USA has been really good off the puck, which is a credit to their coaching staff. Well-coached teams defend well, and the defensive zone will be tested against Sweden.”
3. Dictating game early
“Sweden can control the pace with their skill. USA looks comfortable trading chances and getting north, fast, I’m not sold on the Swedes wanting to do that, but their skill guys welcome a court meeting as well. Tempo is controlled by possession and extending the rink. Puck handling by the USA will help set the pace they want to play in how well their defense gets involved. I’d watch to see if they go from zero to 60 like a Ferrari early.”