In a game that could have meant nothing the players of both teams still fought right to the end. Sweden ended up on top of a very shorthanded American team 2-1.

It’s a Team Game – If you told me Monday night was going to be the Samuel Ersson show I wouldn’t have believed you, but he ended up with the start for Sweden and was stellar. He held the fort while the Americans had energy to start the game, but with both Tkachuk brothers (Brady played 1:55), Auston Matthews, and Charlie McAvoy out of the game the gas tank looked like it was starting to get depleted late. The Canada/USA final was already set prior to the start of this one, everyone that played had an excuse to take it easy. Instead, we got a quality product worthy of the price of admission for those who attended.

Corsi King – Dylan Larkin’s (76.51 CF%) play in all three matches has been beyond excellent. The Detroit Red Wings star is shining bright on the world’s biggest stage – and he is also second last amongst the sixteen that finished the game in time on ice. Jake Sanderson (63.87 per cent) got to wear the big uniform for the first time in his young career. There’s a player who’s going to have a bright long future – he’s the future of the team USA blueline with Brock Faber (39.60 per cent).

Sweden with a lead decided to lean heavily on Joel Eriksson Ek (68.93 per cent) He led all team Sweden players in 5v5 ice time with 18:31. Swedish coach Sam Hallam could sense that Elias Pettersson (47.38 per cent) wasn’t getting the job done and limited his ice time, Eriksson Ek was the benefactor of that decision. One Swedish player that stood out all night was Viktor Arvidsson (67.41 per cent). He had a good nose for offence and helped get over 20 shot attempts off at 5v5.

Taken By Chance – The United States poured on the chances as they tried to get back and keep their perfect record intact. Zach Werenski (59.64 SCF% || 60.42 HDCF%) further solidified how much of a factor he can be with his third straight impactful game. Right there with Werenski in earning seven high danger opportunities was Jack Eichel (52.56 per cent || 85.26 per cent), the de facto number one centre for the Americans with all the injuries. It was a lot of weight to carry, and I do wonder if this game takes a toll on these players before their final Thursday.

Sweden’s standout all tournament up front has been Lucas Raymond (29.83 per cent || 37.17 per cent). So, if you’re counting so far, we have excellent performances from two Red Wings in Larkin and Raymond – great tournament for Detroit. Raymond has had the most success for the Swedes in getting attempts from as close in as possible. My only question is why was Filip Forsberg (76.74 per cent || 69.14 per cent) out there so little? He is – in my opinion – the best goal scorer they have on the entire roster, and he was being utilized in a fourth line capacity. Makes no sense

xGF% – The percentages are unavailable due to a system error on the website. In a short tournament like this that was always a possibility.

Team USA has also featured quality games at every turn from the Minnesota Wild’s Matt Boldy. Not a player I thought would be more impactful on a nightly basis than Jack Hughes. Kyle Connor has been the guy for America struggling up front, but he’s so good one speed burst and a good shot is all he needs to make an impact Thursday.

Sweden’s tournament will end and it was a very good showing all around from Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman. The entire Swedish defence corps was outstanding from start to finish – a testament to why they never lost in regulation this whole tournament. Rasmus Andersson got to enter the lineup and did what he does every night in Calgary, he ate pucks (blocked shots). He had some nice sequences in the offensive zone. With that much skill surrounding him he was able to help generate some of Sweden’s best looks.

In The Crease – Jake Oettinger earned a team USA appearance with his play over the last few years. He’s a top seven goaltender on the planet but unfortunately draws up behind number one in Connor Hellebuyck. This was a performance to hold your head high on, the guy at the other end was just better tonight. Samuel Ersson is the third Swedish goaltender to make an appearance in the round robin and was only on the roster as an injury replacement for Jacob Markstrom. He was by far and away the first star of this one making some fantastic saves on some dangerous shots. His head coach on the opposing bench might give him a few extra starts down the stretch because it was an impressive night. 

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