Team Sweden beat Team Russia 2-1, Sunday night in Toronto. This was the first game for both teams in the opening round of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Team Sweden’s goalie Henrik Lundqvist would miss the game due to illness. Back-up netminder Jacob Markstrom got the start in goal for Team Sweden.
FIRST PERIOD
The first period would go scoreless. The period was fairly even with Team Sweden leading in shots on goal 10-8. The Russian Capitals were fairly quiet in the opening frame. Dmitry Orlov was whistled for a delay of game/puck over glass penalty when he tried to pass the puck up the ice.
SECOND PERIOD
The Swedes struck first on a power play goal by Gabriel Landeskog, who slammed one home from the right point at 10:41 of the middle frame. The Capitals’ Nicklas Backstrom was credited with the only assist on the goal.
Gabriel Landeskog 1-0 Sweden #RUS #SWE #WCH2016 pic.twitter.com/ydLAY1OhWN
— Robert Söderlind (@HockeyWebCast) September 18, 2016
The Swedes would quickly add to their lead, this time Victor Hedman would pot the goal at 12:52.
Victor Hedman 2-0 Sweden #RUS #SWE #WCH2016 pic.twitter.com/nlCBZusVwS
— Robert Söderlind (@HockeyWebCast) September 18, 2016
The period would end with Team Sweden leading 2-0 after two periods of play. Russia, who probably have the most talented power play unit in the tournament, went 0 for 2 on the man advantage for the second frame. Alex Ovechkin had two shots on goal, three attempts in 9:49 of ice time through two periods.
THIRD PERIOD
A quiet start to the third period, as Team Sweden’s defense continued to stifle Team Russia’s scoring chances. Early on, Henrik Sedin would take Nikita Kucherov’s stick to the Team Sweden bench, somewhat emblematic of how the game was going for Team Russia.
Alex Ovechkin would finally get Team Russia on the board with 35 seconds left in the game. Team Russia pulled their goalie for a 6-on-5 attack. The goal was shot from way outside and somehow found the back of the net.
Team Russia would appear to score the game tying goal in the waning seconds of the game, however the goal was ultimately disallowed.
Sweden wins the game after dramatic finish. #RUS #SWE #WCH2016 pic.twitter.com/drI3fmWrRr
— Robert Söderlind (@HockeyWebCast) September 18, 2016
This would unleash Ovechkin fury.
Team Sweden would hold on for the 2-1 win. The final stats for the game:
By Jon Sorensen
SCENES FROM THE GAME
