Contents: On the model of most games played since Quarter Finals, no goal has been entered during first period, which seemed to be an observation round. Johnson scored for the U.S.A at the 26th minute, giving little headache to their opponents, who finally equalized at the 34th minute due to Eriksson, Martensson and Weinhandl. This same line added another goal 2 minutes later, which gave “The Kronor” the Lead. In third period, Pavelski reduced the score at the 43th minute, relaunching the whole game. Swedish Team looked a bit stunned after that, but despite American better puck possession, Gunnarsson liberated his co-players and supporters at the 49th minute. Fourth and latest goal was given by the Swedes while the U.S had replaced their goalie in the very last minute. After 2 medals missed the previous years, Sweden can now be proud to come back home with a Bronze one.
Contents: No stress for Team Canada who bravely won against tired Swedes. Roy started scoring at the 7th minute. Horcoff added his goal in the second period, followed one minute later by Roy at the 31th minute. In the third period, Eriksson gave his best shot to save Scandinavians’ honor. Game was mainly controled by North-Americans, not only Kings of faceoffs and powerplays but also puck possession leaders. How then could we expect another result tonight ?!
Contents: Eager for last year revenge, the Czech did not save any effort from the very begining of the game. Swedes accepted challenge, which lead to an intense fight on the ice. Attempts were multiple on both sides, players giving their best. Despite major goal shots from Czech Republic, Men in yellow were the only to score in second period: Weinhandl in double powerplay at the 24th minute, Tarnstrom in powerplay at the 49th. During third period, Cajanek offered the only goal for his team, in double powerplay. Then Jonsson killed the game by scoring a third goal 2 minutes before the bell. We can notice that game level was as high on both parts, and that Goalies mainly made the difference: experienced Gustavsson against 22 years old rookie Stepanek.
Honourable Goodbye for the Blue Cocks ! We were expecting a worse result from a French Team who lost 9 to 0 last year against the same opponent. Huselius started scoring for the Vikings via a splendid distant shot. Nilson continued by deviating into the net a shot from Oduya. Tarnstrom throws the puck into the cage 1 minute later. In second period, during powerplay, Gunnarson deviates one more time a shot (by Martensson) and offers a 4th goal to his comrades. At last, on the French side, Lussier scores on one-to-one against the yellow goalie. Then it’s the turn of Bellemare who adds a new goal, in powerplay this time. Oduya counter-attacks through a massive shot from far deviated by blue defense which lands in the net. Sacha Treille then imitates the Swedish style and reduces the gap 3 minutes before the end of period by rebounding a shot from his partner Rozenthal. During last period, Jonsson will deviate a new shot, from Stralman and makes the conclusion. Although predictable, this Viking victory was the witness of a major improvement within the Blues game. In fact, the French had not finished in the top 12 teams since 1995. Small consolation, but at least it is a consolation.
Contents: Due to today’s defeat, Team Switzerland has no other solution than beating the U.S in order to qualify for Quarter Finals. Ralph Krueger’s men proved very approximate in front of a revigored and determinated Swedish selection. Oduya opened the score in the first period assisted by Eriksson and Weinhandl. Harju gave a new goal in the second during powerplay, assisted by Omark and Stralman. Omark assisted by Theornberg enlarged the gap in the third period, before Andersson scored the 4th goal, 3 minutes before the end, assisted by Persson. Hopefully for the arena spectators, Lemm saved hosting country reputation thanks to Jeannin and Ambuehl one minute later. This game offered Sweden qualification for the next round, confirming its #3 international rank.
Contents: Team Russia took advantage of Swedish weaknesses whose forces had already been sucked up a day before in the game against the U.S. However, the Vikings have worried Red Team coach Slava Bykov who might have had some doubt when Huselius gave 1 goal ahead to Sweden at the 50th minute (score 3-4). Conclusion was finally given in overtime by Kalinin. The current World Champions have proved by their fantastic long-distance shots and tactical moves around opposite cage that they’re still at the very top of International Hockey. Lots of spectators dream of a Russia-Canada revenge. Will that happen ?
Contents: For the ones who like goals, a certain degree of uncertainty, and a lot of suspense, this was the game ! The Americans seemed playing quite easy against a Swedish defense sometimes clumsy. They looked more confident than their opponent under pressure of getting a victory since they had been beaten by Latvia. But this feeling of confidence did not last very long... Against all odds, the Vikings gave all their guts and prevailed during Overtime, after an unbelievable derby. Thas is what we call Swedish Sensation !
Contents: The Kronor triumphs with no ambiguity in Bern facing Team Austria, who had no other choice than defend and finally bend over in front of Today's Viking Gods. Swedish Scorers are: Jonsson, Johansson, Nilson, Weinhandl (2 goals), Harju & Eriksson. Despite Hard Times for Austrian Eagle Team, player Oraze gave his partners a break by scoring in the second period. The nation is safe !
Pre-Competition PRESENTATION
Play Sweden National Anthem
Status : Medal Favorite (IIHF World Ranking: 3)
Competition : Latest Olympic Champion, “The Kronor”, or 3 crowns Team has registered the highest number of victories in Hockey history very close behind Canada. Finished in 4th place in 2007 and 2008, the viking squad will only face Russia and USA as real serious opponents during preliminary and qualifying rounds. Unless a big surprise happens, Sweden destiny should be set in the final round.
Pros : Brilliant international players with excellent technical skills Cons : Youth of the pack: 9 of the players are 25 or less
Features : Key players like Backstrom, Zetterberg (see video above) or fantastic Goalie Lundqvist will not be participating this year. Although a great number of Swedish athlets compete for NHL tournament, selection 2009 will mainly set upon recruits from National clubs, but also upon 4 players from Russian clubs (Johan Akerman, Magnus Johansson, Marcus Nilson, Mattias Weinhandl) and 2 players from Swiss clubs (Christian Berglund, Niklas Nordgren). Coach Bengt-Ake Bustafsson certainly aimed to benefit quick availability of his men, in order to have time training and create a solid team spirit. Will this strategy be rewarding ? However, Team Sweden should certainly expect no less than reaching the TOP 5 this time again.
Forwards : Johan Andersson, Christian Berglund, Loui Eriksson, Johan Harju, Kristian Huselus, Joel Lundqvist, Tony Martensson, Marcus Nilson, Niklas Nordgren, Linus Omark, Niklas Persson, Martin Thornberg, Mathias Tjarnqvist, Rickard Wallin, Mattias Weinhandl
Defensemen : Johan Akerman, Tobias Enstrom, Nicklas Grossman, Carl Gunnarsson, Oscar Hedman, Magnus Johansson, Kenny Jonsson, Johnny Oduya, Dick Tarnstrom
Gardiens : Jonas Gustavsson, Johan Holmqvist, Stefan Liv
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