Team North America stormed out to a quick 2-0 lead, just 1:35 into today’s contest. Team Sweden then dug-in and clawed their way back into the contest.  The Capitals’ Nicklas Backstrom closed the gap to 3-2, just before the first period ended.

Backstrom’s key goal, coming with 3:32 left in the first period, restored confidence in Team Sweden, heading into the first intermission. Backstrom’s goal came on a slapshot from the right dot.

Nicky doing @backstrom19 things. #WCH2016 #CapsWCH pic.twitter.com/pAgrNx7a0n

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 21, 2016

The Nashville Predator’s Filip Forsberg would be the first to score for Team Sweden, nailing a nasty blast from the slot, making the score 2-1, 8:04 into the contest. The goal was setup by tenacious puck-battling by Backstrom, prior to the breakout. Backstrom would get an assist on the goal.

Sweden’s first goal started with @backstrom19 winning battles in the corner 💪 #WCH2016 #CapsWCH pic.twitter.com/OjylUSXQAp

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 21, 2016

Backstrom spoke with the media following the game.

.@backstrom19 and Team Sweden clinched spot in the semi-finals. #WCH2016 #CapsWCH pic.twitter.com/E5AMuMbDqc

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 21, 2016

By Jon Sorensen

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