Sweden experienced a tough match against Canada but gained a crucial point despite the overtime loss. The team showed resilience, coming back from a 3-1 deficit, as players highlighted the importance of their performance and the value of points in the tournament’s scoring system. Coach Sam Hallam opted for rest over practice to prioritize player recovery. The overtime format sparked mixed reactions, with players appreciating the extended play that allows for more skill expression on the ice.
Sweden’s Resilience Against Canada
While Sweden faced a setback in their match against Canada on Wednesday, the team still walked away with valuable experience and a point to show for their effort.
Despite the loss in overtime, the three-crown team earned a point. In this tournament, a win in regulation time is worth three points. However, if a game extends beyond the standard 60 minutes, the victorious team receives two points, while the team that loses in overtime is awarded one point.
Swedish forward Lucas Raymond emphasized the importance of their comeback, stating, “The way we were able to come back and force overtime is huge. In a three-point system, every point counts and it could make the difference in the end.” He appreciates this scoring method, which differs from the NHL format, as it resonates with his experiences playing in Sweden.
A Strong Comeback Effort
Initially, Sweden found themselves trailing, with Canada taking leads of 2-0 and 3-1. However, the Swedish team rallied impressively in the third period following a strong showing in the middle frame.
Filip Forsberg remarked on their slow start, which included an early penalty and a quick goal from Canada. “We gradually took control of the game, forced them into turnovers often, and generated good chances to get back on the scoreboard,” he noted.
According to Mattias Ekholm, the key to Sweden’s resurgence was finding their rhythm. “After five minutes in the first period, we started making plays instead of just getting rid of the puck; we started to calm the game down,” he explained. He added, “In the second and third periods, we were much closer to our identity and the way we want to play. We have as much talent, and we are not far off, and that’s if we are behind them in terms of talent.”
Prioritizing Rest Over Practice
On Thursday, Canada opted for an optional practice at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard, while the Swedish team chose not to venture to the South Shore as initially planned. Coach Sam Hallam believed that rest was more beneficial for his players than an extended bus ride.
Overtime Excitement
As for the excitement during overtime, the ten-minute format—longer than the five-minute overtime in the NHL—has sparked varied opinions. Patrik Laine suggested switching to shootouts, while Lucas Raymond expressed his enjoyment of the longer format.
“It’s fun not only for the players but also for the fans, especially in a tournament like this where there are so many good players. More space on the ice means more room to unleash skills,” Raymond said. He added, “It was fun to play [this overtime], and it was certainly stressful to watch. My parents told me they were pretty nervous in the stands.”